[dahkia]

Hello fellow dobe lovers!

First of all, thank you for sharing all of the incredibly helpful posts and information here. It's a relief to find a knowledgeable group of people who care about the breed and their pups! I actually found this forum while researching a breeder in my area.

I've loved dobermans since I was 10, and over the years I've tried to learn as much about them as possible. I now have the opportunity to bring a dobe into my life, and I'm so ecstatic, I don't know where to start! I'm in NC right now, and relocating to North Charleston, SC in the near future. I've had quite the time hunting down an apartment that even allows Dobermans, and finally picked out one specifically because they allow Dobermans.

I have a few questions, I hope you all don't mind. I'm sure you've answered them over and over again, but I couldn't find many of the answers when browsing here. I'd really appreciate it.

I've been following LeGard Dobermans LeGard Dobermans for years, and they have set the standard for excellence, in my mind. Has anyone here worked with them, or has any of their pups? Would you recommend them? I'd love to know if they're as amazing as they seem.

Thank you for all of the information on here; in half an hour I was able to find several excellent breeders in North Carolina and South Carolina. I may have missed a few, so if you know of a breeder you'd recommend in NC or SC, please let me know!

I'd prefer to get a puppy from a breeder that is fairly close to me, so I can go see for myself how the puppies are raised, the quality of care, and get to know the breeder. I have to find a breeder that raises the puppies in their home, properly. If I can't find the right breeder nearby, I'll definitely consider shipping. I've stumbled across quite a few breeders who obviously just want to sell as many puppies as they can, without even getting the proper shots for them. It's really, really sad and scary.

Apartment living for a dobe: I'm an active dog mom, taking my JRT (Maximus) to parks, hiking, kayaking, roadtrips and of course daily walks. Is it fair to the doberman to have them in an apartment, even if they have adequate exercise and a separate place to run? I want the absolute best for my future pup. I've waited this long, and I'm going to make sure that I provide the very best. I've definitely developed some patience over the years.

Ear cropping VS Natural Ears: I know you're all probably tired of hearing the debates about ears, but I stumbled across a breeder who refused natural ears for any of their puppies, and it made me think. I understand they don't want new dobe owners to have horrible cropping jobs done on their pups, but I personally just prefer natural ears. Ear posting does seem a little intimidating! Is ear posting truly a struggle? I'm so worried that I won't post properly and the ears won't stand.

Male Dobe Alongside Male JRT? I have a male Jack Russell Terrier who is 12 years old, he is not neutered (by the time I got him every vet I went to said he is too old to neuter, they wouldn't recommend it). He is docile and friendly with other dogs. I know it depends on the individual dogs, but I'm not sure if getting a male dobe pup would be better than getting a female? I've only ever had male dogs, so I'm not familiar with females and if they're that much different. I'm a bit confused on what to do, here. Whether a male or a female, my future pup will definitely be getting fixed as soon as possible.

I think those are all of the questions I have right now, thank you for reading!

 

[ZeldaRules]

On the home page of LeGard Dobermans:

Hot Off the Press!

I hope that you will take advantage of these features to get the message out, while there, read other peoples experiences, share your own experience and become a voice to put this group of nobodies where they belong? I personally believe in bettering the Doberman Breed, for me, exposing the people at DT for who they are and closing them down is the best thing that one person could ever do for the breed. Have you or your kennel been bashed,slandered or viewed in a negative light on dobermantalk.com by a bunch of anonymous people with their own agendas?
Let's all get together to counter and expose these malicious people for who they really are.

www.bewareofdobermantalk.com



Wow. Anyway. Welcome to DT I hope you enjoy it here. If you can handle a JRT you can definitely handle a Doberman. I've lived in a 1 and 2 bedroom apartment with my Doberman and he did just fine since I exercised him properly and made sure he was happy and tired at the end of the day. Since you have a senior intact Male dog already, I strongly suggest a female Doberman, especially with being in a small space as an apartment where you will need your dogs to get along! You can do a search on here regarding same sex aggression and it's not pretty.

 

[RottenVonSpotten]

Welcome to the forum! It's nice to see you are doing your research

I haven't looked at LeGard's website, but I did a quick search and these are some threads discussing the breeder:

http://www.dobermantalk.com/breeding-breeders/24215-legard-dobermans.html
http://www.dobermantalk.com/breeding-breeders/17309-legard-dobermans-alabama.html
http://www.dobermantalk.com/breeding-breeders/1135-legard-dobermans.html
http://www.dobermantalk.com/breeding-breeders/7616-experience-local-breeder.html
http://www.dobermantalk.com/puppy-corner/5692-legard-dobermans.html
http://www.dobermantalk.com/breeding-breeders/2225-legard-dobermans.html

If you have a male JRT, then a reputable breeder will only sell you a female Doberman. Male-Male aggression is common in this breed and is NOT a training issue, despite what some may think.

Good luck in your search!

 

[PatchworkRobot]

Welcome from TX. I hope you stick around and learn everything that you need here :]
I have no personal experience with LeGard. However, Rotten is right that no reputable breeder will sell you a male doberman if you have another male dog in the home and that's really not something you would want to put any dog through (I would think). Male/male aggression is nasty. As for the thing about natural ears, most reputable breeders won't sell a dog with natural ears. I know my breeder has only ever sold one natural-eared pup and she knows the woman who got that dog incredibly well.

 

[dahkia]

Whoaaaaa. WOW. Thank you VERY much for the links and your opinions. I'm freaked out that I would have actually considered them a good breeder. I obviously have a lot to learn and look for. After the first-hand bad experiences people have explained here, I just won't be taking a chance with Legard. Rather be safe than sorry. Thank you again, so much!

I feel ridiculous because I didn't even see the warning they have on their site, until ZeldaRules posted it above. Their website is huge.

Thank you for the information on male/male aggression! I've worked with aggressive dogs before, and it's horrible, and I would never want to cause it. I will definitely look into a female pup then, from a GOOD breeder. Good Lord, there are so many breeders, I don't want to buy from the wrong one. Well, everything in time with research!

As for the ear cropping, I guess I will simply have to really study and learn how to post ears, and make sure I get it right.

Out of the breeders I've found on this forum, I'm leaning towards Gold Grove Dobermans, Notori Dobermans, or Fitzmar Dobermans.

Sssssooooooooooo muuuuuuuuuuuuch to research! I feel like such a newb.

Thank you for the warm welcome!

 

[EmilyB]

Quick.

 

[dax0402]

I and welcome to the forum from PA. Thanks so much for doing your research before getting a Dobe. There is a lot to learn. Hopefully, this forum will help you make a sound decision.

 

[RottenVonSpotten]

Whoaaaaa. WOW. Thank you VERY much for the links and your opinions. I'm freaked out that I would have actually considered them a good breeder. I obviously have a lot to learn and look for. After the first-hand bad experiences people have explained here, I just won't be taking a chance with Legard. Rather be safe than sorry. Thank you again, so much!

I feel ridiculous because I didn't even see the warning they have on their site, until ZeldaRules posted it above. Their website is huge.

Thank you for the information on male/male aggression! I've worked with aggressive dogs before, and it's horrible, and I would never want to cause it. I will definitely look into a female pup then, from a GOOD breeder. Good Lord, there are so many breeders, I don't want to buy from the wrong one. Well, everything in time with research!

As for the ear cropping, I guess I will simply have to really study and learn how to post ears, and make sure I get it right.

Out of the breeders I've found on this forum, I'm leaning towards Gold Grove Dobermans, Notori Dobermans, or Fitzmar Dobermans.

Sssssooooooooooo muuuuuuuuuuuuch to research! I feel like such a newb.

Thank you for the warm welcome!

You're welcome!

I think once you get the hang of posting, it becomes second nature. Also, there is a great thread floating around DT with members that have signed up to help newbies post. There might be a few members signed up in SC.

Here's a link to help in your search:
http://www.dobermantalk.com/breedin...rst-helpful-breeder-breeding-information.html

 

[Darkevs]

Hello and Welcome to Doberman Talk!

Good luck with your research and search for just the right dog!

If you get the chance........please check out a few Rescue Doberman as well. Thank you!

 

[sam&macksmom]

Glad you found us!

I'm curious and this is in no way to be snarky towards you, but you mentioned "they have set the standard for excellence, in my mind". Can you tell us what you saw that made you feel this way? Was it their website alone? Conversations with them?

Again, just curious.

 

[Whiskey]

Welcome to the forums and brava! I wish my husband had done the research you're doing now before he brought home Whiskey (not that I don't love my little stinker... just fear for his health later in life). You've come to exactly the right place to find help with not only finding a breeder but you'll also find help and support for any number of things your pup may go through in it's lifetime.

DT members will laugh with you and share your pain with you! Hope you get a good pup from a reputable breeder soon!

 

[ZeldaRules]

I feel ridiculous because I didn't even see the warning they have on their site, until ZeldaRules posted it above. Their website is huge.

It's a marketing ploy and a lot of unsuspecting puppy buyers fall for it. My Doberman's breeders do not even have a website, all they listed was a contact email and phone number from the Doberman Pinscher Club Breeder Referral list. It is really refreshing to see someone jump on here with an actual open mind and ears and wanting to make the best and most ethical choice regarding bringing a new puppy into the home.


This is from our manifesto:

Our Objectives:

Doberman Talk was created, with the visions, of bringing together all the different facets of the Doberman World. We are not a show/conformation forum, nor are we a working/sport forum, or any other specific forum format. We are first and foremost a Doberman forum that has included the above mentioned aspects of this breed. We strive, here at Doberman Talk, to be an educational/learning forum. Bringing together members from different venues, where we all can learn and benefit from each other’s experiences and passions. We try to encompass the whole spectrum of this breed, from serious competitors in the different dog venues to just the regular pet owner. Everyone has a voice here on Doberman Talk. Keeping this mind, we are striving to better the breed, not by population, but by education and learning experiences for our community.

We not only want Doberman Talk to be educational, but we want it to be fun and enjoyable. Your first two priorities, in life, are always your family and your work. We want Doberman Talk to be your 3rd place. We want you to have a place to share your stories, your pictures and to connect with other Doberman owners close to you and around the world. We, as being owned by Dobermans, are the only ones that truly appreciate and relate to the breed.

Doberman Talk is a continuous work in progress that will never be static. As our community grows, we continually want to adapt to our members interests and passion. By everyone’s contributions, we all benefit by their insights and knowledge. So, Doberman Talk is your community. We can only grow by your contributions and input. As we grow, we will continually adapt to our communities needs and passions. It is only with your help that we can do this. Make this the place you want it to be.

Our Expectations:

As with every new member that decides to join our community, we ask everyone to have a patient and open mind. You need to look around and decide if this is the community you want to be part of. We have some very strong beliefs here. Our first and for most is that we want to better the breed, so we are very passionate about this and everyone needs to be aware of this. Our community is very dedicated to welfare of the Doberman. They will always have the interests of the Doberman first. You may not appreciate some of the community responses all the time, but you need to understand where we are coming from. New Members should not be “put off” or take offense to responses to your questions, just because you do not like the answers. Our community is very willing to help each other. Take the time to learn and understand before you take offense to a response.

 

[Fitzmar Dobermans]

You will probably have a difficult time buying from a good breeder until you are settled and in your own home. Apartment living is not ideal for a Doberman, but it can be done. The biggest issue is the fact that renting with a Doberman is very difficult, and most good breeders want a fenced yard for their puppies.

I know it is hard to wait for what you want, but I think that maybe it might be best to do so until you are able to buy a home with a fenced yard. JMHO

Also - especially when you are getting your first Doberman, if you can find a good breeder geographically closer to you in order to get help with posting ears .... and just being available to help you with any issues. Email is wonderful, but sometimes there is no substitute for being able to get together with your breeder.

The only dogs I've personally sold outside of my local area (2 hour drive) have gone to experienced show homes. This is my preference

 

[dahkia]

Glad you found us!

I'm curious and this is in no way to be snarky towards you, but you mentioned "they have set the standard for excellence, in my mind". Can you tell us what you saw that made you feel this way? Was it their website alone? Conversations with them?

Again, just curious.

No worries, that doesn't sound snarky at all!

I was going by their website, (you can tell I'm inexperienced and new to this) mainly. I looked at how many females they had, and I only ever saw two listed. What really struck me as caring was the explanation of how the puppies are raised. They had their shots, vet exam was done, all of the health information was said right up front (but once again, I'm a newb and don't know what in depth things to look for). I was very happy with how they described the puppies being raised:

"LeGard Puppies are born in a quiet room in our home, while I am only a few feet away the first few weeks of their lives to ensure all goes as smooth as possible for the new mom and pups. The puppies are handled daily, and exposed to everyday common things, the vacuum cleaner, TV. Radio, dishwasher, children and all the sights and sounds that are normal to our everyday living. When our weather permits, puppies are taken outside for several hours each day for fresh air, sunshine, play, and exercise."

I was also impressed by how much helpful information was on their website: ear posting, breed information, and they seemed very dedicated to bettering the breed and breeding which really helped me as I was new and learning about the breed. Other websites I had found, BYB and other breeders as well, were very empty and without being able to see the places myself, I trusted Legard because they offered so much information up front. Obviously I'm gullible.

I'm not defending them, I have never dealt with them personally, I was just going on what I knew at the time. I'm really grateful and glad I found this forum, to learn the correct way of simply finding a breeder. I would rather stand corrected and learn something new, than pay for it down the road-- or more like my puppy suffer for it down the road, due to poor breeding.

I've been looking through all of the Rescues in my area as well, but I personally want a puppy, and like Fitzmar said, it's a slimmer chance because a breeder (or Rescue for that matter) will require a fenced in yard. I've considered adopting an older Dobe for a while now, but it all comes back to how I want to raise the pup and train them personally.

Thank you Fitzmar, for your reply! Very, very helpful! I'm sorry to assume that you allowed your puppies to go to homes further away, I have just seen so many breeders shipping pups. And yes, that definitely would be better, if I found a breeder closer to me. I really feel I can provide an amazing home for a Dobe, even if it's in an apartment, but you definitely know a lot more than I do about the breed and what they require. It's so much to think about.

Thank you all for such a warm welcome and so much helpful information! I really appreciate the honest opinions and the dedicated, determined mindset you all have, especially when it comes to the well-being of Dobermans.

 

[sam&macksmom]

Thank you dahkia. I appreciate your honesty

Perhaps visit some of the dog shows in your area (various venues). It's a great way to see the dogs and hopefully sneak a few minutes and talk to the owner and/or breeder. Here's a list of shows in your state: InfoDog List of Pure Bred Dog Shows Held in SC

Good luck with your search!

 

[Sinister]

I'm a little late on the train but.. Welcome from Virginia! Good luck on your search!
:wavey:

 

[MeadowCat]

I know you want to raise a puppy, but an adult rescue might be a great way to own a Doberman until you have your own house and yard. My rescue boy, Simon, is a fantastic boy. I think he loves me more than my girl, whom I've had since she was four months old. He's very devoted Plus, I didn't have to deal with housetraining, and he has lower exercise needs than a young pup. In an apartment, a dog that's already housetrained and has manners might be great for you. There are also a ton of senior dogs needing homes. Simon is eight, and he is a very, very easy dog to own.