Greetings from Maryland - Doberman Forum : Doberman Breed Dog Forums

Glitchy · 11-13-2012, 11:33 AM

Greetings,

I have been lurking for awhile off and on in the shadows because it is hard to window shop for dobes. They are just too adorable. I am finally able to jump in with a hearty handshake and hello from Maryland!

I am currently looking for a normal size, all natural (no docking or cropping) dobe in the Spring time frame. I am looking for a quality family dobe for my wife, my 5 and 7 year old and me. I've owned dobes when I was younger and simply love the breed. Even though I am looking for a natural dobe, I do love the sleek look of docked and cropped.

I am not interested in big boned, showing or breeding dobes at all.

I have searched the rescues (an awesome service BTW) but have not had any luck thus far.

Would anyone be able to point me in the right direction? Thank you in advance.

Amelia_ · 11-13-2012, 11:40 AM

Welcome to the forum from the UK

**greenkouki** · 11-13-2012, 11:59 AM

A rescue is going to be your best bet if you're considering adopting as well. I would just put the word out with several local rescue groups that that is what you're looking for. Finding a reputable breeder who leaves ears and tail intact is extremely difficult and some breeders may be offended if you ask if they will do this, The doberman they know and love is a cropped and docked breed.

falnfenix · 11-13-2012, 12:05 PM

hey there! have you talked to Marianne Hein at the local dobe club for a breeder referral? her information is available here: MBDPC Website

she might even have info about a rescue dog that might fit the bill.

Glitchy · 11-14-2012, 09:06 AM

Thanks guys.

@greenkouki Well I am certainly not looking to offend anyone. The heart likes what the heart likes. BTW Awesome photo of your dobe in the flowers!

I am really hoping to go the reputable breeder with referrals route for better quality of health and longevity. Although I am not looking to compete or breed, I do like knowing my future dog comes from a quality line.

Rescue is still an option as well. They are all so adorable but I can't save them all.

If a docked and cropped, black male at 16 weeks showed up at my door step looking for a home, I can say with certainty that he would be an instance family member. As I mentioned before, I find it hard to window shop for dobermans.

Dobs4ever · 11-14-2012, 09:45 AM

Welcome from Missouri and hopfully that nice cropped and docked dobe will show up.

Amelia_ · 11-14-2012, 10:13 AM

Have you considered importing from a non cropping and docking country? Such as the UK, Australia, Netherlands, Germany ect? I believe the breeders Aritaur and Amazon over here in the UK have sent dogs to the states, buying not exactly sure. Might be worth talking to them?

Otherwise I know some working breeders are happy to leave dogs natural, but I couldn't recommend anyone personally.

Or I've seen a few naturals come up in rescues if you're patient

Good luck with your search. I wouldn't worry about offending someone LOL

Capone's Mommy · 11-14-2012, 11:12 AM

I agree a rescue would be a good place to start. The rescue near us just got an adorable 16 week all natural girl in and she is a beauty. Usually if you put in an adoption application and they approve you and you say you want an all natural Doberman they will usually notify you right away considering no one is in front of you when one comes in. I know that many times some Dobermans do not even hit petfinder or the shelter's website because the shelter already has a family in mind for the dog based on people waiting for them. You might want to think about this and then possibly submit an application.

dobermama · 11-14-2012, 02:40 PM

I am with you on the "all natural" Doberman! I wanted a non docked-non cropped boy when I began my puppy search. I could not find any breeders that I would consider even semi-reputable locally that did not dock- and a majority of the breeders I would consider acceptable based on health testing, breeding to standard, etc.. do not sell puppies which aren't already cropped also.

The only pups I could find that fit my criteria were from BYBs, plain and simple- and I will NOT give money to a BYB! I was willing to compromise on the tail, but NOT the ears- so decided to go the rescue route instead.

I do not regret my decision for one moment! The boy we adopted is everything we could have asked for (and more). He is docked, which was quite honestly a disappointment, but is also the perfect match for our family. Will he possibly suffer from health problems or longevity down the road? Sure, but quite frankly health issues are so abundant in the breed that even the best breeders lose dogs to DCM and other health issues! So, if you are truly wanting a natural Dobe (and are like me in that you want to meet your new family member before adopting- which made buying out of country a non-option) then rescue is the way to go.

**dax0402** · 11-15-2012, 07:51 AM

Hi and welcome to the forum. Have your checked out this rescue. Not sure where you are in Maryland but think you might be in their area: DVDPA - Available Dobes

**Fitzmar Dobermans** · 11-15-2012, 11:28 AM

The issue with any rescue will be the age of your children - most resuces won't adopt out to families with young children unless it is a puppy or a dog that comes from a home where they are proven with kids.... and lets face it, well behaved dogs that are good with kids are not generally dumped. It is worth looking into for sure, but you would have to get lucky to find what you are looking for.

I know more people are looking for all natural Dobes in the USA, but the only well bred ones to be found are pretty much going to be from serious working breeders and the majority of those dogs are really not for a family that just wants a pet that will be happy to hang out on the couch.... those dogs need a job!

If you truly want a well bred Doberman from a reputable breeder, you may have to change your mind about at least the docking and probably the cropping as well. This is just reality as the Doberman is a docked and cropped breed in this country.

dobermama · 11-15-2012, 01:10 PM

"This is just reality as the Doberman is a docked and cropped breed in this country. "

OR, maybe as I keep hoping- more and more reputable breeders will begin to accept the natural doberman IS desirable to many who truly DO love the breed! I have watched it happen with the Rottweiler, and keep hoping/praying the Doberman will follow suit...

Our first Doberman, more than 40 years ago came from an excellent breeder and the option to crop was left up to the owner. He was the first natural Dobe in my life, but not the last.. He was tail docked.

lestat1978 · 11-15-2012, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fitzmar Dobermans

The issue with any rescue will be the age of your children - most resuces won't adopt out to families with young children unless it is a puppy or a dog that comes from a home where they are proven with kids.... and lets face it, well behaved dogs that are good with kids are not generally dumped. It is worth looking into for sure, but you would have to get lucky to find what you are looking for.

Although many dogs do come through that wouldn't be suitable for a home with small children, I don't think it's quite the stumbling block you're making it out to be. DDR currently has an 18 month old natural and docked female that is great with kids and did live with kids.

I do think undocked will be the biggest stumbling block - although DDR just had two all natural puppies go through this fall.