IS THE DOBERMANN RIGHT FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY?

The Aristocrat of the Dog World

The Dobermann is not for everyone.  They are highly intelligent, fearless, very active, loyal and demanding.

Properly bred and lovingly raised and cared for, the Dobermann, once sufficiently trained, can become your best friend.  However, if any of these factors are missing, a Dobermann can be badly behaved and hard to control, and at worst, very dangerous in the wrong hands.

A Dobermann should never be acquired on impulse because they are trendy, or because they look mean or tough.

If you are planning to buy a Dobermann you should first thoroughly investigate the characteristics, attributes and demands of the breed.  Then have a good hard look at yourself, your personal situation, and your reasons for introducing a Dobermann into your life.

Is the Dobermann my type of dog?

The Dobermann needs lots of exercise.  A long daily walk is generally sufficient.  Always ensure that they are supervised and not running free in the local park or street after dark.

A Dobermann wants to be a part of your family.  They are not the type of dog that is shut outside in a yard forever or even worse, chained to a kennel.

The Dobermann can be very dominant towards other animals, especially towards other dogs and if allowed, also towards people.

Dobermann’s need basic obedience training from an early age (say four to six months).

A Dobermann needs the lifelong companionship of their family as full members.

So are you suited to a Dobermann?

Ask yourself these questions…

• Am I prepared to spend time training, guiding and caring for my dog throughout its life?  This could be anything up to 15 years.
• Am I prepared to spend time every day with my Dobermann to satisfy its personal need for bonding and companionship?
• Am I prepared to seek out a reputable breeder and pay a fair price for a good puppy?    Remember that a cheapie out of a newspaper could end up an expensive and upsetting mistake.
• Am I prepared to pay the price for good food, adequate shelter, and all necessary veterinary attention for my dog for its entire lifespan?
• Can I guarantee a safe home environment (fully fenced yard, clean water changed daily, and an absence of threats, such as poisons etc) throughout its life?
• Can I guarantee that I will be able to meet all the above requirements throughout the life of my Dobermann?

If your answers to all of these points is yes, then what next?

How to buy a Dobermann – The Do’s and Don’ts

DO’s

• Do make sure you deal only with reputable breeders in you area.  A list of these can be obtained either from the Canine Association of Western Australia or the Dobermann Club of Western Australia.
• Do be aware that quality does not come cheap – remember you rarely get a Mercedes at a Volkswagen price.
• Do be prepared to wait if nothing is immediately available, rather than rush in buying now and regretting later.
• Do take notice of what you are told by the breeder and never hesitate to ask for help or follow-up advice.  Reputable breeders are more than happy to help in these ways.
• Do let the breeder know if you have plans to show, or more importantly, to breed, so that they can advise you accordingly.  Don’t say you only want a pet and then later decide to breed, as your dog might not be suitable.

DON’Ts

• Don’t buy from back yard breeders even if the puppies look cute and the prices seem cheap, because;
• The breeder will not be there when you need them (if the puppy has to be replaced, for instance).
• Their breeding stock is almost certainly unproven and inferior to that of genuine breeders.
• They only care about getting your money and getting the puppies out of their yard!
• Don’t buy a puppy as a pet if you have any thoughts of breeding or showing that animal in the future.  Tell the breeder your true intentions so that he or she can properly meet your needs.
• Do not expect to make any money from breeding, even if you buy the best possible puppy available.  Any genuine breeder will tell you that the costs and heartaches far outweigh the dollars if you do the job properly.
• Don’t forget to join the Dobermann Club of Western Australia, once you have taken the plunge and become owned by a Dobermann.  Any reputable breeder will be able to give you these forms.

A FEW EXTRA TIPS

No reputable breeder will mind you asking questions about their achievements as breeders and exhibitors and how this all relates to the puppy you might be considering.

Be sure to see the vaccination certificates, certified pedigrees and proper registration papers.  If you do not already know how, ask to join the Canine Association of Western Australia (CAWA).

And, after all this, if you buy a Dobermann, it is always wise to take the puppy as soon as possible to your vet for a check up.

If you do run into difficulties, consult the breeder immediately, and you should receive advice on what to do next and how to solve the problem.