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[lashelle]

Hello everyone I am another Michigander ! I need to learn all the reasons not to get a Doberman, I want one for my next breed of dog.
I was referred here by a member of Doberman Digest. I have a certain look I like but, I know I shouldn't base my decision on Looks and Health cert only. Any suggestion ?

[Vadim]

Hi Lashelle,

Welcome to the forum. We would love to help if we can.

What are your plans for the dog you hope to get?

Working Dobermanns need a job or else they come up with one of their own and you may not agree with their pursuits.

They can be a challenge in the home while young , but if you provide the exercise and stimulation they require most will eventually settle in as wonderful companion.

[lashelle]

obedience, agility, pet. I have never see a schutzhund trial before so I don't know if that something I might be willing to try or not. Explain your idea of a job?

[Vadim]

Lashelle,

You do not necessarily need a Dobermann from working lines for OB, Agility, Pet.

However if you regularly do agility it should be enough exercise and stimulation for most dogs.

Personally my idea of a job is the job Dobermann's were intended to do. Personal Protection, Security and Protections sports like Schutz, Ring, PSA and SDA

[Kara]

get a dobermann.

[lashelle]

What is PSA and SDA? So you wouldn't consider obedience work ? What about search and rescue? Where would I find Schutzhund trials or competitions in Michigan? What if I like the "look of Euro Dobermann vs American? How do I determine if bloodlines are going to be too much of a dobe for me? I have a pretty passive personality , this is a major concern for me. I have golden retrievers at the present time .

[rosamburg]

The main reasons "not to get a Dobermann" are the health issues that plague our breed. The most serious of these is Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) which kills close to 50% of Dobermanns, as well as cancer, thyroid issues, liver issues, Von Willebrands Disease (VwD).

As far as a dog bred for protection work, such as a Dobermann, I would not consider obedience real work. In terms of the look, you have to know that most working line Dobermanns from Europe do not look like the show lines from there. In terms of determining if the bloodlines are going to be too much dog, this is where a good relationship with the breeder comes in. Most hardcore working people would prefer a harder dog, where if you are a very passive person then a more handler sensitive dog might be in order. A North American line dog tends to be softer and more sensitive but usually are not much good for protection sports, especially when a lot of pressure is put on the dog.

[lashelle]

Unfortunely I am very familar with Cardiomyopathy. I have my first daughter died at the age of five after having the flu attack her heart muscles after two days of being sick. I know that it can be treated in humans with a heart transplant only. I value your opinion I know I have seen your user name on other doberman sites. There are three kennels that I like in the United States with working lines and I would like you opinion if you know of them. There are as follows Kansa/Kansas City, European Legacy/ Az. and one other in Canada I have to look the name up agiain and get back to you.

[lashelle]

The other two kennels are in Canada they are as follows: Hadden Hall, and Monaco Doberman. So if you know of these kennels are some of the bloodline along with the few that are mention above by give any input.

[Florin NICULESCU]

very good choice for you, Monaco Dobermann very best blood imported from Europe.
Florin Niculescu
www.bodyguardk9.com

[sonterra]

Feb 10, 2010 8:25:05 GMT -5 lashelle said:

The other two kennels are in Canada they are as follows: Hadden Hall, and Monaco Doberman. So if you know of these kennels are some of the bloodline along with the few that are mention above by give any input.

Hi,

Very sorry to hear about your daughter, that is heartbreaking!

Those are show kennels, which may be fine for what you are looking for.

I do not neccessarily agree that a very good working dog needs to be a hard dog, in fact I prefer a handler soft dog myself. However as the bulk of the "working" dobes are bred for schutzhund training this does tend to be the norm.

I would recommend you get a female, because a male will push you, regardless of show or working bred.

Tamara McIntosh

[Florin NICULESCU]

There is only one type of Europeans Dobermann it must have good conformation and be working ....... the other words are only the POLITIKAL . ....
Florin Niculescu
www.bodyguardk9.com

[lashelle]

Thank you all for the reply. Question for Tamara are you talking about the kennels in Canada or all the one I mention? I definitely will be getting a female when I choose to .

[sonterra]

Feb 11, 2010 14:57:45 GMT -5 lashelle said:

Thank you all for the reply. Question for Tamara are you talking about the kennels in Canada or all the one I mention? I definitely will be getting a female when I choose to .

Hi,

I have never heard of European Legacy/ Az, but all the others are show kennels.

Tamara McIntosh

[Florin NICULESCU]

after 35 years breeding. die of laugh ;D ;D ;D, when we see so much knowledge working lines show line
Florin Niculescu
www.bodyguardk9.com