There are certainly some interesting opinions on this subject. I still feel a stud should be well balanced and emotionally mature before using him to breed. That is just my preference. Dobermann's don't mature until they are between 18mths and 2yrs. I don't know why people need to rush a dog into being a stud, its like trying to rush my 3yr old son into adulthood. I would never attempt that so why do it to my dog who is every much a part of my family and perhaps more reliant on me than my son.

The facts on the subject are even more fascinating. Dobermanns are not fully grown as you said until 18-24 months. Therefore accurate hip x-rays cannot be obtained until this time.

Also Dobermanns really are not a breed to be messing around with with regards to breeding. We really need the breeders in this country to step up and start cardio testing prior to breeding and annually thereafter. We need to have generations in pedigrees being cardio tested (echo/holter) as well, not just the dam/sire. There are two supposed genetic markers for DCM found with one test available and one soon to be available.

Until we have a proper and conclusive genetic test for this disease, these tools are really the only way forward. When 50% or more of the dobermann population will succumb to DCM, not testing is a complete sin to the breed. Any age, 5 months to 15 years, they are all vulnerable.

I would much prefer using an older stud with grand-parents and parents that reached a decent age (at least 10 preferably!)