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.