What Does A Doberman Cost?
When making a purchase, cost is always a big consideration, though it shouldn't ever be the sole deciding factor when choosing a lifetime friend and companion. No matter what the consideration when looking at buying a puppy, it is pretty safe to say that everyone wants a QUALITY companion. Just like buying a car, or a TV, you want the person creating that product to be responsible and ethical about it and follow certain standards. And the same goes for a purebred puppy, everybody wants the best that their money can buy! So why would you give on that hard earned cash on a breeder who does not care to know how to make the best pet for you and your family? Buying a puppy can be confusing and intimidating, which is why it is so important to be patient, take the time to do your research, plan and choose wisely!
That said, well-bred puppies are not cheap. A well-bred Doberman from a reputable breeder will usually cost around $3,000. Some breeders may even charge more show or performance graded puppies, or puppies from highly valued pedigrees. Yes, to some this can be considered expensive, but believe me when I say those puppies are not cheap for that breeder to create and raise as well. And remember, this is just an initial cost of a puppy. Like any living being, they also have a lot of needs that are costly over time. Things such as food, toys, clothing, housing (crates and pens/yards), training, occasional boarding, vet care, vaccinations (don’t forget those expensive emergencies!), and dental bills. You might want to consider opening a savings account, or invest in pet insurance to help with some of those expenses.
But I just want a pet - I don’t want some fancy show dog!
Remember, there is a big difference between ‘Just a Pet’ and a ‘QUALITY Pet’… just because you just want a pet, does not mean you or your pet deserve any less car and attention when it some to them being brought in to this world and being given the best start in life. In reality, there are pet and show dogs in every QUALITY-bred litter! As a matter of fact, there are often more pet puppies than show puppies. That is probably the most significance difference in a breeder that breeds for ‘just pets’ versus one who carefully plans and breeds – one wants to offer the best for everyone, the other dismisses the importance of quality as they’re breeding ‘just pets’. Disposable, like all ‘cheap’ things.
Often, puppies can be found for under $1,000. It is wise to use extra caution when you are looking and not be tempted to go for the lowest dollar value. Just like buying a used car or other object, beware of anyone selling a purebred puppy at a bargain basement price! It’s a pretty safe bet you are going to end up paying more in the long run, be it in medical costs, a shortened lifespan, training and temperament issues and a ton of frustration and heartache. It’s a pretty safe bet you will be dealing with a BYB (back yard breeder) who does not place a priority on breeding a quality dog. They don’t look for longevity, or screen for health problems, or make temperament a priority. And all of those things are extremely important for Dobermans – especially if you plan on living with one as a happy family companion for many years to come.
Quality bred puppies are expensive and labor intensive to make! Breeders also invest a great deal of time, effort and planning to raise a litter. Some of the costs with breeding and whelping a healthy, well-rounded Doberman puppy are listed here:
Remember: Reputable breeders carefully plan of their litters and do not always have puppies available, so it is important to plan ahead when finding a puppy and get on the wait list of the breeder of your choice.
When you visit a breeder ask questions and expect honest answers. Have them show you proof of health testing! Don’t just assume they’re telling you the truth, have them show you the paperwork. Also, be prepared to be interviewed yourself. Good breeders will ask you questions! They want their dogs to go to lifetime homes and not have to experience being re-homed. Don’t be offended if they ask you lots of questions, this is a sign that the breeder truly cares about their dogs.
I can’t (or don’t want to) afford that!
We know there are great homes out there, who for a variety of good reasons may not be able to choose to afford the expense of a well-bred, purebred puppy. It is to those folks that I strongly encourage to consider a rescue. Contact local breed clubs to find out more about that, as they are the ones usually heading up the charge to find abandoned dogs homes.
Sometimes, one might find a breeder who has a retired champion or adult to re-home due to difficult family situations as well, however those situations are quite rare.
If you really love the breed, please DON’T…
PLEASE… Don’t buy from pet stores, puppy mills or back yard breeders. They are banking on your impulse and kind nature, they want you feeling sorry for those little faces when you see them; in your mind you will want to ‘rescue’ them from what you believe is a miserable life! In reality, your purchase does nothing but support that BYB or puppy mill, and allow them to use that mother again and again to make more puppies who will suffer the same fate. Yes, it is incredibly hard to walk away… but if you don’t you are only supporting the misery of more puppies just like the one you are looking at!
Remember, these ‘breeders’ don’t care about ethical breeding, even thought they might act like it. They are salesmen, pure and simple, their concern is not the quality or integrity of their product. They only want to tap your wallet and get on to the next sale. Save yourself the heartbreak of having a pet you love get sick and die, or live in pain and suffering, or having to struggle and live in misery with a bad temperament or advanced training issues. Also, these ‘breeders’ probably won’t give you any after sale support (even if they say they will, remember the old adage ‘Tail light warranty'). You should be able to contact your breeder in the future if you have a question or concern with your Doberman.
PLEASE… Don’t pay for a white Doberman, or a Doberman advertised as a ‘rare color’. Also, don’t pay for “King” or “Warlock” Dobermans, or dogs that are bred to be larger in size. Dobermans should follow the standard for the breed which exists not only for looks but for optimal health. If you want a big dog maybe get a Great Dane instead, but save yourself the heartache of additional health problems of significant injuries from a dog that was poorly bred away from its purpose. Also, please do not buy litter mates, or two males to live in a home together. Same sex aggression is real! No amount of training will stop it. Neutering is not effective either. No responsible breeder will sell litter mates, or two males in to a home together. Choose responsibly!
Always Remember...
"The DOBERMAN PINSCHER is a Square, Compact, Medium size dog of Balanced Proportions, Noble in its carriage, Courageous by nature, keenly Intelligent and SOUND of Mind, Body and Joints" – Bill Garnett
When making a purchase, cost is always a big consideration, though it shouldn't ever be the sole deciding factor when choosing a lifetime friend and companion. No matter what the consideration when looking at buying a puppy, it is pretty safe to say that everyone wants a QUALITY companion. Just like buying a car, or a TV, you want the person creating that product to be responsible and ethical about it and follow certain standards. And the same goes for a purebred puppy, everybody wants the best that their money can buy! So why would you give on that hard earned cash on a breeder who does not care to know how to make the best pet for you and your family? Buying a puppy can be confusing and intimidating, which is why it is so important to be patient, take the time to do your research, plan and choose wisely!
That said, well-bred puppies are not cheap. A well-bred Doberman from a reputable breeder will usually cost around $3,000. Some breeders may even charge more show or performance graded puppies, or puppies from highly valued pedigrees. Yes, to some this can be considered expensive, but believe me when I say those puppies are not cheap for that breeder to create and raise as well. And remember, this is just an initial cost of a puppy. Like any living being, they also have a lot of needs that are costly over time. Things such as food, toys, clothing, housing (crates and pens/yards), training, occasional boarding, vet care, vaccinations (don’t forget those expensive emergencies!), and dental bills. You might want to consider opening a savings account, or invest in pet insurance to help with some of those expenses.
But I just want a pet - I don’t want some fancy show dog!
Remember, there is a big difference between ‘Just a Pet’ and a ‘QUALITY Pet’… just because you just want a pet, does not mean you or your pet deserve any less car and attention when it some to them being brought in to this world and being given the best start in life. In reality, there are pet and show dogs in every QUALITY-bred litter! As a matter of fact, there are often more pet puppies than show puppies. That is probably the most significance difference in a breeder that breeds for ‘just pets’ versus one who carefully plans and breeds – one wants to offer the best for everyone, the other dismisses the importance of quality as they’re breeding ‘just pets’. Disposable, like all ‘cheap’ things.
Often, puppies can be found for under $1,000. It is wise to use extra caution when you are looking and not be tempted to go for the lowest dollar value. Just like buying a used car or other object, beware of anyone selling a purebred puppy at a bargain basement price! It’s a pretty safe bet you are going to end up paying more in the long run, be it in medical costs, a shortened lifespan, training and temperament issues and a ton of frustration and heartache. It’s a pretty safe bet you will be dealing with a BYB (back yard breeder) who does not place a priority on breeding a quality dog. They don’t look for longevity, or screen for health problems, or make temperament a priority. And all of those things are extremely important for Dobermans – especially if you plan on living with one as a happy family companion for many years to come.
Quality bred puppies are expensive and labor intensive to make! Breeders also invest a great deal of time, effort and planning to raise a litter. Some of the costs with breeding and whelping a healthy, well-rounded Doberman puppy are listed here:
- Health testing of the dam before she is bred. At minimum this should include: vWD, OFA Hips, thyroid testing, and heart testing (either a 24 Hour Holter monitor, or an echocardiogram). (Note: If a breeder is using their own stud dog, they should have the same testing for the dog, they should also expect the same testing from a dog they use that is owned by another breeder or individual.)
- Ultrasounds and pregnancy wellness exams for the mother.
- Stud fees for a dog from another breeder's program. Rarely is the best dog for the girl available in the breeders own house!
- Sometimes the mother may need a c-section to deliver the puppies, which is a pricey procedure. If it needs to be done after hours (emergency) it just becomes even more expensive!
- Whelping supplies, whelping box and pen for puppies
- Ear cropping, tail docking and dew claw removal – reputable breeders will always have puppy ears and tails done before puppy goes home. They will take the time and care to ensure post-surgical aftercare is done correctly and puppies are ready to go home in their first ear taping.
- Puppy vaccinations, deworming and veterinary wellness exams and care
- Feeding and housing (extra laundry, cleaning products, heat and power)
- Registering the Doberman with the CKC (Canadian Kennel Club - NOT the Continental Kennel Club). *note: In Canada, it is the law that anyone who sells a ‘purebred’ puppy must provide CKC registration for that puppy – at no cost to the owner.
- Champion Parents - While 'champion bloodlines' are a positive indicator, it is also very important to see is champion bloodlines WITH championed parents AND more champions that not in the pedigree.
- Puppy kits for new owners and puppy to go home with (registration and pedigrees, health records, care information and instructions, and other goodies)
- Many breeders also take time out from their full-time jobs to whelp and raise puppies as well and incur a loss of income there.
- Time and effort screening potential homes, and them supporting those homes for the duration of the puppy’s life.
Remember: Reputable breeders carefully plan of their litters and do not always have puppies available, so it is important to plan ahead when finding a puppy and get on the wait list of the breeder of your choice.
When you visit a breeder ask questions and expect honest answers. Have them show you proof of health testing! Don’t just assume they’re telling you the truth, have them show you the paperwork. Also, be prepared to be interviewed yourself. Good breeders will ask you questions! They want their dogs to go to lifetime homes and not have to experience being re-homed. Don’t be offended if they ask you lots of questions, this is a sign that the breeder truly cares about their dogs.
I can’t (or don’t want to) afford that!
We know there are great homes out there, who for a variety of good reasons may not be able to choose to afford the expense of a well-bred, purebred puppy. It is to those folks that I strongly encourage to consider a rescue. Contact local breed clubs to find out more about that, as they are the ones usually heading up the charge to find abandoned dogs homes.
Sometimes, one might find a breeder who has a retired champion or adult to re-home due to difficult family situations as well, however those situations are quite rare.
If you really love the breed, please DON’T…
PLEASE… Don’t buy from pet stores, puppy mills or back yard breeders. They are banking on your impulse and kind nature, they want you feeling sorry for those little faces when you see them; in your mind you will want to ‘rescue’ them from what you believe is a miserable life! In reality, your purchase does nothing but support that BYB or puppy mill, and allow them to use that mother again and again to make more puppies who will suffer the same fate. Yes, it is incredibly hard to walk away… but if you don’t you are only supporting the misery of more puppies just like the one you are looking at!
Remember, these ‘breeders’ don’t care about ethical breeding, even thought they might act like it. They are salesmen, pure and simple, their concern is not the quality or integrity of their product. They only want to tap your wallet and get on to the next sale. Save yourself the heartbreak of having a pet you love get sick and die, or live in pain and suffering, or having to struggle and live in misery with a bad temperament or advanced training issues. Also, these ‘breeders’ probably won’t give you any after sale support (even if they say they will, remember the old adage ‘Tail light warranty'). You should be able to contact your breeder in the future if you have a question or concern with your Doberman.
PLEASE… Don’t pay for a white Doberman, or a Doberman advertised as a ‘rare color’. Also, don’t pay for “King” or “Warlock” Dobermans, or dogs that are bred to be larger in size. Dobermans should follow the standard for the breed which exists not only for looks but for optimal health. If you want a big dog maybe get a Great Dane instead, but save yourself the heartache of additional health problems of significant injuries from a dog that was poorly bred away from its purpose. Also, please do not buy litter mates, or two males to live in a home together. Same sex aggression is real! No amount of training will stop it. Neutering is not effective either. No responsible breeder will sell litter mates, or two males in to a home together. Choose responsibly!
Always Remember...
"The DOBERMAN PINSCHER is a Square, Compact, Medium size dog of Balanced Proportions, Noble in its carriage, Courageous by nature, keenly Intelligent and SOUND of Mind, Body and Joints" – Bill Garnett