Hi! I'm in the Phoenix area too and I got my dobie at the shelter. If you get a puppy, meeting both parents is a MUST! I made the mistake of not seeing the parents twice and I will NEVER do it again. My first I bought just carelessly and when she turned a year,despite constant socialization, she became fearful and dangerouse. Our second, I got because the 'breeder' was going to put her down.(She had parvo) At a year, despite all our best efforts, she turned EXTREAMLY aggresive and attacked everyone in the house. These are the only dogs I have had to EVER have any behavioral problems in my whole life. (And that is ALOT of dogs...) My neighbor had one that, at a year, attacked his wife for no apparent reason. I don't mean to tell you these stories to scare you out of dobies, I'm doing it so you PLEASE won't buy a pup without meeting (and LOVING) both parents. Just be careful when you choose them out. My doberman now was a rescue and is EVERYTHING I could ever ask for. He is soooo sweet and just a goof sometimes but also fearless, extreamly smart and devoted. I love dobermans, they are my favorite breed. I just can't emphasize how important is to get a 'good' one. A good dobie is a GREAT dog! I'm sure you could go out and get a puppy from just some backyard breeder and it would grow up to be fine BUT it isn't worth the risk...ESPECIA
LLY when there are some really great rescue dogs out there! You sound like great dog owners and I'm sure you'll get a wonderful dog! Good Luck and welcome to the wonderful world of dobies! Keep us posted.
Here are some rescues in AZ (incase you haven't already checked them out)
http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=5860697http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=5274716