We got our first Dobe, Kyle, in 1984. He was big lad, full of fun and very loyal. He reached 13 years of age and then his back legs gave out. It was very sad but we had great times and a lot of wonderful memories, the way it should be.

Our second boy was Max, a beautiful dog from a very reputable breeder, again a much loved member of the family. Sadly he was diagnosed with DCM in September 2008 and died just before Christmas that year, at only 6 years of age. We were devastated. However, after some research, we discovered he had a line of ancestors who also died at a young age, quite a few apparently as a result on an “accident”, which seemed a bit careless for breeders. However, there were a few instances of DCM noted as cause of death.

We now have our third Dobe, Ruaridh, who is now 17 months old. He so proud, loving and full of life. This time we went to great lengths to find a breeder who took DCM seriously enough to publish all of the health results for their stud dogs and bitches and test regularly for DCM. We should all be taking DCM seriously, as Dobes are too beautiful a dog to lose at an early age. We would certainly advise anyone thinking of owning a Dobe to question breeders very specifically about DCM and whether they regularly test. Also have a good look at the pedigree and do a bit of online research into ancestry, at least a few generations back, it is amazing what you can find out.

You have created a wonderful insite into the Doberman breed in the UK. All of the information available is easy to understand for anyone who is sincere about Dobermans. I commend you and have marked your site on my favorites.

Very interesting web site. However, when I came to the end, I found that "The First Champions" are in the "Archives".

An excellent site!!!
Greetings from Germany
Tina

hindsight is a wonderful thing. I wish i had found this site last july when my wonderful dobi was diagnoised with dcm my vet has been great unfortunatley we found her dead saturday morning she was 11 yrs old if there is any info i can give you please let me know, i doubt it now but would love to help this wonderful breed kate.

First time on this site, found the health info very helpful sad to discover the problems linked with Dobies tho . As a first time Dobie owner I am so honoured to have found such a proud and gentle animal.

This site is improving all the time.
What a great and welcomed addition the health results information list is.
Well done to all involved.

Incredibly informative site and a "must have" in the "Favouirites" folder for the Dobermann enthusiast. So much information and more added every time I visit. Well done to all concerned with it's development & suppliers of it's content. It's a true education!

An excellent site, obviously a lot hard work and thought has gone into it.

I see that I'm the first one to sign the Guest Book. It is immediately obvious that an enormous amount of work has gone into it. The health test results section is a very worthwhile addition as are the links to other health-related sites. A most informative site that will continue to develop to the benefit of everyone, I'm sure.