I’m looking for some feedback from Dobermann owners who have dogs from Eastern Europe.
I’m interested in getting a Dobermann and would love to hear your thoughts, particularly regarding which breeders to consider (Serbia, Russia, etc.).
Thanks in advance for any responses, information, or advice!
Translated from French
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Well, it looks like this debate is starting up again...
The Di Alto Bello kennel seems to have a very good reputation.
Others use middle-men, so you have to be careful who you're dealing with; whether it's in France or any other country, puppy trafficking happens everywhere (it always makes me laugh that people imagine only Eastern European countries are capable of dog trafficking... oh, and that the Spanish are automatically monsters because they kill Galgos... meanwhile, we French are supposedly absolute angels. We’re actually number one – for abandoning our pets! 😎 Pure class!) Eastern Europe isn't "just" puppy farms; there are also breeders there who are actually among the most highly regarded Doberman specialists for their breeding lines. Plenty of French breeders have used breeding stock from Eastern Europe...
Language barrier aside, there’s the distance to consider. While you might be able to get help from a translator, it’s still tricky to visit in person. However, a dog lives for over 10 years, so if you have the means to travel to the kennel of your choice, do it without hesitation.
Keep a close eye on the health testing as well. Heart issues should be the priority.
As for docking and cropping... as long as tail docking is done within 8 days of birth, and ear cropping is performed by a vet under general anaesthetic, I don't see what there is to shout about. And for the umpteenth time, regarding dog-to-dog communication, I've never had any issues with cropped or docked dogs.
The only thing that bothers me regarding the tail would be the potential balance issue—it’s logical, as the tail acts as a natural rudder or counterweight for a dog. But then again, I’ve never seen my Dobermans fall flat on their faces; on the other hand, I know some who have actually broken... their tails!
I’m really not a fan of ear cropping or tail docking, but to get a dog from a foreign country where you don’t even speak the language, pay for a flight just to visit the breeder (you shouldn't buy a dog sight unseen if you want any kind of guarantee—you need to see the parents and the facilities), pay the puppy's transport costs, and wait until it's 3 months old to bring it home... all just for the sake of aesthetics...
Why does it have to be Eastern Europe? If there’s a bloodline you like, maybe try contacting some UK breeders who work with those lines. You’ll have far fewer headaches (the language barrier, costs, transport, etc.).
As for the health clearances, there you go.
