I'm pretty new to doxies. I took in a 9-10 y/o girl that had been bred many times over. She's basically a sweet dog.
She DID snap at my daughter A LOT at first. She got in trouble for it and has since learned that my dd won't hurt her. To clarify, dd has never been rough with her or mishandled Lucy; I won't allow that either and have told dd that if she's too close and doesn't give Lucy some room, she's going to snap. But, at first I had to really watch Lucy (the dog) bc she'd bite at my dd when she thought I wasn't looking even if my dd was just petting her gently. She's probably been around rowdy or unruly and mean kids in the past so I know I have to give her a chance and some space with dd.
Downsides I've seen:
- High maintenance personality (arrogant, grandios LOL)
- Demanding
- Obstinate
- Stubborn
- Jealous
- Aggressive (quick to bite)
- Selective hearing
- Selective obedience
Honestly, it's been difficult lately. I didn't raise this dog, she came to us as an adult, with her personality, traits, habbits, esteem, already complete. We're almost six months in and I'm beginning to see the downsides. It is the stubbornness and high-maintenance personality that are the turn-offs for me.
These dogs are better suited for people who can and will devote themselves to the dog and put them above all else with no expectations of a return. At least that's my experience. My doxie isn't particularly loving or affectionate or even obedient, but she expects to get her way on all things. Not a good trade of for me.
That stubbornness is their downfall. It is the one thing that less of would make them a better breed for companionship. These dogs aren't bred for hunting anymore, they're more ornamental and bred for companionship. The stubbornness is obsolete.
So, I can see where they get the reputation as being nasty little bitting dogs.
One more thing- if she thinks she's getting discliplined, she tries to bite me. BIG mistake. HUGE! Or if she won't go in her kennel and I have to drag her from under the bed- she tries to bite me -- again BIG mistake!!