Breeder Info
Finding a responsible breeder takes a little work but is well worth the time. A well-bred puppy is happy, healthy and less costly in the long run to a poorly bred puppy. You deserve and want a well-bred puppy that will be part of your life for the next 10 plus years.
Beware of slick websites promising the greatest puppy ever bred! Read guarantees closely, many aren't worth the paper they're printed on. Beware of those who are USDA licensed and those who claim to be AKC approved. USDA licensed means they breed a lot and most likely are a puppy mill. AKC does not approve breeders. Also, AKC papers do not signify quality; AKC papers only mean that there's a good chance the parents are purebred. Do not buy a "white" Doberman or from a breeder of "white" Dobermans. These dogs are albinos and suffer from health problems specifically associated with albinism. Beware of "breeders" charging exorbitant prices for puppies. Many are just "high class" puppy millers whose main interest is your money! Beware of those who take credit cards! Beware of breeders who claim their dogs are perfect. Good breeders are honest and give you the bad along with the good. Beware of breeders who claim that their lines have no health problems or that they have "new" lines, or claim that European lines are healthier than American lines. Some are and some aren't.
Responsible breeders do extensive health testing on the sire/dam. There are no lines of Dobermans that are free of health problems. If a breeder tells you that there are no health problems in their lines, look elsewhere because these people aren't being honest. Breeders should be able to give you the ages and causes of death of many of the dogs in the puppies' pedigree. Health tests that should be done on the sire and dam are: vWD DNA test, thyroid panel, liver panel, CERF(eyes), OFA (hips/elbows), echocardiogram and holter monitor. All of these tests should be done, not just one or two. See my Health Info page on diseases that affect Dobermans and more info on health testing.
A good breeder will ask questions, sometimes lots of questions or require that you fill out questionnaire. They want to determine if a Doberman is the right breed for you and that you are prepared to properly care for a dog over the next 10 years. A responsible breeder is concerned about the welfare of the puppies that they bring into this world and want their puppies to go to the best home. This is the type of breeder that YOU WANT!
They will do their utmost to answer your questions. A responsible breeder will not be insulted by any questions you may have concerning the health, temperament, the reason behind this breeding, etc. And even more importantly they will have answers to all of your questions.
Reputable breeders will offer guidance throughout the puppy's lifetime. They don't disappear once the check clears, leaving you to cope with any problems on your own. This is probably the greatest advantage to buying your dog from a responsible breeder. You get a healthy, well-adjusted companion as well as a lifetime of information, advice and assistance from someone who cares deeply about your success with the Doberman they sold to you. If the breeder takes the stance that "all sales are final", beware! Good breeders do not breed to make money or supplement their income.
Also, a responsible breeder will require that their pet puppies be spayed or neutered so as not to contribute to pet overpopulation.
If you have any questions concerning responsible breeders, please contact me, Debbie Hartzell, at navistardobe1@verizon.net. I'd be more than happy to answer any questions.
