HOW TO CHOOSE A DOBERMAN BREEDER - Part I

Written by: Jean A. Clark

At this point, I am assuming that you have read my article titled," Are Dobes the Right Breed for me?" or another article describing the personality of Dobermans and have decided that a Doberman will fit well into your household. If you have not, please take a moment to do so. Buying a Doberman is not a decision to make lightly.

One of the most important things you, as a potential Doberman owner, must do is select a breeder from which to purchase your new companion. This choice will influence your entire relationship with your Doberman. A puppy from a good breeder will be a joy to live with and a source of untold delight. A puppy from a backyard breeder, commercial breeder, or pet store can be a source of heartache and endless problems. To get a good start with this demanding breed it is necessary to purchase your pet from a reliable, reputable source.

DO NOT CONSIDER LARGE NAME COMMERCIAL BREEDERS AS A SOURCE OF YOUR NEW PUPPY! IF A KENNEL IS BREEDING FOR PROFIT, THET DO NOT HAVE THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE BREED AT HEART! THEY ARE OUT FOR THE ALMIGHTY DOLLAR!!!

When you have decided that a Doberman is the only breed that will do, the first place to go is a dog show. Whether you are buying a pet or a show prospect, it is important to buy from a breeder that is concerned with breeding to match the Doberman Pinscher Standard. When you get to the show site, your first objective should be to buy a catalog. A catalog has all the dog's names, owner's name, and breeder's names listed in it by breed. In the back of the catalog is a listing of every owner's name and address.

When you watch the Dobermans, check out the names of the dogs you like. You can try to talk to the owners but understand that they are very interested in what is happening in the ring and may not have the time to talk right then. Ask if they would mind speaking with you after Dobermans are done in the ring. Another thing to be aware of is that not everyone in the ring with the dog is the owner. Many owners prefer to pay someone to show their dog. They may be watching from ringside or they may not even be at the show at all. The best thing to do is note which dogs you liked best and contact their owners later.

You have the names and addresses from the catalog, so you can look up their phone numbers from information. Explain that you are calling because you really liked their dog at the show and were wondering if they could give you the name and number of their breeder. Get several different breeders' numbers.

Before you call a breeder, take a few minutes to sit down and write out some questions to ask. It is very important to ask about the health testing the breeder does on his breeding stock. You should look for a breeder that x-rays hips and possibly elbows (not a big problem in Dobermans) for OFA certification, tests for normal thyroid function, does a VetGen DNA test for Von Willebrand's disease, and last but not least, does an EKG or Ultrasound annually to determine if the dog is DCM-free (Dilated Cardio Myopathy-a big health concern in the breed). You'll also want to ask what health problems are common in the breeder's lines. Be aware of the Doberman breeder that tells you he has no known health problems in his lines. This is rarely true. While many breeders are striving to eliminate genetic health problems, I have yet to meet a breeder that has never had a genetic health problem somewhere in his lines.

Do not rush off to see a litter of the first person you talk to. Once you see the puppies, it is hard to make a rational decision. Talk to several different breeders first and get answers to all your questions. The breeder you are interested may not even have puppies at the time or may have a waiting list. Do not decide to go to someone else just because they have available puppies. A good breeder does not breed until he has enough people interested in his puppies that homes are almost guaranteed. Get on the list for the breeder of your choice. If you have to wait several months or more, use that time wisely by learning all you can about the breed.

© July 1998-2002 by Jean A. Clark. Reproduction in part or whole prohibited without express written permission of original author.

Continue to Part II on How to choose a doberman breeder

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