Age limit on purchasing a puppy

[Tropicalbri's]

I am curious if breeders have an age limit of a person wanting to purchase a puppy.

Does the age of a person come into play at all in their screening process of placing a Dobermann puppy?
I am curious about this since age has a way of creeping up on us. I know many my age and older are still quite capable of raising a Dobermann from the puppy stage.
Is there a cut off limit or do you find a PC way to decline their request?

 

[LifeofRubie]

My age (26-27 at the time) was apparently a big red flag (assumed I was a hooligan who partied all the time?) when I submitted applications for rescuing but I don't think it's been an issue with purchasing a puppy. I was a whole 29 years old though when I got Rubie so *shrugs*

My first Dobe was in a a local SPCA shelter because she was gifted to an elderly person who couldn't deal with her. She was 7 months old. I would hope that activity level and experience would outweigh age.

Haven't dealt with the other side of it, yet, though!

 

[Tropicalbri's]

Haven't dealt with the other side of it, yet, though!

It will come, just don’t rush it.

I was 25 when I got my first Doberman.
Now I am ‘classified’ as a senior citizen.

 

[Regalis]

I've heard of rescues denying based on age (too young or too old). I'm sure *some* breeders do as well. When we went to pick up Kaizer, the guy actually asked me how old I was as he didn't want to sell to a teen! Imagine his surprise to find out I was 28

I mean, I get it. Kinda. A lot of people in my age range are idiots. Scratch that. A lot of people in ALL age ranges are idiots. I had rescues refusing to let me foster or adopt due to my age and having young kids. "the dog might knock your toddler down" ... Uh yeah, so? Not like my kids are porcelain. and I already had a big dog! Lol.

So yeah, I'd say it is going to be highly variable. A common theme in local rescues is thinking no one is good enough to adopt. I've known so many people who were turned away for the dumbest reasons. I imagine there are breeders like that, too, though likely not quality ones.

 

[Tropicalbri's]

My neighbor across the street is 76 and he still goes kitesurfing, paddle boarding and free diving. He can go a lot deeper free diving than I can!
So this tells me that older age shouldn’t be a denying factor as many of us baby boomers are fighting the age stigma and do workout to stay in great mental and physical condition. Just my opinion, since I am a senior and proud of it. Lol

 

[Regalis]

Age, aside from being a minor or pushing 100, really shouldn't be a factor.

Even young people can randomly die so that excuse always seemed silly to me.

 

[Tropicalbri's]

The twins have caused my hubs to fall quite a few times. They have played Doberman Derby with me too. I have been up close and personal with the ground on a few occasions.

I have learned to NEVER attempt to step out of their way when they are running toward you.
They WILL run you over if you move. If you stand still they will go around with millimeters to spare.

 

[Regalis]

The twins have caused my hubs to fall quite a few times. They have played Doberman Derby with me too. I have been up close and personal with the ground on a few occasions.

I have learned to NEVER attempt to step out of their way when they are running toward you.
They WILL run you over if you move. If you stand still they will go around with millimeters to spare.

Right! I made the mistake of moving the other day. Before I even knew what happened I was on my @ss on the driveway. They're actually way better about being gentle with the kids!

 

[Tropicalbri's]

Right! I made the mistake of moving the other day. Before I even knew what happened I was on my @ss on the driveway.

I feel like I need to carry a red towel and holler Ole when they come at me.

 

[Ingrid H]

My mom experienced some difficulty in purchasing a puppy about 12 years ago when she would have been 60 years old. She was looking for an English cocker spaniel. Not a dog that I consider too difficult for someone of her age to handle... It's not like she was looking for a Doberman or other real working breed.

 

[Tropicalbri's]

she would have been 60 years old.

60 doesn’t seem old or an incapable age to raise a puppy. Course since I am on the South side of 60, I will rally for the 60 and 60+ raising puppies.

 

[DD4MSpock]

60 doesn’t seem old or an incapable age to raise a puppy. Course since I am on the South side of 60, I will rally for the 60 and 60+ raising puppies.

I'll be watching this subject with interest, as I am 60 and hope to get to a point where I can have a dobie myself. I really hope it's not an issue with breeders.

 

[MyBuddy]

If not the breeders, it may even be the owner! I have had many thoughts on what I may do if I lost my good Buddy. Given my age and 3 horses to care for, I admit I am a little hesitant to take on a large dog again. And I will never forget when I got my first Doberman and a few years down the line she was telling me that she will never get another cat. (She had 3 at the time) I was confused as to why and she said, "Because they may outlive me!" Oh. Wow. That thought hadn't crossed my mind! Yet. Now it there a lot. Time will tell.

 

[Tropicalbri's]

Because they may outlive me!"

That is my concern. Of course my birds are in my will to go to a family member that loves birds. They live into their 80’s.
I also have provisions in place for my twins.

 

[Tropicalbri's]

I think I might have the bottom of my foot tattooed with:
EXPIRATION DATE 11/2050

 

[Tropicalbri's]

Maybe @Archer could give her thoughts since she is a breeder.

 

[Gelcoater]

An interesting topic. I will ask mine next time we talk.
IMO I think breeders could work something out?
Perhaps a co-ownership?
I know my breeder has a clause in her contract about the dog only going back to her if I (we) can’t take care of it, for ANY reason. It does not go to a rescue, the pound, your Uncle Joe, etc, only to her! In theory it could go to Uncle Joe, pending the screening any other potential client would.
Given that, I’d have to suspect she’d deal with an older person??
Very interesting topic, there are so many variables and “what if’s” in there.

 

[Ingrid H]

60 doesn’t seem old or an incapable age to raise a puppy. Course since I am on the South side of 60, I will rally for the 60 and 60+ raising puppies.

I totally agree but my mom was turned away by some breeders because they were afraid the dog might outlive her.

 

[Ingrid H]

I'll be watching this subject with interest, as I am 60 and hope to get to a point where I can have a dobie myself. I really hope it's not an issue with breeders.

I think it depends on the person. If you meet with a breeder face to face and seem like an energetic person who can handle an energetic breed, then age might not be an issue.

 

[Tropicalbri's]

I totally agree but my mom was turned away by some breeders because they were afraid the dog might outlive her.

That’s an ominous thought process. Many live well beyond sixties. I understand it to a degree but many things happen to young people as well that could prevent them from completion of a dog’s requirements of life.
I suppose a face to face and documented past experiences with a breed would be a better solution for consideration.
I guess I just hate the thought I could be denied based on my age. Yikes...getting old ain’t easy.