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.
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.
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.
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:
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- Friendly towards children of all ages
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- Able to coexist with other dogs and pets
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- Confident in different environments, from urban hustle to natural settings
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- 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.
At Christian Dobermans, we carefully limit our litters to ensure each puppy receives daily attention, structured socialization, and personalized care.
🍼 Socialization: Our puppies are exposed to a variety of sounds, surfaces, people, and situations from the earliest age, preparing them to be confident, well-adjusted companions.
Check out our Facebook and Instagram Socials for updates on how we raise happy and healthy Dobermans.
COMMUNICATION, SUPPORT & FINANCIAL ASPECTS
The quality of communication with the breeder is a reliable indicator of their professionalism and commitment. Responsible breeders will:
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- Readily answer all your questions
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- Share advice on Doberman health and care
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- Provide guidance for socialization and training
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- 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.
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.
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.
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.
Looking to Reserve a Doberman Soon?
If you’re searching for a healthy, well-socialized, and structured European Doberman puppy, check out our Current Available Litter. Reservations are usually limited.