North East Breeders

[The Hux]

Hey folks! Looking for recommendations on reputable and active east coast breeders, near SE PA. Most of the folks I’ve tried to contact seem to be out of business or not having litters for a year or more.

Looking for a black male, health and temperament are a top priority. I have 2 medium dogs (corgi and terrier mix, both female) and a 9lb demon in a cat costume who runs the house. One of the dogs is getting pretty senior and I’d like to get a pup to integrate into the existing group. Have owned Dobes previously, have a massive fenced in back yard plus 100+ acres of property, full time WFH…it’s a pretty sweet gig for the right dog.

Any leads are deeply appreciated!

 

[JanS]

Welcome from Minnesota!

I'm not familiar with breeders in that area but I do know a couple transport people who will deliver anywhere within the US, if you want to broaden your search.

 

[BGpa]

Welcome @The Hux Sounds like a sweet deal indeed! The better breeders will interview you, and having a fence is pretty typical as a requirement.

I guess you know you can go to both DPCA and UDC websites for breeder references...?
Have you been attempting contact with those closest? Both places have "questions to ask breeders" that help you and the breeders you talk to get a good idea of what you might be looking for in the dobe. Sounds like a mellow male is best fit for senior or small dogs and a cat.

I understand from reading here and another web forum that those best breeders tend to be booked up, and slow to reply some times of the year when shows or regional trials are going on. So dont be afraid to be politely persistent to break thru the inquiries by casual lookie loos and tire kickers. And @JanS says, if you can travel aways thats pretty typical for those looking for a well bred proven health/temperament/looks and trainability proven by health tests and titles on the parents.

Are you wanting to train from a puppy, or would you be open to a "performance pet"?

From what I've read this seems to be the term for a well-bred pedigreed dog that maybe just didnt make the cut for the breeders line goals...in conformation...

Or maybe a young male that has "finished" but isn't going to be bred, and may be eligible to go to the right home...more makes than females it seems, in excess.

One last idea- if you have the time: go to a regional show or trial put on by the closest DPCA chapter or working line club...just watch and network, good to check out dogs and breeders that way.

And I'd be interested in comments as to likely availability per the customary experience of those reading and commenting here: particularly breeders.

What I read between the lines is if you keep asking the right questions demonstrating your own experience and homework here or other webforums, that then you may get an offer.

Also from what I read, be wary of AKC Marketplace. There is no special quality cut or inspection done to validate the advertisers other than the patents have a pedigree.

If you are on a timeline...

There are always dobes in breed or all breed rescues...DPCA has a list on website, and there were a bunch in OH rescued not long ago, farmed out to various shelters in the Toledo area.

I've had a bunch of rescues over the years, couple heart dogs, but its a crapshoot...esp on big strong dogs, so to avoid baggage thats more work/risk than raising a pup,

Imho its best is foster a month or so (with right of rehome to shelter)
to get past "guest dog phase" to see what you got and is it a fit.

"Life is like a box of chocolates" thats me on dogs in past...

 

[The Hux]

I’ve contacted quite a few breeders from DPCA and I’m approved with both of my regional Doberman rescues. My fence is serious and I’m fine to put an invisible in as well.

I’d be quite open to a performance pet, I’m a dressage rider, so I suspect being an owner at a show would suit me just fine. “Finished” male honestly sounds like an ideal situation for me, but as you say, it will take some time.

Love the suggestion to actually go to some breed shows, I’ll be doing some additional follow up there as well.

Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[BGpa]

I’ve contacted quite a few breeders from DPCA and I’m approved with both of my regional Doberman rescues. My fence is serious and I’m fine to put an invisible in as well.

I’d be quite open to a performance pet, I’m a dressage rider, so I suspect being an owner at a show would suit me just fine. “Finished” male honestly sounds like an ideal situation for me, but as you say, it will take some time.

Love the suggestion to actually go to some breed shows, I’ll be doing some additional follow up there as well.

Thanks for the suggestions!

You're welcome!
Good work! Something will turn up, I'm sure as you sound like a great candidate.
There are some horse folk here too.
Keep us posted and good luck!

 

[Rits]

Love the suggestion to actually go to some breed shows, I’ll be doing some additional follow up there as well.

Check infodog to look for shows in your area. Then sort by "type" and look for AB shows (all breed). Once the show closes, usually a week from the show date, check the "JDG PROG" PDF to see what time dobermans will be and what ring. I would wait until after dobermans are done showing to try to talk to a breeder, and/or reach out to the breeder prior. If you get a copy of the catalog, you can find the armband number of a dog you might like that is showing and see who bred the dog and who owns the dog listed, plus other info.

 

[The Hux]

Thank you!! Obv I’m new to this whole community, really appreciate it. I also heard back from my top pick breeder so

 

[Ravenbird]

I know Vom Koby Haus is in NY and they breed for working and sports, I've only heard excellent things about them and one of their most well known sires is my dogs grandsire. I just saw this post yesterday on their fb page - a service dog (rare in this breed) that the owner posted a video of clips of flying to and going many places in Europe. If you're on fb, just use the "search fb" box to type in the owners name for her page or go to the v.KH page - both listed as shown in this screenshot. Any Doberman with such a stable temperament is A+ in my opinion, and although I don't know the pedigree of this particular dog, knowing that vKH is known for active working sports dogs, a good temperament behind that means these dogs make great companions no matter what you train! I don't think they have puppies available very often, but check out their (outdated) website vomkobyhaus.com and their fb page.