Hi all.. Been lurking for a while but finally had a question.
After much contemplation and research, (and a very honest evaluation of my lifestyle and what I want in a dog) I am considering adding a Doberman Pinscher to the family. I have a few questions for you guys, though, especially those of you who show.
1.) I have heard from many Dobe people that it is very unwise to keep two male Dobermans in the house. I have a male Papillon and an intact male Border Collie. The BC is a submissive boy and really sweet and the Papillon is..the exact opposite of the BC. Generally speaking, would you guys say it'd be safe to keep a male Dobe in mind, or would you go strictly with a female? (I like both but honestly would prefer a female this time around, since I do have two boys here and the testosterone is filling up the house.)
Which leads me to my second question..
2.) Generally speaking, do you think a breeder would place a bitch pup with show potential in a home that has not owned a Doberman before?
In the two breeds that I have, breeders seem to be highly reluctant to let go of a bitch with show potential, compared to their enthusiasm to place a show quality dog.I don't know how badly show homes are needed in this breed, I know in other breeds there are breeders spaying and neutering most of their show quality dogs and placing them as pets because there are not enough people out there that want to show them. I am not a greatly experienced show home, never shown before in conformation. I am going to try showing my Border Collie in the breed ring (For experience, he doesn't make the cut as far as breeding material goes, but IF he enjoys it I'd like to finish him or at least get him pointed before I neuter him.) I am also preparing to get involved in AKC Juniors, but it is an iffy idea with my Border Collie who thinks stacking is HELL, and can't be convinced otherwise by yummy treats and fun toys. I would definitely want to do juniors with my Doberman, and try showing in breed. (HAHA, I know, I have been told so many times how insane I am for wanting to try that.) If, for some reason I was having trouble handling the dog to his/her full potential I would definitely hire a reputable professional handler, but I'd want the challenge of owner-handling if I had a shot at getting anywhere with it.
Anywho those were just a couple of things on my mind. Sorry for the long post. I always stretch everything out. :tongue23: Thanks in advance for any input, as soon as I get the "okay" from my family to get involved in the breed I will begin looking for a mentor, but for the time being it'd be nice to know what to expect.
After much contemplation and research, (and a very honest evaluation of my lifestyle and what I want in a dog) I am considering adding a Doberman Pinscher to the family. I have a few questions for you guys, though, especially those of you who show.
1.) I have heard from many Dobe people that it is very unwise to keep two male Dobermans in the house. I have a male Papillon and an intact male Border Collie. The BC is a submissive boy and really sweet and the Papillon is..the exact opposite of the BC. Generally speaking, would you guys say it'd be safe to keep a male Dobe in mind, or would you go strictly with a female? (I like both but honestly would prefer a female this time around, since I do have two boys here and the testosterone is filling up the house.)
Which leads me to my second question..
2.) Generally speaking, do you think a breeder would place a bitch pup with show potential in a home that has not owned a Doberman before?
In the two breeds that I have, breeders seem to be highly reluctant to let go of a bitch with show potential, compared to their enthusiasm to place a show quality dog.I don't know how badly show homes are needed in this breed, I know in other breeds there are breeders spaying and neutering most of their show quality dogs and placing them as pets because there are not enough people out there that want to show them. I am not a greatly experienced show home, never shown before in conformation. I am going to try showing my Border Collie in the breed ring (For experience, he doesn't make the cut as far as breeding material goes, but IF he enjoys it I'd like to finish him or at least get him pointed before I neuter him.) I am also preparing to get involved in AKC Juniors, but it is an iffy idea with my Border Collie who thinks stacking is HELL, and can't be convinced otherwise by yummy treats and fun toys. I would definitely want to do juniors with my Doberman, and try showing in breed. (HAHA, I know, I have been told so many times how insane I am for wanting to try that.) If, for some reason I was having trouble handling the dog to his/her full potential I would definitely hire a reputable professional handler, but I'd want the challenge of owner-handling if I had a shot at getting anywhere with it.
Anywho those were just a couple of things on my mind. Sorry for the long post. I always stretch everything out. :tongue23: Thanks in advance for any input, as soon as I get the "okay" from my family to get involved in the breed I will begin looking for a mentor, but for the time being it'd be nice to know what to expect.