A discussion on Dobermans (Can we share, Ginevive? hehe)

[JLC]

This is ALL your fault, Ginevive! I haven't had puppy-fever this bad in decades!! Not that I'm at all likely to get one...but I figured it couldn't hurt to enjoy talking about them, right???

And since you've expressed some serious interest in Dobermans, and that is what has caught my attention as well, I thought I'd start a specific thread for more details.

I started browsing some breeder's websites, and so far (still early into this) I haven't found any mention of hip issues with these dogs. None that I have looked at yet have claimed that the parents are free of issues or whatever...although they'll claim histories of good temperments and such.

So, I guess my first questions are: How much of an issue are hips in Dobies? And if not hips, what other health issues are relevant to the breed? What kinds of questions should a smart shopper be asking the breeders?

And lastly (without starting any fresh debate, as that thread is already plenty) are there any merits to cropping and docking? I rather like the floppy eared look, but if cropped ears are healthier for them, that's ok, too. Not sure on the tails, as I don't think I've ever seen a dobie with an un-docked tail.

[SatanicIntention]

I recommend finding a Doberman or breed-specific rescue before a breeder anyday. You can save a dog's life while helping the people who genuinely care about dogs. Support a rescue when you can(if it's a good rescue group).

A good breeder MAY have only one litter a yea(not 10 or some huge number), and in my eyes, a good breeder also helps rescue groups.

All large breed dogs will get degenerative joint disease because they are so heavy. I've seen alot of Dobermans, Rottweilers, Mastiffs(all types), Great Danes, etc with extraordinarily bad hips, hocks, knees that pop out of place(luxating patella). These dogs need to be grown slowly and not exposed to alot of exercise while they are still growing. It can be very detrimental to their skeletal structure.

If you want a larger, laid back dog that is people and dog friendly, try a Greyhound. There are alot of greyhound rescues out there with wonderful dogs who need homes. Most aren't even 2 years old. They have short coats as well, so not too much hair everywhere.

For myself, if I can find a dog(not that I want to right now) that clicks with me at a rescue, I will go with that anyday over supporting a breeder. There are enough animals in the world being put to sleep everyday.

If you can find a good breeder that does constant hip checks on their adults, hip checks on their puppies and guarantees them, as well as only breeding once or twice a year and has a wait list a mile long, there ya go.

As far as tail docking and ear cropping on Dobies, it's not necessary. I've seen alot of Dobermans that weren't cropped/docked and they were adorable. A nice show quality, properly docked/cropped Doberman Pinscher does look nice though, but no, there aren't any medical benefits of either procedure. I do recommend the dewclaw removal, as they are a pain and a half to deal with.

[JLC]

I guess my only hesitation with rescues is not having specific information on the dog's heritage regarding health and temperment. If I went looking, I certainly wouldn't be looking for the prestige of having papers or whatever....just want a healthy, well-adapted dog.


Greyhounds ARE an excellent idea as well. Definitely something worth considering if the puppy-fever can not be cured by time and much visualization of chewed up belongings and poo on the carpet.

Thanks for the info, Becky!

[rabernet]

Rescues do tend to do extensive temperment tests before the animals are ever put up for adoption and are very forthcoming about the animal's short comings and strengths (IE, should be an only dog - or - loves other dogs, etc). Many are kept in foster homes before being placed and their foster family can tell you even more.


Most breed specific rescues are also going to be doing health checks as well and be pretty up front about those as well. At least that has been my experience with Golden rescues.

[rabernet]

Here's an example Judy - and I think you really, really need Ivory!


http://www.dobermanrescue.org/framew...xdobermans.htm



Edit - since I don't know Texas and the regional areas, I just typed Texas Doberman Rescue - there are a lot of rescue groups.

[JLC]

Excellent link, Robin! Thanks! I bookmarked it.


It's really highly unlikely I'd actually get a dog. I'm just suffering from "puppy fever" right now, and that's definitely NOT the time to get a dog. But if, after a long period of contemplation, prayer, and doggie education, it mellows into a genuine desire to fully commit to one....heh...and THEN begins the challenge of convincing hubby. So yeah.....not gonna run down and rescue a pup anytime soon. But it sure is fun thinking about it.

[Ginevive]

When I do get a dog, I want a dobie. I researched a few rescues that are in NY and PA and would not mind traveling to rescue one.. but I might have to wait a little while because with Mark's career change, we are still feeling things out in the financial department.

[slartibartfast]

There are a lot of great Dobies, but I also meet a lot that are skittish, shy, neurotic, etc. If possible, I'd recommend getting a rescued adult...you can meet them, they are generally well-evaluated, and you can get a very good feel for them. Plus, you are saving lives. Around here, a lot of the rescues are networked...we funnel needy purebred animals into the breed-specific groups, freeing up room in the all-breed rescues for other animals. Please rescue, it's so important!

However...if you go with a breeder...Dobies have quite a few genetic problems.
This Wiki article outlines them well:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doberman

Hips and hearts are biggies on these guys. Also, if you see a breeder selling "rare" blue or white Dobies...I'd run like the wind.

Good breeders are proud of their animals, proud of the health testing they do, and they are eager and excited to discuss their breeding programs. Bad breeders say things like "We don't need to test because we have been doing this for years and never had a problem.".

I had the pleasure of meeting a wonderful breeder (mastiffs, not Dobies) last weekend, and it was amazing...he was able to quote hip scores off the top of his head for each of the dozen breeding dogs he had, he described in detail each potential problem the breed faced, and how his breeding program was adressing that...how he screenseach dog for the breeding program, where he gets his potential breeders, how he starts each puppy...it was so refreshing. And the dogs were fabulous...clean, in gorgeous condition, terrific temperaments, and they clearly loved him as much as he loved them. He has waiting lists for litters...you put a deposit down on a puppy before it's even born. If I was going to buy a dog, that would be a guy I'd be totally comfortable dropping $1k on (and my friend has already put a deposit on the next pairing).

[dsirkle]

Dobermans are a great breed overall. The drawbacks in my opinion are that a doberman is very likely to bite anyone that the dog views as an unauthorized person coming on the premises and this cant be ignored. This breed is also highly prone to cancer.I have formed my opinions from owning one. They are highly trainable, will without a doubt defend their owners and once a doberman knows a person they are very trustworthy.

[HellPuppi]

On a side note: Greyhound are sweethearts!
If you go to a rescue, you'll defiantly fall in love with them.

If you do go doberman, defiantly invest some time in training. It's hard to go against what a dog was bred to do (guarding, for dobbies), and they'll be very protective of anything they consider 'theirs' (people, places, ect). This isn't to say their bad dogs, on the contrary they can be awesome, just make sure it's a reputable breeder that breeds for temperament as well as looks, or if it's a rescue that they have some information on the dog and why it was turned in.