I think I prefer this one, too - like the difference between a formal portrait and candid capture. The light and the block of red are particularly nice.
I have to say I prefer this one, the light and shadows are wonderful. The light across Hoovers eye and the red door in the background is just PERFECT. If I had to nit pic I would have liked there to be a little more space on the right side and a little less on the left, just swing the camera to the right a tad. I would score this very highly in a challenge. The more I look the more I love it. Great capture.
I think you went with the right one - but I really love this one too - what a dear little dog he is - we are getting a GSD in the spring as a companion for my tiny dog.