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Where? – Puppies can be purchased from a variety of sources. In order to get a quality, healthy dog for either pet or show purposes, buying from a REPUTABLE breeder is the only choice. The DPCD is proud to have some of the top Doberman breeders in the country as members of the club. Why? - It is important to understand why you are considering buying a Doberman puppy. Why a Doberman? Why a puppy? (Puppies take lots of time, patience and money!) What are your goals for the dog? (Do you want a loving family pet? Do you want to show the dog in conformation/obedience/agility/tracking events? Do you want to become a breeder?) How much time can you devote to the dog? What? - Responsible breeders carefully study the lineage and characteristics (personality and conformation) of the dam and sire they plan to breed. They study the health background of both dogs and their ancestors. They plan their litter to IMPROVE THE OVERALL QUALITY OF THE BREED. A reputable breeder should make sure that the dogs which are bred will be free of hereditary defects, brucellosis, heartworms, and other parasites. Frequently the dogs will have been x-rayed to determine if there is hip displasia and the dogs may be certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). A blood test for thyroid levels may be run prior to breeding. The dogs will have the correct number of teeth to adhere to the standard. Many breeders will be aware of the history of genetic disease in the ancestry of the dogs and is likely to have researched cardiomyopathy, cervical vertebral instability (CVI or 'Wobblers Syndrome), and Von Willebrand's disease (VWD). The dogs will have a stable temperament, neither overly shy nor overly aggressive. A Doberman may be 'sharp' (alert and protective) without being dangerous. Any Doberman used for breeding should be a good representative of the breed. How? - Most responsible breeders will require a puppy buyer to sign a contract. Some provisions you might expect to see in a typical contract will outline your responsibility as an owner to keep the dog in good health and safe. Breeding rights will typically be stipulated. The breeder will have a lifetime commitment to the puppy, which may take the form of a health guarantee, taking the dog back throughout its life, or offering to help place the dog if the owner becomes unable to care for the dog. Each breeder is an independent kennel and sets his or her own prices, but as a ballpark guideline, expect to pay in the neighborhood of $800-$1300 for a pet quality puppy. Show quality dogs will be more. When? - Puppies will not be able to leave until at least 8-10 weeks of age, frequently not until 10-16 weeks of age. Normally their ears will have been clipped in a tall crop suitable for showing, and will require weekly taping for many months to get them to stand erect (your breeder can help you with taping!). Some puppies will be sold as 'pet' quality and some as 'show' quality. Breeders will typically only have one to two litters a year, so a potential puppy buyer may have to wait several months for the next litter and may have to be put on a waiting list. The decision to buy a puppy should not be made in haste - it pays to be patient and get exactly the right dog! Who? – Click here for contact information for the breeders in the Doberman Pinscher Club of Dallas (DPCD). These individuals may also be members of the Doberman Pinscher Club of America (DPCA) and other affiliated groups. In Summary... – The information listed above differentiates the good breeder from backyard breeder (someone who has casually bred their dog with the next door neighbor's dog without regard for improvement of the breed) and the puppy mill (someone who breeds a bitch or multiple bitches at every opportunity to produce mass quantities of puppies for a money-making activity). Responsible buyers should carefully research the breeder before making a decision to buy a puppy. And if you decide that the Puppy Experience is too much of an undertaking.... - please consider adopting a rescue Doberman. Doberman Rescue of North Texas has many Dobermans that need a good home. These dogs have typically come from a shelter, been saved from euthanasia, have had all the basic vet care done, and now just need love and attention.
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