Picking up our new puppy soon!!!

[Jason_G]

Hello everyone! Jason here from Northern Virginia.

We are super excited that we are going to pick up our Doberman pup, a black and rust girl next week. The breeder is getting the pups' ears done tomorrow (4/28/20) by the vet... and there will be approx. 5 days of healing time, and she will be almost 9 weeks old by the time we picked her up.

There were a total of 10 puppies and only two black and rust females from this litter. We get to pick one from the two, and the breeder is going to keep the other one for themself (very nice and kind of the breeder). However, after the breeder took all the puppies for the vet check-up last week, the breeder had informed us that one of the black and rust female puppies (unfortunately, the one we initially planned to pick) is having "stage-one heartworm". But the vet told the breeder that this is a minor issue and 9 out of 10 puppies will grow out of it by itself, and the vet will recheck the puppy when she is getting the ears done.

Q: Is that even true? Should we pick the other healthy female black and rust puppy instead of the one with the heartworm?? I mean, we are going to take the new puppy for a vet check-up once we bring her home regardless. But just trying to minimize some of the risks down the road.

By the way, this will be our second dog in the house (older brother, a Yorkie), but we are a FIRST-time owner of a Doberman. I know there are A LOTs of stuff and things for us to learn, which I have already done much research online, youtube, and especially this Doberman community, etc.. I've even started reading the "Dr. Becker's Real Foood for Healthy Dogs & Cats: Simple Homemade Food" book, b/c I know one day we will start feeding a raw diet for the Doberman and maybe even the Yorkie.

Q: So when is the best time for a young puppy to start the transition into the raw diet and maybe just introduce the raw meat a little?

I greatly appreciated all the advice, ideas, and information.

Thanks,

Jason

 

[Jason_G]

Additional question for the Doberman experts, is there any method that we could use to select the puppy? Example: Play with both of them together vs. individually? any particular thing to look for?

Thanks,

Jason

 

[Ddski5]

Congrats, I am sure you are excited. I remember the wait for mine, I was going nuts until he was finally home.

Sorry, I can’t answer your questions but I can tell you to get ready and prepared because a Doberman is coming to your house. I had no idea the time, energy and patience that had to be endured. Wouldn’t change anything, anywhere, anyhow, just saying.....you truly will get what you put into her. I am so proud of what mine has become, he is a major accomplishment and because of this, he has become a revered member of our family.

Read this site back to front and then front to back.

Welcome from Louisiana.

 

[LifeofRubie]

I am no expert but... Stage one heartworm on puppies and the vet said 'they would grow out of it?' that sounds bogus?

 

[Jason_G]

Congrats, I am sure you are excited. I remember the wait for mine, I was going nuts until he was finally home.

Sorry, I can’t answer your questions but I can tell you to get ready and prepared because a Doberman is coming to your house. I had no idea the time, energy and patience that had to be endured. Wouldn’t change anything, anywhere, anyhow, just saying.....you truly will get what you put into her. I am so proud of what mine has become, he is a major accomplishment and because of this, he has become a revered member of our family.

Read this site back to front and then front to back.

Welcome from Louisiana.

Thank you!! And trust me, I am counting down day by day now... I have also been watching and learning many dog training techniques and practice them on my boy (Yorkie). I was amazed by how much a treat can do LOL

 

[Jason_G]

I am no expert but... Stage one heartworm on puppies and the vet said 'they would grow out of it?' that sounds bogus?

That's what the vet had told the breeder... so I'm not sure if the vet had provided any treatments at this time or what... regardless... I am a bit concerned about that particular puppy's health situation...

 

[Panama]

Do you mean Heart Murmur?

 

[JanS]

Welcome from Minnesota!

Do you mean Heart Murmur?

That would make a lot more sense since I've never heard of stage one heart worm.

 

[Jason_G]

Do you mean Heart Murmur?

Wow... I think everything just makes sense now... I must be misheard during the conversation on the phone...I was much confused by when the breeder told me the vet used some sort of techniques to listen to the puppy's heart to detect and recheck the issue, etc..

Thank you so much, Panama! I will for sure to double confirm with the breeder again what it is when we arrange the exact pickup date... but what a relief!!!

 

[Ravenbird]

On the heart murmur note, has the breeder done any tests on sire & dam for heart conditions? Are the sire & dam both very young? Longevity in Dobermans is getting so rare, it is now an honor to pass the 10th birthday. There are tests that breeders can do to help (but not guarantee) prove parents do not have DCM, a hereditary heart condition now prevalent in this breed. If the breeder hasn't done the homework and one of the litter is showing an abnormal heart at 8 weeks, I'd personally have to pass on this litter. I wish you the best, not trying to scare you off! You sound like you'd make a great Doberman owner with your intent and honest questions.

 

[Jason_G]

On the heart murmur note, has the breeder done any tests on sire & dam for heart conditions? Are the sire & dam both very young? Longevity in Dobermans is getting so rare, it is now an honor to pass the 10th birthday. There are tests that breeders can do to help (but not guarantee) prove parents do not have DCM, a hereditary heart condition now prevalent in this breed. If the breeder hasn't done the homework and one of the litter is showing an abnormal heart at 8 weeks, I'd personally have to pass on this litter. I wish you the best, not trying to scare you off! You sound like you'd make a great Doberman owner with your intent and honest questions.

So true on the "Longevity", I've heard so many stories about their dobies died at a young age (6-7 years old) caused by their known health problems, but on the other hand, I also heard many many great things about the Doberman too.

And thanks for all the information. I believe this is the dam's second litter, and for a guesstimate... she is about 3-4 years old now. I met both the Sire (Red and rust) and Dam (Black and rust) when visited the puppies (drove 2.5 hours one-way). They both were unleashed and presented with a nice and chill temperament. However, unknow on the tests for the sire and dam heart conditions... or any other genetic issues...

 

[Lizbeli]

Im sure you must be super excited, but I would proceed with caution. This is one breed of dog I wouldn’t get without the parents being health tested. DCM is a scary thing! The fact that a young puppy from the litter already has some sort of heart issue worries me.

 

[GennyB]

If I was bringing any one of the pups from this litter home I would have to have some questions answered first. The first question should be what exactly is the problem with the pup?
First research DCM, very important for any dobe owner. After that research develop a list of questions for the breeder. If she can't answer your questions see if she will allow you to talk to the Vet.

The thing to remember is we still do not know enough about DCM. Testing the parents is great but it only means the dog did not have at the time of the test. It does not mean the dog won't develop it. A much better resource is the pedigree of both sire and dam.You want to look for COD's (cause of death) also look for longevity. The best indication that you are looking at a healthy litter is lots of longevity. Can't get accesses to the pedigrees with COD's...............RUN!
A doberman is a HUGE investment, you don't want to lose them before the pay off.

Found the perfect pup? Now research pet insurance. Trust me.

DCM is a scary thing!

It's more than scary, it's devastating!

 

[KK's kids]

I would consider, assuming you have a good relationship w/your Yorkie's vet, have the breeders give the vet that has been treating the puppy the information to your vet to discuss the condition of the puppy (or at least email all documentation). It may sound complicated but it really isn't. I guarantee it's not the first time they have evaluated pre-transferred pets vet records. A puppy w/heartworms... Ask them if they will give you at least a 30 day health guarantee (w/veterinary records on your part of course). If they say no. Find another puppy!

Another issue that gives me pause, is the breeder having the ears done. Unless you are buying show quality, which the pup nor whatever dog behind it (in one of the pics) is; I say this only because they are "flat on their feet". Dobermans actually stand on their toes. Well (lol) not like a ballerina or anything but if you look at a show Dobe's feet vs a lot of per quality Dobes you will see what I am talking about. I digress, when a breeder has the ears cropped which (at least in my experience) is not common because it's expensive. You will be paying a considerable markup for the crop and you have no idea who preformed the surgury, under what condition, or even if YOUR dog will look the way (I am sure) you are envisioning her. There are A LOT of ... ppl who still practice what was once common... Unfortunately, home cropping still happens. Not that they will do them but you just have no idea... I'd make sure you get vet records for the crop as well.

Just my...maybe 3cents*. All the best to you and all the good will in the world♡♡♡

 

[Jason_G]

If I was bringing any one of the pups from this litter home I would have to have some questions answered first. The first question should be what exactly is the problem with the pup?
First research DCM, very important for any dobe owner. After that research develop a list of questions for the breeder. If she can't answer your questions see if she will allow you to talk to the Vet.

The thing to remember is we still do not know enough about DCM. Testing the parents is great but it only means the dog did not have at the time of the test. It does not mean the dog won't develop it. A much better resource is the pedigree of both sire and dam.You want to look for COD's (cause of death) also look for longevity. The best indication that you are looking at a healthy litter is lots of longevity. Can't get accesses to the pedigrees with COD's...............RUN!
A doberman is a HUGE investment, you don't want to lose them before the pay off.

Found the perfect pup? Now research pet insurance. Trust me.





It's more than scary, it's devastating!

Great points and thank you! As matter of fact, I just did some research on the DCM topic and found a great useful page that has a lot of information in regards to the DCM I would love to share with you all: Doberman Pinscher Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) Simplified | Doberman Planet. Interesting fact, the research found that some DCM cases reported were diet associated (grain-free formula), but most cases still genetically linked DCMs.

Quick thought, is the breeder on the AKC website are more reliable than others?

Anyway, I will put together some of the questions to ask the breeder when I go pick up the puppy next week. Regardless of the answers I received from the breeder, if I decided to bring the girl home, I will have the vet performs the DCM1 and DCM2 genetic testings during the first check-up.

Wish me luck!

 

[GennyB]

Quick thought, is the breeder on the AKC website are more reliable than others?

You would think so but there are a lot of snakes out there. Research ANY breeder you are considering.

I will have the vet performs the DCM1 and DCM2 genetic testings during the first check-up.

You should know that those tests are not a sure thing. The dog could have both markers and not have DCM or a dog could be clear and die of DCM. Like I said, we still don't know enough. But the researchers are learning more all the time.

 

[Panama]

I digress, when a breeder has the ears cropped which (at least in my experience) is not common because it's expensive. You will be paying a considerable markup for the crop and you have no idea who preformed the surgury, under what condition, or even if YOUR dog will look the way (I am sure) you are envisioning her. There are A LOT of ... ppl who still practice what was once common...

I won't place a litter un-cropped and most breeders won't. Cropped and not placed until ears are healed, sutures are out and ear are ready for posting. Anyone that is breeding for the betterment of the breed and concerned about their litter will either have or find a very experienced vet that does a beautiful quality crop not some wonky-ass chop job.

 

[Panama]

Quick thought, is the breeder on the AKC website are more reliable than others?

Not necessarily. If they can register a litter, they can list their litter.

 

[Jason_G]

I would consider, assuming you have a good relationship w/your Yorkie's vet, have the breeders give the vet that has been treating the puppy the information to your vet to discuss the condition of the puppy (or at least email all documentation). It may sound complicated but it really isn't. I guarantee it's not the first time they have evaluated pre-transferred pets vet records. A puppy w/heartworms... Ask them if they will give you at least a 30 day health guarantee (w/veterinary records on your part of course). If they say no. Find another puppy!

Another issue that gives me pause, is the breeder having the ears done. Unless you are buying show quality, which the pup nor whatever dog behind it (in one of the pics) is; I say this only because they are "flat on their feet". Dobermans actually stand on their toes. Well (lol) not like a ballerina or anything but if you look at a show Dobe's feet vs a lot of per quality Dobes you will see what I am talking about. I digress, when a breeder has the ears cropped which (at least in my experience) is not common because it's expensive. You will be paying a considerable markup for the crop and you have no idea who preformed the surgury, under what condition, or even if YOUR dog will look the way (I am sure) you are envisioning her. There are A LOT of ... ppl who still practice what was once common... Unfortunately, home cropping still happens. Not that they will do them but you just have no idea... I'd make sure you get vet records for the crop as well.

Just my...maybe 3cents*. All the best to you and all the good will in the world♡♡♡

*"A puppy w/heartworms... "
Not a heartworm situation...I believe I might have misheard the information from the breeder over the phone, it was actually a "Heart Murmur" where in most cases it will grow out by itself...but it is still a sign of a potential heart problem to me and I will certainly take it as an important factor when selecting the puppy next week...

*Good call on the vet records transferred... I will try to contact the vet and see if there is anything can be arranged before next week

*For the ears, I have asked the breeder to have the ears done for me at his vet clinic (with extra charge, of course) along with 4 other litter mates which were also requested by their future owners. Three reasons that I decided to have the breeder cropped ears for me:

First, the breeder had gone to the vet and experienced with their cropping services before.

Second, it is super difficult for me to find a reliable vet that would do ear croppings in the DMV area, especially during this crazy pandemic time. Trust me, I have made many calls to the high rating vet from Google, and the answers I got were "No".

Third, this is a time-sensitive task as the ear cropping needs to be preform in between 9-12 weeks. A recommended and who is not only willing to crop the ears but also know what they are doing type vet is nearly impossible for me to find with a short amount of time...I don't think I will have 100% confidence for a random vet that simply offers the service but can't guarantee to deliver an excellent end result to crop my puppy's ears.

*On the "flat feet and stand on toes" note, that was the Dam in the background of the picture and I didn't realize that until you pointed it out... so is that mean they are not 100% pure Doberman? OR just not a show quality Doberman?

Again, thanks for all the information and best wishes.

 

[Panama]

I will have the vet performs the DCM1 and DCM2 genetic testings during the first check-up.

I don't think the vet would have the cheek swabs for the DNA testing. There are several labs that do canine genetic testing.
They mail you the swabs, you swab their cheek and send it back in.

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