Ridgeback / Dobermann Lovers - I Need Your Help!

[Lab_Rat]

LOL....We have a ridgeback and a kelpie, and if push came to shove I dont know which breed I would "choose" I love them both equally for their different qualities...They are so different, but in times of need they are both there for me - which I find so amazing!

Have you visited the Ridgeback thread??? Please head there and join us with your ridgy stories :D

[Mason_Gibbs]

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

Yes they do steal your heart and even though my one dog was a little cow for most of the time she did do things that were very cute, like sit in the lounge with her front paws on the floor like a human :D she is very protective of my mums house still and even though her athiritis is real bad she will always wait up for my mum if she goes out at night and will go down to the garage to escourt her back up - I love that about her!! I also think she is a particually stubborn dog, dont think I have ever met another like her! Her sister was more gentle and very sooky whereas Gabby was very independent and was only affectionate towards men

[poodlefan]

I couldn't make a recommendation - both are great breeds but quite different.

I'd suggest you start contacting breeders and meeting dogs. One of the other will appeal more. I don't think you should make a choice until you've got "hands on" and had a chance to talk it over.

As a jogging companion, I'd rate the Dobermann as the more athletic of the two but manners in either breed will be a matter of training. Either could be great or a nightmare depending on what effort you put in.

[Lab_Rat]

I couldn't make a recommendation - both are great breeds but quite different.

I'd suggest you start contacting breeders and meeting dogs. One of the other will appeal more. I don't think you should make a choice until you've got "hands on" and had a chance to talk it over.

As a jogging companion, I'd rate the Dobermann as the more athletic of the two but manners in either breed will be a matter of training. Either could be great or a nightmare depending on what effort you put in.

That is so true poodlefan!!!

[washa]

Hi

I have a male ridgie and I also have a Kelpie. My ridgie is very, very different to my keplie but you would expect that.

I have done some dog sports with my Ridge and he has titles in Obedience and Dances with Dogs. I walk him regularly and also bike him with no problems. I think it's more a matter of how you train them and if trained correctly they do respond. I would say that the recall and stay are his 2 most reliable exercises, although the he can be a little slow coming back, but he always does come. With training my ridgie is much harder to motivate than the Kelpie and I have found that I need to keep training sessions shorter with him. To go to an obedience class and expect him to heel for half an hour - it just isn't going to happen. If you keep the training sessions short and interesting it can be done.

Generally he is sociable with other dogs, but there have been a couple of instances that another male has gone at him and he has retaliated. However, this is just something that can happen with entire males and I'm always on guard around other entire male dogs.

I would go down to dog shows and meet breeders and dogs. I think (just my opinion) that different temperaments exist in different lines. Some lines seem to have more aggression than others. By meeting lots of dogs of both breeds it may help you decide which breed to get.

[Merrirose]

I have owned a dobe and known a couple of other who have incredibly selective hearing when off leash.

[Huntia]

Hi Mav 1,

I agree with what everyone has said so far.

I have a 8 month male old ridgie pup and a 12 year old female ridgie, and I said goodbye to a wonderful male ridgie 2 years ago.

After having the pleasure of being owned by 3 wonderful dogs I will say that 99% of Ridgies are aloof around strangers but than you get one like my 8 month old pup who is far from aloof, he loves everyone, wants to say hello to everyone, be it human or dog and cries when denied the chance!! While I find it lovely (most of the time), it is certainly a different attitude to strangers than my first 2 Ridgies have/had.

Before you decide which way to go (Dobes certainly are gorgeous, but still they are not a Ridgie!! LOL I'm not biased jj) start to visit breeders or find other people who own these dog breeds and spend some time talking to them and getting to know their dogs.

Each and every dog has their own personality so spend time researching the breed and breeders to find the personality type you are after. (I hope that makes sense :D )

Good luck and I hope you find the exact dog you are after.

DSCF3569 by nicoledwyer22, on Flickr

DSCF3574 by nicoledwyer22, on Flickr

DSCF3571 by nicoledwyer22, on Flickr

Edited February 1, 2011 by Huntia

[Mav_1]

Thanks everyone for your replies, I really value your oppinions - so no apologising for long posts!

I realise that both of these breeds are going to be challenging, and a big step up from my Labrador, but because I'm aware of this I'm committed to putting all my effort into this, which will include attending ongoing obedience classes, constant training, seeking (and listening) to as much advice as I can and I'm sure I'll have a hardcore socialisation plan right at the start! This is definately not a decision I'm taking lightly, hence why I'm here trying to find out all the bad, or shall we say 'trying' aspects of the breeds, so I know what I'm up for from the start - then I'll only have myself to blame when I feel like tearing my hair out!

I've been to the respective Dobie / ridgeback threads here on dol and flipped through the pages - but that doesn't help much because you all post gorgeous photos and share awesome stories about your dogs which make it even harder to decide!

And as far as the jogging part goes, I would always run with the dog on the leash, but this would be hazardous with a dog that doesn't run in a straight line.

To be honest, I'm probably starting to lean more towards dobies. I love the stories about everyones ridgebacks, Huntia, your dogs are beautiful!, but they all really seem to have a bit of hound in them, with their independence and stubborness. Whereas, with the dobies, I'm getting the gist that personalities can vary a fair bit and there are also seems to be a few different lines out there. Or, I guess what I mean is that there are more variations of temprement types that Dobe breeders strive towards i..e working, family dog, obedience, agility, high drive etc. My challenge now is going to be finding a breeder that has dogs more inline with the kind of temprement I'm looking for. (if anyone knows some good suggestions, I'm all ears!)

I just wish you could have a dog with the trainability / responsiveness of the doberman, but with the laidback personality of the Ridgeback - That would be my superdog!

And, BTW, I would love to go to some shows. I live in Sydney, and I've had a little look at some of the club websites and they all list the Sydney Easter show as the next show on the calender, but surely there is somethign before this?!

[Lab_Rat]

:laugh: Just another spanner in the works for you Mav1 - The brown or liver nosed ridgies have different general temps to the black faced ones.................Quite a lot more mischevious and ratbaggy

[Huntia]

And, BTW, I would love to go to some shows. I live in Sydney, and I've had a little look at some of the club websites and they all list the Sydney Easter show as the next show on the calender, but surely there is somethign before this?!

I just had a quick check of the Dogs NSW gazette and I think there is a show on at Erskine park this Sunday 6th of Feb.

It starts at 8 am. I am not sure what time the Dobes or Ridgies would be on at.

Another plug for Ridgies....There is a Ridgeback Specialty show on Sunday 10th April at Hillsborough which is in Newcastle. If you are still thinking about ridgbacks it would be well worth the trip!!

Edited February 1, 2011 by Huntia

[Mav_1]

And, BTW, I would love to go to some shows. I live in Sydney, and I've had a little look at some of the club websites and they all list the Sydney Easter show as the next show on the calender, but surely there is somethign before this?!

I just had a quick check of the Dogs NSW gazette and I think there is a show on at Erskine park this Sunday 6th of Feb.

It starts at 8 am. I am not sure what time the Dobes or Ridgies would be on at.

Another plug for Ridgies....There is a Ridgeback Specialty show on Sunday 10th April at Hillsborough which is in Newcastle. If you are still thinking about ridgbacks it would be well worth the trip!!

Thanks for this info - they both sound great! I just did some googling and it looks like the hounds and utility dogs aren't until the middle of the program. It doesn't give time slots, just the order of judging. So as someone who hasn't been to a show before, how long (approx) does each group take to be judged before they move onto the next group?

[Huntia]

And, BTW, I would love to go to some shows. I live in Sydney, and I've had a little look at some of the club websites and they all list the Sydney Easter show as the next show on the calender, but surely there is somethign before this?!

I just had a quick check of the Dogs NSW gazette and I think there is a show on at Erskine park this Sunday 6th of Feb.

It starts at 8 am. I am not sure what time the Dobes or Ridgies would be on at.

Another plug for Ridgies....There is a Ridgeback Specialty show on Sunday 10th April at Hillsborough which is in Newcastle. If you are still thinking about ridgbacks it would be well worth the trip!!

Thanks for this info - they both sound great! I just did some googling and it looks like the hounds and utility dogs aren't until the middle of the program. It doesn't give time slots, just the order of judging. So as someone who hasn't been to a show before, how long (approx) does each group take to be judged before they move onto the next group?

This the ad from the gazette

As far as I am aware all the classes will start at the same time of 8 am, and it depends on the number of dogs entered as to what time the individual breeds will be on. (In the individual classes they go in alphabetical order of breeds eg beagles are on before borzois etc)

Someone who is going might be able to give you a better estimate. ;)

the sydney kennel

club inc

2011 summer championship show

bill spilstead complex for canine affairs ,

44 luddenham rd, erskine park

sunday 6 february , 2011

Classes to be judged: 1,2,3,4,5,10 & 11 (dogs & bitches)

Enties to: Mrs C Mann, PO Box 85, Glenorie 2157

Ph (02) 4573 6614 No calls after 9.00 pm please

Extreme Weather Ph 02 9627 2230

Cheques made payable to: The Sydney Kennel Club Inc

JUDGES

Mr J Forbes (NSW) Basset Hounds, General Specials

Mrs C Baker (NSW) Toys

Mr R J Ellem (NSW) 6-12 mths S/stakes-Bitches, Terriers

Mr R F Marshall (NSW) 6-12 mths S/stakes-Dogs, Gundogs

Mr J Walker (NSW) Hounds (less Basset Hounds)

Mrs K Gregory (NSW) Working Dogs

(less German Shepherd Dogs)

Mrs F Stokes (NSW) German Shepherd Dogs

Mrs S Markatony (NSW) 3-6 mths S/stakes-Dogs, Utility

Miss A Cowin (NSW) 3-6 mths S/stakes Bitches,

Non Sporting

Order of Judging As per Schedule

Judging Commences 8.00 am

Edited February 1, 2011 by Huntia

[Miss Monster]

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 ;)

Yes they do steal your heart and even though my one dog was a little cow for most of the time she did do things that were very cute, like sit in the lounge with her front paws on the floor like a human she is very protective of my mums house still and even though her athiritis is real bad she will always wait up for my mum if she goes out at night and will go down to the garage to escourt her back up - I love that about her!! I also think she is a particually stubborn dog, dont think I have ever met another like her! Her sister was more gentle and very sooky whereas Gabby was very independent and was only affectionate towards men

You mean like this?

If you want to squee over pics check out my boys thread http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?show...p;#entry5066500

Bakari is the biggest sook out when it comes to me. Very very loyal. I have 2 - Mother and son and they are very different

His recall isn't great but if I yell stop he wont go far from there. He will do things for pats/cuddles rather than a food/toy.

Meisha's recall is pretty good. She'll do anything for food and isn't as cuddly when around the house.

I would go and meet breeders - they'll know their dogs and behaviours.

Good luck!

[Cuchulain]

My vote goes for a ridgie. I am a first-time dog owner and Max is the most awesome liver-nosed dog I know, but then I might be a tad biased. We began with puppy classes and moved on to formal obedience after the puppy class was over (4 weeks I think). He is social, loves other dogs but is reserved around strange people. We compete in the Beginner's Obedience classes at shows and he has just begun to learn drafting and agility. His stays, while not infallible, are up to 4 minutes for down (with me in sight) and 3 for a sit (also with me in sight).

On the beach his recall is 99% reliable (I hesitate to tempt fate and say 100%) although he sometimes takes him time and ambles back to me. Walking him can sometimes be a challenge, especially when we first set out but he mostly settles down. He goes jogging with a friend (I can't run very far I have a buggered knee) and she says he is a great running companion. He is just as keen to veg in front of the TV or in the workshop when I'm busy. He does need a good run at least twice a week though or he becomes a little feral and the garden tends to pay the price. I find training with him needs to be frequent short sessions and there must be something in it for him. We are doing really well with clicker training and it has changed his attitude to "work".

I have never had a Dobe, so couldn't comment really. The only one I have had close contact with in class seems very bright but isn't keen on other dogs. She is very protective of her owner - to the point that you can't even have a beer in the clubhouse without watching her very carefully - quite frankly I just don't trust her. I don't think that's a breed thing rather, that's just how this particular dog is and she just happens to be a Dobe.

My 2c worth ;)

[erinonthefarm]

I own Dobes, my first was a black and tan bitch with a docked tail, she was a fantastic running partner and was very sooky at home, great with other dogs, kids, horses and chickens (!), definately extremely athletic. I think that a six foot colourbond fence may not keep an entire male dobe contained as Trinity was an excellent high jumper, but was desexed and small at 25kg, and we had to put a hot wire on the tops of our fences for a while to stop her jumping out. She ran away from our house about three times when we were away at work and once jumped off the second story of my parents house (without any damage somehow?).

She was a total nutter, but there was no contest for me when getting a new puppy what breed it was going to be. If you go with a Dobe, be prepared for giving it loads of mental stimulation until it's old enough to go running with you as they really do go all day. Don't know about Ridgies, but there are potential health problems like Dillated Cardio Myopathy and Von Willebrands that your chosen breeder should screen for.

Good luck with what you decide!

[Rottigirl]

I just wish you could have a dog with the trainability / responsiveness of the doberman, but with the laidback personality of the Ridgeback - That would be my superdog!

Your superdog = rottweiler

I live in the inner west. There are loads of ridgies around here. There are about 5 I see regularly at local dog parks and they are all the most lovely dogs. I've also met some of the most beautiful laid back Dobies out and about around this area too. I haven't owned either breed but I can give you info on my experience in this area as far as it may concern your choice in breed, real dog people around this area aren't judgemental over breed. But you do get ignorant dog owners (like everywhere I guess) and there is definitely another level of etiquette for those of us that own breeds that certain members of the public may be scared of. I was recently at a local off leash dog area where a lady sitting on a bench in the middle of the play area started bawling and told me a rotti had bitten her and she was scared. So I put my little boy on leash and took him away no point getting into arguments . To avoid people getting upset I also drop him off the pathway to let people pass - that is polite and avoids people looking uncomfortable or worse still crying

Everyone told my hubby and I we were complete idiots for considering buying a rotti. Do your own research carefully. Listen to the knowledge of professionals and people experienced with the breed, not those who 'think they know about' your breed. Speak to breeders, local dog trainers, vets, dog walkers and day cares and kennels. We did loads of research and chose our boy carefully and ignored the negative 'know it alls' that had no experience with the breed. Honestly, OH and I couldn't be happier we stuck to our guns and got a rotti. He is absolutely perfect for us. We love him and think he is so smart trainable and social, I just couldn't see myself with another breed now.

Good luck with your decision

Edited February 4, 2011 by Rottigirl

[MonElite]

I own dobes. I love love love them. I also have a ridgeback cross, super dog.

The cross is relativelly lazy comparying to dobes. He also learns a lot slower and gets bored with training a lot quicker.

My boy (RIP Rexy) was super human friendly, and a social butterfly. My girls are not so social, but once introduced to people they are fine.

The recall on the dobes is a lot better then the riddgie cross. Of course this is a lot to do with training. When we take the dogs for a walk (and just let them do what they want, not call them) dobes follow, riddie x goes of on his own trips often and forgets we are together.

One of my dobes does my head in sometimes ( well most of the time ) she is super energetic, she can rest too if need be, but definitelly wears me out.

I looked after many dobes for friends and none of them was as energetic as my freak, so its not a norm. She is on another hand tip top entertainment, learns really fast and steals anyones heart. I guess I shouldn't have named her Fury she lives up to her name.

Edited February 1, 2011 by MonElite

[Huntia]

Mav 1, Did you get a chance to make it to a dog show on the weekend?

Huntia

[aussielover]

welcome to DOL!

You seem like a very sensible person who understands the responsibilities of dog ownership. I think you would do well with either a ridgie or a dobe. My advice to you would be to find a great breeder who can match you with a suitable puppy. Within every breed, there are always individuals that are "easier" than others and if you have concerns let your breeder know and they can match you with a calmer, more relaxed puppy if you chose a dobe or a more eager to please puppy if you choose a ridgie. Good breeders know the personality of their pups and do spend a lot of time trying to find the ideal home for each pup.

My lab puppy was a very easy puppy and continues to be a very easy dog but I have met some labs that have a totally different personality, that would proably need a better or more experienced trainer/owner than me.