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DPCA BREEDERS EDUCATION Q & A - page 1 2004 |
Can a male human father a kid at 12 sure, but it's not something anyone would want to have happen.
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A: from Darlene Young, Darwin, USA
Paula:
If you go to the DPCA website you can check out the code of ethics of being a Doberman Pinscher Club of America member. It basically says a dog should not be bred before the age of 12 months. Yes he can, but no he shouldn't, he'll have the rest of his life to be bred and if he's not of show quality he really should not be bred at all.
Hope this helps.
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A: from Susanne Smith, Alpha Dobermans, USA
If you are asking if a dog is physically capable if breeding and producing offspring at 7 months, yes it is possible. If you are asking if it is ethical to breed a dog that young, no it is not.
First of all the dog is too young to undergo most of the necessary health tests that should be done on a stud dog.
Secondly the puppy is still growing and developing so how do you know he will turn out to be a good breeding prospect in both health, temperament as well as conformation?
You can read the DPCA code of Ethics to get more information on our clubs recommendations for breeding.
Q:
from Tina
Date: Wednesday, March 3, 2004
Time: 5:22 PM
Comments: Doberman Health
Hi Tina,
This is totally normal. The vulva and breasts enlarge after their first season. Nothing to worry about. As long as she has no discharge from vulva or breasts, she's fine. Some bitches get a little bigger than others but it's not uncommon.
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A: from Darlene Young, Darwin Dobes, USA
Tina:
Every bitch is different in their cycles, just like human beings. A veterinarian once told me that a season can go from 10 days to 30+ days and still be considered normal for that bitch. The 21 day season is the "average". Also, swelling can remain for a very long period after the season is completed and still be considered normal. Additionally, I've been told by veterinarians, that longer hormonal periods like this can lead to problems later, like pyometra (uterine infection). If this is a bitch that you are not showing you should seriously consider spaying her to prevent this from happening.
Hope this helps.
No earlier than 6 weeks and preferably no later than 3 months at the outside.
There are a lot of foods you can check for low copper levels. You should read labels. The subject of what to feed and what not to feed can stimulate entire debates. Some owners/breeders feel that a raw diet is the only way to go; others feel a combination of kibble and meat is the way to go. You just have to decide which way you want to feed and if it's commercial, check labels and try different brands.
My only draw back to Nutro for my dogs (and they have been raised on it) is the gas problem as well as "spitting" up between meals. No other food that I've tried causes this problem. Coats, in my case, have always been the best on Nutro.
I think the flakes you are seeing is from keeping collars on the puppies and they are "tugging" on them. You should NEVER keep collars on two dogs that are together. They can get caught up in them and strangle themselves. It appears they are already using the collars in play and that is why the flakes.
Also when you bath them, never rub the soap in against the coat. Always go with the coat in applying the soap solution and in towel drying. Never, "scrub" up and down against the coat, and never apply the soap directly to the coat. Put the soap in your hands and then rub into the coat.
I sure hope this helps.
Hello Cheryl,
Dandruff in the winter is common. Its just dry skin. However, if you think it's more than usual it could possibly be the diet. First of all, I'd take their collars off. I never leave collars on my dogs unless they are being taking somewhere. Its very dangerous, especially with young dogs playing.
Personally my dogs do not do well on Lamb so I don't feed it. You might change their diet to another with different ingredients to see if they do better. It takes a couple of months to see changes in coat usually. In winter, I'd feed them something that has more oil added or add Omega 6. See how they do in the summer. If they are doing better on the same diet, it's just a matter of dry skin.
Any dog with WZ prefix in it's AKC Registered name is carrying the gene for Albinism. A Dog with WP means a normal Registration and carries no Albino gene. If you were to breed the dog with a WZ to a WP registered dog, all of it's puppies would carry the WZ prefix on their individual registration certificate.
The Albino gene is a very deleterious gene and those carrying it should never be bred. To learn more on this condition, I would suggest you read on this web site "The truth about the Albino."
The W stands for Working Group and the second letter is just an alphabetical system used by AKC for numbering registration numbers. They used to use WL for all litter registrations but now use only the W and then an additional alphabetical registration with an entire litter having the same numeric sequence except for the last two digits which denotes the number in the litter from 01 to however many there are in that particular litter. Hope this makes sense.
Every field has its legends. In the entertainment world Elvis Presley has become a legend. Although he has been dead for a number of years, his popularity amongst many people has increased. Each year people spend more money on visiting his home Graceland in Memphis than Elvis usually earned in a year. There are many who still make a living impersonating him. There are stories constantly popping up in the supermarket newspapers stating that he is still alive. He has become a legend although many considered him just a better than average singer, actor, and entertainer.
In the Dobe world, there is also a legend. His name is Borong the Warlock. It is not unusual for someone to call a Dobe club Breed Referral number and say, "I have this Warlock male. He is a fawn and one hundred and ten pounds. I want to breed him to a bitch that is strong and exceptional, preferably a Warlock bitch." Or for another caller to state, "My bitch is a Warlock but she is getting old, I would like to get another Warlock bitch." Members of many
Dobe clubs report that they get calls very similar to the ones just described.
In 1973, there was a person who lived in Pasadena, Texas who told people that her Dobes were Warlocks. She did a lot of breeding and sold her puppies to people who really did not know much about Dobes. The Dobes she bred were not exceptional and in some instances were rather poor specimens of the breed. That was more than twenty years ago! Was there a Warlock? If there was, why do people still use his name? Frank Grover in The Doberman Scribe, No. 7, in an article entitled "American Doberman Pinscher Legends" wrote about Borong the Warlock. Frank stated, "The Doberman who began the legend was born in Florida in the middle 1950's. His breeders were Theodosia and Henry Frampton. They named this pup Borong the Warlock." A warlock is a male witch, sorcerer, wizard or demon. Grover points out that the name did not describe Borong because he was a direct, rather quiet mannered dog, well trained, and never aggressive toward anyone nor other dogs. Borong was not picked as best in his litter. The pup adhered himself to Henry Frampton. Many thought that it was the pup that picked Henry rather than Henry picking the pup. When the pup grew up, Henry began to show Borong and he began winning. This was the beginning of what would go on for years.
Borong came along at the right time. In the early 1950's, the Dobe world was dominated by Rancho Dobe's Storm, a back to back Best in Show winner at Westminster in 1952 and 1953. Storm was never beaten in the breed ring and he dominated Dobe publicity all over the nation. When Storm retired, exhibitors and judges foundered for a while. There were also many who resented Storm's successes and his popularity and were looking for a different kind of Dobe. Borong fit the bill. He was clearly a different kind of Doberman. Grover states that breeder judges welcomed him. Forty years later, Storm's wins are history; Warlock's name is legend. Henry Frampton's business required that he travel a great deal around the country. He took Borong with him and showed him at shows that were near where his business appointments were. Borong was shown all over the country and became well known. Henry was sociable and friendly. He talked to people and he told them of Borong's achievements. When Borong did not win Best in Breed at a show, Henry would tell the judge what Borong had accomplished and what he had won. He would do this politely and when he showed under the same judge again Borong would usually win.
In 1957, Borong won Best in Breed at the DPCA National. Henry continued to show Borong. When jet travel began in 1959, Henry told people he could buy two first class seats, one for him and one for Borong. Henry also trained Borong in obedience and Ch. Borong the Warlock, CD, was the only male that went Best of Breed at the National with an obedience title. He went Best in Breed at three Nationals. Breeders eventually sought him out because they wanted winning pups. One of his daughters won the National. In his old age he won his first all breed Best in Show. Many of the pups he sired in his later years established him as one of the fine sires of his time. Before Borong retired Henry Frampton took him to Germany where he competed against the top German Dobes. It was at a time when the German members of the breed were aggressive towards other dogs and judges. Borong was a quiet, well mannered Dobe without an enemy in the world. He came in second and Henry complained about this for a long time stating that the judging was done using temperament rather than the conformation of Borong.
Borong's career ended when Henry Frampton died of a heart attack. It was not long after that Borong died. The many who knew how close Borong was to Henry thought the great Dobe died of grief over losing his human companion. The legends grew from his fame. His interesting name helped the growth of the legends. It is reported that the legends started in Texas where some of Borong's excellent descendants lived. People began to believe there were signs that identified a Dobe as a Warlock. The sign could be a lock of hair, a great size, small but powerful, a look in the eye, or something else. The name "Warlock" had an air of mystery about it and people began to see all sorts of signs that a Dobe was a Warlock descendant.
In the 1970's, Doberman Pinschers began to experience a phenomenal increase in popularity. It was a period when people living in the suburbs began to discover that they were not safe from crime. The Doberman, according to the AKC, became the "watch dog of the moment". The "moment" lasted for years. The breed that traditionally ranked around 20th in annual AKC registrations moved up to 2nd in registrations by the early 1980s. Grover states, "When Dobermans were being bred by everyone and sold as ways to get rich quick, hundreds were sold in the underground as Warlocks, each with a secret sign of distinction and value known only to a few." The legend has been used by some to take money from people under false pretences. It has been used by others to see what they would like to see. When all of that is stripped away, Borong the Warlock was a wonderful dog, an outstanding member of the breed, and an ambassador for all Dobermans with an unusual name. Most of all Borong was a great companion to his owner, Henry Frampton.
Over the years Warlock has been associated with oversized Dobes. Dobe fanciers in Texas thought this was just a local phenomenon, but there have been reports that there are Warlocks" in many other states. Because of their size, the "Warlocks" are not shown and have no connection to the original Borong the Warlock.
There probably always will be breeders telling people their puppies are "Warlocks" so the name will live on. Regardless of their size and their pedigree or lack of pedigree, the Warlocks have one thing in common with the best of the Dobes in the show ring and that is they are loved by the people who own them. When one of them dies the owner will continue looking for another Warlock.
COMMENT #1 - http://www.lonesomedovedobermans.homestead.com/Warlock.html
Hmmm. SURE!!!
'Borong The Warlock' was a champion in the 1950's. If you can trace back 40+ years to him in your pedigree, then by now, it is very, very diluted and in fact, very likely non-existent.
Many Backyard Breeders use the term 'Warlock' to mean 'BIG' Dobermans, ones that are larger than the Breed Standards allow. 'King' Dobermans are also bred by BYB's to mean oversized dogs.
So, ask yourself...do you want a Doberman or a Great Dane??? Pleaser read the DPCA Breed Standard.
| Warlock Dobermans. $350.00. Males and females. Stud dog 140 pounds. (225)999-9999. |
| 1) Warlock. Borong The Warlock was a top winning male in the 1950's. Today, Warlock is secret code for OVERSIZED. A female Doberman should be 24"-26" at the shoulder. A male should be 26"-28" at the shoulder. Dobermans are not meant to be HUGE, nor are they meant to weigh over 100 pounds. When you start making things bigger, you make the lifespan shorter as all of the organs have to work twice as hard. |
Doug, the term "Warlock" is often used to describe oversized dogs. The American Breed Standard and the German Breed Standard (FCI Standard) both call for a medium sized dog.
The German Standard actually says that a male should weight approximately 40-45 kg (this equals 72 American lbs because in Germany 40-45 kg is 80-90 lbs and a German lb is 500 grams and US 450 grams) and the height in the FCI Standard in males is 26 3/4 inches to 28 inches and the American Standard is 26 to 28 inches.
So without knowing the height of the dogs he proposes to be Warlock, I would not be able to tell if he's breeding within the standard of either country. An average American Doberman male can go from 75 lbs to 85 or 90 lbs as well, depending on muscle mass and bone and substance.
I hope this answers your question.
We have a Doberman written standard approved by the Parent club (Doberman Pinscher Club of America) and the AKC.
No ethical breeder would breed a less than top quality animal. Any Dobe sold as non-show quality should be on a Limited Registration (non-breeding, non-showing in Conformation) and spayed or neutered.
If you intend on breeding a Dobe, contact a top well known breeder, visit them and talk to them. They'll help you.
Are you aware that it costs many thousands of dollars to breed a good litter. Health testing is a must and I don't just mean a Vet health cert. OFA (hips and elbows) vWD (by DNA only) Thyroid, Echo and EKG for Cardio, are just a few. Both sire and dam must have these tests prior to breeding.
No bitch should be bred before 2 yrs. No male before 18 mo.
Please take our advice. We're just trying to help
you.
Sometimes, actually most times, it takes 6 months and more to reduce the level of testosterone in an animal. Is your fiancé afraid of the dog? If so, and if he has been successful in his attempts to manipulate her, then I fear you have an even bigger problem than you think. :>(( As a matter of fact, IMO, there is an even deeper underlying problem with this dog than testosterone considering his young age.
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A: from Judy Doniere, Toledobes, USA
Who is your breeder? Have you called them to tell them the situation? I'd immediately take this pup to puppy training classes. Look into your local Kennel club and ask when and where. You MUST do something immediately or you're going to have a much bigger problem later on.
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A: from Darlene Young, Darwin Dobermans, USA
Rob, You need to find a trainer/behaviorist immediately to work with yourself and your wife. I don't know what area you reside in but check with your local Kennel Club for references for a reputable trainer. Also, you may want to go back to the breeder and discuss the problem and get recommendations on how to correct it. If you don't deal with it immediately you may end up regretting it later. This type of behavior is totally unacceptable.
As to invisible fencing, some people swear by it. Others have had big disasters with it. Mostly it does keep the dog inside the "fenced" area, but if the dog sees something outside it's boundaries and takes off in a mad dash, it can run right through it with no shock at all.
Another reason is for not using it is that ANY other animal can come into the yard. It wouldn't protect any bitch in season from a male coming in. Likewise, kids or any animal can come in.
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A: from Susanne Smith, Alpha Dobermans, USA
This may not be the best choice for you. These types of fences are designed to keep your dogs in. They do not keep other dogs or animals out. Therefore, if you have lost or stray dogs, these dogs can still come onto your property.
Although traffic may not be an issue, wild animals may be. Most Dobermans have a lot of prey drive so if they see a squirrel, rabbit, etc. they might bolt out of the yard. If the dog is moving fast enough it will still get a shock as it crosses the boundary but that may not stop it. Once the dog is on the other side, the fence is no longer effective.
However, this type of fence is better than no fence at all. Along with some basic obedience, this fence may work fine for you.
My first kibble recommendation is a Canadian food but they do ship all over
N. America:
http://pets1st.ca/pets1st.asp?prodmenu=81&crumbs=%20%3E%20Dog%20%3E%20Food%20%3E%20Dry
My second kibble recommendation is
http://www.eaglepack.com/
http://www.eaglepack.com/pages/ep_fish_oatmeal.html
http://www.eaglepack.com/pages/ep_hs_chicken.html
http://www.eaglepack.com/pages/ep_hs_lamb.html
To attempt to answer your question, if the gas is a reaction to the grains in her food, you could possibly cut the amount of gas down by cutting out the grains entirely....there are foods that have no grain whatsoever such as fish and potato. You could try that.
Q: from
Pia Knight
Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2004
Time: 7:33 PM
Comments: Finding a Dobe
Hello,
I doubt any reputable breeder will have what you're looking for. If the bitch is not top quality and is not going to be used in their breeding program she would be spayed and put on a Limited AKC Registration.
As a long time breeder I can tell you that very few of us would ever use our own males on our bitches. It is very rare they compliment each other and because of pedigree, faults and virtues it is highly unlikely that our male would fulfill all the requirements we look for in breeding any bitch, even if our male were of top quality and at stud to other bitches.
I'd go find the best quality puppy you can purchase, show her, hopefully finish her and then look for the best possible male, from elsewhere in the country, that would be better suited to her.
Q: from Annie
Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2004
Time: 6:02 PM
Comments: Doberman Health
I have a 20 month old black Doberman. I noticed in the recipe you provided in the old "Q and A"s that the ground beef you mention is not cooked. Is it OK to feed our dog raw meat or raw bones. We get bones and fat from the butcher, but I always cook it before I feed him. Is it OK to give it to him raw?
A: from Marj Brooks, Manorie Dobermans, USA
Hello Annie,
Yes it is okay to feed your Doberman raw meat and raw bones. In fact it is
better to feed it raw than it is to cook them. Cooking the bones makes them more
brittle and more dangerous.
I feed my dogs the raw diet. For a reference, I like the book, Natural Nutrition for Dogs and Cats, The ultimate Diet by Kymythy R. Schultze. Her book costs under $10.00 and you can get it from www.dogwise.com. There are other good books out there too.
Before I fed the raw (B.A.R.F.) diet I fed raw meat with kibble. I believe that the meat should NOT be cooked.
Q:
from unkown
Date: Monday, February 9, 2004
Time: 4:33 PM EST
Comments:
A: from Susanne Smith, Alpha Dobermans, USA
It's unfortunate that your family is not willing to understand the breed. You are not alone in your dilemma. The only thing you can do is to try to convince them, as you have been, but some people will never change their perspective. If this is the case, then plan on always going to their house for dinner and don't get into heated discussions over the dog. It should be up to your husband to do the convincing if it is his family that feels this way. If you can't change their mind, and you are not willing to re-home the dog, then that is just the way it is.
Q:
from Meli
Date: Sunday, February 8, 2004
Time: 4:43 PM
Comments: Doberman Pregnancy
What do I do when my Doberman is pregnant. What do I feed it and how do I know
when she is going to have them.
Q:
from Amanda
Date: Sunday, February 8, 2004
Time: 3:42 PM
Comments: Doberman Health
I have 5mo old Dobie girl. She has had all her vaccinations to present. My vet
recommends an extra parvo vaccine be given because apparently Dobies and
Rotties are more susceptible.
Any comment on this? Could it be dangerous? He will also be giving her a Lyme
vaccine. We have lots of deer in the area. Any reply would be appreciated.
Thanks.
He may want to give a booster a little after your pup is 6 months old or he can run a Titer test to see if there is any need to.
I don't know when the best time
is to give the Lyme vaccine … perhaps someone else
will respond to that issue.
Please read the following:
Vaccinations: All Veterinary
Schools in North America Changing Vaccination Protocols
Recent editions of the Senior Dogs Project's newsletter have reported on the
ever-broadening trend of eliminating vaccinations for adult dogs, except for
rabies, where required by state law. We have now had a report that all 27
veterinary schools in North America are in the process of changing their
protocols for vaccinating dogs and cats.
Here, in a nutshell, are the new guidelines under consideration: "Dogs and cats
immune systems mature fully at 6 months. If a modified live virus (MLV) vaccine
is given after 6 months of age, it produces immunity, which is good for the life
of the pet (i.e., canine distemper, parvo, feline distemper). If another MLV
vaccine is given a year later, the antibodies from the first vaccine neutralize
the antigens of the second vaccine and
there is little or no effect. The titer
http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/petvacc.htm#titer is not 'boosted' nor
are more memory cells induced.
"Not only are annual boosters for parvo and distemper unnecessary, they subject
the pet to potential risks of allergic reactions and immune-mediated hemolytic
anemia. There is no scientific documentation to back up label claims for annual
administration of MLV vaccines. Puppies receive antibodies through their mothers
milk. This natural protection can last 8-14 weeks. Puppies and kittens should
NOT be vaccinated at LESS than
8 weeks. Maternal immunity will neutralize the vaccine and little protection
(0-38%) will be produced.
Vaccination at 6 weeks will, however, delay the timing of the first highly
effective vaccine. Vaccinations given 2 weeks apart suppress rather than
stimulate the immune system. A series of vaccinations is given starting at 8
weeks and given 3-4 weeks apart up to 16 weeks of age. Another vaccination given
sometime after 6 months of age (usually at 1 year 4 months) will provide
lifetime immunity.
http://www.srdogs.com/Pages/news.apr.may.3.html
The most recently accepted protocol that your vet should be following can be
found at:
http://www.cvmbs.colostate.edu/vth/SAVP2.HTM
This research above has been out for quite some time, it just takes an awful
long time to change peoples old ways of doing things. Vaccinations can cause
myriad problems with your pets. Here are some additional articles to read:
http://www.geocities.com/~kremersark/CSAP.html
http://www.whale.to/m/pitcairn6.html
http://www.whale.to/m/pets.html
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I'd get annual boosters especially for Parvo if your dog is associating with other dogs such as training classes, dog shows, parks etc. Follow your Vet's advice.
Q: from Anthony
I am not that familiar with your breed, but a lot depends on that particular breed's temperament. Dobermans usually get along with most breeds if they've been raised with them from a puppy.
If you plan on getting a Doberman, tell the breeder about your dog's temperament and habits. This will help the breeder determine the best puppy for your situation.
I would recommend getting the opposite sex to
the Spitz. It would not be wise to get a male Doberman if
your Spitz is a male.
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A: from Darlene Young, Darwin Dobermans, USA
Dobermans are fine with any breed as long as they are raised with them. If the Spitz is a female you could get either a female or male Doberman. However, I would recommend neutering the Spitz if you do get a male as you'll have to separate them during heat cycles.
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A: from Marj Brooks, Manorie Dobermans, USA
I think the a Doberman and your Spitz should get along very well. If you have a male Spitz, I suggest that you get a female Doberman rather than a male. We have articles on our pages to help you introduce the two dogs together.
Q: from
Nicole Golyar
Date: Friday, February 6, 2004
Time: 1:21 PM
Comments: Breeding the Doberman
My husband and I have two Dobermans, a black female and a red male. We got
them with the intent to breed. However, after receiving the female's pedigree
we found that the majority of her family was white so we spayed her asap.
The question that I have is, I cannot find anything wrong with my male's
history in genetics. However, I do know as a puppy he was very neglected and
abused.. His front legs were bent inward from being in a crate to long and his
personality reminds me of Eore from Winnie The Pooh due to the former abuse.
I'm wondering if this would put any questioning on studding this dog out or
not.
A: from
Susanne Smith, Alpha Dobermans, USA
First of all, I commend you for doing the responsible thing by spaying your bitch.
Secondly, why do you want to breed and/or use your dog at stud? Have you really sat down and listed the reasons? Many people want to breed without really knowing what is involved. The time, effort and expense is far more than any amount of money you think you will make from any stud fees or from having a litter .
Are you prepared to take the puppies back if the homes don't work out? Those dogs will be your responsibility for life.
Are you prepared to do all the health and
temperament testing on your stud? Heart checks, such as EKG's,
ultrasounds, hip and eye certifications, blood tests, etc. are all the things
you must do to responsibly present your dog at stud. You will be just as
responsible for any puppies he produces as should be the one who actually has
the litter.
If you really want to try your hand at breeding, I suggest you find an ethical breeder in your area who will show you what's involved. You may just end up changing your mind.
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A: from Darlene Young, Darwin Dobermans, USA
Unless you male is of show quality and can be shown and finished to his championship, he should not be used at stud. He can still be a wonderful pet and companion without the necessity of being bred. The purpose of breeding is to improve the breed and unless the sire and the dam have the ability or potential to do that, they should not be bred. There are several articles about breeding, when to and when not to, etc. on the breeders educational website as www.dpcabreedered.org .
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A: from Judy Doniere, Toledobes, USA
Absolutely!! You should only breed the best to the best. If your dog is not good enough to be show material and conform to the written standard, he should be neutered and loved and if you intend on breeding, buy the best possible bitch you can find, from a reputable breeder and LEARN all you can about the breed. Then when she is old enough and she has turned out to be a beautiful bitch, find the best possible stud you can and breed them. Make sure both your bitch and the stud dog have all the available health testing done. vWD DNA, OFA hips and elbows, Thyroid, Cardio ultra-sound.
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A: from Marj Brooks, Manorie Dobermans, USA
From the sounds of your question you should not breed your male Doberman. I say this because you do not know for sure that his bent legs are a result of being in a crate too long, poor guy. I would be concerned too about the possibility of him passing to his puppies the undesirable temperament that you describe. You don't know for sure whether his temperament is a result of the abuse or if it is genetic. If it was genetic, you wouldn't want to chance his passing it on to another generation.
I would strongly suggest neutering him and starting over. This time around you should get as much knowledge as you can before pursuing this breeding venture. Depending on where you live, perhaps I can recommend a mentor.
Also we have lots of articles for you to read to get your quest for knowledge started. There are many books to read and some of the articles on this site will give recommendations.
I am sorry to hear of your males horrible life that you describe before he came to you. Thank you for rescuing him and giving him a good home and the life that he deserves.
Q: from Nestor Macaraniag
I would be concerned about having 2 males of those two breeds together although it's possible they could get along, if they are both neutered, but it's often not the case. Once the pups get older, one or the other or both may decide they want to be boss. If one is submissive you may never have a problem, but if one doesn't want to take the "back seat" you may have a fight on your hands and once they fight, they will most likely fight again which can be very unsettling to witness.
It's also not fair to the dogs. You would have to keep them separated and that's a lot to have to worry about for years to come.
Keep a close eye on their behavior. Find someone to who is knowledgeable to help
you learn about behavior and body language. If they start challenging each
other, you may be wise to consider placing one in a good home.
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A: from Darlene Young, Darwin Dobermans, USA
I personally would never have a male Doberman with another male of any breed, although I suspect a lab may not be as big an issue since they tend to be less dog aggressive. Without knowing the personalities of either dog, it's difficult to say whether they will continue to get along into adulthood or not.
I would definitely neuter both dogs for a start. If you do not introduce a female that is intact and having seasons you might be okay but you'll always need to be on guard to watch for any aggressive tendencies on either dog's part. If they begin to be aggressive toward each other you may have to separate them and keep them separated forever.
If you can link up with an experienced personal trainer who can teach you how to maintain harmony between these two, I would highly recommend that. A good trainer will teach you what to avoid, what to watch for, etc. You may never have a problem but you should always be on the look out for any signs that your dogs are headed in that direction.
There could be a lot of different reasons for this behavior. It could be just that, behavior or it could be Alopecia which is common in Blue Dobermans. I suggest you have a veterinarian look at it and maybe check out an article on www.dpca-breedered.com entitled "Blue Doberman Alopecia Treatment and Diet" by Jim Anable.
This is a syndrome that is a sign of boredom or like a child sucking it's thumb. There are several products on the market that help in keeping the dog from chewing or sucking on themselves. Bitter Apple is one. However, it usually doesn't work well after a while as the dog gets used to its bitter taste.
You can try various safe chew bones to try and occupy the dog. I'd get him into something stimulating like Agility to help with this.
Also, the Vet may put him on some mild sedative that would help.
Comments - Breeding the Doberman
I have a male Doberman (Hannibal / 9 months). I am thinking about getting a 2nd. At what age should Hannibal be before we do get another one? Also, I am thinking about breeding him and keeping a pup. If so, should I get a male or a female or does it matter?
A: from Judy Doniere, Toledobes, USA
If you want a good pet, don't breed him. He should be neutered (unless he's a top show dog, which I'm sure isn't the case or you would have told us) as soon as possible.
As to getting another pup, yes a female would be better. 2 males will fight to the death so don’t even try that. I'd wait until your male is about 2 and then introduce a female pup. Have her spayed and you won't have any problems.
Though it is very unusual, it could happen that a bitch will have "silent"
heat for their first one and then a regular heat thereafter. It's not unusual
for a bitch have their first heat from 4 months to 12 months either. I would
not worry unless there is a very badly discoloured discharge. If there is no
unusual discharge I would wait and see what happens. You could also have the
vet do a vaginal smear and test for any possible infection going on.
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