Since both Dobes and GSDs fit your above criteria, what about other things that you can use to compare them?
Here are some pros and cons I found on a website (
Your Purebred Puppy, An Honest Guide to Purebred Dogs and Dog Breeds) to both breeds:
Doberman:
Pros:Is large and strong, yet sleek- and elegant-looking
Has a short easy-care coat
Thrives on exercise, athletic activities, and challenging things to do
Looks serious and imposing, so makes an effective deterrent even when friendly
Cons:
An extra careful search to avoid dangerous lines
Providing enough exercise to keep him satisfied
Rowdiness and exuberant jumping, especially when young
Aggression, sharpness, suspiciousness, or shyness when not socialized enough
Aggression toward other animals [mainly same sex dog aggression]
Emotional sensitivity to stress and loud voices
Physical sensitivity (tendency to react defensively when startled or mishandled)
Shedding
A multitude of serious health problems [but if you find a well bred dog, this shouldn't be a problem]
Legal liabilities (public perception, future breed bans, insurance problems, increased chance of lawsuits)
For the German Shepherd:
Pros:
Is strong, athletic, and natural-looking
Thrives on challenging activities and exercise
Looks stern and imposing, so makes an effective deterrent
Is exceptionally versatile -- when well-trained, can learn and do almost anything
Cons:
An extremely careful search to avoid all the bad-tempered and unhealthy German Shepherds [just find a good breeder or a nice shelter adult]
Vigorous exercise requirements
Rowdiness and exuberant jumping, especially when young
Destructiveness when bored or not exercised enough
Aggression or shyness toward people in some lines, or when not socialized enough
Aggression toward other animals [mainly male on male dog aggression. They are wonderful with family pets]
Chasing and nipping at things that move: children, joggers, other animals, bikes, cars
Constant heavy shedding
Legal liabilities (public perception, future breed bans, insurance problems, increased chance of lawsuits)
A multitude of serious health problems [just find a good breeder!]
For complete detail, click on the website and go to the breed reviews.
I don't think it matters where the dog lives, as long as you provide enough exercise. Both GSDs and Dobes need LOTS of exercise. You will need to channel the energy into competive obedience, jogging, and playing lots of fetch to keep the dogs calm and undestructive.
The cropped and docked look on dogs is complete for looks. The cropped ears don't prevent any ear infections. That is a myth. As a matter of fact, my neighbor's perk eared dog had two bad ear infections, while both of our floppy ear dogs haven't had any. You just need to keep the ears clean.
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