Looking for a U.S. breeder

[natalie265]

Looking for a breeder in the U.S. who is planning a litter for next summer. I prefer a small breeder, not a commercial breeder and someone who shows their dogs. I'd like a breeder who will let the puppy go with natural ears. Prefer the larger, European type of dobe, but mostly just want a sound, healthy dog. This will be a pet only.

[RKCM]

Hi Natalie, good luck with your search.

You know showing your dog can be a good thing. Some are small breeders and others more commericial. Search the Doberman Club of America breeder referral and they have the breeders by state. Go and look at the kennels yourself. Being on the list is no guarantee but a place to start.

You can also call the kennel club or obedience clubs in your area. Many times they know of people. Look for longivity and be picky because dobermans are family.....

Hope you don't rule out people that show dogs.....it's a good thing and show people can be as different as apple and oranges. You could also consider a rescue. Best...............

[natalie265]

Let me clarify. I am interested in getting a puppy from someone who DOES show! From what i've heard, it takes great committment to show and i think if you're going to be breeding your dogs, you probably SHOULD be showing.

[Dobs4ever]

Way to go Natalie!!

[Rhiannon]

I totally agree with you Natalie. It is nice to know that breeders do something to validate their breeding programs.

[tidibole]

[QUOTE=natalie265;5188]Looking for a breeder in the U.S. who is planning a litter for next summer. I prefer a small breeder, not a commercial breeder and someone who shows their dogs. I'd like a breeder who will let the puppy go with natural ears. Prefer the larger, European type of dobe, but mostly just want a sound, healthy dog. This will be a pet only.[/QUOTE

]LARGER dobes are not in the standard and rarely do well in this country. Not knowing where you are from that you want a US breeder? however, rarely do the larger dogs show successfully. Breeders who actively compete breed within the AKC standard and therefore many Euro TYPE dogs are excluded.. So I really don't understand why you want a larger EURO dog from a US breeder who shows but yet you only want a pet? with natural ears? Sounds like that would be available in EUROPE!!!It is my understanding most breeders who SHOW will not let a puppy go natural! Confusing! But good luck in your search!

[tidibole]

Let me clarify. I am interested in getting a puppy from someone who DOES show! From what i've heard, it takes great committment to show and i think if you're going to be breeding your dogs, you probably SHOULD be showing.

Breeders breed for different venues. Some of which will include strictly obedience and working ability and some which prefer nothing more that the conformation aspect!!! It is unfortunate that rarely does a dog encompass all the attributes to be an "all around specimen" ..Potential owners ZERO in on the breeder who produces what they are looking for!! This is by no means stating that a breeder shouldn't strive for the whole package but it rarely happens...

[RKCM]

Let me clarify. I am interested in getting a puppy from someone who DOES show! From what i've heard, it takes great committment to show and i think if you're going to be breeding your dogs, you probably SHOULD be showing.

Thanks for the clarification. Yes, showing your dogs are a good thing. ;)

[natalie265]

Tidibole, i see your point and the contradictions in what i want! I guess ideally i WOULD like a doberman from England, except that i'm living in the US and i think having a dog shipped here might be too complicated (but maybe worth looking into). On the other hand, from what i've read, American dobes have softer personalities than their English counterparts and since my dog will be a pet and not a working dog, the American dobe would probably suit me better. What IS the ideal weight of a male doberman according to AKC? They list inches, but not weight on their website and it's hard for me to visualize in inches.

[Dobs4ever]

The standard does have weights - the weight is 75 to 85 for a male and 55 to 65 for a female. I bred to a dog imported here form England and I think it cost approximately $1200.00 to get him here. England is not any different than American dobes as far as temperament goes. You do not see may English dobes promoted as Schutzhund dogs. They have gone the show route. I have seen a couple imported over here and it is the Germans who capture the market on high drive, hard hitting Dobermans. They have remained true to the original purpose more than anyone else.

While Herr Prignant was here judging our UDC Natls we asked him what he thought the difference was between Schutzhund in Germany and American and he said that every little hamlet in Germany has a working sport - Here in American it is few and far between.

[natalie265]

You know, 75-85 pounds is actually pretty big. I don't know why i have it in my head that i want a "big" dog anyways. I think i'm subconsciously trying to replace my dobe who died last year. He was a big boy--about 90 lbs. Or maybe i just like the secure feeling of walking down the street with a 90 lb doberman (i live in a somewhat rough neighborhood). But really, is a 75 lb doberman going to be any less intimidating?

Thanks for the info on the german vs. english vs. american dobes. 1,200 just to get him here? That's pretty steep! I guess i'll have to think about how important natural ears really are to me!

Thanks for all the comments and helping me think this thing through. It's a big decision getting another dog and i appreciate the support here.

[AtwellDobies]

Try silverhawkdobermans.com (http://www.silverhawkdobermans.com)

We have two 3 month old dobies from them and they are great! Pic of Max and Faith below.

[natalie265]

Cute puppies! Thank you for the referral.