Sims works to prove that Dobermans aren’t bad dogs

9/3/2025

With more than 300 breeds of dogs, pet owners have many options to choose a just-right furry friend. Yet, dog temperaments vary, and, sometimes, a dog breed gets a bad reputation, often due to owner mishandling and other factors. 

The Doberman Pinscher Club in Des Moines was established to promote the breed. The club is celebrating 50 years in existence in 2025. Stacy Sims, secretary for the Doberman Pinscher Club, explains why it was established. 

“Doug O’Dell and James Waters put together the club in 1975 as a way to improve the breed and show that Dobermans aren’t bad dogs,” she explains. “Dobermans used to have a stigma, and we want to show everyone what good dogs they are.”

Sims, a longtime dog lover, has owned the breed most of her adult life and currently has three Dobermans — Pinkie, Alyx and Tirana. All three came from South America. The breed born in Argentina are stockier with more bone and substance than United States-born breeds.

She says Dobermans can be clingy. 

“They are Velcro dogs,” she explains. “You go to the bathroom, and they have to be with you. They are great companions.”

Sims enters her dogs in competitions and is dedicated to producing purebreds. 

“Pinkie’s mouth didn’t turn out right. She has an overbite, so we didn’t breed her. My belief is that you don’t breed things that are off,” she says. 

Sims is part of the Des Moines Kennel Club, and she is also president of the combined specialty dog clubs of Des Moines. The specialty clubs have 13 individual shows. She is excited that the top handler of dogs from Argentina will be on hand to judge at the regional dog show, which is held in conjunction with the Des Moines Kennel Club show on Sept. 5.

Specialties include breeds such as cocker spaniels and more. 

“I retired from Wells Fargo. Now I’m busier than ever than when I was working. I’m involved in helping out with dog shows,” she says. 

Sims says she would like another Doberman. 

“I want a fourth one, but it might be pushing it. So many people are afraid of Dobermans. I want to keep promoting the breed.”

She encourages people who are curious about the breed to join the club or to ask questions. She admits to spoiling her dogs. 

“This is my passion,” she says. “I’m in a club where everybody loves the breed.”

For more information about the upcoming Des Moines Kennel Club dog show, visit www.desmoineskennelclub.com. For information on the Doberman Pinscher Club, visit their Facebook page. ♦