Cost of Doberman

PatrickD32

I have a few questions on Dobermans.

- How much generally is a pure bread?
- What to feed them? Also what is a rough cost monthly for puppy and a fully grown.

Is there much other info on them I should know?

boomerang

Unfortunately they are on the Restricted Breeds List, which means it has to wear a muzzle in public and cannot be allowed off the lead. That'd kinda be a deal breaker for me, I'd hate to do that to such a nice dog.

anniehoo

You will need to know alot more info before you buy to be honest. Buying or acquiring a puppy is a big committment and especially as Boomerang mentioned one from the RB list:
Dobermann history
Choosing a Dobie FAQs-read all associated links
Restricted breed rules
Some nutrition info

Beautiful beautiful breed, but the links posted above are just the tip of the iceberg to what you should know.
Irish Kennel Club to help guide you in the right direction in choosing a breeder

Im sure there'll be more experienced RB owners who will give you a wealth of info.

lrushe

- How much generally is a pure bread?
I wouldn't expect to pay no less than €700 - €850 for a well bred pup from a good breeder. Please make sure you do go to a good breeder who has done health testing as Dobermen can suffer from a variety of hereditary health problems most notably a illness called 'Wobbler Syndrome' as well as a blood clotting disease which can make a simple s/neuter surgery v.risky. The also suffer from more common things like hip dysplasia.
- What to feed them? Also what is a rough cost monthly for puppy and a fully grown.
It's up to you what you feed, there are many different v.good dry foods out there and opinions on each one, you really need to find the one that suits your dog. Or if you were inclined you could feed a raw diet. What diet you decide on will effect how much it will cost to feed the dog.
Is there much other info on them I should know?
More than I could really type out here, it would be worth your while attending a dog show and talking to some Doberman owners.
To sum up quickly though they are an intelligent dog who really thrives when it has a job to do, an hour walk a day doesn't generally meet their mental and physical needs long term, they do great in obedience or agility. They are easily train and this should be done from an early age along with a lot of socialisation or you will run into problems later in life. Also as mentioned they are a restricted breed in Ireland so they should be muzzle and on a short leash when in public.

Hope this helps and best of luck!

Cherry Blossom

These dogs are really so misunderstood that I would only go to a reputable breeder that has made sure both parents have had full health-testing done. I would also only be looking at litters from dogs that have a good history either in the show-ring or with working titles or preferably both. Any responsible person wouldn't breed them without these tbh as it would be very difficult to find homes for them. Basically the breed is one of those in favour with undesirables and I'd be very wary of people promoting their pups as guard dogs as they are likely to be 'rogue' breeders with no thought to selecting dogs of appropriate temprament and health for breeding. Hope to get one some day myself in the long distant future!

There's a thread here with some recommendations for breeders:

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055721409

PatrickD32 wrote: »

I have a few questions on Dobermans.

- How much generally is a pure bread?
Contacting a few reputable breeders will answer this for you, you can just say you are reseaching the breed at the minute with consideration to getting one, they will probably provide you with lots of other useful information

- What to feed them?
The breeder will recommend what they have found has worked for them in the past

Also what is a rough cost monthly for puppy and a fully grown.
Again a breeder will have a good idea of this

Is there much other info on them I should know?

Loads! The questions you have asked should be the last on your list of considerations, not first. I recommend getting yourself a decent book on the breed, you need to consider their temprament and suitability for your family and circumstances, if you can fulfill their massive exercise needs (including a private secure area to exercise them off lead as you can't do it in public!) as a Restricted Breed if you can keep them secure enough (as much for the dogs own safety as anything else) They are a thin skinned, short coated breed so must be kept indoors at night and in cold or wet weather.

And not least as the owner of a restricted breed, you unwittingly become an ambasador for the breed, you will have to put up with not very nice comments from ignorant people, people will cross the road when they see you comming and all sorts of rubbish like that, even if your dog is the calmest, sweetest, people-loving, dog-loving, dope on the planet, would you be willing to put up with all that without letting it bother you too much?

<ETA> I'd be looking for an uncropped, undocked puppy, if for no other reason a dobbie with cropped ears and a docked tail will attract a lot more negative attitudes from people!

cjf

A good dog from a reputable breeder can cost anywhere from €750 up to €1,400!!

For all their bad press and tough guy image they are a very sensitive dog and there is a great deal of care involved in owning one!

They do not tolerate the cold (and hate the rain!!) so they need to be kept indoors. In this cold winter I have even had to put a jacket on my lad when out walking. They will also not live happily as a yard dog as they thrive on being with 'their people' and a happy dobie is an involved dobie. He simply will not be ignored!!

I have never met a more demanding dog in my life! He has energy in spades and even after hours running flat out in the mountain is still ready for more! They are chewers and some can be destructive when left alone as they can suffer from separation anxiety as they are one of the most people orientated dogs I have ever met. They just need to be near you all the time and my chap will butt the phone from my hand or try to sit on my laptop if he feels iv been spending too much time on phone and not enough time on him!

They are highly sensitive and that goes for everything from training to the weather to food. I feed mine Royal Canine he eats 15kgs every month and it costs €65.00 for a 15kg bag. They must be fed a very good diet if you are to maintain a happy healthy dobie. They do have some health related issues and by being vigilant with diet, exercise etc you will make sure they stay fit and healthy. Also bigger the dog bigger the vet bill so insurance for this clumsy dog is a must! He has broken off nails in the snow, tried to jump over barbed wire (an not made it) cut his nose, ate a whole sock which lodged in his belly to name a few of his adventures in his short 2 years!

Training and socialisation is another must. They are natural guarders and this side of them does not need to be encouraged as it is an instinct and if you are his family he would lay down his life for you. They need firm but gentle training. They need to know who is boss but in a kind way and they will not do well with harsh treatment! They are very clever and you need keep them occupied and entertained!!

Hope this helps!! Wouldnt be without my dobie fella but defo not a dog for everyone! If you want a dog who will sit outside the bathroom door crying because he cant see you while you are in the shower then a dobie is for you! He still tries to sit on my lap (at 44 kilos its a bit much!) and he sleeps at the end of my bed!!