Service Dog Breeder Help

[MystyMoo]

Hi! I need help trying to find good breeders to get a service dog Doberman. It's hard to narrow them down, and while I have seen a few, I'd like also some suggestions. I need one close to PA, and it can't be too far out from here. I am willing to go to a few states next to PA. I don't mind rescues as well, but I'm looking at a puppy to raise alongside two cats I have.
Any help is appreciated. I need a good one that will do a lot of health testing.
I'm also new to owning any dogs; I am doing research, but any advice there will be helpful. I want to make sure I can provide the best for my new service dog.

 

[JanS]

Check out this thread. Balance and stability service Doberman

I'm also new to owning any dogs

If you've never own a dog of any kind before, a Doberman might be a handful for you.

 

[MystyMoo]

Check out this thread. Balance and stability service Doberman


If you've never own a dog of any kind before, a Doberman might be a handful for you.

I see, I mainly looked at the breed because they're said to be good for mobility support, with few health issues. And thank you for the thread^^

 

[Ravenbird]

I mainly looked at the breed because they're said to be good for mobility support, with few health issues.

"few health issues" is not exactly true... I'm afraid they have many health issues, DCM and cancer at the top of the list.

 

[MystyMoo]

Oh, I haven't found much information on that. When looking at breeds that are good for mobility, many places stated how they were generally healthy compared to other breeds.

 

[Rits]

The other thing to consider for choosing a service dog breed is that dobermans are the only breed whose specific purpose is to protect man. If you were to fall and need medical assistance and weren't able to speak to give command, will your doberman allow anyone to come near?

It really takes a unicorn of a doberman to be a good service dog candidate, that's why I personally don't advise one seeking this breed specifically to be a SD. Are you prepared to spend 2-3 years training or pay for training and then possibly have the dog wash and become a pet?

 

[MystyMoo]

The other thing to consider for choosing a service dog breed is that dobermans are the only breed whose specific purpose is to protect man. If you were to fall and need medical assistance and weren't able to speak to give command, will your doberman allow anyone to come near?

It really takes a unicorn of a doberman to be a good service dog candidate, that's why I personally don't advise one seeking this breed specifically to be a SD. Are you prepared to spend 2-3 years training or pay for training and then possibly have the dog wash and become a pet?

Ah, unfortunately for my disability that wouldn't be possible. I also haven't found any organizations so far, that is affordable, that would help with training or accept a Doberman. The research I've been finding can give mixed results, so I've been unsure. But it's nice to hear the recommendations from people here! This information is helpful.

 

[Ravenbird]

There are certainly Dobermans who would be perfect for you, but they are few and far between. As @Rits pointed out, many of them are wary of strangers, especially when circumstances/excitement ensues. They are extremely smart and capable of just about any task you can teach, and once bonded to you nothing can pry them away. But they can be emotional and protective and just by sight some people are afraid of them. So there's that. Here's a good overview that may be helpful - I hope you find what you need, no matter what the breed!

Selecting a Service Dog Candidate - ELLAS Animals INC

When selecting a service dog candidate, consider breed characteristics, individual temperament, and required tasks to mitigate your disability.

ellasanimals.org

 

[T-bone]

https://lillysdobermans.com/

They're in Illinois, but look at the website. It states service dogs.