Originally Posted by wgsdluver

It's a safer way to pay, I personally wouldn't accept check.
I also thing that people like the option to make payments with CC. It doesn't necessarily mean they cannot care for the animal. It's a method of payment. Everyone uses what they are comfortable with.
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Originally Posted by wgsdluver

Another reason I don't mind type of payment is because if the breeder is interviewing and checking references and everything checks ok why not? Again it's just a way to pay.

Originally Posted by Gruntdobermann

I think that in our cyber world we have grown distant to personal communication with one another......a phone call and a personal face to face cannot be substituted.

I also realize that the cyber world has made things easier when it comes to researching info and finding out things on the spot.,,,,do not believe all that you read and only half of what you see.

Originally Posted by wgsdluver

Another reason I don't mind type of payment is because if the breeder is interviewing and checking references and everything checks ok why not? Again it's just a way to pay.


Sent from my iPhone using Petguide.com Free App

Originally Posted by Lori Z

To the question of how does one find a good breeder who may not have a website:

I use the internet to find breeders that I think meet my specifications. Then, I email. I'll use my collie breeder as an example because that was the best experience I've had. I think she is a stellar breeder. On her website were links to other collie breeders she knew or greatly admired. Two only had emails, not websites. So, if I had been interested I would have emailed them.

You can go to your breed club on line and they should have a list of breeders with websites and emails, sometimes only emails. Also breed magazines have the same.

Originally Posted by m0nstar

So you have a list of websites and you’re trying to make your decision on a puppy?
Or maybe you just want to know if the site you are looking at is reputable.
There are many things you need to consider besides the prettiest site with flashy pictures.
The information can be overwhelming but your time and willingness to learn at this stage will make you a VERY happy Dobe owner in the years to come.

A reputable breeder’s website will inform you about the breeder, their breeding program and their dogs. A reputable breeder is one who is in it to improve the breed (proper testing and thought before breeding). A Backyard Breeder (BYB) is one who is in it for the money. More info on the subject can be found by doing a simple search on here. There are plenty of reputable breeders with websites but unfortunately there are a lot more that just want your money.



What are red flags?

Indicators that should raise your ears and if there are multiples you may want to re-consider on the breeder. So many people are becoming tech savvy and it can be so difficult to spot a bad site versus a legitimate breeder. Only a year ago I can recall myself thinking a site was perfectly fine and if I look at it now, it turns me off.



The following highlights some of the flags and bad practices that you will see on a breeder’s website. Look out for the flags the next time you browse a website:
• Multiple breeds being bred.
-Is the same breeder also breeding Great Danes, West Highland Terriers and a bunch of other breeds? I leave you with one question, how much time does this person have? Must be a superhuman!
• No mention of Health or Health Results are absent
-A reputable breeder will indicate the health results of their dogs!!! If you do not see anything on the health- this should be alarming. At the very least you should see something on vWd, Hip Dysplasia (OFA), cardio or eyes. More info can be found here: DPCA | The Doberman | Health Canine Health Information Center: Hip/Elbow Labs

• Oversized dogs?
-You better run if you see anything thats overly larger than the standard.
-Standard AKC and FCI Doberman standard
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• White Dobermans!
-Run and don’t look back. Read up on Z-Factored dobes here: The Albino
• Pay by Paypal
-This one just pisses me off. I am not buying a f**** product- it’s a living animal. I may be biased but to me this shows someone who is a bit too eager for $.
• A flashy and random site with family pictures!
-This screams BYB- but check to see if they have other flags. Are there numerous pics of children with puppies? Are the puppies wearing jewelry? Why on earth would a reputable breeder try to peddle their pups by putting them in ridiculous outfits at such a young age. Don’t go for the overly cutesy site.
• Too many Dobermans- Does the breeder have a ridiculous amount of dogs (15-20+)?
-You will have to determine this and consider or ask how the breeder keeps up with the dogs. Are they just left in kennels outside? Its possible to have a lot of dogs but you may want to see their living conditions.
• Price variance between males and females.
-Often BYBs will sell females at a higher price- so others can begin their pathetic backyard breeding programs.
• Are there more than 2-3 litters a year? Call and ask why so many litters or how they keep up with their puppies and buyers.
• Mentions “champion breeding” over and over!
- A reputable breeder will have a page dedicated to a dogs wins and will not breed the same dog 10x a year. Some folks are just riding off of other’s successes. Ask them if they show or compete with their dogs? Do they have titled dogs and look at the offspring of these “champions.”
• Lets the pups go before the age of 8 weeks? Pups need to be with their momma and siblings until 8 weeks (PERIOD).
• Ears are not cropped, tails not docked or dew claws not removed? If you are looking at someone in the US, this should be done. You should call on this one.
• Sells puppies at full registration
-Puppies that are not going to show homes, should be sold on Limited AKC registration. You search the topic and difference between the two on here.
• Breeds young dogs or bitches!! You should avoid this- most believe that 2 is a good age to begin. You can search for more info about this on here by doing a search.
• Breeder’s site contains links to the generic puppy sites.
-Typically you want to question listings that you see on sites that cater to generic classifieds.
• Is the price ridiculously high or low.
-A pet quality dobe can range from $1700-2700. On this one you should definitely check with the breeder directly.
-Prices are higher and anyone that is selling for considerably lower is definitely not health testing. Health testing costs money and keep in mind that a reputable breeder also socializes your pup! Before you think that $1700 is too high, consider what the breeder has gone through to ensure a healthy life for your pup.


Be smart and patient when you are considering adding a puppy to your family. Many on DT have shared painful and tragic stories of dobes that were either unhealthy or bought from BYBs. Breeding is more than just mating two random dogs. Before coming to DT, I thought I would have a pup within a few weeks. After an entire year of researching, I will finally get my pup. The above has significantly helped me in my search and I’m confident it will do the same for you. Take what I have listed above as a guide from what I learned from DT- you should still do as much research as you can. Don’t expect to learn everything in a few days- a sense of curiosity about the breed and time will take you a long way.

Before you buy, also consider the following:Buying A Doberman Pinscher
Why Pedigrees matter?Pedigree Research
Breeder Referral: Recommended Breeders!



*I feel strongly about some of the topics above and can go on forever but I've gotta run and sleep. My concerns only grew when I visited a few shelters and helped out at a rescue event recently. I was going to wait until the weekend but I'll be away and hopefully dirt biking after work! I'm sure the experienced folks on here can add to the list or correct me on anything in the list above.

Originally Posted by Megs