picking my pup out of my litter so the rest can go to their homes. CH: My biggest problem as a breeder is finding the “perfect” stud dog. I find beautiful bitches, so I always want to know if they have a brother. Also, I have issues with find- ing a proper home for a puppy. Not everyone who thinks they want a Doberman should have one. It is my job as a breeder to make that determination; it is not always easy. DJ: Our breed, like all others, have issues that need to be addressed and it is up to all of those involved with the breed to strive to improve our breed. I do not feel that we have any one issue more important than another or one problem that is greater than the next. We are always in an ebb and flow and some years our animals are better than others, but we continue to improve in our breed. Breeders are the constant of any breed and any new breeder faces challenges that have been faced for many years by those that have come before them. CN: Find a good stud dog with excellent health, a pedigree that will enhance the structure, great temperament, and sound movement. There is a big difference in good breeders and people who breed dogs. Unfortunately, I think there are more people who just breed dogs and don’t care about the actual dogs themselves, just how much money they could profit from a litter. Good breed- ers know it takes money spent in having quality puppies. (Health testing, researching pedigrees, stud fees, nutrition, vet bill, etc.) A good breeder breeds to better the breed and tries to encourage others to do the same. 4. Advice to a new breeder? Advice to a new judge of your breed? PD: Some suggestions for new judges of this breed are to look at them on a free bait, loose lead. The handlers in this breed are extremely talented and even though they are a smooth-coated breed, you would think that noth- ing can be hidden by clever a handler but that is totally untrue. A gifted handler can change toplines, angulation, ear set and so forth. Free stack on a loose lead is what you may need to see to decide between two specimens. My advice to a new breeder is to purchase the very best bitch you can from a reputable breeder that will help you learn. I realize I was so very fortunate to have found the Donieres but there are other excellent breeders out there. Choose wisely because that foundation bitch will always be in your pedigree. The best way to judge a Doberman is to look for the complete package that all fits smoothly together. Do not judge parts. It is a smooth, one piece dog that all fits together. If something jumps out at you, it is probably incorrect. Go to as many seminars as you can. Also, if any way possible, come to our national. We offer a fabulous JEC event with different presenters and great dogs for our hands on. This year, 2017, it will
be held 9/30 to 10/7 with the JEC on Friday 10/6/17 with ringside observation on 10/7/17. It will be at “The Lodge at Sawmill Creek Resort” in Huron/Sandusky, Ohio. CH: To a new breeder—have a mentor. Somebody you respect and with which you have a good rapport. Follow their advice. You cannot reinvent the wheel. To a new Doberman judge, please understand the breed complete- ly before applying for your license. Have a mentor. Put your hands on many Dobermans. When you feel comfort- able you will be ready. Always ask questions. DJ: Establishing relationships with individuals that are knowledgeable of the breed and have the best interest of the breed in mind should be of upmost importance in a new breeders mind. No one does this alone and seeking help from long time breeders can only make our sport stronger and our dogs better. We have more informa- tion available now than ever and a means to find that information quickly and effectively. Breeders need to be very cautious with use of social media that is currently so popular in the world of dogs. Face to face conversation has always been the best means to share information and will continue to be so even with the abundance of social media sites. CN: Find a mentor in the breed that you trust and respect. Let them guide you away from breeding mistakes. They will be invaluable to you. New judges need to go to as many seminars as possible, talk to breeders ringside and learn from those who have been in the breed a long time. Pay attention to what the dog was bred to do, (Its form and function) and apply the standard as it is written to each and every dog. Please do not dismiss checking the mouth, look for heavy bone, squareness, medium size, movement and attitude! 5. Anything else you’d like to share—something you’ve learned as a breeder, exhibitor or judge or a par- ticular point you’d like to make? PD: As a breeder, I have learned not to think that I am doing anything better than all the other dedicated breeders. I am proud to be one of many. As an exhibitor, I have learned to take my losses and guess what? There is another show tomorrow or next week or whenever I choose to enter one. I have learned that I respect my fellow competitors and am proud to call many of them my friends. Not just acquaintances, but friends! As a judge, I have learned more about my own breed by being honored to judge them. I have learned that good Dobermans come in four colors, not just red! Basically, this breed is extremely devoted to their family. So in raising well-adjusted dogs, it is imperative that the “Rule of Sevens” is followed. I learned this the hard way by keeping two pups from my first litter together and treat- ing them the same. Could not figure out why the bitch
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