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a Video of the Doberman
The appearance is that of a dog of medium size, with a body that
is square. Compactly built, muscular and powerful, for great endurance
and speed. Elegant in appearance, of proud carriage, reflecting
great nobility and temperament. Energetic, watchful, determined,
alert, fearless, loyal and obedient.
Height at the withers: Dogs 26 to 28 inches, ideal about 27½
inches; Bitches 24 to 26 inches, ideal about 25½ inches.
The height, measured vertically from the ground to the highest
point of the withers, equaling the length measured horizontally
from the fore chest to the rear projection of the upper thigh.
Length of head, neck and legs in proportion to length and depth
of body.
Long and dry, resembling a blunt wedge in both frontal and profile
views. When seen from the front, the head widens gradually toward
the base of the ears in a practically unbroken line. Eyes almond
shaped, moderately deep set, with vigorous, energetic expression.
Iris, of uniform color, ranging from medium to darkest brown in
black dogs; in reds, blues, and fawns the color of the iris blends
with that of the markings, the darkest shade being preferable
in every case. Ears normally cropped and carried erect. The upper
attachment of the ear, when held erect, is on a level with the
top of the skull. Top of skull flat, turning with slight stop
to bridge of muzzle, with muzzle line extending parallel to top
line of skull. Cheeks flat and muscular. Nose solid black on black
dogs, dark brown on red ones, dark gray on blue ones, dark tan
on fawns. Lips lying close to jaws. Jaws full and powerful, well
filled under the eyes. Teeth strongly developed and white. Lower
incisors upright and touching inside of upper incisors a true
scissors bite. 42 correctly placed teeth, 22 in the lower, 20
in the upper jaw. Distemper teeth shall not be penalized. Disqualifying
Faults: Overshot more than 3/16 of an inch. Undershot more than
1/8 of an inch. Four or more missing teeth.
Neck proudly carried, well muscled and dry. Well arched, with
nape of neck widening gradually toward body. Length of neck proportioned
to body and head. Withers pronounced and forming the highest point
of the body. Back short, firm, of sufficient width, and muscular
at the loins, extending in a straight line from withers to the
slightly rounded croup.
Chest broad with fore chest well defined. Ribs well sprung from
the spine, but flattened in lower end to permit elbow clearance.
Brisket reaching deep to the elbow. Belly well tucked up, extending
in a curved line from the brisket. Loins wide and muscled. Hips
broad and in proportion to body, breadth of hips being approximately
equal to breadth of body at rib cage and shoulders.
Tail docked at approximately second joint, appears to be a continuation
of the spine, and is carried only slightly above the horizontal
when the dog is alert.
Shoulder Blade sloping forward and downward at a 45-degree angle
to the ground meets the upper arm at an angle of 90 degrees. Length
of shoulder blade and upper arm are equal. Height from elbow to
withers approximately equals height from ground to elbow. Legs
seen from front and side, perfectly straight and parallel to each
other from elbow to pastern; muscled and sinewy, with heavy bone.
In normal pose and when gaiting, the elbows lie close to the brisket.
Pasterns firm and almost perpendicular to the ground. Dewclaws
may be removed. Feet well arched, compact, and catlike, turning
neither in nor out.
The angulations of the hindquarters balances that of the forequarters.
Hip Bone falls away from spinal column at an angle of about 30
degrees, producing a slightly rounded, well filled-out croup.
Upper Shanks at right angles to the hip bones, are long, wide,
and well muscled on both sides of thigh, with clearly defined
stifles. Upper and lower shanks are of equal length. While the
dog is at rest, hock to heel is perpendicular to the ground. Viewed
from the rear, the legs are straight, parallel to each other,
and wide enough apart to fit in with a properly built body. Dewclaws,
if any, are generally removed. Cat feet as on front legs, turning
neither in nor out.
Smooth-haired, short, hard, thick and close lying. Invisible gray
undercoat on neck permissible.
Allowed Colors: Black, red, blue, and fawn (Isabella). Markings:
Rust, sharply defined, appearing above each eye and on muzzle,
throat and fore chest, on all legs and feet, and below tail. White
patch on chest, not exceeding 1/2 square inch, permissible. Disqualifying
Fault: Dogs not of an allowed color.
Free, balanced, and vigorous, with good reach in the forequarters
and good driving power in the hindquarters. When trotting, there
is strong rear-action drive. Each rear leg moves in line with
the foreleg on the same side. Rear and front legs are thrown neither
in nor out. Back remains strong and firm. When moving at a fast
trot, a properly built dog will single-track.
Energetic, watchful, determined, alert, fearless, loyal and obedient.
The judge shall dismiss from the ring any shy or vicious Doberman.
Shyness: A dog shall be judged fundamentally shy if, refusing
to stand for examination, it shrinks away from the judge; if it
fears an approach from the rear; if it shies at sudden and unusual
noises to a marked degree.
Viciousness: A dog that attacks or attempts to attack either the
judge or its handler, is definitely vicious. An aggressive or
belligerent attitude towards other dogs shall not be deemed viciousness.
For more information please contact Rita Whipple at Tel: 818 307
0014
