Does anyone out there own a Doberman? If one were considering buying a first dog, would you recommend a Doberman? I've found a Doberman FAQ that gives a lot of information, but naturally it's written by someone who really loves the breed.
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Cute puppy babies!!!
Why all the pet blogging recently? It's kind of creeping me out.
Megan: Sorry, I've just got animals on my mind for some reason. I've been pretty distracted from my normal blogging because of my job search activities and my PhD work.
i don't think a dobie is a good first dog since they can be extremely strong willed, and since they are fiercely loyal, they can be aggressive toward strangers. They are sweet though, and make good watch dogs. Just promise me if you get one you won't clip its ears, since there's no good reason to do so.
Golden retrievers are my favorite dogs. Labradors too.
The best dog my parents ever had was a mutt from the pound. Her name was Mike (at least, "Mike" is what she answered to) and she had been found wandering the freeway, half-starved and extensively abused. But for my parents she never acted out, never misbehaved, and even was a calming influence on the young pup my sister brought home (who smeared his own poop all over the yard and bit through a live extension cord while it was in use).
I agree with caltechgirl. Dobies can be strong willed and fiercely loyal, but that latter can be a double-edged sword. Fiercely loyal can mean attacking the UPS guy if he looks like a threat to the alpha dog. (you) Or the neighbor kid who is wrestling with your kid/nephew/cousin/family friend. They need a lot of attention, training, and exercise, not really a starter kit dog.
A friend of my mother's had a doberman when I was very young - that dog was my baby-sitter, guardian, and lifeguard - he stayed between me and the water when we were at the lake. They can be great, intelligent companions. But they are relatively high maintenance. Dobies are also susceptible to a variety of genetic disorders. (many purebred breeds are - cockers and the long dogs like dachshunds are worst on this score.)
If you have a big place, go retriever - golden, lab, they're all good. For an apartment, something smaller - terrier, maybe. Mutts are often good, especially if you know the parents, and are often healthier.