Pets

Breeding our Doberman Pinscher: a diary of events leading up to delivery

“That smiling dog,” said my husband’s uncle. “Just look at that smiling dog.” Tango, our Doberman, had hosted our uncle at a family barbecue.

The tango really smiles. There may be conflicting evidence as to whether or not dogs smile, or even if they have human-like emotions … Tango definitely smiles. In fact, he has the most beautiful smile of any dog ​​I have ever seen.

We first met Tango in April 2008. Black and tan breed admirers, my husband and I had set out to find two dogs to provide security and company on our 10 acre property. Our choices for blacks and tans were Rottweiler, Doberman, or Manchester Terrier. We found a list of Dobermans and decided to give one a try, having researched the breed’s characteristics and needs.

The Tango breeder took her to a local park so we could meet her. She showed us the obedience and socialization skills of Tango (she asked passersby to pet her dog) and let us know her. When my husband knelt to receive Tango, she laid her head on his lap; an instant friend. It took us very little time to decide that she was the perfect dog for our family. We also chose an unrelated male Doberman from one of the close breeder’s associates.

We had the dogs we wanted. But a small option presented itself before we left the park. The breeder, as a suggestion, asked if we would be interested in breeding Tango. He wanted to keep the dog on his own show, but he had too many to deal with at the time. Tango papers were left “open” for registered litters, so it was an option for us. We had not previously considered breeding. However, this dog was worth it. He had the right confirmation, temperament, and personality. A tribute to the Doberman breed. The breeder even offered to help us place the puppies.

Since Tango was only six months old at the time, we had work to do. We immediately begin obedience and agility training, then work towards an AKC CGC certification. CGC is a test that measures obedience, socialization and manners. Dogs that pass the exam receive a certificate of completion. If both parent dogs are CGC, the puppies are easier to place. Our two dogs passed the CGC easily. We also began to observe the Tango heat cycle calendar. She went into heat on June 25, 2008 … her first birthday. While planning to breed in the third cycle, we watched his cycle progress until December, when December 1, 2008 arrived. We noticed changes in body, attitude and behavior towards our male (he was neutered, of course). By the time the third cycle rolled around, we would have some data to work with. The tango would also be mature enough for motherhood.

On May 13, 2009, we began to see signs (spots) that the third heat cycle was underway. I contacted the Tango breeder to inform him that the cycle had begun. He gave us a date to bring Tango to his facilities. She had a newly acquired male who would be a perfect match. Thus, on May 25, Tango met her first suitor, Rambo. The breeder reported two successful “draws”, where the dogs make the connection correctly. Once again we take note of our calendars and embark on a new waiting game: “Is it her or is it not her?”

It normally takes five weeks, depending on the dog and breed, to know if puppies are on the way. At 45 days, an X-ray can determine if there are puppies and how many. After a month, we are still waiting. According to the breeder, it is rare not to have a pregnancy if there are successful bonds at the right time in the cycle. After a year and a half of planning, saving funds and working with the dogs, we are hopeful that a lovely little group of puppies will arrive in 2-3 more weeks. It has been an interesting and educational experience … and it has the potential to be even more so soon! My best hope is that the puppies will inherit the winning Tango smile.

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