Jeff Brucker | Monarch Dobermans

Interview with Jeff Brucker, Breeder of Monarch Dobermans

Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder?

Jeff Brucker: I live in Belleview, Florida. I have 60 years in dogs, 55 years as a breeder.

What is my kennel name? How many dogs do I currently keep?

Jeff Brucker: My kennel name is Monarch Dobermans. I currently keep five Doberman Pinschers.

Which show dogs from the past have been my noteworthy winners?

Jeff Brucker: My noteworthy winners would include Dolph Von Tannenwald, a Doberman who had 27 Bests in Show.

Which have been my most influential sires and dams?

Sire: GCHS Monarch’s Empire Maker;

Dams: CH Monarch’s Heir To The Throne and GCH Monarch’s Borgata.

Can I talk a bit about my facilities? Where are my puppies whelped? How are they raised?

Jeff Brucker: I live on five wooded acres that is akin to living in a park. The paddock areas for the dogs are approximately 70×100 with exercise jumps similar to a Cavaletti for horses. The puppies are whelped in our library. We have a mattress in the whelping box, and one of us is in with the puppies at all times for the first three weeks. We start show training as soon as they can walk.

What is my “process” for selecting Show Puppies? Performance Puppies?

Jeff Brucker: We are continuously monitoring the progress of the puppies, both mentally and physically, as they develop to determine which puppy would be best for each venue.

Do I compete in Performance Events? In Parent Club Tests & Trials?

Jeff Brucker: We do not currently have a dog competing in a Performance Event.

Is “performance” part of my decision-making when it comes to breeding?

Jeff Brucker: Yes.

How would I define “conditioning” as it relates to my breed?

Jeff Brucker: It is a great deal of exercise, of course, depending on their age.

Are there any health-related concerns in my breed? Any special nutritional needs?

Jeff Brucker: Cardiomyopathy and hip dysplasia are the main concerns. Every dog is different as far as nutritional needs.

Do I think my breed is supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders?

Jeff Brucker: Yes.

Is my breed well suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own my breed?

Jeff Brucker: Yes, I believe a Doberman Pincher is a family dog. The best owners are generally families.

What is the biggest misconception about my breed? What is my breed’s best-kept secret?

Jeff Brucker: The biggest misconception is that their temperament isn’t reliable, and they might be dangerous. The best-kept secret is that they are wonderful family dogs that are very mentally stable, yet still good guard dogs.

If I could share a comment or two with judges of my breed, what would I like to say to them?

Jeff Brucker: I would tell them to keep studying. Make yourself familiar with the history of the breed.

Do I have any words of wisdom to pass along to newer breeders?

Jeff Brucker: I would also tell them to keep studying, make yourself familiar with the history of the breed. Don’t just breed to the top-winning dog.

For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing I’ve ever experienced with a Working Dog?

Jeff Brucker: Being urinated on in the exercise pen at The Garden.