My friends are getting their first dog together, hopefully towards the end of the year...any reputable breeders I can point them in the direction of? One of them has a Dobe at their parents house so is used to them (she's only recently moved out.) Anywhere that has good information on the breed to? Especially health tests they need to ask breeders about? Thanks!
direct your friend to the dobermann rehoming association website. on there they will find people who will be able to answer any questions that they have, and many more that they won't even have thought about. the advice i have recieved off everyone on it has helped me immensly with my boys.
As a first dog they are a handful great fun though Where about are they? The main things are; VWD, cardio/DCM - although screening does NOT mean a clear dog will not later develop this and hip scores are being done pretty regularly now although HD is not really a huge issue for the breed in general. PHPV eye testing and thyroid testing too.
their breeder should 'know the lines' in their dogs and so they know if a dog is a clear or carrier of VWD without testing but if a carrier has been mated to a clear then half the litter will be carriers etc so if this has happened then the breeder may have VWD clear by DNA next to one of the dogs (from the mating...) I think that they need to research, research, research and from there they shouldn't find it too hard a struggle to find a good breeder. (as they will know what they are looking for and to avoid etc etc) If they ask about VWD's (Von Willebrand disease) and a breeder does not know or gives hazy answers then tell them to walk away. As I said though, if they research enough, they will know what types to stay away from and which ones to go to. Their local Breed Club should be a helpful phone call away too. Dobes should be raised in the home until at least 5 weeks of age and well handled, used to people and all the goings on etc. Of course that and all the usual stuff! http://www.dobermannbreedcouncil.co.uk/VWD1.html the links on this site should help to explain what the health issues are AFAIK there is no testing for Wobblers unless the dog actually develops it
The first port of call for ANY dog is the relevant breed club(s) as members are required to adhere to their code of ethics/conduct re breeding, health testing etc. I can personally recommend Martin and Jay Horgan, Aritaur Kennel name. Chancepixies too.
PS, if the ad says mum is our pet and dad is a great guard dog these puppies are very protective.......DONT GO NEAR (I know, I know but someone must be buying them as they keep advertising like that....) There is also a constant ad on a site that has 'legally docked puppies' that are not. Make sure they do their research!!
Thanks guys! Very helpful I've sent them the FAQ from Aritaur (a really good breeders website, if only they were all like that!) I've already given them some do's and don't's of breeders - they've asked if I'll go with them... I've tried giving them all the negatives of puppies and such to see if it'll put them off...we'll see. They've certainly got a lot of research to do, but at least time is on their side. Thanks guys for the info, I'll send that on
no probs, there should be quite a lot of good health info on Aritaurs pages too As long as they know what they are in for, slow to mature, challenging, (too)clever, mischievous, strong, wilful, more stamina you, determined one slip up and they will jump on it but very loving and loyal, protective.....not for the faint hearted they say and its not until you get one you realise what they mean tbh there are other breeds I like but I think I might always have a dobe now!! I them The main thing I had to get used to with Loui as a puppy was that he had no fear! Sounds simple but brings a lot of work lol I do think there is a lot the (breed) books that are readily available lack in telling potential owners of the breed to its true extent and if they get in touch with breeders they may be asked a lot of questions but its for the benefit of the dogs. As long as they realise that they need to be and stay active for the dogs lifetime. They arent a 2x 30min walk round the park type of dog! And they arent called velcro dogs for nothing either (and something no one will tell them is that they like to talk (in varying tones) ) The best way for them to research is to do lots of online reading and lots of talking to their chosen breeder and it probably wouldnt do any harm to join the dobe forum mentioned either. Hope all works out great. Just looking at a dobe pup will knacker Axel out He will be a good influence though! Has he been round many pups?
My boy is by Aritaur Histabraq. They wouldn't go far wrong with an 'aunty' like Jay that i can assure you My first dog was a rescue Dobe when I was 12yrs old (and he was 6 months). they steal your soul thats for sure
Thanks guys, I'll pass on these points Axel's been around few puppies, he's tolerant but does want manners. He'll tell them if they push too far!
http://www.jasdekoma.co.uk/ i know she has a bitch in whelp at the minute, i can recommend her, she is very good, produces lovely pups
Thanks for asking So far they are, I've given them all the information on the breed and breeders for them and hopefully they'll do the research I've pointed them towards. Thanks, I'll let them know about her
