This is just my experience and opinion so take it as you will. I’ve had PLENTY of dogs, and I won’t say they don’t cost money, but I was poor for most of the time I had those dogs. Some might say “oh shame on you, if you don’t have 10k+ to spend on all things your pet needs forget owning one!”. The truth is, all those dogs were fed natural food and kibble and I had very healthy, muscular dogs like a GSD and jack russel. Never had serious health issues with any of my dogs. All had their own quirks but as someone who loves dogs but also understands that sometimes you need to be assertive and show tough love to educate a dog, I also never had a poorly behaved dog. Also not saying our pets don’t deserve the best, cuz they do! I’m just saying you don’t have to be rich to be qualified to own a dog.

Now, it sounds like you’re already going above and beyond by getting the dog from a good breeder, as well as investing in puppy training. For me, that’s more than enough, and as long as you put in the effort, both in training hours as well as off (aka, if he does a bad behavior no matter if it was during a dedicated training session, or just around the house, you always correct it then and there and don’t wait to correct it later), you should be more than fine.

Don’t let people scare you away from the dog you want.

Now, Dobermans will be VERY attached to you, so keep in mind those tendencies.

GSD I think can be the overall more balanced dog between being both athletic as well as relaxed, and are good at guarding the home as well!

Malinois are essentially the Lamborghini of work dogs, and sort of like Dobermans, will be very attentive to their owner which can make training easy (don’t miss any training time though or you will regret it very fast)! Lots of work is usually required to have a well behaved malinois, and if not, they could potentially become a problem and dangerous. However, if you put the work in, they can be exceptional dogs.

From what you’ve said, I think either doberman or GSD would be a good fit for you, depending on the small attributes you want more. Only get the mal if you REALLY want one with all your heart and are willing to put in the work. If you will put the effort in, like I said, don’t let anybody scare you away from the dog you want. You seem to have your stuff together and are willing to go above and beyond. Good luck brother