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Looking to find a Santa puppy. (ISO Breeder Recommendations)

12K views 53 replies 19 participants last post by  Chesa 
#1 ·
So instead of Christmas presents this year, the SO and I have decided we are going to get ourselves a Doberman puppy. We spent a lot of time researching the perfect breed for us, and Dobermans have repeatedly been our top pick.

We both have had multiple dogs in our past(Rottweilers x4, pitbulls x2, labs, and a Germand Shepherd), and both share the same values of how a dog should be trained/loved. This isnt going to be just a dog, this is going to be our child. We have a few acres of land, both have the ability to take our dog to work occasionally (him more than I), and both definitely understand the responsibility. Not our first puppy, just our first one together and first one from a breeder. We also have agreed that before we get said puppy, we will have our fully functioning dog kennel completed (inside and outside runs, automatic water feeders, A/C and heat) with space for two dogs. Being practical, we know there are just some places we go that a dog is not allowed, so we needed a place to rest assured our dog would be comfortable and safe. That being said..

Temperament is the most important characteristic to us. Health being equally important. We are looking for a black & tan Male Doberman puppy to purchase near Christmas. We would like ear cropping/tail docking to be offered by the breeder (is that a reasonable request?), and the price to preferably be $2k or less. We would not be looking to show or breed our Dobie.

We are hoping to get a recommendation of a breeder within 4-6 hours of Maryland. One that allows visitation on request, and values the same thing in a puppy as we do. Temperament, and health.

Below are the 3 breeders we had been recommended so far(and in order of interest):

New York Dobermans
Ostertag Kennels
Canis Maximus

Does anyone have any reviews or recommendations on these breeders? Or are there other breeders nearby that may be better suited for what we are looking for? Also, what are the most important questions you would ask of a breeder before purchasing? I plan on contacting atleast the three breeders we narrow it down to, and would like to ask them some questions about their dogs/facilities before we make the drive to see them.

Thanks in advance!
 
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#46 ·
The title is ISO of breeder recommendations but they do what they want anyhow and wastes everyone's time. Well, hopefully others will learn from this thread.
 
#48 ·
Thank you, I've missed posting on here and missed you too, will try to help if I can
 
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#49 ·
What I'm reading from you OP is a poker game:

"I see your advice and I raise you what I already want to do"

NY Dobermans is an easy breeder. With what 4 males? They are definitely using their dog's sexual organs to fill their pocketbooks. They are happy to answer your questions just as a used car salesman is happy to answer questions. Most reputable breeders have full time jobs to support their HOBBY on top of that they show, compete, raise puppies.... At least it does appear that NY does proper health testing but I would want to see the holter and echo reports for myself. What's "normal" to them might not be "normal" to me. I will say that I myself would prefer to stay away from their pedigrees but that's just me.

As for the rest of the breeders that were recommended, they pour their heart and souls into their dogs and their dog's health. They will be in your life for the life of your dog, many even support people that don't buy their puppies but bought from a BYB that are looking for support and they do so because they LOVE the breed. I believe some of the things you are saying to them maybe a bit off-putting (this is just a guess). The kennel idea isn't something I myself am a fan off. I understand where you are coming from but I prefer to have my dogs stay with the breeder, the trainer or another Doberman person. I have a shed that could easily be transformed into a kennel but I'd prefer my "child" to stay with family, friends or trainers where I know they can be looked after and socialized. Also, coming right out with a price you're willing to pay for a puppy is a bit abrupt and you'll probably not find a puppy for less than $2000 or even closer to $3000. If I were to give you advice I'd tell you to tell them about yourself, what your average day looks like, how often the dog will be left alone, what you plan on doing with the dog, why you're looking for the Doberman breed.... Questions for them would be how long would you have to wait? Do they think you would be a good fit? What their dog's temperaments are like..... And you might get bumped up on their list if you're willing to keep an intact male and allow them to show him and get a CH on him and health test him to be used in their breeding program, just something to think about. Often times breeders will have show worthy puppies that they are looking for show homes for.

I wish you the best of luck. You're heart certainly seems in the right place but I do hope you listen to the advice given. Look forward to seeing puppy pix from you in the future
 
#52 ·
I think the statements are totally fair. People put their time and efforts into helping and recommending, she was told numerous times that the breeder she was going with is not a good choice for many reasons but she still decided to go with that breeder. Why bother to ask in the first place? It's pretty frustrating to see this, but it's educational for others, not a total loss. Putting a deposit on a future litter I would say is a pretty good shot that she's going with that breeder.
 
#53 · (Edited)
I'm pretty late to the game, but after having been completely detached from the world of Dobermans and reading through this thread almost as an outsider, I do think that the forum was too harsh this time. It's completely understandable given the number of times this exact conversation has been repeated, but I do think everyone needs to remember that while it may be the thousandth time for us to give to same advice over and over again and watch it be ignored, the person on the other end is having this conversation for the first time and that there's still a chance to change their mind.

This poster came in asking questions and it feels like some of her points were unfairly latched onto, such as the issue of the kennel. She made it seem as if the dog would be inside with her and her husband or with them at work most of the time, and the dog would only be placed into the kennel for a short period of time such as when they leave for a dinner or something. While I wouldn't find the kennel necessary, I don't see any problem with her going the extra mile to provide a safe place for her dog to roam during the short periods of time when no one is home to supervise.

Furthermore, her SO's set mind to get a dog from NY Dobermans is not not understandable. He has met two representatives from the breed, both of them from NY Dobermans, and he loves those dogs. What's to make him think the experience for them won't be the same? The OP has also contacted the recommended breeders, and received short replies or none at all. Rather than immediately harping on her lack of patience or rushing to tell her how she isn't a suitable pet parent, I think the responses should have focused on why it's important to look for a good breeder (health testing, why titles are important, etc.), why two dogs aren't the best example of the entire spectrum a breeder produces (bad breeders get lucky sometimes, too), and how her listed expectations should be revised.

I think this is a prime case where the attitudes of the people who truly care about the breed need to change. It is incredibly frustrating to see people turn from the reputable breeders towards the ones who breed to pad their pockets, but the way to avoid that frustration is not by gatekeeping and forming a divide between those who don't understand and those who really care. The way to really turn the tide against backyard breeders and encourage people to buy from reputable breeders and do their research is by really starting a dialogue that puts an emphasis on learning and education, and not on how little the person knows and their audacity for even thinking of getting a dog despite knowing so little. This back and forth is only achievable through sympathy, and knowing that everyone starts from knowing nothing, and it is in the best interests of all of us to speak to them with respect and with the intention of winning them over to our points of view.

To the OP:
I think it is terrific that you thought to do your research before purchasing a puppy. I highly recommend that you read the article linked earlier called "I don't want a show dog, I just want a pet". It will really help give a better perspective on why people should be buying dogs from reputable breeders. With health and longevity being such a huge issue in this breed, it is all the more for your better interests to be buying from a reputable breeder who focuses on this. I also wouldn't be discouraged by the responses from the breeders you have so far; as said before, they are busy people. I do think going to a show to meet them in person would be a great idea, and you would also get a chance to see just how beautiful these dogs are. I think one thing to remember is that while communication can be slow to start up, this is for both a companion that you will own for the next decade or so (so waiting a week for the initial response is just a drop in the bucket) and a relationship that will last at least as long as your dog lives, and probably even longer after you establish a friendship. I know you already placed your deposit, but I would very highly encourage you to reconsider, and I also really hope that you are able to use this forum as an invaluable resource for the years to come after you get your puppy from a fantastic breeder.
 
#54 ·
I thank you greatly for your reply and compassion. Although I did feel that some members came off a little harshly, I do understand why they did. They feel so strongly and passionate about this breed, that they are tired of seeing the same mistakes being made over and over again regardless of their advice.

I haven't let that deter me though. I have found that all the members here are very knowledgeable and mean well. I do enjoy posting here, and reading other peoples threads.

For a while, I received multiple PM's from people saying harsh things about getting our dog from NY Dobermans. That has ended, for now at least.

I understand the reasons why the other members disagree with our decisions, but I can say that I am very happy with NY Dobermans this far. Granted, my BF has the 51% of this share in this endeavor, so he has the final call on which breeder we went with. But I did supply him with all of the information given here, but the dobermans he had met in person outweighed that information. Meghan is very informative, and we speak almost weekly. Every question I ask, she is right there with an answer and reassurance. This is before our puppy has even been born. I have been friends with her on Facebook and can tell the kind of person she is. Many people post their dogs from her on her facebook, and everyone looks very happy and healthy. No, she may not meet EVERY standard that has been set for breeders of this breed, but I can tell she trying to get there. She truly cares about this breed, and those dogs. Not once in this entire time have I felt like she is in this for the money. I know many here would probably argue this with me, but I am going off my experience. I have kinda remained silent on this stance of mine, because I know it definitely goes against the general public here, but it is my stance. I am confident that my opinion of her will remain the same after we receive our puppy. If for some terrible reason it changes, I will fully take the "We told you so" beating.

All that aside, our puppy is due to be born on Christmas, and I am very excited to share our journey!
 
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