Sinister

Even if you aren't interested in a working dog, call Wendy Schmitt with vom Landgraf or Erynn Luka with Von Luka. They'll give you some good information on the breed as well as health testing. Working breeders will also be more likely to send a pup home with floppy ears.
Working dogs are not for the flakey owner. They need lots and lots of work.

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Rouleaux

^^ Excellent points!

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vivienne00

I would highly recommend you read the DPCA site about various topics - this one will be useful for you right now (color inheritance):

DPCA | The Doberman | Standard

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Cato, Emerald's Black Onyx, Emerald's Black Quartz (r.i.p.)
Owned by Enid, Jill (kelpie) and Lana.

Rouleaux

I guess when trying to find an answer to my question (I thought I had researched the topic reasonably well the other day when it was on my mind), and I could not find a reasonable thread here using the search bar, Dr. Google was NOT very helpful.

Thank you for the link! Now, I will read and not confuse/lead anyone astray!



I am here to learn, after all just like everyone else.

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Sinister

May I clarify one more thing;
This breed requires devotion. They are needy. They are (generally) "unhealthy", they are self-destructive, they are big, they need constant training, socialization, and lots of exercise. A backyard won't do. Juno is almost 18 months, still learns new tricks, goes to training classes, a 2 mile off leash run, and and 1 mile walk. On top of playing fetch. They CONSTANTLY are up to something and they are incredibly smart.
If you "gift" a puppy, you're more like burdening someone.

Don't get me wrong, this is my forever breed. I've found that better bred dogs are a helluva lot more smart and energetic than poorer bred dogs.

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SGranger Ph.D

I believe I explained the gift thing. I have a doberman, a male fixed doberman, so naturally he will need a female to avoid same sex aggression, I'm paying for the puppy, he is well aware what they require as he has watched me spend several grand on Ahrens vet bills, we run 5 miles a day and he has 90 acres to roam as he chooses (doggie doors are awesome things) and still believes that a 5 hour game of fetch is needed. He has no idea where to start looking for one that is not a puppy mill breeder. The pup is not a surprise (I agree that would be irresponsible) except in the fact he doesn't know when he is getting her (but neither do I). She will be fixed as soon as the vet will do it, which is why I do not mind if a breeder does not give there papers, or only does limited registration- she is meant 100% to be a pet. I'm trying to avoid major working lines- I would like to find someone who has a few titles in obedience or such but not a major everyone in the family is a champion breeder. I would like a line that has a lower pray drive than some of your others due to the fact Ahren has a high pray drive and I almost never convince him he could not and would not chase or attempt to eat my chickens! (Ok so at 18 months I'm still trying to convince him of this) thanks for the list of breeders I found 2 I like the looks, lines, and breeders that I've been in contact with.


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Rouleaux

Which ones are you looking into.

Also, do your research before spaying. Let the growth plates do their thing before altering unless it is really necessary (i.e. aggression, pyometra, etc.). IMO and in the opinions of others, it is best to wait to spay until about the first or second heat.

Just something else to think about.

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TurgayAksoy

Portersmama nailed it!
I remember reading a post from a younger member who recently started looking for a puppy. I couldn't believe how much research s/he did before randomly posting. I don't mean to compare Ms. Ph.D. to a teenager, but come on!

SGranger Ph.D

Rouleax I've considered that but I really don't want oops puppies- ill look more into the developmental aspects of it- I know it effects their size and partially their attitude (at least for males) but not sure of other risk.


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Rouleaux

If Ahren is neutered and the other dog (if you have another, I think you said you had a pit?) is kept in check- or if this female is going to be living with your SO and kept in check, there should be no worries. Are you worried that your SO will not keep an eye on her close enough should she not be altered?

Still, you are being responsible, and I appreciate it

It was just another thing to consider

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Rouleaux

Which kennels have you looked into? (Even briefly)

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Hank

There is no reason to have oops puppies if you are responsible and keep the female inside, crated, not left in the backyard, on leash etc.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...55534169,d.cGE

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SGranger Ph.D

By the time she comes in season she would probably be with me as well. I have doggie door and they have free choice- that's my concern. My pit was stolen by a 5 year old - they are best friends but in Louisiana and fixed I'm not a puppy person- unfixed=puppy's not much sticks around our place without being fixed pretty quick. I know it's not likely I just like 0 chance over a low chance. The vet I spoke to said it depended on the dog but 1 heat was best >.< guess I'm going to have to lock the dog door when that time comes.


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SGranger Ph.D

I've looked at all of the suggestions- stil waiting on emails back from some of them.


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RedFawnRising

OMG, people. Please...think, before you encourage certain types to wait to spay.

The sooner, the better, here.

Perhaps he has such a high pray drive, due to your advanced Theological degree?

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Shell81

Dammit RFR, that part made me laugh so hard that I woke the beast (aka Bruce).

SGranger Ph.D

Wow- smh.


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PorschaLei

By reading this thread no insult intended but this guys a bag of cats you can smell the crazy on him.


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Rouleaux

I don't think it does much to them as far as changing them. Please look into the effects of altering early, otherwise I would advise just getting it over with. It is the responsible thing to do.

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Dobelove

I don't know about crazy but I'm starting to think a pathological liar. If she's not I'm a little jealous that she has time to keep up on 90 acres, play ball for 5 hours and run her dog for 5 miles everyday. (which is way too much excercise for an 18 month old puppy.) Plus do whatever she does with her two Ph.Ds.

BenVera

Don't forget agility, Schutzhund and personal protection training! Whew!

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PatchworkRobot

Not just two Ph.Ds but did all of her college work up to and including the Ph.Ds in only three years!!

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Rouleaux

I guess that all does sound a bit fishy..

...hmmmm....

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RedFawnRising

Ya think?

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VZ-Doberman

The sure tip off is when the flies begin to show up.