We have had both - I had a hard time deciding.
As kids we had two Boxers and one Doberman. My daughter has a Boxer, and we had a Doberman when the kids were smaller. The Dobe was a wonderful dog, loyal, intelligent, willful but he was unsteady with strangers. In the end at 2-1/2 years old he had to be put down because of Wobbler syndrome.
My husband and I just purchased a Boxer pup (now almost 6 mos. old) We are crazy about this little Wild Child. Boxers are a pile of fun, friendly, loyal and power packed personalities. Excellent with children. Need socializing like any dog and also discipline as they can get excited and jump up on visitors. Ours is learning her manners fast.
One of my simple criteria is a single, short coat. Our house had a permanent golden glow from all the hair our golden lab shed.
We have enough space for a larger dog. They can run all they want from the back deck.
It may be harder to find that wonderful Dobbie temperament - nothing like that if you find the right dog.
Chatted to a man the other day with a Boxer - he is on his NINTH Boxer, so they have a loyal following.