Any Pet Lovers? Torn Between Two Dog Breeds

[SN03]

I'm moving from my apartment into my first home next month. It has a large fenced in backyard & is secluded with plenty of open field, woods, & a creek. Much more pet friendly than a 2 bedroom apartment, especially with my 4x4 12hr work schedule.

I was wondering if anybody has a Rhodesian Ridgeback? I've always been intrigued by them. Numerous vets & breeders have told me they are the Navy Seals of dog breeds. My chocolate lab "Cocoa" passed away 2 weeks ago. She was 17 years old & I had her since she was a puppy when I was in 1st grade. She was an amazing dog but I don't really want another lab. Everybody & their mother has one. I'm torn between the Rhodesian Ridgeback & a Dobermann Pinscher. I had a dobie 3 years ago, but he had a heart defect & died as a puppy.

The dobermann is my favorite breed but with my work schedule it is hard to care for a puppy. Especially a dobie since you not only have to train them but care for their ears while they heal. That's why I was thinking of a RR, then maybe get a dobie in 2-3 years when my work schedule allows. But I have never actually seen one or met anyone that had one. They are both very active breeds & I'm an active guy & spend a lot of time outdoors. Also, my pets live indoors.

Also, since someone always brings it up I do not want a Pit Bull.

[Floppin]

I can not recommend a Boxer highly enough. They are the worlds best dogs as far as I'm concerned.

[SN03]

I can not recommend a Boxer highly enough. They are the worlds best dogs as far as I'm concerned.

I agree they're great dogs, my friend had one when we were little. Any dog breed raised right will make an awesome pet. I don't care for most small dogs, though. Dogs poo all over humans when it comes to friendship. They are loving, loyal, & always right there.

[Mother Grabber]

Ridgeback is the breed I'm considering next. My dog used to play with one at the dog park, he was really cool.

[SN03]

Ridgeback is the breed I'm considering next. My dog used to play with one at the dog park, he was really cool.

I've done a lot of research & they are an amazing breed. Extremely muscular & physical breed. They can take extreme weather, go without water, run forever, & are immune to flea & tick bites due to their tough skin. Plus they are a pretty rare breed.

I love dobermans but I'm leaning towards the RR.

[CatofWar]

Other than having one before, what are the reasons for wanting a dobie? What's the main purpose the dog will serve?

[Doyle]

Small dogs are the way to go. Never need a pet sitter because you can take them anywhere you go and less destruction as a puppy. But some men think they need a 100 pound shitting beast to prove their manhood.

[CatofWar]

Small dogs are the way to go. Never need a pet sitter because you can take them anywhere you go and less destruction as a puppy. But some men think they need a 100 pound shitting beast to prove their manhood.

Lol no.

[Mother Grabber]

Good to see you're open minded, at least.

[mav1234]

Small dogs are the way to go. Never need a pet sitter because you can take them anywhere you go and less destruction as a puppy. But some men think they need a 100 pound shitting beast to prove their manhood.

define "small dog."

I love Eskies, which are a medium-to-small breed, but I generally do not like toy sized dogs for aesthetic reasons. I don't think I need to "prove my manhood," but I kinda feel weird having a dog that is the size of a small cat for some reason.

[SN03]

Small dogs are the way to go. Never need a pet sitter because you can take them anywhere you go and less destruction as a puppy. But some men think they need a 100 pound shitting beast to prove their manhood.

Small dogs are annoying as fug. They bark all the time, bite feet, & are in general less friendly than larger breeds.

Also, nobody said anything about a 100# dog? Dobermans are a medium breed & weigh 50-55#. Ridgebacks are slightly larger.

[Doyle]

The breed doesn't really matter. Its all about finding that connection. I got my dog without having a breed in mind and knew it was the one when I saw it.

[CatofWar]

The breed matters tremendously depending on what you're looking for and your current set of circumstances.

[Doyle]

Small dogs are annoying as fug. They bark all the time, bite feet, & are in general less friendly than larger breeds.

Also, nobody said anything about a 100# dog? Dobermans are a medium breed & weigh 50-55#. Ridgebacks are slightly larger.

OK. All dogs bite feet when they are puppies. Dogs are like people, some are assholes and some aren't. You just have to find the right one.