blefkie

I've recently joined DT, and have been working on finding a reputable breeder within driving distance (southern CT). With the help of some valuable advice gleaned on this site and some sleuthing, I've removed many breeders (found on the internet, mostly) from my list of possibilities. Among two that I am still considering, one states that he prefers not to crop, though he will if a prospective owner requests it. I know I've run across a thread here in which more than one poster stated that this is a potential red flag - ie., they don't want to be bothered, don't want the extra expense, time, etc.). My question is, is this someone I should definitely cross off my list, or do any of you feel that there are reputable breeders out there that operate this way? This search has become a real mission - I'm starting to wonder if I'm maybe looking so closely that I'm not seeing the forest for the trees at this point. Any input is welcome, and thanks again.

Julie W

What have their dogs accomplished? Specifically what health testing do they do on their dogs? The answers to those two questions will tell you most of what you need to know in a breeder.

I would recommend actually having to leave the house to find a breeder. If you want a nice pet go to some dog shows and watch the doberman judging and meet and talk to the breeders there. If you want a working dog to do sports with find activities for that in your area and attend and meet people. Trying to find a good breeder with only a computer is a pretty slow learning curve.

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VaBtrfly

I agree that you really have to go and physically look at prospective breeders. Getting out to local dobe shows, (working as well as conformation) will help you in many ways, including possibly finding your new doberpup.
Having said that, you shouldn't cross breeders off of your list simply because they choose not to crop. There are many breeders who prefer the natural look of a dobe these days. It really is gaining in popularity. Also, there are some highly reputable breeders that I know of who only crop their show potential pups. However, they will usually offer excellent references to help you find the best vet in your area for cropping.

Definitely pay attention to what health testing is being done on breeding stock but, remember not all testing is predictive or a guarantee against future health issues.

Good luck in your search and research, lol.

dobebug

frankly vabtrfly, i don't agree on your take on breeders & ear crops. i don't know of reputable breeders who only crop their show prospects. most breeders crop at around 8 weeks & often do not make their final choices from the litter for several weeks after that.

i would find a breeder who was telling me that they prefer not to crop to be a big red flag. generally it is likely to signify a breeder who is saving money on the crops &/or the trouble to deal w/a newly cropped puppy rather than turn it over to some poor novice owner who doesn't have a clue. we see it on these forums all the time.

bryantjoe

I'm no expert in this but after almost making the mistake of getting a pup from a breeder who leaves such an important descision to a brand new owner is more often than not a less than reputable breeder. I don't say always just because you can't judge the world on the actions of the majority of the D-bags. I'm glad we took the time to find the right breeder. It is very much worth it. I know its frustraing but stick with it. The maon thing i learned on here was that if you have to ask questions on here about wether a breeder is reputable or not they probably aren't. Follow your initial instinct.

Julie W

The only exception that I would say there is to a good breeder not cropping here in the U.S. is possibly the rare occassional working dog breeder that prefers natural ears. Andrea here on our forum that just bred Beatrice comes to mind, and I believe she prefers them 100% natural, including tail. Honestly she's the only one I know of, so this exception would be VERY rare.

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VaBtrfly

This is a new age for the Doberman and there are most definitely reputable breeders who prefer the natural look of an uncropped/undocked dobe. It may not fit your taste and it may not even fit my own but, that does not in and of itself send up a huge reg flag to me, nor should it to any prospective owners. To give that information as fact, is irresponsible, IMHO. If the breeding stock is health tested, conformationally correct, and shown in some venue.... this is what should count the most. Not whether ALL dobes are cookie cutter perfect to someone else's ideal. Sorry, we will just have to agree to disagree on this point.

Bob Vandiver does not routinely crop his pet puppies. He also keeps all puppies up to 12 weeks just in case a "pet prospect" shows more promise than it did upon the initial gradings. He will however, refer ALL pet puppy purchasers to highly qualified vets who excel at ear cropping, in their locale. As a matter of fact, if I'm not mistaken, he even gives references to other doberman breeders in case help is needed by the new owner. Whether you agree that he is a reputable breeder or not will depend on your opinion. That's the great part of this forum.... we are ALL able to state OUR opinions. Don't ya just love it! lol.

Murreydobe

I think it *does* raise a red flag when a breeder doesn't crop their puppies. That might not mean I'd remove them from any further consideration on that basis alone, but I would investigate more closely.

I think it can be said MOST reputable breeders routinely crop all puppies prior to placement. There are some exceptions, but I pretty much could count the breeders who'll place uncropped puppies that I can personally recommend on my fingers. The highest percentage of the breeders who leave puppies uncropped are marginal (or worse) breeders.

As someone said, you're more likely to find good breeders amenable to leaving natural ears on a puppy among those using working lines for breeding.

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CH. Birchrun Who's On First, aka Razzle
Foxfire N KO Simply Madness WAC, aka Connor

rainddobes

Of all the breeders I know, I just can't think of one who would not crop ears.
Times may be changing, but I do prefer Dobermans cropped and docked.
If you live in southern Ct, there are lots of shows coming up real soon that are very close to you.
I do think the best was to find a pup is to go to some shows and ask questions. Especially what health testing has been done on parents and the results.
I think ttest results are the most important topics you should be researching.
Here are a list of shows in your area:
Feb 22, 23, and 24 Rockland County KC, Suffern NY (Rockland County). Rockland Community College
Feb 3 Saw Mill River KC, White Plains, NY. Its usually at the Expo Center.
March 15 and 16 Ct River Working Group. West Springfield Ma. Expo Center

You can to to Home Page, InfoDog -* The Dog Fancier's Complete Resource for information* AKC Dog Show Events, and Dog Products and Services for directions and times dobermans will be shown.

Good luck in your search

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Rainddobes
www.raindancedobes.com
www.raindanceigs.com

Am/Can Ch Kalora's Ooh La La V Cheriden "Roxie" 7 years
Marquis' I Am Arya "Layla" 21 month
Doyerdobes No Kidding V Raindance "Jaden" 6 month
and the Italian Greyhound gang

LIVING WITHOUT A DOBE IS NOT LIVING

VaBtrfly

Ya know what? Instead of relying solely on what you read on the internet, ie... web sites OR doberman forums like this. Do as much research as you can.... personally. Sift through the pedigrees, compare them to information that's offered at the OFA database and dobequest.org. It may take more time but, it's time well spent... trust me. If you have questions, ask a reputable breeder in your area to help. At least at that point, you may actually get an unbiased opinion instead of the popular vote. JMHO.

dpca.org.... there should be a few decent breeders willing to help.

Best of luck to you.

Try this also....

Official Website of the United Doberman Club