STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

tara t · Marc Jacobs

doberman vs. french bulldog

Elle · Hermes

FH has had two dobermans. One was the sweetest dog ever. The dog is in every single baby picture with him! This was a male, btw. He lived to be 13 .

The other bit him and his sister both, and eventually had to be put down because she was extremely aggressive. This one was a female, btw.

If you decide on a doberman, I would get a male. All the reading I've done suggests that females are more likely to be aggressive and territorial.

-- Edited by LMonet at 16:51, 2005-11-09

Luv2Shop · Kate Spade

I had 2 dobermans in my life growing up. When I was born my parents had one that was probably 6 or 7 (they got it when it was a puppy) It wasn't sure about having a baby around, but it was very protective of me and my mom. Dobermans have an intuition about strangers, they can tell the good from the bad. Like if we had friends or family over, very friendly, but salesmen or shady people, did not like! It was that way with both our dobes. They are amazing famliy dogs, very loving and caring, playful and fun! We got another doberman puppy when I was probably 6. I ADORED it!!!

The only downside is that dobermans have a history of hip problems. They live long, usually until 12 or 14, but they usually suffer in the end from pain, trouble walking or getting up and down stairs, and holding in their "potty". My dobe Nadia lived until she was 14, but she was suffering very badly from this and we had to put her down. My other dobe Tasha lived as long, but died at home. Nothing is as sad as losing a family pet, but they were both loving and cherished family dogs!!! I definatly reccomend getting one!!! Plus they are sooo beautiful and you never have to feel unsafe with one around!

bumblebee · Coach

get a frenchie!!!!!!!!!!!!!

they are so darn cute. one of my good friends has one and she is the coolest, sweetest little dog ever. she's not too hyper, but definitely playful and fun, and she doesn't bark very much at all. she was easy to potty train and she loves being in her crate (pretty unusual, i think). they have two cats and she's great with them, and she's really good with people (no jumping or freaking out or anything).

halleybird · Hermes

awww, I love dobies! I think Halley is part Doberman, actually. I have known several of them, and all were awesome dogs. They are very sweet and smart, but they do need training b/c they are so big/strong (but IMO all dogs can benefit from a trainer). I don't have any experience with French Bulldogs, though they're cute as heck!

I think it's more important to consider your environment in the next 10 years or so. If you travel a lot or plan to live in an apartment, you may want to go with a smaller dog. Also, you have another dog, right? I'd consult a trainer or a rescue organization about which breed might get along better with your current pup. Good luck!

tara t · Marc Jacobs

i do have a weenie dog. he gets along well with dogs that he knows. and i have a cat too. i have this nightmare-ish picture in my mind with a new big tough doberman with a chain collar, and my cat's tail hanging out of his mouth...

dot · Marc Jacobs

french bulldog! i love their temperment!

DC Shopper · Dooney & Bourke

I would give my right arm for a frenchie - I think they are so adorable! unfortunately I don't have a dog-friendly lifestyle right now, but I'd love to live vicariously through you if you do get a frenchie

Deuce · Dooney & Bourke

I really like dobies but They are not for everyone. I have a pitbull so I understand breed limitations vs raising them right. I used to live nextdoor to a dobie breeder. They are very loyal but they are more of a one owner type. I have known people with them and other animals and they have had issues of jealousy, dominance, etc.

Frenchies are so cute but I have never been around them. Martha has one though.

I demand to see baby pics of the new addition when it comes!!!

e_doli · Dooney & Bourke

french bulldogs are the best. i am absolutley in love with one that i used to dog sit. i second everything bumblebee said about her friend's doe -- she doesn't bark much (if at all), doesn't shed, and is pretty calm when she's in the house.

and she is just the cutest thing. her owners have a cat and she gets along with him smashingly.

you should totally get a frenchie and post TONS of pictures for us.