Quote:
Originally Posted by MaryAndDobes  You mention that Diego is still very young, so it's entirely possible that there are going to be problems down the road between Conan and Diego. Male to male aggression is common in a number of breeds, and terriers are certainly way up there on that scale.
Honestly, I think there are red flags popping up on this breeder that you're ignoring because you like their dogs. You ask about vWD for instance - hasn't the breeder given you an indication of what status the pups will be?
You mention that everyone is warning you about the situation except the breeder. Um, not good. Sounds like the breeder wants to make a sale when everyone else is more concerned about the best possible situation for puppy and owner. And the breeder thinks this is all fine despite knowing the sire is dog aggressive himself!
You mention this is going to be their last litter when the parents are only just over 2 years old. Have they had others when they were less than 2?
If the parents turned 2 just when the litter was being conceived, it sounds like they most likely do not have adequate health testing like certification of normal hips and elbows. That can't be done until they are 2.
The fact that they bred the 2 dogs they happen to own to each other is another red flag. Responsible breeders search out the best male to compliment their female and odds are he isn't going to happen to live in their home. This sounds like a breeding of convenience.
Have you spent some time on this resource? Buying a Doberman Pinscher guideline |
First and only litter with the two dogs in question. The parent dogs are 2 years and 6 months and their hips/elbows have been certified. The sire is other male aggressive but only with unfamiliar dogs, typically other males that are still intact and it's not biting aggressive but rather dominant aggressive, pin the other dog on the ground sort of thing. The breeder has mentioned vWD and the pups will be tested. They paired the parents from the word go for breeding purposes but have since decided it was going to be a one and done situation (one litter) and they plan to get out of the game all together.
It's not for financial gain or convenience. It's simply the way the cookie crumbled. Her husband got a job that requires him to travel more, they're contemplating a move and continuing the breeding/showing process is a detriment to their future plans. A few family members wanted puppies and a few others were promised before they made the decision to quit all together.
The breeder thinks it's fine because she knows my family dogs and also knows that fish (The Sire) is only unfamiliar male aggressive. He's very protective of her and her husband and he's obviously still intact and won't be in a few months.
As far as Conan and Diego are concerned. Conan is an Amstaff and Diego is a BT. Diego is 6 1/2 months old and we've never had a problem with any of our Amstaffs. Diego is my familes first Boston Terrier. I sincerely doubt there is a issue down the road. Conan is ridiculously docile even with unfamiliar dogs.
I'm just trying to figure out whether or not to adopt a male or female. I'm not at all worried about the stock of the pups or the breeder. The pups are healthy and are health certified by both a vet and a specialist. They'll have their first round of shots, their ears are being left natural and their dew claws and tails were docked within the designated time frame.
Should I worry about a male when it reaches maturity with my family dogs? If yes I'm going to get a female. I don't have Doberman experience, my experience resides exclusively with the American Staffordshire Terrier but can't imagine the Doberman is more male aggressive than a Amstaff? Are they more male aggressive than most breeds?
Oh and yes I've read the puppy buyers guide thoroughly.