About Draggin Dobermans and Great Danes

Our Story– Who are we?

We’re Eric and Courtney Leffler, and we breed Doberman Pinschers and Great Danes here in Houston, Texas. What started as Eric’s childhood dream has blossomed into our shared passion for bettering these incredible breeds, with a laser focus on health and longevity.

How It All Began – Eric’s Journey

Eric’s love affair with dogs began early, growing up in a household where his mother specialized in breeding and showing Scottish Terriers. But it was one magical moment at a dog show that changed everything – when a male Doberman gave him a kiss right up his face, igniting a lifelong passion for the breed.

That encounter introduced Eric to two legendary mentors: Tina Marshall of Mariah Dobermans and Mike Penny of Paradigm Dobermans. Despite his deep affection for Dobermans, Eric’s mother wasn’t initially keen on him having one as a pet. Undeterred, Eric spent years assisting Tina and Mike at dog shows, immersing himself in the world of Dobermans he adored so much.

Our First Dobermans – Diamond & Draggin

The day finally arrived when Eric was ready for his very own Doberman. He reached out to Tina, who coincidentally had two litters available. After weeks of anticipation, Eric, his girlfriend Courtney (now his wife), and Eric’s mother (who needed some gentle persuasion) made the journey to select their puppy.

It was love at first sight when they met Mariah’s Diamond Paradigm, affectionately called Diamond. Her charming demeanor and endearing nature had a way of melting hearts – even converting those who were previously apprehensive about Dobermans.

A few months later at another dog show, Courtney fell head over heels for a red male puppy from a different litter. Having a special fondness for red Dobermans, she couldn’t resist bringing home the sweet and affectionate boy. After ensuring their apartment could accommodate two Dobermans, Ch Mariah’s Red Draggin v Koepsel – known simply as Draggin – became our cherished family member.

Despite Eric’s mom’s initial doubts about Draggin’s appearance during that awkward four-month phase (every Doberman owner knows it!), he won her over completely with his loving nature and easygoing personality. Inspired by our first champion, we decided to establish our own kennel name – and thus, Draggin Dobermans was born.

Our Mentorship & Continued Learning

Our close relationship with Tina Marshall, who brings over forty years of experience in the breed, continues to be an invaluable source of guidance and mentorship. This foundation of knowledge, combined with our own dedication to learning, shapes every decision we make in our breeding program.

Our Breeding Philosophy

Health & Longevity First: We’re dedicated to bettering both breeds by focusing intensively on health testing and longevity. Every breeding decision is made with the goal of producing healthier, longer-lived dogs.

Home-Raised with Love: All our puppies are raised right in our living room, exposed to everyday life from birth.

Comprehensive Care: Our puppies come with nosodes (natural immune building towards common illnesses), natural worming, microchip, dewclaw removal, tail docks (Dobermans), cropped ears, and most importantly – lifetime support from us.

Why We Added Great Danes

While Dobermans captured our hearts first, we expanded to include Great Danes in 2012 because we recognized the same qualities we loved in Dobermans – loyalty, gentleness with family, and that special bond with their people. Both breeds, when properly bred and raised, make exceptional family companions.

What Makes Us Different

Experience Meets Passion: Eric’s years of learning from breed legends, combined with our shared commitment to excellence, means you’re getting puppies from people who truly understand these breeds.

Family-Centered Approach: We understand what families need in a dog. Every puppy is evaluated not just for conformation, but for temperament and family suitability.

Lifetime Commitment: When you get a puppy from Draggin, you’re joining our extended family. We’re here for questions, celebrations, concerns, and everything in between throughout your dog’s entire life.

6-Year Health Guarantee: We stand behind our breeding program with a comprehensive 6-year health guarantee – significantly longer than industry standard because we’re confident in our health testing protocols.

Our Promise to You

Whether you’re looking for a loyal Doberman or a gentle Great Dane, we promise to:

• Match you with a puppy that fits your lifestyle and family
• Provide honest guidance throughout the selection process
• Support you with resources and advice for your dog’s entire lifetime
• Maintain the highest standards of health testing and ethical breeding practices
• Continue the legacy of excellence we learned from our mentors

Ready to add on of our puppies as a new Family Member?

Start by filling out a questionnaire. Our current wait time is approximately 6 months, but we believe the right puppy is worth waiting for.

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Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 832-477-0033
• Location: Houston, TX

Currently accepting applications for our waitlist.

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📞 Call Us About Available Puppies