The Doberman Gang of NYC

🇺🇸🇩🇪 MEET OUR PARADE LEADERS: VIV & RANGER 🇩🇪🇺🇸

Every year, we choose a child and their Doberman for one very important job: leading the Doberman Gang up Fifth Avenue.

It sounds glamorous — but it’s no small assignment! Our young handler has to work hard preparing their dog to heel through cheering crowds, music, flags, city noise and endless distractions… all while leading several dozen Dobermans and potentially 100 people behind them.

And this year, our leaders are making a little history. ❤️

Viv is 7 years old. Ranger is just 4 months old — making him the youngest AND the first puppy ever to lead our parade! 🐾

But Viv’s history with this parade started long before Ranger.

Her family has been marching with us for 13 years, first with their beloved Porsche and later with Rue. In fact, when Viv’s mom first walked Fifth Avenue with Porsche, Viv wasn’t even born yet.

Then came Viv’s first Steuben Parade — at just 9 WEEKS old! Her mom managed a baby AND a Doberman on parade day, promptly earning herself the unofficial title of Supermom. 😂❤️

Last year, Viv got her first chance at the front of the pack, leading the parade alongside her brother Wyatt and their girl Rue.

This year, she’s stepping up again — but now she has a brand-new partner.

At only four months old, Ranger has a LOT to learn before those paws hit Fifth Avenue. And at only seven, Viv has taken on the challenge of preparing him for one of the biggest, loudest and most exciting walks of his young life.

Thirteen years. Three Dobermans. Two generations. And one very special family tradition.

On September 19th, when you see that tiny puppy and his very determined little handler at the front of our pack, give Viv & Ranger an extra-big cheer.

They’ve got a whole lot of Dobermans counting on them. ❤️🐾🇺🇸🇩🇪

📣📣‼️ATTENTION MARCHERS ‼️📣📣

⭐️‼️WE HAVE MARCHING ORDERS‼️⭐️

We are in the second group this year so DON’T BE LATE! If you are late, you will not get to march. Also if you don’t have a DGNYC shirt or a parade shirt, be sure to wear a black shirt to march!

Saturday, September 19
Meeting time: 11:15
Meeting point: 67th Street between Madison & Park Avenue

Remember: Dobermans only march. No retractable leashes. Please bring water, it can be a long day with alot of walking on hot pavement. Please give other dogs space as needed: we will separate certain dogs (ex. intact males) as necessary so that everyone has a good day.

‼️SEE YOU ON FIFTH AVENUE‼️
🖤❤️💛🇩🇪🇺🇸🇩🇪💛❤️🖤

🐾 MEET THE MARCHERS: SABINE 🐾🇩🇪🇺🇸 (visit our event links below for information on our 13th year marching in NYC on Saturday, September 19) 🇩🇪🇺🇸

Meet Sabine Otsuka-Keane, a six-year-old Doberman with one seriously determined spirit. ❤️

Sabine’s journey began in South Carolina, where she sadly lost her owner before finding her way to the ASPCA in Briarcliff Manor. A rescue advocate spotted her photo and couldn’t believe how much she resembled Griffon — and when Sabine joined the family at just 10 months old, she and Griffon became best friends almost immediately. 🥹🐾

At around 15 months, Sabine began showing signs of Dancing Doberman Disease (DDD), a hereditary neuromuscular condition affecting the rear legs. Her case progressed significantly, and by two years old, Sabine needed wheels for her daily adventures.

And this girl has put some miles on those wheels! 💪 She’s gone through two wheelchair frames and THREE sets of wheels — literally wearing them down to the nubs. 😂

Sabine has proudly joined the Doberman Gang Parade three times, adapting along the way but never letting her disability keep her from being part of the pack. This year, she’ll be marching with us again — while her beloved Griffon marches beside her in spirit and with his new set of wings. 🪽❤️

Sweet, quirky, resilient and completely unforgettable — Sabine reminds us that sometimes marching looks a little different, but the heart behind it is exactly the same. 🇺🇸🇩🇪🐾

Join us in our THIRTEENTH YEAR MARCHING on Saturday, September 19 on Fifth Avenue in NYC by visiting and rsvp’ing at our event links on Facebook or on Meetup:

Facebook:
https://facebook.com/events/s/the-2026-german-american-steub/1686719812543085/

Meetup:
https://meetu.ps/e/Q1rnf/6TXyF/i

Look who’s marching! 🐾🇩🇪🇺🇸 (visit our event links below for information on our 13th year marching in NYC on Saturday, September 19)

Meet Apollo, one of our seasoned parade veterans returning to Fifth Avenue for the German-American Steuben Parade!

At 8 years young, this handsome boy will be marching with the Doberman Gang of NYC for his 6th time! And he would have a few more under his belt if COVID hadn’t put our parade tradition on hold for a couple of years.

One of Apollo’s marches was extra special because he got to walk alongside his sister Branka. She was only allowed to join us once because, according to Mom, she was a Rottie and “not a regal Doberman.” 😂❤️

Sadly, Apollo’s family recently lost their beloved Branka. While she won’t be physically walking beside her brother this year, we know she’ll be making that trip down Fifth Avenue right alongside him in spirit. 🕊️🐾

We can’t wait to see our handsome 8-year-old veteran marcher proudly representing the Doberman Gang of NYC once again this year. Here’s to parade #6, Apollo! ❤️🇩🇪🇺🇸

Join us in our THIRTEENTH YEAR MARCHING on Saturday, September 19 on Fifth Avenue in NYC by visiting and rsvp’ing at our event links on Facebook or on Meetup:

Facebook:
https://facebook.com/events/s/the-2026-german-american-steub/1686719812543085/

Meetup:
https://meetu.ps/e/Q1rnf/6TXyF/i