QUESTIONS TO ASK BREEDERS
adapted from DOG WORLD © 1997
There is a vast difference between dedicated, ethical breeders and those who breed two Dobermans just to get puppies. Good breeders will have more questions of you than you will of them; however, good, conscientious, caring breeders should welcome the following questions. Pose them conversationally, though, so as not to sound confrontational. A reputable breeder will stand behind his or her puppies for their lifetimes and will be deeply concerned about placing them in appropriate "forever" homes.
1.How long have you been involved with this breed? Can you provide me with references?
2.What are your goals in breeding? Why did you decide to breed these two dogs at this time?
3.Do you work or show your dogs? Have they earned any titles or been evaluated in their ability to perform traditional and non-traditional activities? Are your dogs involved with agility, tracking, obedience or therapy work? Do they have Canine Good Citizen certification? What other titles/certifications have they earned?
4.Will the litter be evaluated for conformation and temperament testing by an expert in these areas?
How long have you been involved with this breed? Can you provide me with references?
2.What are your goals in breeding? Why did you decide to breed these two dogs at this time?
3.Do you work or show your dogs? Have they earned any titles or been evaluated in their ability to perform traditional and non-traditional activities? Are your dogs involved with agility, tracking, obedience or therapy work? Do they have Canine Good Citizen certification? What other titles/certifications have they earned?
4.Will the litter be evaluated for conformation and temperament testing by an expert in these areas?
5.Do you breed your dogs to the Doberman Pinscher Club of America (DPCA) standard? Do you register all your puppies with the American Kennel Club?
6.Will the puppy be DNA-profiled or the litter DNA-parent-verified?
7.Have the parents passed an OFA evaluation and other breed specific health test evaluations? At what ages?
8.Do you have a breeder/purchaser contract? What is covered in this contract (health, spay/neuter, breeding, state laws)? Do you sell on Limited Registration?
9.Do you have a signed code of ethics by your parent club?
10.Can I see the parent dogs' papers, pedigrees, titles, certificates and all contracts before I purchase a puppy?
11.Can I physically see the parents or receive photos? Can you tell me about the litter's ancestors and siblings?
12.Do you take back or provide rescue for any or all puppies you sell? Is there an age limit?
13.How do you decide which puppy goes to which home?
14.What long-term contact do you maintain with owners of puppies you have bred?
15.What support do you provide for a new owner? What do I need to know when I bring my puppy home (food, crate, vaccinations)?
16.What are the positive and negative aspects of owning a Doberman?
17. What questions do you have of me?
This is by no means an all inclusive list. Each potential Doberman buyer will have specific needs/requests and will be searching for a Doberman pup that will best fit his/her home environment.
