Mav_1 Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 Hi, I'm a long time ‘guest’ and first time poster to Dol! Nice to ‘meet’ you all I’m posting as I really need some help coming to a decision on a breed. Basically, I’ve been travelling for the past two years, knowing that when I came back to Australia, after settling in and being in the position to, I would be getting a dog. So, I’ve had more than 2 years to think about what kind of dog I wanted and would suit me. Originally, I settled on a Doberman, but after seeing a few Rhodesian Ridgebacks and doing some research on the breed, I decided a Ridgeback was for me. Now I am at the stage where I can start making puppy enquiries, I’ve gone back a step and started to toss the two breeds up again! In my desperation to decide, I’ve come here seeking help, advice and suggestions from people who know and have had experience with these breeds. To start with, it’s probably best I tell you a bit about me and what I’m looking for: I’m a 26yo female and live with my boyfriend (29). We live in the inner western suburbs of Sydney in a house with a backyard which measures approx 50m x 20m and is secured by colour bond fences, just under 6ft. The dog will be allowed inside when we are home. My boyfriend works a typical 9 – 5 full time job and I work away from the home 3 days a week. So, realistically, there will be 3 days a week where the dog will be left alone for 8 hours at a time. We currently own an 8 year old female Fox Terrier (boyfriend’s dog) and I have also owned a Fox terrier growing up, and a Labrador which I took to obedience classes which I enjoyed a lot and would be keen to pick up again with my new puppy. We’re both quite active and will run 7km 4 times a week - but we also like a good veg out on the couch. We’re also very social and enjoy going to Sydney Markets / beaches / Cafes etc. We’re very much looking for a companion dog that will be able to slot into that lifestyle. What I like about both the Doberman and the Ridgeback (from my research): • Both active and fit and when they are grown, will be able to accompany us on our jogs • Both very loving, loyal dogs that are devoted to their families • Both large breeds (which we prefer) with minimal shedding, less odour • Both impressive looking dogs, and will provide me with some comfort to take running with me when I go by myself at night as they will be a good deterrent • Both Aloof to strangers, which I think will be a good thing when we go to busy Sydney cafes / Markets. And my concerns / perceptions from reading different websites, firstly with the Doberman; • Maybe too much energy and too excitable, meaning that if we wanted to say, go for breakfast, we would have to give him a good run first otherwise he may run riot at a cafe • We would want a male to get along with a female, so we worry about male/male aggression if there was ever another male dog around us when out • Being too aggressive. We’re not looking for a guard dog, although it would be nice to know that protective instincts would kick in if, god forbid, a hostile situation arise, I don’t want to worry about my friends / tradesmen coming over and being bailed up if I’m not there • Public perception – To Dobie owners: Do you ever feel like you’re not welcome somewhere, because someone is afraid of your dog? • And, Why I prefer Dobes to Ridgies: Easier to train, can do obedience with them, and I get the idea, and I could be wrong (but thats why I’m here!) that they are more focussed on their humans when there outside. Which leads me to Ridgies... Ridgebacks: My main concern is that they are independent thinkers belonging to the hound group. Being sight / scent hounds, I’m worried about how distracted they get when outdoors and how easy they are to train. I also wonder whether they make good jogging companions because of this, i..e whether they would hold a continuous pace to my side or would dart left and right in pursuit of smells and movement? Although I only have one concern to the Dobies 4, trainability and control are really high on my list for attributes I want in a dog, whilst the concerns I have for the Doberman, for the most part, just require some adjustments from us. I’m really sorry about the mammoth post (I did say before that I’ve had two years to think about it though!), and I appreciate those that made it to here! I’m really interested in hearing peoples thoughts and opinions, or just plain stories if you want to share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirty Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 My grandparents had a Dobe up until very recently and he was a lovely dog. He was entire up until the last few years of his life and he was very dog social. He had an impressive bark but he was such a sook! They were in their late 60's when they got him and they managed fine. He hung out inside a lot and when for an offlead run every morning. My grandfather took him to obedience and he did really really well, but he was always a bit stubborn in that he would do what you asked him - but in his own time. I am currently fostering a Dobe and he is also very dog social and just a total smooch. I would definitely choose a Dobe but that's just me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remarkabull Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 (edited) I really like RR's but as you can tell from my username I think Dobes Rock Dobes are my heart breed and I would choose them over any other breed of dog. They are not for everyone though, they are definitely 'velcro' dogs and it's rare for me to be able to go to the toilet without my boy coming too! I like this kind of closeness and bond between us however so his desire to be near me always is fine with me. It also means he is very eager to please and is very smart and easy to train (as long as the dog understands you are the boss). They could be very pushy and dominant with a 'soft' or inexperienced owner. ETA This is my boy, Acheron, he is 10 months old. Who could resist this beautiful face! Edited January 31, 2011 by dobesrock Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lab_Rat Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 Hi Mav 1 and welcome to DOL!!! Great choice of breeds and I was once in your position....Ridgie, Dobe or Dalmatian. I ended up going with a ridgie and couldnt have been happier. I wanted a big dog to go out horse riding with me and we lived on a farm, and after lots of mind changing ended up getting a beautiful ridgie bitch from a wonderful breeder in Perth. They are great companion dogs, love their humans and love doing what their humans are doing whether its jogging, going to the beach or lazing about watching tv Ridgebacks need socialisation - both human and dog, and good basic obedience training. Puppy pre school is also a good idea as I found with our second girl. They need firm consistent training and (compared to training our Kelpie), a ridgeback can be a challenge - but they are great fun!! You certainly learn new angles of training dogs! Ridgebacks are supposed to be aloof, not aggressive - they tend to ignore strangers rather than confront them! Once they meet a person though, they will remember them next time! Our girls cope quite well being left at home when we are working, but they only have to do that 2 days a week as Im a shift worker. They have a great run with kennels, lots of shade in the summer and nice and warm in the winter. But they certainly arent the kind of dog you can leave in the back yard - they need to be with their humans!! Sorry I cant give you any insight to Dobes, other than they are beautiful looking dogs Good luck with your decision, its not easy I know!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lab_Rat Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 I really like RR's but as you can tell from my username I think Dobes Rock Dobes are my heart breed and I would choose them over any other breed of dog. They are not for everyone though, they are definitely 'velcro' dogs and it's rare for me to be able to go to the toilet without my boy coming too! I like this kind of closeness and bond between us however so his desire to be near me always is fine with me. It also means he is very eager to please and is very smart and easy to train (as long as the dog understands you are the boss). They could be very pushy and dominant with a 'soft' or inexperienced owner. ETA This is my boy, Acheron, he is 10 months old. Who could resist this beautiful face! Hehehe, this also applies to ridgies!!! Gee how could I forget that!! Our current girl is very pushy!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remarkabull Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 I really like RR's but as you can tell from my username I think Dobes Rock Dobes are my heart breed and I would choose them over any other breed of dog. They are not for everyone though, they are definitely 'velcro' dogs and it's rare for me to be able to go to the toilet without my boy coming too! I like this kind of closeness and bond between us however so his desire to be near me always is fine with me. It also means he is very eager to please and is very smart and easy to train (as long as the dog understands you are the boss). They could be very pushy and dominant with a 'soft' or inexperienced owner. ETA This is my boy, Acheron, he is 10 months old. Who could resist this beautiful face! Hehehe, this also applies to ridgies!!! Gee how could I forget that!! Our current girl is very pushy!! I forgot to add that the dog you can see in the crate behind Acheron is Jazz, a RR x Amstaff, so I kind of have one of each! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lab_Rat Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 Acheron is beautiful Dobesrock!!! Soooooo shiny! Your ridgie X amstaff must be a solid dog!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mav_1 Posted January 31, 2011 Author Share Posted January 31, 2011 Wow, you guys really aren't making it any easier for me to decide! What are they like outside of the home? do they get easily distracted? Or impatient if you stand idle for too long? Would you trust them offlead and do you trust their recall? dobesrock - your boy is gorgeous! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remarkabull Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 Acheron is still a puppy and is sometimes distracted by other dogs while out and about, but I already have complete trust in his recall. I have called him off chasing another dog at the dog park and he responded immediately, he is very focused on where I am and what I ask of him. OH and I often get a huge distance between us and will call him back and forth. He definitely responds better for me (I am the one who feeds and trains all our pets) and sometimes won't get all the way to OH before turning around and heading back to me but he will listen to OH better if I'm not around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lab_Rat Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 Okay - ridgies are hounds, so really arent totally trustworthy off lead in areas where they might give chase to another animal, rabbits or roos! We are on five acres, surrounded by bush and all the wildlife that goes with it!! Our girl is reasonably reliable off lead, but at dawn and dusk times she is not allowed outside without being on a lead.. She will simply take herself off following a roo scent, or a roo! I would never forgive myself if something happened to her while she was off the property, so I practice being safe rather than sorry. Having done obedience training and showing our girl, she pretty much ignored other dogs unless there was one she took a shine too!! She never had a go at any other dogs, but never really wanted to play with them either - except a Wei pup from memory at obedience training, which was rather distracting for the poor Wei!!! And her owner.LOL!! I certainly wouldnt jog in suburbia with any dog offlead, but our girls are taken for walks off lead around our area. So are we making it any easier for you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ravenau1 Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 I have to agree with Dobesrock, that Dobes... well.. Rock! We've only had our girl since early December though, and she's our first Dobe so I can't shed too much light for you unfortunately. Astrid sounds a lot like Archeron (who is gorgeous! ) though, follows me everywhere, touching me if possible! It works well for me since I am home 6 days per week and we wanted a companion for me. Very easy so far to train, very eager to please. Also she's very sensitive! I met a gorgeous Ridgie recently while we were on Holidays, he was huge! He goes swimming while his owner kayaks and jogs on the beach with her. He was just magnificent so I can certainly see the attraction there too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacqui835 Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 Both are beautiful breeds so I imagine whichever you end up choosing will make a great companion. I have known a few dobes and a few ridgebacks, but I will describe for you the differences and similarities I note between my dog (a dobe) and the ridgeback I know best. I have a 'dog park friend' which maybe is kind of like a facebook friend lol who owns a ridgeback, and I of course own a dobe. They are about the same size, and when we see each other, both of our dogs are at our sides (ie they are both innately protective to a degree and human oriented). Both are well socialised but these sorts of breeds tend to be quite aloof towards strangers. Despite seeing him several times a week for over a year, my dog shows next to no interest in his presence (though the man always addresses him by name and wants to pat him), and despite me always wanting to pat his beautiful dog, she is not interested in me either. Sometimes they have a bit of a play, but for the most part, especially now that my boy is older, they adopt these more serious expressions and seem content to just observe. My dog is more responsive to me obedience wise than his is. Although he is a competent owner, if we both tell our dogs to stay and then walk away, mine will stay without looking too uncomfortable for a long time (I haven't tested above 10 mins but he didn't look like he was about to break then so who knows how long he would stay). The ridgie though always breaks before a minute. They have different attitudes towards instructions, with the ridgeback being far more independent in that regard. I would not say she appears to be any less intelligent than my dobe, just that she tends to make up her own mind about what she wants to do. For example, I can make my dobe do things he doesn't want to do just with words. He will sometimes protest a little which is quite comical, but he's not stubborn and if a dobe sees you as leader, they will follow you for the most part even if they can see that the particular command you're giving is unlikely to achieve anything - probably why they can do so well in obedience competitions. The ridgeback does not seem to have this. She can be incredibly stubborn, and will at times, just stand there ignoring him. She's about 40kg now, so if he asks her to sit and she won't, there's not a whole lot he can do about it. That said, the bond between them is obviously very strong, and you get the impression that she is more than prepared to work with him, she's just not going to follow orders for the sake of following orders. Neither like to be left home alone and can have a tendency towards separation anxiety. I know that both of our dogs are very good about sensing when we're about to leave the house, and will follow us around looking desperate and positively devestated. For the most part, the ridgebacks I know stay very close to their handlers, but I get the impression that should they be distracted by something, say a rabbit (as they were bred to hunt), you would probably not be able to call your dog back, whereas with a doberman, well I've seen for myself that this is relatively easily achieveable. This post is already quite long, but they would be the main differences I have noted between the breeds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red Fox Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 I have a Ridgie As far as your concerns go; My Ridgie would bail up anyone (outside of immediate family) who entered his yard/house without permission, even if he knows the person. They are pretty hard to train, they're certainly not stupid, but harder to motivate if that makes sense and have little desire to please anyone but themselves. They won't work for the hell of it, there must something in it for them. They also get bored easily, don't like repetition and often become creative when you ask them to do something they think is "stupid". If your aim is competetive obedience I'd probably go for a Dobe, but a Ridgie can teach you a lot about training too. IME Dobes do tend to be more energetic over all, Ridgies can be pretty lazy! But they are what you make them too. There is a guy around the corner from me who takes his Ridgie on regular 10km jogs. Mine needs two walks a day but wont go mad if he misses one either. And yes, they will walk nicely/run by your side fine if you train them to do it. What are they like outside of the home? do they get easily distracted? yep, but you can overcome that with training too. Or impatient if you stand idle for too long? yes - or they go to sleep Would you trust them offlead and do you trust their recall? Yes and no. You can train recall, I do let my dog off leash in certian areas and train off leash, but I'd never have him off in a busy area. Reason being that he can take off to chase or sniff something at an area like an oval and come back fine when I call him, however being able to call him back would do no good at all if he darted across a busy road... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mason_Gibbs Posted February 1, 2011 Share Posted February 1, 2011 I am going to put my flame suit on here as many may not agree with me..... Anyway here it goes, I have had 2 ridgebacks and I must say they are very stubborn dogs and to teach them anything you have to make out that whatever you are teaching them is their idea, they are not flexible. I have not owned a doberman but there are 2 in my obedience class and I will admit that they do not look like easy dogs to train, very active, very spirited also stubborn. The one guy in my class has trained many obedience champions and he is even finding this dog a challenge. In all honesty if you are a novice dog owner ( ok i see you have trained a dog before but was it pet classes? Trialling classes?) I would not get a doberman or a ridgeback. I think to own either of the breeds you should have a personality where you take charge and dont give in easily ( I am a bossy take charge kind of person but I never managed to be alpha dog with my one ridgie, yes I did not know stuff that I know today so maybe that would be different but I dont think she would ever bow down to authority, a professional dog trainer could not help me with her 11 years ago when I got her). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lab_Rat Posted February 1, 2011 Share Posted February 1, 2011 I dont know Mason, I got my first ridgie after years of having kelpies and borders - and I have a soft pushover type personality.... :rolleyes: Definitely the first few months were the worst, but Miekah turned out to be THE best first ridgie someone could ever have!! Yes she was stubborn and independent, but also so forgiving, and a joy to own.We taught each other so much! I still miss that dog If I had got the beast we have now first, she wouldve been our one and only ridgie!!!!! She is a monster - defiant, feral, super independent but also has separation anxiety and dislikes strangers on her turf!!! I simply would not have coped with that years ago!! But thats my disposition!! Better suited to dogs that are trained easily without the stubbornness of a hound LOL!! Or the dependant defiant thinking!! That said, I have done obedience with Zola and she is more conducive to it than Miekah ever was....If we can get her less anxious, I would love to do some trialling with her, as she enjoys it - just not away from home LOL..... I think if someone knows what they are getting into, and have the right temperament to deal with whatever breed they are after - hell, why not give it a go!! I know a dog is for life, and i dont condone rushing into things, but by the sounds of it the OP has done their homework and just cant decide between the 2 breeds. Both are breeds that need an owner that is assertive and savvy Mav1, you could also attend some dog show if you are close enough and get to meet a few different dogs to see what they are like! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aussienot Posted February 1, 2011 Share Posted February 1, 2011 I have had both breeds, and my choice would be to go with the Ridgeback, because I like a dog that makes me laugh, and they can be as active or as lazy as their owner. Mine was a one person dog, but not aloof. I could motivate him to do "my stuff" by giving him some form of what he wanted. (Premack principal) Training a ridge will test your powers of positive reinforcement. My Dobe was too smart. Easy to train, harder to manage. It was living with a naughty 4 year old, who would never grow up to be reasonable. Highly trainable, highly motivated, impossible to exhaust. She excelled in obedience, was part of a Doberman drill team, did agility and flyball and wore me out daily. Both breeds can be great if you get the temperament right. Good choices, whichever you decide. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RR-Melbourne Posted February 1, 2011 Share Posted February 1, 2011 Hi Mav_1 What ever you choose be prepared to have your heart stolen by either of these breeds they are unique, special and most of all will change you as a leader (for the better :rolleyes: ). I had a doberman when I was in my 20's and now 25 years later am the owner of a fantastic male ridgeback who is turning 20 months. Let me say both breeds will not let anyone in your house when you are not there! Both breeds are aloof to strangers and not aggressive however if the unfortunate opportunity arose where you or your family was threatened, these friendly dogs will turn into demons. My doberman Alcor and I were very close and he was smart as a button and stubborn as a mule (RIP my old friend). I guess it was my understandiong or lack of understanding at the time that makes my relatinshp with my RR - Rocky very different today. Your RR will give you back just as much as you put in but you must put so much into them. Rocky not only is my shadow but his preference is to lean on me even when we are waiting at traffic lights to cross. I live in inner city Melbourne with a small courtyard but this does not faze him as long as he is part of the family and gets lots of exercise. Rocky is very reliable off lead especially for a young dog, he has been socialised with lots of noise meeting many different people and dogs and is absolutely bullet proof around young children. He is stubborn so we train him differently, forget it if you are thinking about competing in obedience trials. Sometimes it feels like you need to take a number and Rocky will get back to you when his diary is free. However your leadership skills will strongly determine his actions but his character will develop independently. Rocky jogs beautifully with my 23 year old son. He jogs by his side on the lead and takes this task very seriously as he sees this activity as being an equal to one of his masters. If you also throw a ball and run up to chase it he will gladly run and try to beat you to it. If you throw the ball for him to go fetch he simply sees this as not important because after all you are not running to get the ball so obviosly no urgency or particular reason to go and get it. Off lead at the beach Rocky also runs beautifully by your side and does not cross your path. It seems the more time off the lead the more reliable off the lead. Even thougth he has the freedom to run and check out all the scents he wants and delights in chasing seagulls, his eyes are always fixated on us and does not need to be recalled as he just wants to hang around us, if we start walking in a particular directin he is back to us in a flash, his pack drive is stronger than his prey (hunting) drive. As for cafes he sits quietly as we drink coffee most peopel are amazed seing a 50 kg dog patiently sitting there while we chat, althoutgh at this stage of his youth if we had very yummy food on the table his muzzle would be on the table checking things out. Obediance training started form the day he entered the house. He attended puppy socialisdation, basic manners course and now attends regualr training and we aim to be in a masters class before the end of the year. He loves training and challenges so please find the right trainer and training methodolgy. Repetitive, or harsh training will be a waste of time and will degrade their spirit but most importantly will ruin your bond. Sorry about the long Post but when I had a doberman there was no other dog for me, now that I have a ridgeback there is no other dog for me. What ever you decide be dedicated to your dag and you will get so much more in return. Also you will have to wait for a while to jog with them because of growing bones but after 18 - 24 months you will tire much quicker than they ever will. Good Luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keira&Phoenix Posted February 1, 2011 Share Posted February 1, 2011 I agree with what has been said so far. My girl is on Ridgeback X but all of the traits people have pointed out here are definitely a big part of her personality. Ie: When out walking is always alert to smells, sounds etc, chases small animals, stubborn (ie: if we are out walking and I ask her to do something she doesn't want to do she pretends she can't hear me :rolleyes: ) she also knows when I am getting ready to leave the house and will sit by the garage door LOL but I love her to death she is sweet and loving. She is active but can also be a couch potato. I think that so long as you are dedicated to being a responsible owner and make sure you attend puppy classes (at an Obedience school not with a vet) and make sure you follow through with training you will be fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lab_Rat Posted February 1, 2011 Share Posted February 1, 2011 Beautiful post RR-Melbourne....So much more articulate than what Ive tried to put down..LOL!! It was long, but wonderful at the same time!! I enjoyed reading it and I have a ridgy!! They certainly do steal your heart, and yes your leadership skill will be tested (mine on a daily basis with my dear Zola), but they really are the best dogs :rolleyes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RR-Melbourne Posted February 1, 2011 Share Posted February 1, 2011 Hi Lab_Rat Thank you I could go on all day about my Rocky and should be getting back to work. They are just amazing creatures and the experience with him has changed me as a person and really improved me as a person and how I relate to other people as much as my skill with dogs. Regards Marc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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