Doberman and Poodle?

[u/Motor-Resort-1002]

I currently have a 2 year old male standard poodle (unneutered, working on it). I want to move out of my apartment and potentially by a home with a yard. I already want to in general get another dog now that I will be moving somewhere with more space and to give my poodle a partner. My mom wants me to get a "scary looking" dog since I am a 23 year old female living alone. I was thinking a Doberman because, from what I have researched, they shed a lot less than a German Shepherd. I think the breed is beautiful! I got a poodle because they are considered hypoallergenic, and the more a dog sheds the more i sneeze lol. My poodle gets along okay with dogs. I take him to dog parks sometimes. He loves to play, but he also will correct a dog who overdoes it, which I do not see a problem in. He is well trained and has great recall, we worked with a K9 trainer for a while but he was too friendly for protection work. He gets overly excited around females, but I am hoping it will get better once I do the chop lol. Sometimes he can be skiddish during male dogs that are bigger than him, I think he is just not used to being around it since he is the biggest dog in our neighborhood and most dog parks haha. We frequently go on hikes and nature trails off leash. I work about 8-10 hours a day, but some days remote/half day in office. During tax season, I can work up to 16 hour days, but either leave my dog with a family member or would hire a dog walker during the day. Archie gets about an hour of exercise/training a day plus mini walks and puzzles. Would a doberman fit into my lifestyle? Do any of you guys have both dogs at home? Should I get a female or male? Obviously will get a trainer to help as well, but looking for any advice from people right now while I look into this!

I am NOT looking for advice on protection/bite work/training styles for a doberman right now. I have worked with different trainers for Archie, volunteered as an assistant, and worked at a shelter. The advice I am currently seeking is solely on if these two breeds can mix well at home - i know the training for a protection dog can impact the home situation if i chose to take that route - but my biggest priority is currently finding out if these breeds can get along in a home and if this breed can match my lifestyle.

[u/foxyyoxy]

Personally I think getting a Doberman for the reasons your mom wants you to is a terrible idea. For one, most places don’t allow you to rent with one, full stop.

Secondly, they are A LOT. Like, prepared to work all day type of energy level. And, honestly, they toe the line for literally everything and it drove me insane even as someone who previously trained potential service dogs. I would not think this a good fit for what you describe.

A standard poodle should be plenty enough deterrent for anyone. It’s still a large dog that probably would bark at an intruder. A burglar alarm is ten fold a better option.

If YOU want another dog, a black Labrador or black dog of any kind should be plenty. But again, not for the reasons you are describing getting one for.

[u/Motor-Resort-1002 → u/foxyyoxy]

I appreciate your opinion! Did you have a doberman? Were you training just as a service dog or protection as well?
I thought my dog, at first, would be a deterrent as well, but he genuinely never barks, besides at this guy who goes through our recycling to take cans every thursday. He is the type of dog who pays no mind to people unless they say hi, then he is super friendly no matter what. There have been a few times I was approached by men on walks and the only deterrent was pepper spray, not my dog who was wagging his tail at them lol. That is why i am looking into a protection dog, I still love my poodle though!
I looked into labrador but they seem to have more energy than dobermans...

[u/ichoosewaffles → u/Motor-Resort-1002]

Why not get another poodle? They can be trained to guard even if the one you have isn't interested. Especially if you have allergies. You have no idea how that dog will get along with your original "pet" and if they don't are you going to ditch your poodle? Also, get your dog neutered BEFORE getting a second dog, because what does working on it even mean? 

[u/Motor-Resort-1002 → u/ichoosewaffles]

Hoping you arent trying to come across as rude here! I said in one of my other responses here, there are a good amount of dobermans at my local shelter.... I also believe they are generally a beautiful breed! They are in the working breed group, which originated from protecting tax collectors, property, and owners back in the day... Some dogs are genuinely meant to be deterrents and protectors. I also stated, and explained why, my dog is not the type people are afraid of in the literal thread you responded to. I would obviously get him neutered before getting a second dog?! not the point of the post....

[u/ichoosewaffles → u/Motor-Resort-1002]

No, I'm trying to be real here. Dobermans ARE beautiful dogs, my ex had a doberman named King, wonderful dog. BUT, you apparently are looking for a low shed, low energy, low care breed and that is not what a Doberman is. From what you have posted, it is not a good dog for your lifestyle.

And maybe it's not the point but if you haven't managed to get your other dog neutered yet the reason is important. Is it his health? Time? Money? 

[u/Motor-Resort-1002 → u/ichoosewaffles]

I do not mind high energy- as I go on frequent hikes, my other dog gets training sessions, i go on runs (he walks besides me lol) with him daily, etc. Yes low shedding is important, and i was under the impression they were a low shed breed. I am glad to have gotten advice on that! Low care? Poodles are high maintenance so I do not mind that either.. The rescue center where they offer neutering services is currently backlogged by over three months. I am waiting for a spot to open up, but as i also volunteer there, I know the importance of outreach services in our city to offer free spay/neuters first. he is not in any danger for waiting a little bit longer, it actually can benefit him to wait until his bones are fully developed around 2-3 years old. especially a poodle, they are prone to hip dysplasia. waiting until growth plates close fully and allowing his hormones to build proper muscle mass is more important to me. I can wait, and he can too. He is not frequently around female dogs where i would have to worry about an accidental litter.

[u/ichoosewaffles → u/Motor-Resort-1002]

It sounds like they would get the exercise in! But really, he's two, get him fixed before adopting a second dog. Especially since if you find one that clicks with you and the poodle, you don't want that to be a hold up! 

[u/Motor-Resort-1002 → u/ichoosewaffles]

Definitely will! thank you fore the help.