Health Tests

Make sure you ask about health tests.  One of the biggest health test claims we see popping up, from breeders and puppy owners, is that the parents are genetically clear of DCM and can not pass it on to the puppies.  This is not the case. The genetic test for DCM just looks at two possible gene mutations and neither DCM1 nor DCM2 gene testing has been proven to mean anything in European bred dogs (Source). The gold standard for DCM heart testing is a 24hr Holter and Echo test and even then that test only means the parent was clear at the time of testing. Sadly (although we keep hoping) there is no definitive test to say that your puppy will not go on to develop DCM.

Behaviour

Leading behaviourists nowadays state that puppies go through marked periods in their development where they can be fearful and how that is handled is very important. Between 8-10 weeks puppies can experience a fearful period and if not handled correctly this can have a negative impact on the rest of their lives. As puppies can’t be imported legally into the country until they are 16 weeks old this is something to be aware of as this could lead to long term behavioural issues. (Source I, Source II)

Cropping

If you have bought a puppy that is cropped (ears cut) then you should be prepared and educated on posting and cleaning the ears as you’ll need to continue to do this once the puppy comes home. Please be aware that cropping and docking (tail cut) is illegal in MOST of Europe.  Countries that have ratified the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals (See the countries that have ratified this convention Click to see the countries that have ratified this convention) have banned cropping and most have also banned docking.  These countries INCLUDE Serbia and Romania where we are seeing a lot of imported cropped puppies originating from.  This means those puppies were cropped illegally, probably by a back yard breeder.  This is something currently being highlighted by mainstream media due to concerns over the number of puppies coming in.  You can see more about this here Dr Scott says dog ear cropping is ‘mutilation’ – and it’s illegal | This Morning (itv.com)

Support For Life

Finally, most good breeders in the UK take their puppies back should there be any issues or changes of circumstances.  This backup lasts for the entire life of your dog. They are also on hand to offer advice should you ever need it as well as being able to give you the background of the dogs they’ve bred and any health issues or quirks.  Sadly most do not come with this backup and are filling up U.K. rescues when things don’t work out.

The biggest problem in Dobermann Rescue.

In rescues you face many problems all the time, most can be overcome but at present there is one that’s getting bigger and bigger. Sadly our breed are becoming increasingly popular again resulting in more being given up but the biggest worry is the surge of unwanted docked and cropped that are been imported by the lorry load.

The trend for the look, that has been fuelled by puppy dealers from mostly puppy mills in Eastern Europe, is shocking. Each week we have more and more of these dogs being given up to rescue because the homes simply can’t cope with change.  Some come directly to us, others from pounds and non-breed rescues with the very unlucky ones bouncing around on Gumtree clocking up more and more behavioural problems until they eventually land with us.

To an outsider, you may wonder why, but to us it’s so clear and easy to see. When only money talks, where the dogs are set up to fail before they even arrive at their new homes – it’s a sad world where money and a look are the only priority.

You go to any good reputable breeder in the UK for a puppy and you will be quizzed on your breed experience, why you even want a Dobermann and what you’re prepared for before they even think about considering you for a puppy… do you think this happens with a puppy dealer?

Anyone gets one as long as they pay!!! Fast forward a few months you’re having issues because….well let’s face it you’ve no idea what this breed is about, the drive, the pushing, the testing you constantly….so who do you turn to? You can’t go to your breeder because you don’t have one and the people who took your thousands of pounds of cash are now nowhere to be seen.

From the moment these puppies are born they are set up to fail!!!! Speak to any reputable breeder and ask them what they do with their puppies and parents? Those first few weeks and are so vital to helping raise a well-rounded dog.

Your puppy will, of course, have its own genetic traits but nurture will also help shape them. When they miss out on the early human socialisation it’s not going to help. Next they leave mum, who they learn so much off,  too early. So you have a group of puppies, not been cared for properly in the way of mental development kept together for up to 4 months then shipped over which is a huge trauma in itself before being handed out to Joe unsuitable who will do nothing but lock him/her in a yard then at 9 months become shocked they are struggling with the dog?? I wonder why???

A high energy, high drive dog that needs mental and physical stimulation as well as boundaries put into place is playing up because they have had none!! Issues in the dogs mostly have some form of aggression, I hate to say that but it’s a sad fact whether they have issues with dogs or humans the underlying fact is its aggression of some form.

A Dobermann at the best of backgrounds and best breeding isn’t for everyone, the breed is amazing, yes but they are hard work. Stop seeing a look and see the bigger picture because until something changes this is going to get worse and worse.

The above I posted over 2 years ago and have seen this get worse and worse. You only need to take a look on the import groups to see. As lockdown has continued and prices of dogs have shot up many breeds have become sought after. So many reputable breeders have been overwhelmed with enquiries where the back yard breeders have doubled make a quick buck as breeding becomes something to quickly line their pockets.

I find it so sad that people are only using tunnel vision in their quest to get a dog without thought to any of the above.

We’ve again year after year seen a massive increase in the cropped and docked Dobermann’s coming our way. We are always happy to take them as we’ve worked with so many that we have a good skill set and understanding of them but that isn’t the point, happy to help them doesn’t mean we are happy to see them in need.

We are only glad they end up with us where they are more likely to have that chance to get what they need and go on to a home that they will thrive in with an owner who has the time, knowledge and passion needed instead of being sold on time and time again as so many are. So many aren’t given the basic boundaries and skills they need to become well-balanced dogs, as from birth to us, they are failed in many, many ways.

The problem has now worsened as so many that are imported are now being used for breeding by back yard breeders without any of the appropriate health tests that your good reputable breeders do.

Puppies going out at extortionate rates to keep up with the supply and demand of the new dog accessory that COVID has created with no breeder back up or care to what home they go to.

All this is leading to the next generation of dumped and damaged dogs. A little more thought all round would hopefully see this trend start to decline.