What Does A Doberman Cost?

Before you buy a cheap Doberman please read this.

Cost is obviously a consideration when buying a Doberman puppy.  When deciding on a purebred dog that’s for sale, remember that generally, you get what you pay for.  The price of a Doberman can range widely and some people may not understand why the difference in pricing. Doberman prices can vary a lot.

At the low end, you may find a Doberman pup for under $1000.  Beware anyone claiming a purebred for a low price.  A cheap Doberman is NOT a bargain. You will pay more later in either medical costs, behavioral issues, and maybe heartache. Anyone claiming to sell a purebred Doberman cheap is probably a BYB (back yard breeder) or a puppy mill dog.  BYB’s do not place a priority on breeding the best dogs. They don’t screen for health problems and temperament. And you’ll have no guarantee that you’re not getting an inbred dog. These things are extremely important for Dobermans. Backyard breeders care more about profit over quality. 

A reputable breeder, depending on how many pups they have available will usually cost over $1500.  This is for a “pet-quality” Doberman.  Note that champion bloodlines are good to have but what is even better is having champion parents. This will increase the price of the Doberman, expect to pay over $2000 for a “show-quality” Doberman.  Also, note that there may be a waitlist to buy a Doberman puppy. Dog breeders cannot predict how big a litter will be so plan your puppy purchase months or years in advance. Also, note that some popular breeders may have all the litter on hold even before birth. Good Doberman breeders rarely if ever need to advertise their dogs for sale. 

Some other things that may affect the Doberman price include ear cropping, tail docking, and other costs such as dewclaw removal and puppy vaccinations.  Doberman breeders have many expenses they need to cover, from feeding, to housing, to medical bills, to registering the Doberman with their country’s kennel club.

doberman puppy on expensive rug looking up on doberman price post

Why Buying From A Good Breeder Is Important

You want peace of mind knowing that your Doberman has been screened for major health problems (which the Doberman has).  Health testing done should include hip dysplasia, von Willebrand’s disease (vWD), Wobbler Syndrome, thyroid disease, genetic eye disease, and heart health screening.

You also want to be able to look at your dog’s family tree, not only for lineage but to ensure you didn’t get a dog that was inbred. This is obviously serious to the health and longevity of the breed. If a Doberman is “purebred” it should come with official registration papers. In some countries, this is legally mandatory. If a breeder claims their dog is purebred but doesn’t provide paperwork, you may want to report them to your local dog club.

The other important consideration along with health testing is temperament and titles.  What temperament is the breeder going for? Generally, American Doberman breeders are looking for a more family-friendly temperament, whereas the European Doberman breeders want more of a working dog temperament. This is generalizing of course, but it’s something to keep in mind.  Lastly, what titles if any does the breeder provide? Does the dog or its parents have any recognized titles? This may include conformation or working dog titles.

Temperament is so important. A common myth is that temperament is based on how the owner raises a dog. Nature vs nurture. You can have the most loving and patient trainer and their dog continues to have behavioral problems. And then you can have dogs raised for illegal fighting rings that are rescued and rehabilitated. These cases prove that genetics is a bid deal. Do not downplay the importance of genetics on temperament. A dog with bad genetics can be heartbreaking to a loving owner.

When you visit a breeder ask all these questions and have them prove it! Don’t just assume they’re telling you the truth. Good breeders document everything so 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 suitable homes and not need relocating a second time. Don’t be offended if they ask you lots of questions, this is a sign that the breeder truly cares about his Dobermans.

Here is a detailed guide to choosing a good breeder. I hope it helps you. Buying a Doberman is a big decision.

Dogs Are Expensive

Dogs are expensive, and big dogs like Dobermans even more so.  Don’t forget to consider all the other costs after the initial cost of the puppy.  You’ll need supplies, food, Doy Toys, a crate, training classes, neuter/spaying, annual vaccinations, and med checkups. And don’t forget about unexpected emergencies!  Your dog might swallow a sock, it might get sick, it might hurt himself playing. Dobermans are one of the breeds with the highest medical costs. Lastly, even if you do brush your dog’s teeth every day, you’ll have dental bills when he’s old. Don’t let your dog suffer dental pain.

Start saving money now for your dog’s medical care.  Do you have an emergency medical fund ready in case you need to visit the animal hospital or dental doctor?

Don’t buy these, please

Do not buy or pay more for a white Doberman, please read my previous article on Doberman colors.  Also do not buy or pay more for a Doberman listed as Giant, King, Goliath, Gladiator, or “Warlock”.These are dogs that are purposely bred to be larger in size, with no regard for their health.  Dobermans should follow the standard for the breed.  The standard exists not only for looks but for optimal health. The Doberman is a medium-sized dog. Bigger is not better for a Doberman. If you want a big dog maybe get a Great Dane instead.

If you absolutely love the breed but can’t afford breeder pricing, please consider using a Doberman rescue or checking your local Humane Society. You can find an affordable Doberman without buying from back yard breeder or Kijiji/Craigslist ad.  You should support someone who respects ethical breeding and cares about eliminating genetic diseases that affect the breed. Save yourself the heartache of having a pet you love get sick and die.  Lastly, note that backyard breeders probably won’t give you any after-sale support. You should be able to contact your breeder in the future if you have a question or concern with your Doberman.

I hope you now understand better what goes into the price of a Doberman. Remember a Doberman that costs more can give you some assurance that you’ll have a healthy family member for a long, long time.

Did I miss anything else important about dog breeders and the cost?

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80 thoughts on “What Does A Doberman Cost?”

  1. Hi I have a choice off blue £1100 fawn £17,50 or a cream at £2000 Doberman puppies K.C reg they are 1 week old what should I do? which one should I purchase I have had Doberman’s be for, I have had blue and fawn I have done little research on the cream not sure about that colour could have a lot of health problems? maz

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  2. Doberman pinscher puppys ,Florida health certificates, 5 available 950.00 each parents on premises, location Fla
    941-920-3955 been breeder for 10 years , lots of references,

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  3. I have adopted many Dobermans from rescue centers over the last 45 and everyone has lived a long and healthy life. From pups to adults and trained them , they all turned into family . So think about a rescue and adoption Doberman, you will never regret it .

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    • I had a Doberman once. He lived 14 + short years My husband bought him from someone who happens to have just bred their dogs at home.
      That was 1977 when this clumsy awkward long legged Greedy love of my life was taken to our Apt.

      I’d like another. I’ve adopted 2 Mutts since but didnt know you could get Pure Breds too…well the likes of my
      “Foody Doody”.
      I’m temporarily in Ft Myers Fl
      Where can I get Doberman Puppy to Adopt?.
      My Dogs are getting Mature to their Vet.. to me they haven’t aged since they’ve grown. What does their Vet know?? Mother knows it ALL!!!!
      Deleta
      843 367 5098
      Patriciadeleta@gmail.com

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    • Jim- Can you recommend the best diet/food for someone new Tom Dobermans? What brand? How much/how often? Thanks in advance.

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  4. I also have a Registered red Doberman that’s named sassy and a registered Black and Rust male named Arlo And Sassy just had a very healthy litter of 12 babies and they are my inside kids and very,very healthy.My handicapped son and grandson both play with them and I truly do care about my kids as I call them,their health.I have received compliments from all over about how healthy my babies are and I don’t charge an arm and a leg for them and I screen the people who get them very well.

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  5. I paid 1200 for my Doberman I named, “Sheba.” What a great dog! She’s the mom on the farm. She kept a young kitten warm with her in her bed at night. I had a few baby chicks that got loose. Very gently, Sheba caught them in her mouth and dropped them into my hand. I still have them 4 years later. She protects the chickens, ducks, & turkeys. Best protector ever! SUGGESTION; please make sure you have at least a 6 ft fence that is secure. I had the bottom of the fences cemented to the ground so none of the animals can dig under it.

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  6. My girl cost $450 and we were blessed to have her in our lives for just over 11 years. She was super loyal, loving, and a beautiful dog. Parents both had papers, and there was a 2 year health guarantee as well as screening for the typical diseases. Paying that kind of money is nuts!

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  7. My story is not unlike most of the other doberman owners, I was blessed, fortunate to have spent 7 years with my ” soul mate”, his AKC birth certificate Warholas Czar Nikolas, both parents were black tan, huge, muscular, a jumper, he could leap across a 8 ft, coffee table, so much energy he always had, a run in the woods, run full speed into the woods, when he noticed he was thirsty he would rocket back to main path fly past my truck, bee line at 30 mph zoom, the moral of my story is to cherish and fondly remember my best friend or yours, at seven yrs, my buddy developed lymphatic cancer, one day he woke me early, omg, he had swollen lymph nodes size of footballs, his neck, behind his forelegs, every gland in an otherwise healthy beautiful loving dog, he was also had the biggest meanest show of terror, all bark no bite, so popular with neighbor’s, Nico, I miss you good buddy, I always will

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    • Bill, I am so sorry for the loss of your dear boy Nico to lymphoma, the same suddenly-appearing, aggressive cancer that took my boy, Eli this month. One day, he suddenly had what looked like walnuts sticking out the sides of his face, the next day we were at the vet and she discovered another swelling under his arm. We started him on prednisone immediately while waiting for test results, but within a few days, he was limping, then couldn’t get himself up off the ground. I now recognize that he must have had lymph tumors pressing on his spinal cord. It all happened so fast that after 3 days at the vet, I brought him home so the family could say their farewells, and my boy was put to sleep on Saturday morning, February 2nd, lying on a soft bed with his head on my pillow, in the comfort of his own home. He was never able to get up off the floor on his own power after he came home from the vet, so I kept towels between his legs to catch urine and changed them every couple of hours for two days. I slept with him on the floor and gave him lots of delicious things to eat, but I could never have done enough for incredibly dear, sweet soul who brightened my world with his mischievous, wiggle-but sense of humor and velcro-dog companionship for almost nine years. The heartbreak of losing him has been beyond devastating. He is now buried in my back yard between the oleanders where he had dug out a soft place to escape our Arizona summer heat, so every day I look out there and cry and talk out loud to him, wondering if his spirit is still nearby, hoping he knows how very much I loved him, and always will. I also have two rescued dogs from the pound, Heidi and Suzy, who were Eli’s companions, and half a dozen cats as well, all of whom I love … but Eli was the absolute light of my life. I walk around the house talking out loud to him and telling him how much I miss him and the funny little jokes he liked to play on me. Our nine years together flew by in the wink of an eye. I still can’t believe he’s gone. xoxo

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      • I’m sitting here crying so hard as I lost my female Dobie, Shelby about 15 years ago. I’m crying for you and selfishly for me. Sorry 😢 We did find her lymphoma earlier, we were lucky to get almost another year with her. But, I had a year of changing sheets soaked of urine. She had diarrhea quite often. But of course she was my baby and I would have done anything for her.
        Like you did for yours. My girl had so many lumps under her neck it felt like there was a bag of marbles. 9 months later she just couldn’t get up from the ground and she would just lose control of her bowels and urine. I then knew it was time.
        It took me many years. I know what you are going through. I can’t say or feel exactly how you feel. I just know how incredible Dobes are. They are indescribably special and the bond we have is beyond belief!

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        • Sheri, there is just no getting around the heartache we feel at the loss of these dear and unique beings who come into our lives and give us so much more than we could ever have imagined at the beginning. Seen from the outside, they can look scary to those who don’t know them personally, and indeed, they are passionately protective of their family — including, at my house, the cats! But once you get to know them and experience their sense of humor and love of play, you realize they live to love and be joyful. Shelby was your angel in disguise before she became an angel for real. I’m so glad you had the joy of her love and companionship during your time on earth. May you meet again one day where there is no more sickness but only sunshine and green fields to run and roll and play on. xoxo

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        • Hi Susan,
          My first dobie was like yours. Dixie mothered all babies, bird, animal, & human. My next 3 girls didn’t have that quality. Reading through so many posts, I realize I’ve been very fortunate to be blessed with the length of time I had to be with my wonderful girls. Dixie (fawn) was 15. Delillah (red) went with my X and she was killed by a pit bull. Trixie (blue, and she came with her name), then Bella (black) was 14. Both Trixie and Bella had DCM. I loved thes girls so much, and they were so good to me.

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  8. My red Dobe was a backyard breeder, and paid $750. Had AKC papers and met the parents. I paid whatever to crop as well He is almost 6 years old and no problems. He is the biggest baby, yet he is very obedient and loving, yet stubborn and hardheaded. Hmmm like his Aplha, me!!! We see him starting to age a little. Will start buying supplement s to help prevent hip problems. He is on the larger size at 95 lbs from European bloodlines. Next time I will get a black Dobe, hopefully I can get a rescue sooner than later to give “Flame” a friend.

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    • I am paying $2000. For my female. I do have to travel to pick her up- my choice. Fully checked for everything that was mentioned. My question is- is it normal to pay completely for the dog before you even see it? I’ve paid 1/2 and thought I would pay rest when I got there. ???

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  9. Just because there may be a “top-of-the-line”breeder, doesn’t mean they care about the animals. I would be considered a backyard breeder like this article states and I take care of those puppies. Both parents are AKC registered, they eat a raw-diet which promotes their overall health. My dogs have never been sick, the only times they’ve been to the vet was to get their vaccinations. We actually had Fiona’s second litter October 19th, and had people tell us that they went to legit breeders selling the pups for 1500+ and all the puppies were infested with fleas, full of shit everywhere, and overall looked unhealthy. Our dogs are not from champion bloodline, but I have never had any problems with the first litter she had, which were 12 puppies. All were healthy and went to good homes, and in fact we keep in contact with their owners. We get picture updates of them. This time around, she had 8 puppies, and once again, all healthy. All puppies come with their papers, so… not all “back yard breeders” don’t care. We are living proof!

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  10. this post should include the difference between akc and ckc registration….. akc is decent ckc might register your cat as a doberman if you send in the paperwork…..

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  11. I have a 4-yr-old ‘re Doberman who has impressed me so Mich with his way above average intelligence, his loving and protective demeanor that I’m sold on the breed. I will stick with them from now on.
    If you’ve purchased from a “backyard breeder” and have had exceptional results I would be interested in contacting you, I just can’t afford to shell out over a thousand dollars for my next pup. Can I put my email address in a post? Is that appropriate? Any advice on finding a quality pup for less than average cost? Thanks in advance.

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    • I would suggest wait until your budget is better because you want to have money also set aside for vet visits and training.

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    • We have a litter in Ocala Florida call 352-551-3277 this is our second litter of purebred Dobermans got papers on dad but not mom but the families that got a baby from our first litter have come back for another pup they are very healthy and beautiful and reasonable on the price 700 to 800 also take half down to hold your pup and encourage to come visit and bond with your new baby till it’s time to go at 8 weeks we worm give 1st shots and socialize our baby’s. So if your looking for a pet that don’t have to have papers you can get a wonderful puppy that is well taken care of and will make you very happy. We have 3 Red males and 1female red, 2 Blues 1male 1female, and 1beautiful Fawn ready in July 2018 for forever homes only if your looking to keep your new baby forever then we would love to met with you thank you and God Bless….

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      • Hi John and Teresa, are you originally from Norwood? My daughter and I are looking Wanted to know if you have any puppies left?

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      • I want to buy two females dogs of doberman ,,, if any body has any dogs for selling call me to my WhatsApp number is:
        00967771799855

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  12. I always wanted a doberman, but my parents won’t let me no matter what. I try to convince them everyday that I will take care and of it. We live in an apartment, but we are going to move soon. Six more years and I turn 18. Can I get some advice for buying and taking care of dobermans?

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    • It is very simple they love u and will keep u save just love them and u really want have that much to were about yes I lost My Doberman she passed away in October 21st she was only 8 mouths the people that had her before I saved her abused her I got her when she was 3 weeks

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    • I have had Dobermans since i was 12. My first a female came to me. She was running along the fence line with my german short haired pointer. I let her in the gate. She stayed with me untill i heard of a guy looking for his lost Dobie. I got in contact with him and yes she was his dog. He came and got her and took her home. 3 days later she was back but this time she jumped my fence and was inside my yard. I was so happy to see her. But i called the man and told him i had her again. He said son would you like to have her!! Yes sir i replied. He said well its obvious she likes it better at your house so you can have her. She lived to be 14 years old. I have had dobermans in my life ever since.

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  13. We used to breed Dobermans, To many were locked up, chained or abused. The ones lucky enough to be returned and socialized. They do come out of it very fast in a new environment and positive handling and kindness.. Years ago Whites, fawns, blues and silver pups were put down if the mother didn’t kill them them first. Blues are susceptible to skin problems.My Blue female made it to almost 15. She went blind at 9 and we changed her diet and her sight [cataracts] cleared. A very smart breed of dog. The handler has to be smarter or they will take advantage. One guy started an argument, my black and tan named Zeus, He jumped out of the truck window and came to my aid, the jerk yelled “What you gonna sic your Mut on me”, Zeus arose, turned around and pooped on the jerks foot. You should have seen his face before he walked away.

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  14. I have a blue Doberman named Molly, and I got her from a backyard dealer and she is health as a horse. I know him every well and he treats his Doberman’s like his own children. She is well tempered, every well behaved, I have no complaint’s about her. So getting one from a backyard dealer and not paying an arm and a leg for one is not a bad thing.

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    • I’m glad Molly turned out great, and I do agree you can find a good house pet from backyard breeders, but it’s still more of a gamble on health & temperament.

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    • Our dog just had 13 puppies, 2 are Blues. So cute, and healthy. Good to hear your dog is healthy, everyone says Blues have problems, I’ve never heard of any.

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    • I have to agree with you. I am military retired US Army vet disabled but during my past 30 years watching my father raised Dobermans I decided to do the same with my wife we had a total of 6 Doberman Pinschers in the past 30 years we had a total of 4 letters every dog with well-mannered tempered healthy all shots were given. Consider me a backyard breeder but I can say one thing all my closest friends received elements for $100 white blue black and red Doberman all extremely healthy I guess it’s just the choice of words one person says when they say be careful with backyard breeders. So I guess what you’re saying is if you spend $1,500 on a dog that’s going to be a better dog than spending $100 I beg to differ good luck with your dog Molly haven’t had a doberman in the past six years after retiring out of the military. But my son but me a blue doberman pup at 5 weeks that the mother abandoned. We need to nurture them and brought them back to expect Better Health veterinarian says he’s as strong as an ox his name is Titan

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  15. Paid $3,000 for our red female. Both parents are American champions and the mother is a Canadian champion. Mother is from Canada. Dad is from the United States. Health guaranteed for 5 years. High price tag but worth every penny.

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  16. We bought 2. They were selling for $300 each and we paid $500 for the 2. Not papered. Beautiful black and tans with awesome temperaments.

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  17. I bought my doverman 2 yrs ago , I paid 1700 plus tax , but his ears and tails nipped , has a chip , shots and a couple of free trips to the vet. I also got a coupon to get him neutered, and his pedigree certificate , w his family tree all included , even free magazine subscription.all this at a very reputable pet store.

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  18. I know a reputable breeder who doesn’t breed for white dobermans, but doesn’t breed white out of their bloodlines either. They focus on temperament and health, so when they have a white, it isn’t like they’ve been cutting corners with inbreeding or ignoring other factors.

    That said, buying an AKC registered white dobie pup from them with shots, check-up, and docked ears and tail is about $1500, and they do ship them.

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  19. We paid only $300 for our black female puppy in Michigan 2 years ago. We paid another $200 to have her ears done. It was a back yard breeder but we are not breeding her and just wanted a house dog. Not showing or breeding. She is almost 3 and has a great temperament and is healthy so far.

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    • I also bought a doberman from a back yard breeder 3 years ago in michigan she is an amazing blue with no health problems and did his research on breeding and finding homes. I also have only ever had a few litters of puppies bread in my 43 years everyone went to a loving home suited to the breed. I plan on hqving one litter when i find a suitable stud sample for the vet and some at least a few homes adequate beforehand. I hate when people make it sound like rocket science to be a morally health concious pet owner. And ot doesnt make me any breeder because i want to have 1 litter to proof this . And get a puppy when she turns 5 .

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  20. Interesting thought process, but whomever wrote the opinions above are wrong headed. I have seen many fine dobermans in the less than $700 USD, range. Just because someone is not gouging people for dogs does not mean they are fine people. In fact maybe the opposite is the case, and gouging for a dog is never an indication of a good breeder alone.

    There are many factors in breeding to consider. Now what do I know, I been doing this since 1976. In my days I have witnessed line breeding by so called reputable breeders, and high cost line bred dogs. Those who but a dog need to do a little research and understand why the cost is what it is. If the dog comes cropped and docked with a medical checkup and shots then the cost goes up. Just because someone is advertising in a popular magazine does not guarantee a quality dog. Over my years I have known people who so love the breed that breaking even financially was reward enough to them when selling a quality litter.

    Cost alone only tells me they may be taking advantage of people.

    And Willa I hope you find the culprit, and they pay for such inexcusable evil.

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  21. Wow, my jaw dropped looking at the right price. I really love dobes i had a blue doberman named him “Budd” he was just a year old. sadly, he passed away due to food poisoning by some cruel $#%*ing neighbors. The whole family was depressed specially me, the one who beg my parents to buy the dog at a local breeder. We missed him badly to the point that my mom keeps calling his name even though he’s gone(imagine how we loved him). He was a stress reliever, whenever i got home from work and was such great member of our family he was a great loss. I’m definitely getting another puppy by Christmas hoping that the dog won’t suffer the same as my dog did. Once we’ll find the culprit, I’m pretty sure they will pay. To the readers of this site, Please love your dobes be it not a dobe or any breed, love your dog like he/she’s a member of the family. Jah bless everyone. R.I.P. Buddy!

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  22. I’ve actually considered buying a Doberman from a woman named Susan from bigdobermans.com. Of course I’d have to have the pup shipped but it will still cost a little over a $1000.

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