Buying a Dobermann Puppy

What to expect from a breeder who puts Health, Welfare and Temperament first.

In some countries, Dobermann puppies have their ears cropped (surgically cut to make them stand erect) and their tails docked (cut short). These practices are illegal in the UK. Please do not buy a cropped or docked puppy.

Dobermann Puppy

Essential Documents

  1. Heath Certificates (both parents)
  2. Signed AWF Puppy Contract
  3. KC Registration Certificate (if applicable)
  4. Microchip Registration Certificate
  5. Temporary Pet Health Insurance
  6. Vaccination Certificate

A Good Breeder Will:

  1. have socialised and habituated the puppy
  2. provide a supply of food
  3. provide a blanket smelling of Mum
  4. follow the Code of Practice for Dog Breeding

Official Health Schemes

  • BVA/KC scheme for hip dysplasia (HD)
  • abnormal formation of the hip joint – pain and lameness
  • BVA/KC scheme for elbow dysplasia (ED)
  • abnormal formation of the elbow joint – pain and lameness
  • BVA/KC screening for eye disease. DBRG recommends that all dogs should be visually examined by an ophthalmologist before breeding (includes checks for multiple inherited diseases). Litters can be screened for persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV)
  • checks for many inherited abnormalities that can cause progressive blindness or pain. Dogs with PHPV are born with abnormalities in the lens of the eye, causing impaired vision or blindness

Other Diseases

No current health scheme or DNA test available.

  • Albinism (white colour)
  • linked to problems with vision, hearing and skin cancer
  • Cancers
  • various
  • Colour dilution alopecia
  • progressive hair loss in ‘blue’ or ‘isabella/lilac’ (grey) dogs
  • DCM – Dilated cardiomyopathy
  • progressive enlargement of heart, often fatal
  • GDV – Gastro dilatation/volvulus (‘Bloat’)
  • stomach fills with air and twists, can be fatal
  • Hepatitis
  • liver inflammation
  • Hypothyroidism
  • underactive thyroid gland, causing weight gain and lethargy
  • Wobbler syndrome (CSM – cervical spondylomyelopathy)
  • malformation of bones in neck, causing wobbling gait, neck pain, possible paralysis

DNA Tests Relevant to Breed

  • von Willebrand’s disease (vWD 1)
  • abnormal clotting of the blood
  • Some laboratories offer tests for other rare inherited diseases and coat colours in Dobermanns

Other Tests

  • Yearly screening for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) recommended by veterinary cardiologists

Further Information

The Dobermann Club UK Website

Return to Breed Health Information List