Question for the Breeders - Page 3

dobeguy · 06-24-2008, 12:32 PM

I guess those 50-60 pound Malinois must suck at working... If your dog has the drives for working, size won't matter.

Caelestis · 06-24-2008, 12:37 PM

[quote=berkdogg;195750
And Caelestis, if you are a Breeder please tell me the name of your operation so I can stay away from self assuming, pompous, know it all, unfair breeders, who don't stand by the dogs they sell because they don't know what the hell they are doing.[/QUOTE]

No, I'm not a breeder of Dobermans, however I have spent 20+ years breeding another breed as well as cats and I can promise you I stand behind EVERY puppy or kitten I have ever bred. The difference is that if you had walked into my home and told me you were looking for a large dog I would have gone out of my way to make sure you knew a Doberman was a MEDUIM sized dog and why bigger is not better. I am anything but unfair, as are many of the decent breeders in this forum.

You may think being blunt is pompous, but you take no responsibility for how offensive your words about him not being a real Doberman are to those who are truly in love with, and dedicated to this breed. If you want nice and sweet in the replies to your post then think about your own words when posting. Sure some peple here are very patient, far more so than I could ever be, but I don't get paid to be sweet, I get paid to be blunt and cut to the chase and your implying he was inferior is inflammatory. You also seem to be trying to blame the breeder for something that is, ultimately, out of his/her control.

So, if that's pompous so be it, but I found your post to be callous, uninformed, and offensive....to each their own...eh?!

**BackInBlack** · 06-24-2008, 01:07 PM

If you no longer want your dog because he is not the size that you think he should be....take him back to the breeder....you don't deserve to have him. (In my honest opinion)

Dobermans are not meant to be giant dogs. I can understand wanting a dog with a little substance, but I think that with most dogs, that comes with age... Expecting a breeder to offer you a replacement puppy because he doesn't live up to your standards in SIZE at ONE YEAR old, is just ridiculous.

If you truly bought him as a working prospect, then be happy that you have a smaller, more agile dog. Saying that he is not really a doberman because he doesnt weigh what you think he should.... I don't get it.

I have a male who is very gangly. He didn't start filling out at ALL until he hit two years old. I always thought he was just a really small male. (Which does not bother me at all)

Rommel, just over a year old

Rommel, 1 1/2

Almost 2

Almost 3

I am sorry if you think I am rude, but I think your expectations are way off.

berkdogg · 06-24-2008, 01:35 PM

I did not say I did not want my dog. For goodness sakes, I even think my wife believes I enjoy his company more than hers. I am just concerned about my dogs growth. What is wrong with that? Wouldn't you care if one of your kids wasn't growing properly?

Anyway, thanks to all of the posters who replied intelligently. For those curious, once I have his results back concerning thyroid and pedigree I will post those as well.

And for the person who inquired about his exercise, he gets about 40min of chasing a tennis ball I throw to him in a wide open area. I'd say I can fling it 50 yards with the ChuckIt. I also incorporate training in this as I have him sit, stay, lay, or follow to get the ball. The rest is spent giving my moms German Shepherd puppy (who I have finally house trained) a running buddy around the house.

I was under the impression that 60-70lbs dog would not be suitable as a guard dog. I ran across this site and others like which made me think so. Highly Recommended Dog Breeds for Personal Protection and Security
But it looks like people here with far more experience attest to the contrary.

For goodness sakes I love my dog pretty much better than most people, and I want him to be strong, healthy, and of appropriate size, and if I am entitled to another one because something is wrong with the one I have then by all means I will gladly accept one. My dog has a good life, better than even some of my family members look after their children if you can believe that.

DLS · 06-24-2008, 01:43 PM

berkdogg, do let us know what the results from his test are for sure. ANd please post some pics of him, I would love to see how he is or is not developing.

**Luvbirds59** · 06-24-2008, 01:59 PM

When people worry about the weights of their dogs, I always tell them about my Weim, Uno who at 17 months old when I adopted him was a thin 68 pounds....he went on to fill out to a nice 85 pound muscular boy. No one ever thought of messing with him, and he was a Weim, not a Doberman! I think at 12 months old, he is just maturing slowly and you will see some filling out over the next 1-2 years. Get him checked by the vet, feed him high quality food, exercise him and give him some time.

Carol & Petey!
ox

**velmadobe** · 06-24-2008, 03:53 PM

My 6 month old puppy is eating more food than your guy - so you might want to up what he is getting if you think he is thin.

12 months is a puppy - you may not see a hint of the mature dog he will be till he is 2 - and yes many dogs his age are picky eaters - especially if they are intact............ think 14 year old boy with only one thing on his mind and that is pretty much where your dog is at too.... both physically and mentally

**Incredibledobe** · 06-24-2008, 04:02 PM

We have a little male in our club - sired by Agir. I didn't see your dogs breeding, wondering who his parents are? This boy was the smallest in his litter but the breeder had no idea he would mature to a shorter height based on her breeding plans.

His owner had hoped he would grow larger too, but at 2 years old, he is smaller than her bitch. I'm not sure how much he weighs. He is a fantastic working dog though and can outmanuever my 28 1/2", 93 lb boy any day of the week. And my boy is not fat at all.
The "little" boy has much nicer and faster blind searches, nice drive, great strikes. Most Dobe males will "bloom" at around 3 to 4 years of age, so it's very possible your boy will weigh more, even if he doesn't grow any taller.

If you wanted a good working prospect look more to his drive, nerve, and willingness than his size. His size may actually be of benefit to him in working.

If you were planning on showing him too, then the breeder should work with you, but otherwise, I'd say not. If I were the breeder and you were not happy though, I'd also refund your money and take the dog back. It will depend on your breeder. They should want you to be happy with the dog regardless and if you are not, both you and the dog will suffer for it.

Rosamburg said it best - it's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog.

Lexxsmom · 06-24-2008, 04:18 PM

I have to say that the amount of food does seem a bit low. Lexx eats between 2-4lbs of raw food a day. When he eats kibble he eats it around 3 cups at a time.

I totally can understand your concern about his size, I have the same concerns for Lexx, I think it was just the way that you phrased this that got to people.

yes, you have every right to be concerned about your dog's health and development, but NO you do not have the right to call him "not appropriate to guard" and "not a doberman" because hes smaller than the huge massive guard dog you had pictured in your mind.

I know its hard, but you just have to realize that he might be a 26 inch dog. trust me, i'm not trying to be rude, its just that i've had to deal with this to!

GunnersMum · 06-24-2008, 04:24 PM

I think most animosity is based upon another former member who's concern and gripe with her females weight/height put alot of people on edge.

I really wouldn't concern yourself with height and weight. In the long run that is not what makes the dog at all. I too think Rosamburg said it best.

A healthy happy dobe... really, what more could you ask for?