A new litter is due October 20, 2025!!
A new litter is due October 20, 2025!!
We know how many questions come with bringing home a new puppy — and we’re here to answer them all. Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common things families ask us
about our Dobermans, our process, and what to expect. If your question isn’t covered,
don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re happy to help.
Please reach us at info@distinctivedobermans.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
You can click any section below to jump directly to that topic, or scroll through the full list of questions to explore everything we cover.
📋 Puppy Availability, Matching & Adoption
🚗 Pickup, Delivery & Go-Home Kit
We’re located in McHenry, Illinois, on a peaceful 3-acre property where our Dobermans have plenty of room to run, play, and enjoy life as dogs.
We’ve been raising Dobermans for many years, with a strong focus on health, temperament, structure, and the lifelong happiness of both our puppies and their families.
We are a small, hands-on, family-run program. Every litter is planned intentionally, raised inside our home, and cared for with individual attention from birth to pickup. We know each puppy — and each family — by name, and we remain a resource for the lifetime of your dog.
We only have puppies occasionally — when we feel it’s the right time, with the right dam and sire, and when we can dedicate ourselves fully to raising them. We don’t breed just to sell dogs. Many of our puppies are spoken for before they’re even born.
You’re welcome to fill out our Puppy Questionnaire at any time — it helps us understand your home, preferences, and what kind of Doberman would thrive with you.
After a litter is born, we review questionnaires and reach out to families who may be a good fit for available puppies. If you choose to move forward at that point, a non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your match.
Yes — we accept a limited number of pre-litter reservations with a deposit. While we can’t guarantee a specific gender or color, you’ll receive first choice of matching puppies in that litter. If no match is born, we can apply your deposit to a future litter or make other arrangements.
Yes — with our help. When a litter is born, we use your preferences — including gender, color, and energy level — to help identify the puppies that are the best fit for your home. If more than one puppy fits your profile, you’ll be able to choose from those options.
For example, if you prefer a red female and there are two, we’ll help you decide between them based on personality and fit.
Not exactly — but timing can play a role. Once a litter arrives, we begin reaching out to families whose questionnaires align with the available puppies. If you're offered a puppy and want to move forward, your deposit confirms the match.
Because our puppies are often reserved quickly, thoughtful timing makes a difference.
Yes — absolutely! We have an open-door policy (by appointment), and we offer a Live Webcam from birth to pickup so you can follow your puppy’s journey every step of the way.
Yes — both parents live here with us, and we’re happy to introduce you to them before or after you decide to move forward with a puppy. Meeting the parents is a great way to understand their temperament, appearance, and how your puppy may grow up. We welcome these conversations and visits as part of choosing the right breeder.
Yes — all of our breeding dogs are DNA tested through Wisdom Panel, which includes screening for key breed-specific risks like Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) and von Willebrand Disease (vWD). We also factor in genetic diversity (heterozygosity) to support long-term health and reduce risk.
We’re always happy to share our dogs’ results and explain what they mean for their offspring.
Like all breeds, Dobermans have known genetic risks. The most commonly discussed include:
We test our breeding dogs to minimize these risks, but no dog or puppy is ever “guaranteed healthy for life.” We believe in being transparent, informed, and proactive about care.
Albino (or white) Dobermans are not rare — they are the result of a recessive genetic mutation traced back to a single Doberman in the 1970s. Albino Dobermans carry what’s known as the Z factor, a term used to identify dogs that descend from this albino bloodline.
The Z factor is associated with a variety of health and temperament concerns, including:
We do not breed for Albino Dobermans, and we do not support intentional breeding of dogs known to carry the albino gene. If an Albino were ever born in our program, it would be spayed or neutered and not bred, in order to preserve the health and integrity of future generations.
We feed and recommend Diamond Naturals — specifically their Large Breed Puppy formula during the first year, followed by Large Breed Adult as the dog matures.
Most of their large breed formulas include L-carnitine, which supports healthy metabolism and heart function — especially important in Dobermans. We’ve had great results with this food, but always encourage families to consult their veterinarian when making any long-term diet decisions.
Yes. We include NuVet Labs supplements in our dogs’ daily routine to support immune function, joints, digestion, and skin/coat health. While every dog is different, we encourage families to continue supplement support during growth and transition. We’ll send samples home with your puppy and are happy to answer questions.
Yes. All of our puppies have their tails docked at 3 days of age by our licensed veterinarian, in line with Doberman breed standards. At the same time, the dewclaws are also removed.
Tails are docked to the standard Doberman length, and the procedure is performed early for a quick, low-stress recovery. Because this happens so early, tail docking is not optional unless you’ve made a specific arrangement with us before the litter is born and placed a deposit.us before the litter is born and placed a deposit.
Yes — optional, and performed by our trusted veterinarian for an additional $625. We’ll help you understand the different crop styles and what to expect during the healing process.
Duramax has a long crop; Allison has a medium crop — both done with expert care by our veterinarian.
Once your puppy goes home, you’ll need to post the ears regularly for several months to train them to stand. We provide step-by-step guidance on how to post, and we’re available to help you anytime — whether it’s your first time or just a refresher.
Ear cropping is a traditional part of the breed standard, and many Dobermans continue to work in roles where cropped ears are preferred for cleanliness, awareness, and safety.
When we crop, it is done by our licensed, ethical veterinarian under professional care. Puppies recover quickly when cropped at the appropriate age and properly cared for.
If your puppy is sold with limited CKC registration, it is expected to be placed in a pet home and not used for breeding. We do not require immediate spaying or neutering, but we do expect owners to make responsible decisions in partnership with their veterinarian.
As a general guideline:
We’re completely fine with delaying the procedure for growth-related reasons, as long as it’s not done to preserve breeding ability, and it’s supported by your veterinarian.
Not always. Dobermans are intelligent, active, and loyal — but they do best with confident, committed owners who understand their needs. This is not a breed that can be left outside, ignored, or under-stimulated.
Dobermans need structure, leadership, exercise, and consistent training. If you’re willing to invest the time and connection they crave, they will give back loyalty, companionship, and protection like no other breed.
Yes — when raised with respectful boundaries and given proper exercise, Dobermans can be wonderful companions for children. They’re often deeply bonded to “their” kids and thrive when included in family routines.
That said, they are large and playful as puppies, and may knock over smaller children without meaning to. Early training and supervision help create a safe, positive bond between your Doberman and the kids in your life.
Usually — but it depends on socialization and training. With early exposure and positive experiences, Dobermans often do great with other dogs, cats, or family pets. We recommend starting young and using puppy classes, leash walks, and structured introductions to build respectful habits.
Always consider the temperament of your existing pets, too — and give everyone space to adjust at their own pace.
Absolutely! Crate training is one of the best things you can do for your Doberman. It gives them a safe, comfortable space to rest, helps with potty training, prevents destructive behaviors, and makes travel and vet care less stressful.
When introduced positively, a crate becomes a Doberman’s den — not a punishment. We strongly recommend crate use, especially during the first year.
Yes — they are highly intelligent, eager to please, and very responsive to calm, consistent leadership. Most Dobermans learn new commands quickly and thrive on structure.
Because they’re also sensitive, harsh corrections or inconsistent cues can backfire. Positive reinforcement, clear rules, and engagement will bring out the best in them — and prevent “creative” misbehavior.
We do not ship our puppies. Delivery may be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on location and agreement.
Each puppy goes home with a care kit that includes:
Not necessarily. Dobermans are loyal, intelligent, and eager to please — but they need structure, attention, and meaningful companionship. They are not the right fit for homes where the dog will be left outside, ignored, or under-stimulated.
If you're away most of the day, lack time for consistent interaction, or aren't prepared to provide regular socialization and training, a Doberman may not be the best choice. But in the right home, they become exceptional family members.
Occasionally, yes — but only if you’re extremely committed to giving them enough physical and mental stimulation. That means more than potty breaks — they need daily exercise, long walks, and a place to run or work off energy.
Many apartments and rental homes also have breed or size restrictions, so be sure to check those first. We strongly prefer that our puppies go to homes with a securely fenced yard in place, but we’re happy to discuss your setup and what will work best for your situation.
Yes — when raised well, most Dobermans become stable, affectionate, and reliable adult dogs. They’re highly people-oriented, naturally protective, and often become deeply bonded with their family.
They do best with structure, ongoing training, and daily engagement. They don’t need constant attention, but they do need to feel involved — and they'll thrive when they’re given a clear role in your life.
No — not when bred and raised responsibly. Dobermans are naturally protective and alert, but aggression or instability is not part of the breed standard. In fact, a Doberman that is overly aggressive or fearful would be considered faulted in temperament.
Like any dog, temperament is shaped by both genetics and environment. With proper socialization and structure, Dobermans are affectionate, obedient, and deeply loyal to their people.
This is an outdated myth with no basis in fact. Well-bred Dobermans are devoted to their families. The idea that they suddenly become aggressive toward their owners comes from misinformation and poor breeding practices in the past.
Our program is focused on producing stable, confident Dobermans with family-friendly temperaments.
Sometimes — but we don’t usually recommend it. Some males will get along fine, especially if raised together and well-matched in temperament. But as Dobermans mature, especially intact males, dominance issues can arise, even between dogs who once got along.
Fights between two powerful adult males can be serious. If you’re considering two males, let’s talk first about your home dynamic, experience level, and the personalities involved.
No. Dobermans were bred to be naturally protective — and in most cases, that instinct will develop as they mature. While formal protection training exists, most families do not need to train their Doberman to guard.
In fact, overtraining in this area can create unwanted behaviors if not done correctly. A well-bred, well-raised Doberman will usually alert and protect naturally when it matters — no special commands needed.
We feed and recommend Diamond Naturals dog food — a brand we've trusted for years for its quality, consistency, and suitability for large, active breeds like Dobermans.
For puppies, we use Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy during the first year. After that, we transition to Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult to support long-term health, weight maintenance, and joint care.
Most of Diamond Naturals’ large breed formulas include L-carnitine, an amino acid that supports healthy metabolism and is especially beneficial for heart-conscious breeds like Dobermans. While every dog is different, we’ve had excellent results and suggest sticking with this food long-term unless your vet recommends something else.
That depends on age, activity level, and metabolism. Most Dobermans eat between 2 to 5 cups per day, with puppies sometimes needing more during growth spurts. Always follow the feeding guide on your food bag and adjust based on your dog’s condition and energy needs.
Dobermans need at least 1 to 2 hours of activity per day — including both physical exercise and mental engagement. Daily walks, off-leash play in a secure area, obedience sessions, or puzzle toys all help keep them balanced.
Without proper outlets, Dobermans can become anxious, frustrated, or destructive. Regular exercise is a must.
There are two main kennel clubs used for Doberman registration in North America:
We are currently limited to CKC registration because we do not have a sire and dam that are both AKC registered. Until that changes, our puppies cannot be registered through AKC, even though they are purebred Dobermans.
Our focus remains on producing dogs with excellent health, temperament, and family suitability, regardless of registry status.
All puppies are sold with limited CKC registration, which means your puppy is fully registered with the Continental Kennel Club but cannot be bred or produce registered litters.
If you wish to pursue full registration in the future (including breeding rights), this requires written approval from us and a $1500 upgrade fee. Breeding without permission is considered a breach of contract and voids all guarantees.
We are committed to protecting the health, temperament, and integrity of the Doberman breed. That includes ensuring our puppies are placed in homes that value their companionship — not used for casual or for-profit breeding.
Limited registration helps us prevent irresponsible breeding and ensures that dogs from our program are only bred with care, ethics, and proper health screening. We’re happy to guide and support families who may be interested in breeding later, but only if it’s done responsibly.
Absolutely! We’re happy to answer your questions, whether you're just starting your research or you’re ready to reserve a puppy. We want you to feel confident, informed, and excited — not rushed or overwhelmed.
Feel free to reach out any time through our contact form, email, or social media pages.
Yes — we welcome visitors (by appointment) who are seriously considering bringing home a Doberman. Meeting our dogs and seeing how we raise our puppies is a great way to decide if Distinctive Dobermans is the right fit for your family.
We recommend starting with the Doberman Pinscher Club of America (DPCA) for breed standards and health information. Doberman Planet is another great resource for real-world insight and educational videos on life with a Doberman.
Absolutely. We love staying connected with our puppy families! We’re always here to answer questions, celebrate milestones, or just see how your pup is doing. Once you bring home a Distinctive Doberman, you become part of our extended family.
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