Hey Janice, I have 2 min-pins as well they combo real well with GSDS, they are fiesty and really cocky don't shed like my sheps the black and tan is always being mistaken for a minny Dobie because of her black and tan colouring.
BUT I simply adore my sheps, in my next life time, I could
so have a Rott, they are really growing on me. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />
Cindy I read you tribute to your Dobie it was so beautifully written, such a testament to her temperament.
Hayley, you made me laugh thanks a bunch enjoyed your posts
they were so refreshing indeed!
<img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I have one very old female rescue Dobe (pet) who was a certified therapy dog. I try to get a CGC on my other Dobe guys when they are young, too. They can be a "good citizen" and still do their job <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> I rent with my dogs AND horses <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

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The other thing is that I know experienced guys like Ed and Bernard have GSD's

See even guys with decades of experience can still be off in judgement. They don't have Mals so it's obvious they are still learning <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />. LOL! sorry, Ed I couldn't resist <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> (just breed rivalry humor)

I grew up with EU stock dobermans in the early 80's, difference between then and now, is greatly. The Gene pool has been diluted as a whole in a very negative way. I see to many with ALOT of health and nerve issues. They were awesome dogs. There are still Doberman die hards who get good ones here and there and bring them to their potential. But when compared to how many Dobermans they have to go through as compared to a GSD owner, I guess it all lies in how much patience, and determination to FIND a good working Doberman. On that note. IMO that is why I won't go for a GSD the ratio of finding a great worker and for him to be healthy to still work within 4yrs of having him VS finding the same for a Mal is much higher IMO in favor of the Mal. Now if a good GSD fell into my lap. For instance I know of one right now, that if the guy sold him tomorrow I'd give a serious hard look at getting him. But I won't spend time trying to find that in a GSD or Doberman. I see to many others changing dogs (GSD's and Dobes) like underwear trying to find a good working one healthy.
MALS ALL THE WAY!

For those trually interested in a working Dobermann, don't depair. They are out there, but you do have to look for them.

For proof they exist just look at:
Butch's Agir who has won the DVG and the AWDF in the last few years.

Topper with John Soars who won the NE regionals last year.

Lennox vom Aurachgrund placed second at the German Championship DHV (all breeds)

2 Dobermanns from the same breeder (LVDC) made it to the MR Championship in France.

My boy Kaz was nationally competative in PSA and was well on his way to a FR title prior to injury.

So yes there are breeders out there who consistently produce working dobermanns capable of competing/working in any venue.

Here are a few links for more information.

Breeders consistently producing working Dobermanns competative with any breed.

http://www.vonrubenhof.com
http://www.ascomannis.com
http://www.vom-aurachgrund.de

for more information and discussion on working Dobermanns around the world visit
USADobermann.com

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Anyone have any luck getting thier dogs certified to do therapy work or something similar so that landlords will accept them regardless of their breed?

I won't even comment on the GSD vs. Dobe vs. APBT vs. Mal vs. Corgi vs. Labrador Retriever battle ensuing right now.

I have heard of some landlords reconsidering after seeing TT, CGC, and/or TDI paperwork from prospective tenants. It would be worth a shot. I've done all three personally, not too hard.

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.......Anyone have any luck getting thier dogs certified to do therapy work or something similar so that landlords will accept them regardless of their breed? I am eventually going to have to move to England where it is difficult to own for most military.

I handle some residential rentals for clients, and, as mentioned on this forum several times in the past, a beautifully-trained dog can help to overcome the most entrenched owner-bias.

Going to meet with the agent or owner with your mannered, quiet, and obedient dog is a very good thing. I feel certain that therapy certification would add even more to a positive opinion.

I'd do it if I were you. :>

You're all way off. The best working dogs are not GSDs, or Dobermans, or even Mals. The best working dog you can get is OBVIOUSLY a cockapoo.

<img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Here are some nice Dobes in action.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7i9vURgeq40&mode=related&search=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHFgEnBku90&mode=related&search=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yt_GQ_MTC-E&mode=related&search=