Questions to ask the breeder
These are some of the questions you may want to ask when talking to a breeder. Responsible, reputable breeders are forthcoming with all this information and much, much more. Make sure you have the answers before you walk away with a wriggling little bundle of fur that's licking your face. And while you're chatting you have the perfect opportunity to evaluate the temperaments of their dogs.

1. How often do you breed your bitches?
2. How many litters do you produce each year?
3. Do we get to pick our puppy or do you pick the puppy for us based on our lifestyle and needs?
4. Is your breeding stock certified free of hip dysplasia by OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals)? If so, what are the certification numbers? If not certified, why not?
5. Are your breeding animals certified free of PRA and other eye diseases?
6. Will you give us names of other puppy buyers that have your dogs?
7. Do you require that pet puppies be spayed or neutered? If so, at what age do you recommend and why?
8. Will the puppies have had their first shots?
9. At what age do you place puppies?
10. Do you deliver the puppies or do we have to come and pick them up?
11. Do you have one or both parents?
12. Can I see the pedigrees of both sire and dam?
13. Tell me about the genetic diseases that affect the breed.
You should be well equipped if you've done your homework. Don't accept excuses for failure to x-ray and certify the dog free of hip dysplasia prior to breeding.
14. How old are your bitches when you start to breed them?
If they are under 2 years of age, they cannot be OFA certified. Breeding a bitch under 2 years of age is like getting a 14-year-old girl pregnant. Is she mature enough to be a good mom?
15. Where are the puppies kept?
If they are kept in the backyard or in a barn, say thanks and walk away.
16. Can we pick up and hold the puppies ?
17. Will we be able to see the mom interact with her puppies?
18. Will the puppies be de-wormed?
19. Do we need to sign a contract? If so, can I see a copy? If not, why not?
20. Does the puppy come with a warranty and what is it?
If the only warranty provided is an International Health Certificate, it means nothing in terms of genetic health. An International Health Certificate is required to ship an animal by air and indicates that the animal has no communicable diseases and is not ????.
21. Will the puppies be examined by your veterinarian at least once prior to being placed?
22. What information will you supply about the puppy?
You should receive proof that the puppy has been vaccinated, what the vaccination covers and when the next one is due. You should expect to receive a booklet giving you information on the breed itself, feeding instructions, what type of food to feed and why, what supplements to feed if any, what the registered name of the puppy might be, perhaps some pictures of the puppy, instructions on how to care for cropped ears, how and when to bath the puppy, how to clean the teeth, how to clean the ears, how to cut toenails, a list of poisonous plants to stay away from and much, much more.
23. What kinds of toys can I give the puppy?
24. Is the puppy tattooed or microchipped? Will I get a copy of the microchip information or will you write the tattoo number down somewhere so that I can keep a copy?
25. Will the puppy be crate-trained? House-trained?
26. Do you sell your puppies under a non-breeding contract?
 

Questions the breeder may ask
Responsible, reputable breeders care where their puppies will grow up. Good breeders will ask some or all of the following questions. Be honest when answering and be prepared to answer all the questions—a reputable breeder wants to be sure that you will be able to provide a suitable home.

1. Have you ever had a Doberman before? If so, what was the dog's registered name. How long did you have it and what happened to him/her?
2. Are there children in the family? How many? What are the ages?
3. Do you have any other pets? If yes, give details.
4. Do you own your own home or rent? If renting, are you in a house or apartment? Does the landlord allow dogs?
5. Do you have a fenced yard?
No dog should be left outside unattended. You want a fenced yard to keep your dog safe and to keep other animals from coming into your yard.
6. What do you do for exercise? What other activities does the family participate in?
7. What do you do for a living?
8. Do you know the dog laws in your community?
No responsible breeder wants to sell a puppy to a buyer who does not obey leash and confinement laws.
9. Do you plan to obedience train this puppy?
A Doberman needs to be obedience trained as they are a working dog. Their intelligence requires that they are mentally stimulated. The more stimulated they are, the less chance of having behaviour problems due to lack of training or stimulation. Training also ensures that they become a good ambassador of their breed.
10. Are you aware of the costs involved in veterinary care, including spaying/neutering? The cost of good quality dog food, boarding the dog when you go away, annual license fees, a collar and leash, a crate and/or bed, toys for the dog, etc.?
11. Are you aware of the responsibility and prepared to make a commitment to a living creature who will, for the rest of its life, be totally dependent upon you?

If you can answer these questions and more in a positive manner, you are a good prospect for one of the breeder's puppies. Remember though, the really good breeders have a sixth sense about people. They will scrutinize your behaviour with their dogs, the dogs' behaviour with you, and the behaviour and attitudes of your children. If the children are rowdy and disobedient, chances are your dog will be too. If you yell at the children to get their attention, chances are you'll yell at the dog too and the breeder may not want one of her dogs going to your home.