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I really liked European look of their dogs. I am open to buying in the US but I was not able to find a US breeder with european bloodlines that did not already have Altobello in them. I am ok with a higher price as long as it is justified.
Do you have another breeder suggestion? I am looking for very high quality European bloodline. I would also to buy in the US so I could visit the breeder. I am located in Central Florida. Willing to drive a decent amount for the right pup. Also ok with importing.
Thanks for any advice you can provide.
There are a few breeders in the US who breed high quality European Doberman lines. Most of them breed working lines, although there are a couple who use showlines, which is what I am assuming you are looking at, in particular the Eastern European showlines.
Though it should be understood most people who are members of and participate in UDC activities have a strong inclination towards performance, sport and work so they will be striving to produce active dogs. You can get lower drive puppies in any given litter but if you are not interested in sport or performance or work, you should make that very clear to any prospective breeder, that you are primarily looking for a companion.
There are also a couple of breeders in Canada which is far from Florida, but closer than Serbia.
https://uniteddobermanclub.com/udc-breeder-directory/
Kansa Dobermans are members on this forum and have specialised in blending the top bloodlines from around the world in their program. They are highly knowledgeable and experienced and they might have suggestions for your area.
A friend of mine was recently looking for a primarily showline european stud for one of her bitches and she seems to have particularly liked one of the Bell' Lavoro dogs. I believe Vicky goes back and forth between NY state and FL.
As with any breeder do your due diligence. Ask about health testing, most importantly, ask to see the health test results/and or certificates. If they claim the dog has been OFA'd, crosscheck in the OFA database.
Before breeding you'd want your puppy's parents to have had an echocardiogram and a holter monitor test within 12 months prior to mating (and ideally within 12 months prior to whelping, evening), and that the breeder actually keeps up with the yearly testing.
Thyroid is also an important yearly test to have.
Ask about the genetic status of vWD. Ask about the hip ratings. Ask about eye certification (especially for european dogs).
Other things ideally you'd want to see would be elbows and knees and liver/kidney panel. Other relevant tests could be: DM status, MDR1 status, DINGS status.