SearchNeed serious breeder's honest opinions
I’ve been researching for some time about different breeds of dogs, and I have decided that I want a Doberman. My only problem is that I don’t think quality breeders will take me seriously because of my age. I have emailed some breeders, given them honest information about my lifestyle excluding my age, and each breeder said that a Doberman seems like the right dog for me. I’ve been reading the forums on this site for a while, and I want to know some of your honest opinions. I guess my question is would you or would you not, as a serious breeder, consider letting me purchase one of your puppies
Here’s a little about me:
I am sixteen years old and a junior in high school. I make straight A’s taking college level classes, am a very active athlete, but I am not very social. I live in a financially stable household, and would not have any issue financially taking care of a dog. I go to school from 8-3 during the school year but would be MORE than willing to take my dog on morning jogs, nightly walks, play ball in my large fenced in yard, and take the dog with me to places that I am going. My boyfriend and I also take my aunts two olde English bulldogs and his lab on hikes a few weekends out of the month. As far as dog experience and training experience goes, I have had dogs (many different breeds) my entire childhood. I know the two species are very different, but I have trained my two horses both on the ground and in saddle on my own, so I am used to not letting a large animal push me around. I am a hard worker, very dedicated to everything I do, and I love animals and have become almost obsessed with the Doberman breed. I know there are many places I could go to buy a Doberman and the breeder not do a background check, but I’ve thought about it and I would rather risk being turned down by a breeder than settle for an irresponsible breeder who will not supply a puppy that will become a great pet for me.
Also, I know this question is going to be asked, so let me just say that I am looking into colleges close (within 40 minutes) of my home, and honestly with my grades I will not be turned down by any of the colleges I have thought about applying to, so my dog will not be neglected or re-homed when I start college in two years. I do not go to parties and do not stay the night at friend’s homes, so I will be home with my dog every night.
I really like what Fitzmar had to say, and cannot add much more except ( yeah.. you knew it was coming) LOL
At sixteen, ideas about your future and your lifestyle can change drastically within a year or so. It might be wise to give yourself time to grow into adult hood and know exactly what you are going to do.
I admire your honesty and integrity and you sound like a very mature person, have you considered the financial responsibility of owning and maintaining a dog, whether it be a Doberman or other breed? It can get very expensive even in the best of circumstances.. what about an emergency that could run into the thousands.. and a possible lifetime of care for special needs..?
All these things can be daunting even to a person of means and maturity. Not trying to give you a glass half full.. just trying to be cautious and realistic. Good luck
I essentially second what Fitzmar wrote. This decision is largely on your parents. The fact is that you are a minor, and a breeder can not legally enter into a contract with you, keeping in mind that purchasing from a responsible breeder usually includes a contract. The dog will be living in THEIR home, and it sounds as if they are the ones that will need to be financially responsible for it, not to mention that they are going to have to care for it while you are at school or at work if you intend to get a job.
My big question for you is what happened to these "many breeds" you had during your short life?
Fitzmar's got my vote!!!
Nothing to add that hasn't been said.
Thanks Fitzmar.
I want to add that I have talked to my grandparents (the ones I live with) about it, and they are okay with me getting a dog, financially. They want me to pay for the puppy itself and toys/food/etc. out of my own savings, but said they would be more than happy to take care of vet bills. We have two vets, a large animal vet for our horses and my grandmother's pigs and llama, and a seperate vet for our dog and cat (we consider them more part of the family, and they are inside pets.)
To answer your question glengate, until I was 12, I lived with my mother. when I was 6, my father had got neopolitan mastiff, which he still has. My mother then married my stepfather, and they had a pomeranian and a labrador, the pomeranian was stolen from our apartment (this is what my mom says, I was around 8 or 9 and was at school when the dog was "stolen,") and they lab still lives with my stepdad. I live with my grandparents now, and I take a big part in caring for the golden retriever/chow mix that is my grandpa's dog (I say Lucky is his dog, because she follows him and only him around constantly). I also take on a lot of responsibility with my aunt's two old english bulldogges, I feed them in the mornings, play with them almost every day, take them on short walks and long hikes, and take care of them when my aunt and uncle go on vacations 3-4 times a year. My aunt and uncle are retired and stay home with their dogs everyday.
Thanks to all of you for being civil about this. I'm not saying I'm going to go out and try to buy a puppy tomorrow, I just wanted some opinions as this was something I've been thinking about for months. I've read about and talked to a few different breeders, and it seems the ones I would actually feel comfortable buying a puppy from would not take me into consideration, and that is fine, and I admire them for being genuinely concerned about their puppies. There was one (seemingly large scale) breeder in PA that I did not personally talk to, but where there would normally be a "these are the questions we are going to ask you" tab on the website, there seemed to just be a place asking for credit card information and an email. That seemed kind of weird to me. Anyway, thanks for your opinion, you were helpful Fitzmar.
We know the breeder that you are thinking of, stay away!
Are you in PA? What you might want to do is start going to some of the shows and get to know some of the local breeders. If you establish a relationship with a breeder you like, then you will stand a better chance in the future.
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Honestly, it would really depend on the level of dedication that your parents have. At 16 you are not in total control of your life and circumstances..... yet. If your parents are totally on board about getting a Doberman and are happy to take responsibility for their care - including financially, then I *MIGHT* consider it. If they aren't, I would not even consider it - they have to be happy about providing a loving forever home in case you can't. The statistics in regards to someone your age keeping a dog for its whole life are not in your favor - even if you personally are the exception. When I sell a puppy, I will always take them back for any reason. HOWEVER, I try my best to find homes that have the very best chance of being a forever home. I will hang onto a puppy for months to find just the right home for it.
Just so you know, I have two teenaged daughters myself and have a degree in secondary education ..... I know that there are teens out there that will always do the right thing, but I also know that at 16 most (not all) are not ready for that level of responsibility. JMHO