Selecting the right Doberman breeder is one of the most important steps in acquiring a healthy, stable, and quality specimen of this noble breed. To make an informed decision and avoid potential problems, it’s necessary to pay attention to several key aspects that indicate the seriousness and professionalism of the breeder.
RESULTS AND EXPERIENCE
Show results and competition achievements are one of the first indicators of a kennel’s quality. The Doberman is a multi-talented dog – traditionally trained for protection and police work, but also extremely successful in beauty shows. Check if the breeder has recognitions and titles from domestic and international competitions, which confirms they are actively working to improve the breed according to established standards. If a breeder doesn’t regularly attend dog shows, or doesn’t have dogs competing in working trials or beauty contests, it means they don’t pay attention to high selection processes, don’t invest in their breeding program, and most importantly, they’re likely a puppy mill operator who engages in simple reproduction solely for profit. Every serious breeder has at least two champion dogs they can proudly showcase in their kennel’s history.
Don’t buy dogs from puppy mills – this only encourages irresponsible breeding, poor health within the breed, poor keeping conditions, and profits for irresponsible individuals who see breeding as an easy and quick profit at the expense of your future family members’ quality of life.
The length of time in breeding is also an important factor. Breeders with years of experience usually have a better understanding of genetics, temperament, and potential health problems of the breed. They are excellent connoisseurs of various and numerous dog pedigrees and know how to read a pedigree in a way that provides insight into the dog’s background in the broadest sense (temperament, health status, champion ancestry, relatedness, and inbreeding percentages). They have also developed an “eye” for recognizing quality specimens and effective socialization methods. However, don’t automatically reject new breeders – some of them may bring a fresh, educated approach with mentorship from more experienced colleagues. Check how many years of experience your breeder has in this business.
REGISTRATION AND DOCUMENTATION
FCI or AKC registration is necessary to confirm that the breeder operates in accordance with international standards. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and American Kennel Club (AKC) are respectable organizations that guarantee that dogs are registered according to strict rules. Every serious kennel must have a registration number and work under the supervision of a national kennel club. FCI assigns numbers when registering kennels that also testify to the length of time in the breeding profession. These numbers are assigned chronologically, in order of application and registration of the kennel at the global level. Our registration number (FCI 2393) is a title in itself.
A pedigree is an official document that confirms a dog’s ancestry. A quality breeder will show you the pedigrees of both parents with at least 3-4 generations of ancestors and will be able to explain it to you if you wish. An export pedigree is a special version of this document intended for dogs leaving their country of origin, with additional certifications and often translation into English, which is charged additionally.
HEALTH STATUS AND GENETIC TESTING
Genetic testing is absolutely necessary in modern Doberman breeding. Responsible breeders test their dogs for hereditary diseases characteristic of the breed, such as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), von Willebrand’s disease (vWD), hypothyroidism, and hip dysplasia, and check the dynamic state of the cardiovascular system through Holter ECG testing. Ask to see the results of these tests for both parents of the litter.
BREEDING VOLUME AND QUALITY
The number of litters per year is a direct indicator of the breeder’s commitment to quality rather than quantity. Responsible Doberman breeding requires a huge investment of time, energy, and resources. If a breeder has more than 5-6 litters per year, there is a justified suspicion that this is commercial breeding that prioritizes profit over the welfare of the dogs. Also, pay attention to breeders who own dozens of adult dogs. It’s natural to wonder how much time is needed daily to provide a quality life for one dog in terms of care, training, socialization, and social contact… Responsible breeding involves the help of employees, but it doesn’t mean that employees can replace the work of the breeder themselves. A kennel dog should still be the breeder’s dog, not just a means for work. Quality versus quantity. Think about it. Trust breeders with a smaller number of adult dogs and litters per year.
Puppy care and socialization require daily attention and a structured approach. Doberman puppies should be exposed to different sounds, surfaces, people, and situations from the earliest age. Ask the breeder about their socialization program and the methods they use to ensure that puppies grow into stable and confident dogs.
INVESTMENT IN BREEDING QUALITY
The level of investment a breeder puts into their work is a clear indicator of their commitment to the welfare of the breed. Check the following aspects:
Presentation and competitions: Quality breeders regularly participate in shows and working trials with their dogs. This isn’t just a matter of prestige – continuous exhibition helps breeders get an unbiased assessment of their dogs from expert judges and compare quality with other kennels. And for you, it can be an indicator of willingness to invest rather than just profit.
Selection of breeding partners: Serious breeders choose breeding partners based on complementary characteristics, health results, and genetic lines, not convenience or price. They often travel abroad or use the services of exceptional males from other countries, which involves significant costs for transport, accommodation, and the breeding itself. Stud fees with top specimens can be extremely high (between 500-1000 euros for males with exceptional championship results), but true breeders see this as a necessary investment in the quality of the litter and potential for creating future champions within their breeding program.
Health care: Complete vaccination, regular cleaning of internal and external parasites, as well as microchipping of all puppies before sale are standards that responsible breeders follow without exception. Ask to see health booklets and make sure all necessary procedures have been carried out.
THE IMPORTANCE OF SOCIALIZATION
Socialization is perhaps the most important aspect of Doberman breeding that will affect the quality of life of your future pet. A well-socialized Doberman should be:
- Friendly towards children of all ages
- Able to coexist with other dogs and pets
- Confident in different environments, from urban hustle to natural settings
- Composed when meeting unfamiliar people or situations
Ask the breeder to explain their socialization program in detail and, if possible, visit the kennel to personally see how the puppies behave in their environment.
FINANCIAL ASPECTS AND SECURITY
The payment method should be transparent and secure for both parties. Common practice is to pay a deposit for reservation and the remainder upon picking up the puppy. Caution: be extremely careful with breeders who require full payment in advance, especially if they insist on cash transactions without a written record of payment.
Always check the credibility of the breeder through references from previous customers, online reviews, and, ideally, personal visits to the kennel. Unfortunately, the purebred dog market is susceptible to fraud, especially when communication takes place exclusively over the internet. Request a conversation through a communication platform and use this opportunity to get detailed information about everything that interests you.
COMMUNICATION AND SUPPORT
The quality of communication with the breeder is a reliable indicator of their professionalism and commitment. Responsible breeders will:
- Readily answer all your questions
- Share advice on Doberman health and care
- Provide guidance for socialization and training
- Be available for consultation throughout the dog’s life
Real breeders don’t end their relationship with you after selling you a puppy – they remain an important resource for information and support for all owners of their dogs.
CONCLUSION
Choosing a Doberman breeder is essential for the future of your life with this exceptional dog. By considering the factors mentioned above, you can significantly increase the chances of finding a healthy, temperamentally stable, and quality Doberman that will be an ideal companion for you and your family. A well-informed buyer is the best defense against unscrupulous practices in the world of dog breeding. A well-informed buyer is actually protection for dogs, because through your high selection in choice and purchase, you are simultaneously a protector of your rights to a healthy and quality dog, as well as a protector of the health and reproduction of this noble breed. Only buyers who are fully informed and aware of possible risks, educated about what a healthy and quality dog is, can put an end to unscrupulous dog breeding for quick and ‘easy’ profit.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR PROSPECTIVE DOBERMAN OWNERS
EVALUATING TEMPERAMENT IN PARENT DOGS
When visiting a breeder, always ask to meet the parent dogs, particularly the mother (the father may not always be on-site). The temperament of parent dogs is often a strong indicator of what you can expect from the puppies. Look for confident, balanced behaviors rather than extreme shyness or aggression. The Doberman breed standard calls for a confident, alert, and loyal temperament – not fearful or overly aggressive. Quality breeders will be proud to showcase their adult dogs and their stable temperaments.
UNDERSTANDING THE EUROPEAN VS. AMERICAN DOBERMAN DISTINCTION
Many prospective owners aren’t aware of the significant differences between European (working line) and American (show line) Dobermans. European Dobermans typically have more substantial bone structure, larger heads, thicker necks, and are bred more for working capabilities. American lines often have a more elegant appearance with a lighter frame. Neither is “better” – they simply represent different interpretations of the breed standard, and your choice should align with your lifestyle and expectations. Reputable breeders specialize in one line or the other and can explain these differences in detail.
ONGOING EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Lastly, the most dedicated breeders are continuously educating themselves and participating in breed-specific events, seminars, and organizations. Ask about their involvement with national breed clubs, attendance at breed-specific health seminars, or participation in working trials. Breeders who remain active in the wider Doberman community demonstrate a commitment that extends beyond their own kennel and contributes to the overall improvement of the breed.
By carefully evaluating these additional factors, you’ll be even better equipped to find a Doberman breeder who is committed to excellence in health, temperament, and the preservation of this magnificent breed’s true qualities. Remember that the right breeder becomes not just a source for your puppy, but a valuable lifelong resource and partner in your Doberman journey.
Thank you for your time
Orao Doberman