Hey Moose.....good choice of breed
I just recently got a black n' rust Dobie boy...he well be a year old this April. He is my first, they have been my dream dog. He is a great puppy...he has his mistakes, but don't they all. They are, like everyone has said, very obedient, very very loving, and smart....almost too much If they get bored though....watch old...you'll find some pretty nice holes in the yard!
They get to be very big....the females are slightly smaller though. Keep them socailized too....I found out very quicky..not socializing Colby for just 2 weeks...he didn't trust very many people in the store.
Many people don't agree with cropping n' docking...but I don't see anything wrong with it. I got Colby's ears done....b/c im showing him this summer in Conformation n' personally....I don't think a Dobe looks like a true Dobe if its ears aren't cropped...but thats my opinion.
Heres a few pictures on my boy....



Good luck searching for a Dobe n' I would love to see you get one. We need another Doberman owner on here!!
Enjoy