buying a new puppy

1842 Views 19 Replies 11 Participants Last post by Adara, Oct 27, 2011

dobermanbuyer

Discussion Starter · Oct 25, 2011

Hi

first time poster here, i am not sure if this would be the right section to post in, if not please let me know. thanks

im planning on buying a new puppy and am very interested in this bread, however before buying im trying to do all the research I can regarding health and wellness, and needs of the dog.

I have contacted some local breeders(non-registered but they say they are reputable) I want to know is it wise to buy from a registered breeder or a owner? how do i find out if they are regisitered or reputable?

I do not want the puppy to have future health problems, so I am asking questions regarding what tests the dam and sire have had.

OFA certifiication, EKG screenings, if they have been tested for hypothyroidism,if they are tested for von Willebrand's Disease if they have had a CERF test, to check for eye disease.

am i doing this right? is it nesscary to have every single test done, I would assume it is, but alot of sellers I asked(non-registered) said that their dam and sire have had either one or non of the tests.

a potential owner im looking at just had an "accidental litter" should i buy from them, the dam and sire are under 2 years of age. this did raise red flags. but im not sure if i should continue with the deal. I am located in canada. Another says that the mother is dewormed so their vet said the puppies do not need to be, should this also be a red flag?

Sorry this is alot of questions and I probably will post alot before actaully buying a breed. as i want to make sure that me and my family are making the right decision for the puppy as well as us.

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dobermanbuyer

Discussion Starter · #2 · Oct 25, 2011

planning on a new puppy

Hi

first time poster here, i am not sure if this would be the right section to post in, if not please let me know. thanks

im planning on buying a new puppy and am very interested in this bread, however before buying im trying to do all the research I can regarding health and wellness, and needs of the dog.

I have contacted some local breeders(non-registered but they say they are reputable) I want to know is it wise to buy from a registered breeder or a owner? how do i find out if they are regisitered or reputable?

I do not want the puppy to have future health problems, so I am asking questions regarding what tests the dam and sire have had.

OFA certifiication, EKG screenings, if they have been tested for hypothyroidism,if they are tested for von Willebrand's Disease if they have had a CERF test, to check for eye disease.

am i doing this right? is it nesscary to have every single test done, I would assume it is, but alot of sellers I asked(non-registered) said that their dam and sire have had either one or non of the tests.

a potential owner im looking at just had an "accidental litter" should i buy from them, the dam and sire are under 2 years of age. this did raise red flags. but im not sure if i should continue with the deal. I am located in canada. Another says that the mother is dewormed so their vet said the puppies do not need to be, should this also be a red flag?

Sorry this is alot of questions and I probably will post alot before actaully buying a breed. as i want to make sure that me and my family are making the right decision for the puppy as well as us.

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PatchworkRobot

· #3 · Oct 25, 2011 (Edited)

First, Welcome to DT and THANK YOU for doing your research early :] I'm sure you'll get yourself a great puppy and there are many knowledgeable people on this forum who are/will be happy to help you.

If you want the best chances for good health for your future puppy you will want to go to a reputable and ethical breeder. People can say whatever they want but that doesn't mean it's true. Make sure you find a breeder that raises NO red flags.

This means ALL of the proper health testing (some of which cannot be done before 2 years of age).

The dogs should be proven/titled in at least one venue. This doesnt matter if you want a show dog or just a family pet. Titles mean that the dog is able to perform and/or conforms to standard. A dog that is not within standard cannot preform as well as a dog that is true to standard (typically, in order to save my a** here).

There are no completely healthy lines with no health issues whatsoever, this is a lie.

Temperament tests are a great thing (like the CGC and WAC).

I'm probably missing stuff and hopefully other members will respond also. I would stay away from the "oops" litter. My number 1 thing when looking for a puppy was that if I was uncomfortable in any with a breeder than I moved on. A breeder should be available for the life of your dog so you want to make sure you're completely comfortable with that person and their program. There are many members here who can point you to great breeders in your area so stick around :]

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dobermanbuyer

Discussion Starter · #4 · Oct 25, 2011

Thank you, and thanks for replying. I will definitely look into finding registered breeders in my area as that may be the best choice. I have found a few which i will get in contact with. I also understand that no line will be completely free of diseases.

I would also like to know the approximate price I should pay for a doberman puppy in Canada. Being a first time dog owner, id like to understand as much as I can.

Thank you so much in advance to everyone who replies.

RedFawnRising

· #5 · Oct 25, 2011

I'm not from Canada, so any Canucks correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't believe being a "registered" breeder guarantees a good ethical breeder.

I would imagine it's similar to the States, and you'd still have to do your due diligence, once you had the list of registered breeders.

As to your question on the "oops" litter--if these folks weren't experienced enough to prevent an accidental breeding with young dogs, how would they be experienced enough to know what to look for, in regards to health and temperament in the pedigree/ancestors of the future puppies?

If they were GIVING those pups away, on responsible spay/neuter contracts, and you were willing to just take a gamble on health and personality...then maybe, but I sure wouldn't contribute to someone profiting from a mistake.

Good luck in your search, try to get out to some shows and trials and meet some Doberman folks.

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PatchworkRobot

· #6 · Oct 25, 2011

I don't know if it's much different in Canada, it could be, but in the US the average price for a puppy from a reputable, ethical breeder is $1500-$2500

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dobermanbuyer

Discussion Starter · #7 · Oct 25, 2011

yea i believe it will be around 1500-2500
:smile:

PatchworkRobot

· #8 · Oct 25, 2011

This can also be found here. No worries but perhaps a Mod can merge the two topics? The other thread has a few responses on it already :]

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dobermanbuyer

Discussion Starter · #9 · Oct 25, 2011

yes i did end up posting it twice , sorry. I dont know how to delte this thread. If a mod could merge it that would help.

kates

· #10 · Oct 26, 2011

I don't know where in Canada you are, but there are some really great Dobe breeders in the Pacific Northwest if you're in BC.

sam&macksmom

· #11 · Oct 26, 2011

You're a rock star for doing your homework! Teacher gives you an A++

Here's a great thread to use as a guideline: http://www.dobermantalk.com/breeding-breeders/47441-reputable-breeders-new-folks.html

Reactions: 5

OliviaB

· #12 · Oct 26, 2011

I will chime in and again say THANK YOU for doing your research before you buy

Most people don't, which of course contributes to the cycle of backyard breeders and dumped pets. Definitely take your time and find an ethical breeder who does ALL health clearances and who will support you for the life of your dog. It will take longer and cost more than dealing with a backyard breeder, but it will be SO worth it. When I found a reputable breeder, I was on the waiting list for almost a year. Be prepared to spend money and wait, but this dog will hopefully be a part of your life for many years to come so do it right and you greatly minimize your risks

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dobermanbuyer

Discussion Starter · #13 · Oct 26, 2011

follow up, I did not go with the non-reputable breeder who said his dogs have no tests done. I have found a few registered breeders in my area.

I have a question regarding parvo vaccine, is it best to get it done on site or from a vet?

StarlightDobe

· #14 · Oct 26, 2011

Typically the breeder gives the first round of vaccines, then you follow up with your vet to get the rest of them, at least here in the States they do. They should provide you with a record of what shots and deworming medications they have given the puppy, as well as when the ears were cropped, and dew claws were removed (if they did that). It should tell you when the next set of shots are due, so you will know when to go to the vet, so you can make an appointment ahead of time to get them. Also they should be able to either schedule a time to take care of ear after care, posting them or they will instruct you on how to do it. If there is a vet you prefer to go to that is familiar with posting you could have them do it but I think most vets charge for this if they did not do the crop initially. If your breeder did not already have the ears cropped, you will want to find a vet who is experienced in cropping, and make sure you do alot of research on this as it is imperative they know how to crop a Doberman's ears properly. You don't want to take risks when it comes to your pups ears. If you intend to leave them natural then this is one thing you don't have to worry about.
You might want to research training and obedience classes ahead of time as well, so when your puppy has completed his/her vaccines you can enroll in some classes and begin training. They are never too young to start learning!
I hope Ive been helpful, and good luck in finding your new companion! We love photos here so come back and post lots of them when you finally do get your puppy!

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dobermanbuyer

Discussion Starter · #15 · Oct 26, 2011

Thank you, I have already looked into training and obedience schools around our area. Will definitely come back and post pictures once we get our pup. Thank you again for everyones help.

MeadowCat

· #16 · Oct 26, 2011

Merged these threads into one for you.

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Jhagman

· #17 · Oct 27, 2011

What a great choice for your family, and good for you for doing your homework and buying from a reputable breeder.

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thea2003

· #18 · Oct 27, 2011

Where in Canada are you? There are lots of crappy doberman breeders not thinking about the health of their dogs, there are also some good breeders, but nearly as many as there are crappy, so if you give us a location, we can help you out!

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thea2003

· #19 · Oct 27, 2011

dobermanbuyer said:
follow up, I did not go with the non-reputable breeder who said his dogs have no tests done. I have found a few registered breeders in my area.

I have a question regarding parvo vaccine, is it best to get it done on site or from a vet?

Most breeders, ethical breeders have a vet administer the vaccines, they usually have a protocol of 8, 12 and 16wks for vaccines. So your puppy should have at least one set of vaccines before leaving the breeder.

Adara

· #20 · Oct 27, 2011

dobermanbuyer said:
follow up, I did not go with the non-reputable breeder who said his dogs have no tests done. I have found a few registered breeders in my area.

"Registered" doesn't always mean REPUTABLE or RESPONSIBLE. Just make sure to continuing doing research.

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