considering importing a dog from europe - Page 1

I am trying to make the decision between getting a doberman from the US or from Europe (also what part of europe). Is there anyone here that can advise me on where to look? I already compete in IPO with my shepherd and I am looking for a doberman to do IPO with that can be competitive in the USA conformation ring. Any advise you can give me would be fantastic. Even directing me to some of the top Euro dobe breeders would be great. Thanks a bunch :)

Usually there is a learning curve when importing. You can read some others 'learning curve' experiences here from time to time on this website. The learning curve goes something like this; buy a dog,,,,,see if you got what you thought you would get and sort of go from there. Over the years there were quite a few that were not what I expected. After a few years you develop relationships with breeders and they develop a feel for what you are asking for when you describe what you are looking for. Importing from this type of relationship once formed can be a rewarding experience. Until then,,, it's pretty much hit or miss.

If you have something in particular you are looking for. It's best to see if you can find it and put your hands on it as you buy it.

I've seen a very nice Dobe from the Landgraf kennel. Also heard good things about them.

My suggestion is to compile a short list of breeders, get a passport, airline tickets then go and see these people.
Then you can see the living conditions, the dams, maybe the sires and the puppies.
 

anne conroy probably knows as much about good dobes as anyone i can think of-----training, bloodlines, who has what & who has good ones.
i'm not a dobe person, but if i were going to buy one, i would definately take her advice.  if you want her email addy, p.m. me.
pjp

If you're talking about the AKC conformation ring, you'll be very hard pressed to find something that will be competitive there and in IPO. Euro show lines generally don't do that well in the AKC conformation ring. If you're thinking about UDC, UKC, etc. then that would definitely be a possibility. I'd look at Incredible Dobes in CA with Lorna. She has nice European dobes that look nice and work. May also look at von Luka and Bell'Lavoro. If you're wanting more on the IPO side and less on conformation Landgraf and Masaya are very competitive in IPO. Chalmer and Moellerhof may also be good ones to look at. Those are all in the US. If you do decide to import don't assume that having an IPO title means the dog can really work. Lol. I have seen a few imported dobes from IPO titled parents and they have absolutely 0 drive (prey or defense). 
I hope you find what you're looking for!