Wasn't it Roger Penski who made that popular?proper preparation prevents poor performance.
What are your thoughts on finding a mentor?Learn what is important to the breeds longevity. Health testing your dogs and understanding the working Dogs temperament is a must. I may step on some toes here with my opinions but many of the show line breeders have watered down the workability of this breed. I don’t know many show line Dobermans that can do what this breed was originally breed for. Many have just become Golden Retrievers in a Dobermans body. My question to you is Why do you want to become a breeder? What are your goals? Are you looking for your next puppy to compete with in some venue? Do you just want to make money? How will you help better the health of this breed?
If you know a great reputable breeder and are thinking of getting a dog from them, you could always talk with them about co-owning a bitch with the option to breed the dog when it had matured and health testing was finished. This is usually about 3-4 years old for a female. They could probably even help you with finding a suitable stud dog or at least have some suggestions. This would help get you thru the process on your first time. I just feel people who decide to breed are taking on a huge responsibility to the breed to do the right thing.What are your thoughts on finding a mentor?
Seems there might be some real benefit? Or real damage done I suppose?
proper preparation prevents poor performance.
Thanks to all of you for your advice! I appreciate the words.
My opinion: I think some people may be a bit too in love with dogs, honestly - a bit over-zealous. I don't think it's entirely on the breeder to bend over backwards to support their pups once they've been adopted. I also don't think a responsible breeder must take their dogs to shows and clubs and get immersed in the whole Doberman culture of dog worship, or even have their dam and sire be perfect representations of the breed standard.
But I do think a quality breeder follows-up, makes sure to adopt to only good fits, and offers a guarantee on their puppies. A quality breeder will not be afraid to take a loss and they're always honest and up-front and they genuinely care for the dogs.
I disagree about that being something that a "true breeder" must know. I think a breeder can be smart, caring, genuine and trustworthy even if they don't know every single thing about the breed....many so called breeders have no idea what a #8 female is... For me that is a automatic do not buy as I see these types of things as basic knowledge for a true Breeder.
I must admit that I don't have time to answer all the questions on this thread completely. But let me try to answer some of these ones.My question to you is Why do you want to become a breeder? What are your goals? Are you looking for your next puppy to compete with in some venue? Do you just want to make money? How will you help better the health of this breed?
I agree with you absolutely. I think a responsible breeder does all they can to ensure that doesn't happen.I think a responsible breeder doesn't want their dogs that took years of consideration and work and dedication to the breed to end up in a shelter which, to me, would fall under genuinely caring for their dogs. What would be considered bending over backwards, just out of curiosity?
I agree with you absolutely. I think a responsible breeder does all they can to ensure that doesn't happen.
Agreed. Taking a dog back is something I think a good breeder needs to be prepared for prior to selling dogs.Including taken the dog back if they can't be kept, right?