The Doberman Pinscher, unlike most dogs, has only been in the world for less than 150 years. The breed traces its origin back to Germany from a tax collector named Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann. Dobermann was also the keeper of a dog pound and blended multiple dog breeds to create his namesake dog. He bred the strongest and smartest dogs to create a working dog. Thus, Doberman Pinschers, also known as Dobermanns, Dobermans, or “Dobies,” were often used as guard dogs. They are extremely loyal to their owners and highly intelligent in following commands.
Today, Dobermans have transitioned to loving companions through deliberate breeding. Breeders are moving away from breeding Dobermans with aggressive qualities into ones with softer personalities suitable for companionship. That being said, there are still breeders who bred the Dobermann Pinschers specifically for security.
In 2021, the American Kennel Club (AKC) ranked the Doberman Pinscher as the 16th most popular dog in the world. This popularity is why you’ll see many Doberman puppies for sale in California. However, not all Doberman breeders are the same; many puppy mills exist throughout California and don’t health test their parent dogs. For this list, we have focused on the top 8 Doberman breeders in California who breed for companionship dogs. Some of these breeders also breed for security, but that is on an as-needed basis. We’ve done our independent research to find breeders who do health checks, have a good reputation, and are affiliated with many different Doberman organizations.
We always recommend that before you purchase a Doberman puppy in California, you do a ton of research and ask the breeder many questions. It’s important to find a breeder that you can trust to provide you with a healthy Doberman puppy.
Other articles you might like: Golden Retriever Breeders in California and Boxer Breeders in California.
1. PuppySpot – Doberman Puppies in California
- Website: PuppySpot Dobermans
PuppySpot is a web service that connects the nation’s top breeders to caring, responsible individuals and families. We bought one of our puppies from PuppySpot and had the easiest experience with getting a dog. First, PuppySpot screens all Doberman breeders, so you don’t have to interview them and ask them questions. They have a strict 100-point process that is both USDA and AKC approved. PuppySpot screens all breeders that want to list puppies on their website. Less than 10% of all breeders who apply are allowed to list their puppies. Thus, you can ensure that you won’t be getting your Doberman puppy from a puppy mill or backyard breeder in California.
Another great benefit of PuppySpot is that they have Doberman puppies for sale today. Typically, individual breeders have a long waitlist to get a puppy, and the litter isn’t even born yet. With PuppySpot, the puppies are already born, so you know exactly what you are getting. You can sort Doberman Pinschers by coat color, age, gender, and size. You’re essentially selecting the perfect puppy that you want.
If the Doberman puppy you want isn’t located in California, then PuppySpot will fly it out to you. All their puppies come with a health guarantee and head-to-nose health check. They will also periodically check up with you after purchasing the dog. Our experience with PuppySpot was extremely easy and convenient, which is one of the main reasons we recommend them. We didn’t have to spend a long time researching reputable dog breeders and interviewing them.
PuppySpot made our list of Best Doberman Breeders in the United States!
Update: PuppySpot is giving our readers $100 off the price of a Doberman puppy with coupon code “WLD100”.
2. West Coast Doberman Ranch in Northern California
- Location: San Jose, California
- Website: West Coast Doberman Ranch
- Telephone: 408-781-3467
- Email: [email protected]
West Coast Doberman Ranch is a family-run breeding business in Northern California based in San Jose. The breeder strives for top-quality European Doberman Pinschers with excellent health, ideal temperaments, and conformation to the purebred AKC standard.
This Doberman breeder in California is special because they select only the best dogs for their breeding program. The Doberman parents have undergone Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) health testing and genetic testing. In addition, Vetnostics Labs runs DNA tests on the dogs for color and genetic testing for von Willebrand Disease (vWD) to ensure they aren’t passing on any genetic diseases to their puppies. The University of Washington checks their dogs’ cardiomyopathy tests to ensure they have the best health record. This breeder only sells the healthiest Doberman puppies in California.
At West Coast Doberman Ranch, puppy socialization starts from birth. They train their Doberman Pinscher puppies to be human and animal friendly. They also expose their puppies to various environments, from California city life to ranch life, making the puppy easier to train and transition to your family. Their Doberman puppies in California come with up-to-date vaccinations, deworming, a health guarantee, and lifetime support. If you’re in Northern California, we believe this is one of the best European Doberman Pinscher breeders.
3. All In Kennels in Southern California
- Location: North Hollywood, California
- Website: All In Kennels
- Telephone: 818-675-1080
All in Kennels is a North Hollywood breeder with over 20 years in the dog breeding industry. They are one of the oldest Doberman breeders in California that we could find. We like this breeder because they check their adult Dobermans for any health conditions before breeding. Only the best adult Doberman Pinschers make it into their breeding program. They only sell their puppies as company pets and don’t breed any security or bodyguard dogs. They keep their Doberman puppies current on vaccinations and dewormings, and have their tails docked at birth.
A Doberman puppy price starts at $1500 from All in Kennels. Their puppies are available for pick up in the Los Angeles area, and shipping is available nationwide for an additional fee. However, we always recommend you visit a breeder in person to check out their facilities.
4. Euro Dobermann of California
- Location: Central Valley, California
- Website: Euro Dobermann of California
- Telephone: 209-204-3439
- Email: [email protected]
Euro Dobermann of California is a breeder in Central Valley, California. The small-time breeder strives to breed top-notch Dobermanns that will love, protect, and accompany any family. The males and females are imported from reputable Eastern and West European breeders. The dogs are offsprings of champion bloodlines from their native homelands and adhere to the purebred standards.
Euro Dobermann breeds all types of Dobermann puppies, including dogs for show, protection, work, and companionship. The Dobermann puppies are born and cared for in the breeder’s residence. The breeder limits breeding to a few litters yearly to ensure that their female dogs remain healthy. Therefore, the waiting list can be anywhere from 6 to 14 months if you want one of their Dobermann puppies.
The breeder subscribes to the European practice of keeping the natural physical state of the Dobermann. In European practice, the puppies are not declawed, tail docked, or ear cropped. If you prefer these features in your Dobermann puppy, this breeder is flexible. You can request these procedures at the time of birth.
In addition, all of their Dobermann puppies are offered a health guarantee and lifetime support. If, for any reason, you aren’t able to care for your Dobermann, they will take the dog back. They don’t want to see any of their puppies end up in shelters or rescues.
Not located in California? Check out our lists of best Doberman puppy breeders in Texas and New York.
5. Soquel Dobermans California
- Location: Royal Oaks, California
- Website: Soquel Dobermans
- Telephone: 831-768-9092
- Email: [email protected]
Soquel Dobermans have been breeding Dobermans since 1974 in Central California. For the past 46 years, they have kept the vision of breeding healthy and sound Dobermans as per the Doberman Pinscher Club of America.
Their dams and sires live on their ranch in North Monterey County, California. They breed only the best dogs possible; the dams and sires are all American champions. Soquel Dobermans is an excellent breeder if you want a show dog or family companion from championship bloodlines.
Their Doberman puppies are well-socialized with pets and humans to get used to being around different environments. The breeder doesn’t have information on shipping or pricing on their website. Instead, they suggest you reach out to them for the latest details. You can check out their previous Dobermann litters on their website as well as upcoming litters. They also recently started breeding French Bulldogs!
6. Holder Park Dobermans
- Location: Nipomo, California. Located in Central California near San Louis Obispo.
- Website: Holder Park Dobermans
- Telephone: 805-929-4667
- Email: [email protected]
Holder Park Dobermans have been in the breeding business for over 20 years. Sue Holder has been an active member of the Doberman Pinscher Club of America for over 33 years. Holder Park Dobermans was awarded Breeder of the Year in 2004 by AKC for their impressive work in improving the quality of the purebred Doberman. The breeder has since gone on to win many awards through championships. Holder Park Dobermans is by far one of the most reputable Doberman breeders in California.
All of Holder Park’s Dobermans are AKC registered with impressive health and temperaments. The Doberman Pinscher puppies are socialized early as the breeder aims for dogs that are confident with adults, children, and other animals. It’s extremely important to socialize a Doberman and expose them to various sights and sounds to prevent stress and anxiety. Dobermans who are highly stressed and anxious may get aggressive if they have to defend themselves.
Holder Park Dobermans only have a few Doberman litters yearly and are booked well in advance. For a spot on the waiting list and shipping policies, we recommend you speak to Sue Holder via the contact details above.
7. Morgana Dobermans in California
- Location: California
- Website: Morgana Dobermans
- Telephone: 831-508-5033
- Email: [email protected]
Morgana Dobermans is a family-owned kennel that has been in the business of breeding Dobermans for over 30 years. The breeder only produces a few puppies every year and follows the code of ethics set by the Doberman Pinscher Club of America.
Morgana Dobermans has produced top-notch healthy Doberman puppies from top European and American bloodlines. The breeder strives for a solid temperament and excellent health for the dog to succeed in sports such as agility, barn hunt, and tracking. These traits also make them excellent companions and protectors.
To purchase a puppy from Morgana Dobermans, you must complete a puppy questionnaire. The questionnaire takes an average of 15 to 20 minutes. For the questionnaire, be prepared to have a signed letter from your landlord (if you rent), check with your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, and provide references. This Doberman breeder in California truly cares where her puppies end up.
After the application is approved, Morgana Dobermans will contact you and place you on their waiting list. Their Doberman puppies in California are matched at week 8 or 9 based on how their physical and personality traits match what you want in a Doberman. Before the Doberman Pinscher puppy leaves for your home, the breeder will ensure the Doberman is current on age-appropriate vaccines and dewormed. For inquiries on price and shipping policy, contact Morgana Dobermans.
Located in the Midwest United States? Check out our list of best Doberman Pinscher puppy breeders in Ohio.
8. Black Bart Dobermans in Southern California
- Location: San Diego, California
- Website: Black Bart Dobermans
- Telephone: 619-464-1639
Black Bart Dobermans in Southern California is owned and operated by Sandra Boyas. She has over 30 years of experience and has earned the title of AKC Breeder of Merit. She is also on the Doberman Pinscher Club of America’s Breeder Referral List. Black Bart Dobermans aim to breed elegant Doberman Pinschers with desirable temperaments. Their Doberman puppies can grow up to be good dogs to show, but are also great with kids and families.
To buy a Doberman puppy from Black Bart Dobermans, fill out the questionnaire on their website. They will use this information to match you to a puppy based on your needs and home environment. Their Doberman puppies are sold quickly, so don’t wait too long! You can read testimonials and see pictures of their Doberman puppies on their website. Black Bart Dobermans also have pictures of their puppies all grown up, winning awards at various dog competitions. The pedigrees of these dogs are listed on the website. With Black Bart Dobermans, you know you are not only getting a beautiful dog but also one that has a good personality.
Conclusion for Doberman Breeders in California
The Doberman Pinscher makes for a devoted companion. With a loving and firm pack leader, a Dobie will make a great friend, obedient companion, protector of children, and a loving household member. Doberman puppies for sale in California have become extremely popular, and you must find a reputable breeder. The most reputable Doberman breeders in California will health test their dogs, be affiliated with multiple Doberman organizations, and provide you with a puppy warranty. We wish you the best in search of your future Doberman.
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FAQs about Doberman Pinscher Puppies
What are White Doberman Pinschers?
White Doberman Pinchers, or albino Doberman Pinchers, are Doberman Pinchers with albinism. Albinism is a genetic condition in which the Doberman lacks pigmentation (melanin) in their body. This pigmentation is what gives color to their fur, skin, and eyes, so without it, the Doberman is lighter in color. Some people prize these dogs because they are “rare.” However, albinism comes with health issues such as skin lesions and skin cancer, and frequently causes a bad temperament and aggression. Breeding white/albino Doberman Pinchers is unethical. The Doberman Pinscher Club of America is strongly against the deliberate breeding of this genetic defect.
What is the difference between “Doberman Pinschers,” “Dobermans,” and “Dobermanns” with two n’s?
They are all different names for the same breed. “Doberman Pinscher” is the name recognized by the AKC. “Dobermann” with two n‘s is the name currently used by kennel clubs throughout Europe and other parts of the world (after Louis Dobermann, the breed’s creator). “Pinscher,” the German word for “terrier,” was dropped from the breed’s name in the mid-1900s as it was no longer appropriate for describing the current breed standards. “Doberman” with one n is the nickname for both “Doberman Pinscher” and “Dobermann.”
American vs. European Doberman – what is the difference?
The American Doberman Pinscher and the European Dobermann are the same breed, just with slightly different breed standards. To the untrained eye, the main difference is the ears and tails. The AKC breed standard states that the ears are “cropped and carried erect,” and the tail is docked. The FCI breed standard requires the ears and tail be “left natural.”
Why are Doberman ears cropped?
Ear cropping is the surgical process of removing part of the ear to make it stand upright. Foam blocks are then placed in the ear until the Doberman puppy’s ears stand upright on their own. In the breed’s early days, the ears may have been cropped to prevent ear infections, make them look more menacing to intruders, and allow the dogs to “hear better.”
Nowadays, the medical arguments from ear cropping have largely been dismissed; the ears are cropped to maintain the traditional silhouette of the breed. Many countries have outlawed the practice of cropping ears. Though not yet illegal in the United States, the American Veterinary Medical Association opposes ear cropping and tail docking when done solely for cosmetic purposes.
Dr. Sabrina Kong graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in England in 2016 and has been working at a small animal clinic in Northern California since then. She grew up in the Bay Area and got her bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She also became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner through a program at the University of Tennessee.
When she isn’t in the clinic taking care of her four-legged patients, she enjoys traveling and trying new foods with her friends and her three-legged dog, Apollo. She adopted Apollo from her clinic when he was a puppy with numerous health issues. Dr. Kong truly cares about taking care of animals.