Got our first Dobie mainly because we thought they didn't shed. (They do). It was love at first sight. Warm, loving and enthusiastic, Zeke would wiggle all over. He had to be with us all the time. Zeke used to visit nursing homes with Pets on Wheels. Old Timers loved him: "a real dog"; the nurses weren't sure. Many a person had a change of heart about Dobes after meeting my dogs.
We've got three now and they are great with my grandchildren. They respond very well to the younger, gentler child; they run from my more hyper one.
Fact is, I would never want another breed. These guys are so smart, have so much personality and want to please so much that any other dog is just. . . .a dog.
Nor would we. We've had five over the years. Number 5, with us now, is "Grace".