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So I found out the pic i posted of the other litter of pups was in fact a prievious litter that the Dam had saome time last year. But here is the new litter and one of the little girls is mine. I am so excited. He may be as you call it a back yard breeder,but I have talked to him on several occasions now and you can tell he loves his dogs as well as his pups. I have also asked for names and numbers of other people he has sold pups to and they where all excited to tell me about there little man or woman so I guess that was a plus.
Well as for the tails the puppys are only like 2 says old in the picture. I have also been doing more research as well on the induvidual breeder. He has a profile on the AKC website.
I have been doing more and more reseach about the breeder I have also been sent pedigrees on the Sire and Dam. If you think this is something I need more insite on I would gladly sent you the papers and things I have been sent.
I don't know much about breeding dogs, almost nothing to be honest. But I know that I would NEVER have my dog outside in a penn with wood floors in a broken, banged up plastic crate...
I think I'm getting the feeling ( mine included) that you should wait a while before you get your Pandora... The posters on this forum are indeed 'gentle' and without saying as much, they hope you're reading between the lines and getting the subtle messages sent to you
You stated that the previous picture was of the litter she had some time last year.. I don't know ANYTHING about breeding, but it seems to me two litters in one year is a bit much.
Appreciate your PM and thank you for taking the time to write. I know you are a responsible person, the fact that you care for your Dad in your home, have a hard working hubby and two other furry guys.. PLUS work long hours in a nursing home show that you have the caring spirit required to have a Doberman. But maybe a little more investigation to make sure the pup you bring home will be the healthiest and soundest one available.
Smooches to the pooches
Dobiegirl, those puppies are at least a week old, closer to 2. Just look. How would they all fit? Look bellow, these puppies are 4 or 5 days old. See how they still have the 'bubble' heads and the 'pointed' rears? Their tails were docked the day after.
And indeed, keeping puppies outside is a dangerous idea.
For one, puppies are highly vulnerable to the numerous Canine diseases floating about, not to mention pests, parasites, and things like bees, ants, and whatever else. Seriously, what are the chances that none of those puppies will be fed on by mosquitos and thus be infected with, and require treatment for, heartworms. I used to worry about what the mother may have tracked in after taking the 12 seconds worth of backyard potty time she was willing to spend away from her puppies.
Two, you have temperature changes outside. In the wild, a mother will have dug a den weeks before in order to shelter the puppies from heat and cold. Temp changes kill puppies - ESPECIALLY if they are in fact only a couple days old.
Three, since Kevin brought it up, indeed, that plastic thing is not only a sign of ill-care - it's dangerous and there's not enough room. The mother can't stand up in there and find another place to lay on her other side. And there's no bumper edge. You can't see it in the photo above, but there's an edge that prevents the mother from squashing a puppy against the side. Look bellow: See the little wooden girder around the edge? That makes it so, when a puppy finds it's self behind the mother's back, as one does several times throughout the day, the mother can't squash him. He stays safe under the lip.
And four, and most important, how do you hear a puppy or the mother when they need help if they're outside???? What happens when a puppy is getting crushed or stepped on? There are so many reasons you need to stay close and attentive to domestic dogs (especially the Doberman) I'm uninterested in listing them all at the moment. But for the record, either my wife would sleep on the sofa next to the whelping pen or I would sleep in my clothes. (the litter above was my responsibility, and is why Jewel is wearing a bell - so I could hear when she go up to move around. I could then get up (all hours) and make sure no puppies were freezing in the corner or getting suffocated or whatever else.) (the red you see in the photo is from a heat lamp - and that's in our living room)
Understand Dobiegirl, no one means to criticize you. The only reason we're all here is to help Dobermans. I understand you've wanted a Doberman for a long time, and that's understandable. You might get a puppy from a "backyard breeder" or a puppy mill, and that puppy might turn out great. Or, he might have a health or behavioral issue. Or, you might buy a $1500 puppy from the best breeder in the world, and still have a health issue appear.
Regardless, by purchasing a puppy from a less-than-good breeder - you are rewarding bad breeding - and thus bringing more poorly bred puppies into the world - and thus damaging the Doberman breed.
I'd rather you not do that. 
And this isn't to say that for sure this breeder is turning out poorly bred Dobermans. But, all I've seen so far are bad signs. I don't like it. Rrrrr - arf.
Lady Kate, you are correct, two litters in a row is a bad sign too. It's best to at least rest a female for one whole year - let her get the puppy-weight off for Pet's sake - and at most have three litters. (That idea blows most puppy-mill business plans though.)
I know what you guys are saying and I know yuo all want me to be careful. I really appreciate all the sound advice from everyone. Me and the hubby will be making a visit to the breeder in a couple more weeks as we would like to see the conditions and things that the puppies are living in. I don't think they are outside because there is a wooden floor(maybe a makeshift kennel or something) but I will find out when I make the 2 hour trip up there. Yes, I did state the puppies where from a previous litter likea year ago in 2009( which makes a litter in 2009 one in 2010). Like i said in the other post about the other breeder, if I go and do not feel comfortable and or do not like the way the dogs and or pups are being done then I will not support the breeder. I will simply start looking elsewhere.
I know you all want me to get a good sound and healthy puppy. You all really don't know how much of a help you have been. That's why I have been asking for some advice on my way to find a puppy.
Kate your welcome for the reply. I not only care for my dad but my youngest brother and sister as well(twins). I have helped my dad with them since my mother died in 2004,(kids where 11 when she passed away now18). I was the only one that would considering I had 2 older brothers and a brother that was 20 at the time of her passing.
I mean that floor looks rotten and moldy... I think the points have been made, and Alpha made some points about things I wouldn't know about, but make perfect sense. I think it's been pointed out, and nicely suggested to save yourself a 4 hour round trip... If you get your pup, and you claim to love it, would you have it in a broken, dangerous tub on top of a moldy gross looking floor? I wouldn't wish that on any dog, and if the breeder is ok to send pictures like that, in my opinion only, the dogs are probably not getting the care they need/deserve. It's clear from that one picture that this guy is looking to make a quick buck... The old saying stands true, a picture is worth a thousand words, and I can't see anyone that loves their dogs putting them in a tub like that and thinking it's ok.
When Windy was expecting her first litter, I was not totally sure what to do, but I did research the books and built her a whelping pen similar to Alpha's in that it was 6' on a side with the bumper rail. The mistake I made was not spreading plastic under (learned that quickly after have to clean the floor a few times) the box, although it was on a linoleum floor in the kitchen.
The puppies did go out side for spells after they were weaned at 4 1/2 weeks as it was now mid May in central Virginia and on good days they got to spend a lot of time outdoors in a small pen. It was easier feeding them outside. I have photos somewhere of them slurping up the Gerbers and canned milk so strongly they all had white spots on their back. Mama was glad to have the break, but after about 30 minutes, if we were not out there, she would bug me. Either Hans or Windy was always out in the back yard with them.
My late sister used an old playpen in the living room for her litters of Schnauzers with shredded newspaper, I use flat newspaper. It helps absorb the moisture. I don't see any absorbant materials in the crate bottom.
When you go to make your visit, check out several things besides the whelping area. Does he have just a few Dobies and no other dogs or does he have a lot of dogs. If he has a lot of dogs, especially several other breeds, and the kennels don't look professional, Run. If he is unwilling to let you look at the dog area, Run.
A professional breeder who has a lot of dogs in runs, will have a special whelping area with extra heat and ventilation. The breeder whom I got Trudy from lived about 25 miles from me. We became good friends, and although he had over a dozen Dobies, that is all he had, and each dog had it's own inner and outer run. At the end of the central building (inside part of indoor/outdoor runs) was the storage area, the food mixing area and two large area at one end behind another door that was set up for the whelping and nursing of the puppies. In cold weather the central area was around 70F, but the nursing area was around 85 if there were puppies in there. His females were bred every other year, but I do know some breed every 12 months.
When we lost that breeder we lost a real lover of the breed. He was 80 when I got Trudy from him in 1992 and had a stroke about 7 years later.
Dobies puppies are easy to find. Dobie puppies from a caring loving breeder are much harder to find.
The term "backyard breeder" is not used to describe the occasional breeder who looks after his dogs and cares about them, but litterally one who breeds and raises in the backyard because that is the only place there is room.
Don't let your hearts desire for a puppy out weigh what your eyes and head are telling you. Listen to that inner voice that tells you to be cautious. The puppies will be cute and loveable. They always are. If it does not seem right to you, don't fall into the trap of thinking it will be OK.
I am speaking from experience. Red came from a breeder nearby that fits that description. Now, he is a big loveable lunk, and I was desperately looking for a second Dobe, and made the first visit and left without a puppy. After several more weeks, I went back and got Red. Besides being oversized, which I knew he would be, his legs are short for his body length, again as I expected because his Sire was also. He also has health issues that some of most likey are genetics. That's one reason he has been clipped.
I drove 900 miles to get Princess because I could see in the photos the conditions in which she was raised, and good photos of sire and dam. I also had extensive e-mail and phone contacts with the breeders and enjoyed their hospitality when I picked Princess up. She is as beautiful and sleek as Red is clunky, but I love the both of them equally.
Got a little long winded and rambled, but it is an important step. But, whatever, at least you are not doing what the vast majority do, buying a puppy at a pet store.
rgreen, if I were to leave puppies outside, that would be the day before the day I got divorced. 
I get in trouble for leaving the Chihuahuas outside for a few minutes. lol
And the thing about any photo you get from a breeder - one would assume that the breeder would only take/show a photo of what he considers his best conditions.
I am sure by now Dobiegirl will save herself from heartbreak not to mention a four hour drive.. my question to all of you is:
What happens to those poor pups? Obvioulsy they're not getting a good start in life..How can action be taken against a breeder who cares so little for the dogs? To me that's the real tragedy.. Will he be allowed to continue letting that poor mom pump out pups every year til he tires of her and dumps her?
I am starting to see red.. Phone calls? letters? A.S.P.C.A?
PETA for God's sake!!!
what can we do??
Thanks rgreen, I tend to obsess about certain things. My hubby tells me all the time i need to stop. I emailed the breeder earilier and asked him several questions and asked him about some other things I have found on this site as well. I will be sure to ask LOTS of questions as well when i go up to see the breeder.
And alphaadmin thank you so much for yuor insite on everything, as well as everyone else. I'm learning from you guys and that is exactally what I wanted. I love that everyone here helps everyone. I also love the fact that everyone cares about the breed deeply. again thanks everyone.
Wow everyone must have been posting at the same time... wow. From hearing all this I just want to take and curl up and cry. I understand what you guys are saying but I am still making the trip. If not for myself then maybe for the pups. Maybe there will be something more I can do.
Lady Kate, if that prickles your haunches, I've got stories that will have you hiring a militia.
But seriously, even if the situation is as bad as our worst assumptions, there are far far worse. And legally, all you need to do is provide food, water, and something like shelter. At least in this situation the puppies are clean, fat, and shiny.
As for what happens to the puppies - well - they get sold, to whom ever, and for however much. If you're breeding indiscriminantly chosen dogs and neglecting health tests and proper conditions, even $200 brings a profit. As for how qualified these puppy buyers are - who knows. They may be sold through the new paper to whoever calls. Part of the litter might go to a "puppy broker" who sets up their home to seem like a loving caring breeder - fancy website and all. Maybe some puppies will even go to a pet store where just about any yahoo with a credit card and impulsive personality can bring one home as a package deal, food, kennel, and dish.
There are organized efforts against the pet store puppies. And don't believe anyone who claims this or that pet store/chain buys quality puppies for quality [local/home] breeders. That's a load of BS. No descent breeder would put the serious work, money, sweat, and tears into breeding a puppy only to let a retail outlet sell them to whoever.
I'd fight at least 15 guys, all bigger than be, before I'd let a pet shot sell one of our puppies, assuming the guys all stood in line. (one at a time, it's only fair)
dobiegirl, please don't incorrectly think that you'll be helping the pups by buying one.... you're not helping the pups at all, you're just helping a bad breeder, and giving him a reason to continue breeding. If you want to save a pup from a life of hell, get a rescue, that way you're supporting an animal shelter, not a bad breeder. Your best bet is to find a REPUTABLE breeder, and support them though. They are the ones that keep our loving companions going strong...if enough people stopped doing their homework, and keep buying from bad breeders, our breed would be done for good.
Prickled Haunches??? I'm beside myself... just fuming..
I had to shut my computer down.. go outside and run around the block a couple of times to settle into some sort of sanity ( yesterday it was "p's" today I'm into 's's")
All we can do is suggest, show pictures, advise then pray... She's going to do what she's going to do no matter what anyone says.. after all she's picked out a name!!
Okay.. so I'll join RnD in the doghouse... click inappropriate if you have to.. but just someone please tell me how someone can be so bull headed and reward ( in my mind) an animal abuser!!!
signed,
Not so Gentle Doberman Forum poster
Sorry t,o get everyone in such a raw mood. First and foremost lets get one thing staright. Yes I did put a deposit down on one of the puppies. Just because I did does not mean I have to spend the rest of the money to buy one. Second of all just because I have a named picked out doesn't mean i am going to get one either. I also had names for if I got a boy and I have names picked out for children if i ever get to have any more. Doesn't mean I am going to have more kids just because I have a name picked out(doctor's said I can't). ANYWAY. As a matter of factly yes I am going to do what I want no matter what anyone says, I am a grown woman. You all jump way to quick, or maybe i need to explain things better. WHICHEVER the case me be. I will start here.
I have been looking for a doberman for quiet sometime now. I live in a small county in Southeastern Kentucky.It is about 3 hours to Lexington which is a city in Kentucky. Hell the county I live in is dry for petes sake. Anyway on my quest to find a doberman, i have come ascross more and more things to look at. The intent of this post was not to make anyone mad or angry. It was intented for help on maybe making a decision about a puppy as well as getting other useful information. I posted the picture to get insite on what other people thought and I have got some really good advice here.What I meant about still going was to see what the conditions of the puppies and things were to see if there was something more I could do(not nessarliy buying one. But maybe for a reference point for someone trying to find one and trying to buy from the breeder etc. Anyway no matter what I decide to do,I know I will eventually find the doberman for me.
As for rescue groups and things I don't know of any close to my county maybe that could be something I could research a little further. Who knows what I could come up with. Anyway thanks for all the advice that everyone has given. I really do appreciate all that has been done to make the breed a more respectable dog, than for it to be made into something it is not. I'm not mad just a little upset about things but that will pass on my hunt for the doberman puppy for me.
You're doing fine Dobiegirl. As far as Doberman shoppers go, you're among the best. You're here after all aren't you. And if you weren't responsible you would have bought a random dog years ago. Don't take it personal when these fanciers start bitting and growling at that photo or the breeder in question.
We don't know this breeder. He might be a good one and is just a really really really really bad photographer.
I think it's great that you're still making the visit - as long as you don't go getting drunk on puppy eyes. Actually, that has something to do with an idea of mine. As many here know, I've been considering adding some kind of breeder directory to Gentle Doberman. It's not necessary for our purpose - educating people and improving Doberman lives - but it would be great to have an at least somewhat qualified breeder list.
I've thrown around a number of ideas for qualifying and otherwise rating breeders. One idea was to allow people to list breeders, and also allow members to give a review/grade after a secret-shopper-like visit.
Regardless, some feedback for this topic will no doubt be helpful for numerous other people considering a Doberman. Remember, for every one of us here posting there will be tens or even hundreds of people reading.
And I for one would like to apologize.There's never an excuse for being rude..I am sorry!
another thing to keep in mind is you don't always have to look local... I found my pup in south carolina, and I live in northern new jersey. (My town borders upstate new york, took the driver about 14 hours to get here) The delivery fee was 1 bag of dog food donated to the shelter! So don't feel like your limited to just the surrounding areas, or the closest breeder, there are other options.
And I don't think anyone was intentionally trying to be nasty, or rude, this is just a touchy subject because supporting bad breeders is rewarding the downfall of our favorite breed.
I have a vested interest in this subject, as my Sofia was obviously used as a 'breeder'. She is the sweetest most incredibly wonderful dog anyone could ever ask for, but we know she was abused and it just makes my blood boil when I read about the BYB trying to make a buck from those of us who love the breed.
To reward these 'criminals' ( okay..maybe that's taking it too far) is beyond my comprehension when I think of the hundreds of rescues available for someone who 'has always wanted a doberman'
If you plan to show.. of course that's totaly another subject. But if you just want a pet. Give the shelters a try.
Once again, forgive me for being so outspoken.. but this is a truly incendiary subject.
Peace and love..
Katie and Sofia
Dobiegirl, have you spent time on this resource that I've mentioned a few times?
http://dpca.org/BreedEd/kb/index.php/articles/43-miscellaneous/362-buying-a-doberman-pinscher
It really goes in depth in explaining why the choice of a responsible breeder is so important.
I saw the picture you posted earlier, and it was just deplorable, IMO. There is no way I'd spend a minute driving to see a breeder that would have sent that pic to anyone. The bottom of a bare crate is no place for a litter and the dam. That broke my heart. Giving that "breeder" money ensures they'll do it again and tells them you approve of their practices. We have to STOP things like that, and not support them financially.
Thanks guys for all the helpful information. I have been reading more and more into things and have even found a couple rescue groups that I may check into later as I do not have the time to do so now. I appreciate all the help and support. It has been very helpful.
Dobiegirl, when you go look at the puppies make sure you know what you are looking for, both good and bad. If you see things on the bad list...run. If you don't see things on the good list...run.
I was very cautious when we first went to see Freyja's litter. One reason I went to see them at two weeks old was to get a good idea of the conditions under which they were raised. When we arrived we saw things that made us feel much more at ease...
First, the puppies were kept inside in a whelping box with plenty of room for the mother. The whelping box was orderly, clean, and dry. Second, we were made to sanitize our hands before we could see the puppies. In fact when the breeder thought her husband had let us see the pups w/o sanitizing she jumped all over him (he didn't, he made us sanitize). Third, all five of the adult Dobies seemed to be in very good condition. All had their individual runs. When we went back to pick out Freyja all the pups were in playpen in the living room with the family. When we picked Freyja up we were given details of her medical care to date, including tail docking, shots, etc. I must say, I was pleasantly surprised with what I found.
If you're not pleased with what you find when you visit the breeder don't be afraid to walk away. Remember, this girl will be your best friend for the next 12 years.
I have a question for you all though. What if you go to a breeders house and the good out weighs the bad ? Just curious. Let me throw in a little more detail. Lets say i go see this breeder and everything has been done right every thing looks good has answered all my question spot on and has everything like it should be. But yet the only bad thing you see was the picture you all seen. Not saying that is the case but what would you do ... Just looking for opnions.
The problem is a level of knowledge, I think. I don't mean any disrespect to you at all, but I think that my expectations for a breeder are going to be much higher than yours just because I don't think you really understand yet all of the things you should be seeing and asking. In this case, that picture said it all. Not enough space for a dam and her puppies in a bare crate where the puppies had no footing on plastic.
The puppies and dam should be inside. They should be in a whelping box at least 4' X 4'. They should be on a material that provides footing/grip for the puppies - fleece, carpet, etc without the possibility of being entangled in something (should not be on blankets, towels, etc). The whelping box should have a pig rail, as someone else mentioned, to prevent the bitch from accidently lying on a puppy and killing it.
A breeder could be keeping the puppies in good conditions like I'm trying to describe and still not be a good breeder from the standpoint of doing the appropriate health testing on the parents, health research on the ancestors, etc, temperament testing, proving the merits of the dogs' conformation, etc. It's ALL important. For me, it's not a case of the good outweighing the bad. There shouldn't be ANY bad.
I have a feeling this guy will have great answers to any questions, and will tell you what he thinks you want to hear. I'm not quite sure what else there is to investigave to be honest... But I think we've said enough, my guess is you're going to get the pup anyways.
Like I said i will still be making the trip none the less (like i said earlier maybe to be a reference for someone else that tries to buy from there.) Who knows what I may find along the way. I have still been searching for breeders close by. I also took into consideration about what you said about adopting a dog as well. I found a rescue in NC which isn't much of a hassle really as I have family I could stay with as I made the trip there. The only thing about a rescue to me is having all the references and things they want. So maybe I will have to start out new just to get those to even adopt. I don't know what I might do anymore... Maybe just say forget the whole thing...
Dobiegirl.. wake up and smell the kibble!! You're going to have to provide just as many references ( and possibly MORE) to get your pup.. If the breeder doesnt' put you through the third degree about where, what and when..and then sign the contract in BLOOD another big red flag!!
a rescue will be FAR easier to get than a dog from a reputable breeder... reputable breeders don't pump out puppies one after the other like this guy, and there will often be a waiting period, with people waiting ahead of you. Another bad sign is the fact that this guy just took a deposit for a pup... was there no one else waiting? If you haven't gone over any of the stuff you say you're going to go over when you get there, it's clearly obvious that he will give his dogs to anyone that ponies up the loot. If you have any other questions, let us know, but I don't think there's much more to be said here.
I guess I'll add my 2 cents worth here ,
If that is the puppy you want , by all means , get it . With my limited time at this site , I don't think anyone here is meaning to be rude or nasty about your decision , just concerned . I , and I think we , have a passion for the Doberman breed .
I bought my first dobe in the early eighties when back yard breeders were the rule not the exception . Dobes had alot of bad press then , turning on their owner was the biggest at the time , and yes Dixie #1 was from a BYB . She turned out to be a VERY good dog . Things HAVE improved greatly since then . Mostly because the dobe has fallen out of favor as the dog-de-jour .
There are kennels that show and confirm their dogs , that breed to better the breed and sell pups to finance their kennels , after picking the pup they think will WIN that title . Is this not selling to " Make A Buck " ? They come with cropped ears because that ear has to be perfect in the ring not to make it easier on you and at that time they don't know what pup will " be the one ". If out of a litter of say six and only one is chosen for the ring , what of the other five . Not all professional breeders are squeaky clean either .
Now if the sire and the dame look good , act good and the breeder generally has clean surroundings , then make YOUR choice . With all the ammo here you will be able to make a well aimed shot at your target . We are here to give advice and help , not to ostrisize .
Again just my 2 cents worth
Yes, I agree there isn't much more to say about this. I appreciate everyones concerns and things and I will do what I think I see fit. I know this decision is mine and mine alone. I do appreciate all the advice and wise words that people have given. I appreciate that you all love and cherish your dogs. This is my first time ever buying a dog as I have always had one given to me or dropped on me to find a better home for(therefore I was taking care of more animals). Thus, I could never get one I really wanted. My current dog as you can see from the pictures is my baby. I have has him for going on 7 yrs he was given to me because the owner was never home to take care of him. Sorry if i have ruffled any feathers or things by this post.
Dobiegirl, I don't think you have ruffled any feathers, at least none that I have. I am more concerned that we may have ruffled yours. We are after all concerned only about the fact that you have the best possible start for you and the puppy and that means getting a puppy we feel will have the best long term prospects.
You obviously want a quality dog, you want a Doberman and have taken care of other dogs, so from that standpoint you are not a newbie. Only in the area of hunting a Dobie puppy are you a newbie and we all were at some point.
I mentioned earlier that I drove 900 miles to get Princess. But that was after filling out a "puppy application" for the first time in my life. I took a day and a half to get up there, spent several hours talking Dobermans with the breeder and holding a wonderful little red female. Then I started the truck to get it warm (it was January in SE Michigan) then put the little girl in her crate in the back seat. We stopped once on the way back to the motel (4 hour drive) and spent the evening getting acquainted. It was at this point I started calling her "Princess" and it stuck.
Of course I have always enjoyed driving and spending this time with Princess allowed us to start the bonding process, for once we got home, she would get to meet the 4 other 4 footed members of the household. Driving a long way to get a puppy is not bad, unless you hate driving long distances.
But be assured, what ever you decide, we will still be her to help, for we want to help you and your new pup have a good life together.
Oops. Computer appeared to hang and when I hit save again I got a double. Alpha, forgive me and delete this if you get a chance.
Hi Dobiegirl, I'll jump in here for a moment. I think you said in an earlier post that you are in Kentucky (?). There is a doberman rescue group, Second Chance Dobes in Clinton, MI. I love looking at this site because this is a group of people who are totally commited to rescuing our wonderful dobie, who through no fault of their own, have wound up being discarded or thrown away. They have some absolutely gorgeous dogs, some of whom are young adults. Their site is www.secondchancedobes.com. Although we got Ginger from the pound as a puppy (never having had experience with a puppy before, I didn't know she was a doberman because she looked so "boxy" and small.) Anyway, although when the time comes to get another dobie, part of me wants a puppy, I am inclined more now to look into getting a young adult. I live western New York and I would drive to Michigan in a heartbeat for one of these angels. Good luck to you.
Hi Dobiegirl, I'll jump in here for a moment. I think you said in an earlier post that you are in Kentucky (?). There is a doberman rescue group, Second Chance Dobes in Clinton, MI. I love looking at this site because this is a group of people who are totally commited to rescuing our wonderful dobie, who through no fault of their own, have wound up being discarded or thrown away. They have some absolutely gorgeous dogs, some of whom are young adults. Their site is www.secondchancedobes.com. Although we got Ginger from the pound as a puppy (never having had experience with a puppy before, I didn't know she was a doberman because she looked so "boxy" and small.) Anyway, although when the time comes to get another dobie, part of me wants a puppy, I am inclined more now to look into getting a young adult. I live western New York and I would drive to Michigan in a heartbeat for one of these angels. Good luck to you.
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Hi Dobiegirl,
Loving puppies is one thing. Responsibly breeding is another. It would be unwise not to pause in this situation. Just from the picture I see two bad signs: One, the mother and puppies are outside. Two, those puppies' tails should have been docked about a week ago - assuming they will be docked.
I know it's very exciting to get a puppy. But you have to consider the overall effect your purchase will have on the breed. Regardless of how much a breeder seems to love his puppies and care for them, it doesn't mean he's following a beneficial breeding plan nor does it mean he's done all the proper health examinations on the parents.
Dog fanciers and responsible breeders don't chastise "backyard breeders" for reasons of status. They do so because this type of breeding is doing real and actual harm to the Doberman breed, and putting numerous Dobermans in the hands of ill prepared owners - resulting in numerous damaged Dobermans being sent to the pound.
I'd strongly advise more care in your decision. Have you read our puppy buying guide?