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Evolution of the Standard

Below are the standards in their entirety. A comparison of the sections is also available by clicking on each of these links:

1925

Adopted by the German Doberman Pinscher Verein at Jena, Germany,

November 22, 1925.

Source: The 1929 edition of William Sidney Schmidt’s The Doberman Pinscher published in the U.S. The DPCA did not incorporate this standard in America, but relied on the 1920 modified German standard until it wrote its own standard in 1935.

General Appearance:

The Doberman Pinscher is a dog of medium size with an elegant, powerful body built in complete harmony of forms. By means of his anatomically correct body, he represents the ideal type of a normally built dog. His carriage is graceful and upright, and in expression and manner of approach he give evidence of his fiery temperament. His entire appearance is that of a nervy, sinewy and dry dog. Built short in body, but covers enough ground and should look square in shape.

Source: The 1929 edition of William Sidney Schmidt’s The Doberman Pinscher published in the U.S. The DPCA did not incorporate this standard in America, but relied on the 1920 modified German standard until it wrote its own standard in 1935.

Head: The form of the head resembles the shape of a blunt wedge. It is drawn and dry, the forehead seen from the side or front as flat as possible. Cheeks flat but muscular. The forehead turns with a slight offset to the bridge of the nose. The line of the forehead as parallel as possible with the bridge of the nose or extending with a slight depression to same. Bridge of nose straight or slightly curved.

Jaws full and powerful, well defined out under the eyes, and when seen from the front blunted and not broad or flat, and when seen from the side wedge-shaped but not heavy or comered. However, when seen from the front and side the jaws should appear not pointy or powerless. Lips lying close the jaw but a slight curve in the mouth is not faulty.

The teeth are normal and powerful. The eyes are medium size with an intelligent and energetic expression. In black dog the eyes are always dark and the nose black. Brown and blue dogs carry lighter eyes and nose, however, here also we have to strive for dark eyes and dark nose. Ears placed high and trimmed.

Neck: Of good length, dry and muscled and widening gradually toward the chest. The carriage is upright, nape of neck almost straight or slightly arched.

Body: Back short and firm and in the males especially well developed withers. Not narrow but spacious, broad and muscular at the location of the kidneys, extending smoothly to the slightly arched croup. Brisket sufficiently broad and muscular, never narrow or pointed. Chest must be well developed. Roomy in brisket with well curved but not too round ribs, reaching deep to the elbows. Belly well drawn up but not as much as a greyhound. Tail short and clipped.

Forequarters: Legs seen from front and side perfectly straight, with clear round bones, muscled and sinewy. Shoulder long, well angulated, lying close to the body and being muscular.

Faults: Listed at the end of the standard. Faults are all deviations from the above standard. Especially faulty are: deviations from the correct type and in particular borzoi and greyhound type dogs, a shy, cowardly and nervous character, too light, too heavy, too low standing or distinct high legged and too narrow body build.

Hindquarters: Broad shank with long and powerfully developed muscles and well defined knee. Hocks strongly developed forming not too much of a blunt angle, however not exaggerating in angulation. Viewed from the rear the dog should not look as being built small and slim. The legs stand vertical to the grown, the hocks turning neither in or out.

Paws: Short, arched and compact. Dewclaws are not permissible, therefore should be removed right after

Height at the shoulders: Males 62 to 68 centimeters (24.4 to 26.77); bitches 58 to 63 centimeters (22.83 to 24.8 inches) The ideal sizes are 65 cms (25.95 inches) for males and 60 cms (23.62 inches) for bitches.

Hair: Short, hard, thick and close lying, not long, soft or wavy. In case of existence of gray undercoat, same must not be visible through the outer coat.

Color: Black, brown or blue with rust red sharply defined markings. In the brown and blue Dogs the color must be very distinct.

Mixed colors, indefinite and light yellow (fawn) color are not recognized. Small white spot or white stripe on chest permissible.

Qualities: The Doberman pinscher is a loyal, fearless, courageous and extremely watchful dog who possesses very much a natural sharpness and high intelligence. Despite his fiery temperament he is very obedient and easily trained. He has a most excellent sense of smell, is of great endurance and the ideal of a house dog, companion and protector.

Faults: Faults are all deviations from the above standard. Especially faulty are: deviations from the correct type and in particular borzoi and greyhound type dogs, a shy cowardly and nervous character, too light, too heavy, too low standing or distinct high legged and too narrow body build.

1935

Adopted by the DPCA and approved by the AKC in August 1935. The first standard written by the DPCA.

Source: AKC (note: William Sidney Schmidt published a 1935 standard approved by the DPCA in January of that year in the 1935 edition of The Doberman Pinscher. It differed slightly from the final standard approved by the AKC in 1935. The primary difference was that Schmidt’s version listed overshot and undershot mouths exceeding a quarter of an inch as a major fault.

Conformation and General Appearance:

The Doberman Pinscher is a dog of good medium size, square in proportion as viewed from the side. The height measured on a perpendicular line from the top of the withers to the ground, should equal the length, measured horizontally from the forechest or the sternum, to the outer edge of the upper thigh. Permissible height at the shoulder, dogs, 24 to 27 inches; bitches, 23 to 25 inches. Compactly built, muscular and powerful, denoting great endurance and speed. Elegant in appearance, of proud carriage and great nobility, manifesting by its bearing a wide-awake vivacious personality. Temperament energetic, watchful, determined and alert; loyal and obedient, fearless and aggressive.

Faults: coarseness. Fineness or greyhound build. Undersize or oversize. Commonness, sluggishness, lack of nobility, failure to manifest any of the temperament characteristics. Shyness and bad temper.

Head: Long and clean cut, resembling a blunt wedge. Top of skull flat, with slight stop; topline of the muzzle as nearly parallel as possible with top of skull. Cheeks flat; well filled under the eyes. Jaws full and powerful. Lips cleanly fitted to the jaw.

Faults: Ramshead, t
oo great width between ears, occipital bone too prominent, rounded scull or rounded head. Prominent growth above the eyes, hollowness under the eyes, dish faced, too short or snipy muzzle. Heavy cheeks. Lippiness.

Eyes: Dark and of medium size, almond shaped, with vigorous and alert expression. In reds, slightly lighter eye permissible.

Faults: Light eyes (sulfur color) Too small or too large. Of sinister expression.

Teeth: Strongly developed and snow white. Scissors bite, i.e. with upper edge of lower incisors, which should be as nearly upright as possible touching the inner surface of the upper incisors.

Faults: Missing, poor black brown teeth; Undershot or overshot. Absence of scissors bite.

Ears: Cropped to a point and carried erect. If uncropped, ears should be set high, not too far apart and of medium size, drooping forward close to cheek. The top line of folded ear being slightly above the level of the skull.

Faults: Ears badly carried or placed too low.

Neck: Sufficiently long and clean cut, well muscled and slightly arched.

Faults: Short or thick. Throatiness.

Body: Backline firm, with slope to croup desirable. Must be at least level. Withers clearly defined. Back short firm and muscular. Chest well developed and deep, reaching at least to the elbow. Noticeable spring of rib. Brisket full but not too broad. Abdomen well tucked up, continuing curved line of the chest. Loins well muscled, hips sufficiently broad. Tail docked.

Faults: Back long, roached or swayed. Greater height in the hindquarters than at withers. Diagonally slanting or low rounded croup. Low tail placement. Narrow, shallow or barrel-shaped chest. Lack of forechest development. Hips too narrow.

Fore Quarters: Shoulders well muscled, lying close to the body. Upper arms forming as nearly as may be, a right angle with the shoulder blades. Legs straight to the pasterns. Pasterns firm. Paws compact.

Faults: Loose or stiff shoulders. French of “fiddle front”. Feet turning in or out. Front narrow. Weakness of pasterns. Steepness of shoulder, (too short upper-arm or shoulder-blade). Insufficient forechest. Paws long, flat or splayed.

Hind Quarters: Broad, with upper thigh forming as nearly as may be a right angle with hip bone. Well muscled, with clearly defined stifle. Lower thigh of good length. Legs when viewed from behind, straight, turning neither in or out. Paws compact.

Faults: Fine or lightly muscled hind legs. Steepness due to insufficient angulation. Excessive angulation. Cowhocks. Sloping or excessively rounded croup. Low tail placement. Failure to balance with forequarters. Feet turning in or out. Flat feet.

Gait: Free, balanced, vigorous and true. Back firm, indicating the lasting qualities of a working dog.

Faults: Lack of drive, stiffness, looseness, excessive back motion. Paddling. Throwing front or hind legs.

Coat, Color and markings: Coat short, hard and close lying. Color, black, brown or blue with rust-red, sharply defined markings. White hairs on chest permissible, but not desirable.

Faults: Long or wavy hair, gray undercoat showing through. White on chest exceeding half inch square. Straw-colored, mixed missing or too large of markings. Light fawn coat (known as Isabella) prohibited.

Note: Faults printed in italics are MAJOR FAULTS indicating degeneration of the breed.

SCALE OF POINTS

General conformation and appearance.

Proportions………………………………………………………8

Substance, muscle and bone……………………………….8

Temperament, expression and nobility……………………8

Condition………………………………………………………..5 29

Head

Shape…………………………………………………………….6

Eyes………………………………………………………………3

Teeth………………………………………………………………5 15

Neck………………………………………………………………. 3

Body

Backline, withers, loins, tail placement……………………8

chest, brisket, rib spring, tuck up…………………………..8

Shape and proportions………………………………………..4 20

Fore Quarters

Shoulders, upper arms, legs and pasterns……………….5

Angulation……………………………………………………….4

Paws……………………………………………………………..2 11

Hind Quarters

Hindquarters.

Upper thigh stifle and hocks…………………………………5

Angulation……………………………………………………….4

Paws……………………………………………………………..2 11

Gait……………………………………………………………….6

Coat, color and markings…………………………………….5

Total………………………………………………………………. 100

Note: It is recommended that the Scale of points be confined in use in Match Shows and Judging Classes.

Neck

coat, color and markings……………………………………..5

Note: It is recommended that the scale of points be confined to use in Match Shows and Judging Classes

1942

Adopted by the DPCA in November 1941, and approved by the AKC, March 10, 1942.

Source: The American Kennel Club.

Conformation and General Appearance:

The appearance of a dog of good middle size, with a body that is square; the height measured vertically from the ground up to the withers., equally the length measured horizontally from the forechest to the rear part of the upper thigh. Height at shoulder, males 25 to 28 inches, bitches, 24 to 26 inches. Compactly built, muscular powerful, for great endurance and speed. Elegant in appearance, of proud carriage, reflecting great nobility and temperament. Energetic, watchful, determined, and alert, fearless, loyal and obedient.

Faults: Coarseness. Fine greyhound build. Undersize and oversized. Lack of nobility and temperament. Shyness and viciousness.

Head: Long and dry., resembling a blunt wedge, both frontal and profile view. The upper line tapers down from the top of the forehead to the tip of the nose. The lower line tapers down from the lower front part of the muzzle to the neck. Average length of head, ten to eleven inches for dogs, and nine to ten inches for bitches, measured from the occiput to the tip of the nose, length of head being at least double the width. When seen from the front , the head widens gradually towards the forehead in a practically unbroken line. Top of head flat, turning with a slight depression to the nose, with nose line extending as nearly parallel as possible to the forehead. A slight downward curve near the tip of the nose permissible. Cheeks are as flat as possible, but muscular. Lips lying close to jaws and not drooping. A slight curve on the underside of the mouth is permissible. Jaws full and powerful, well filled under the eyes. Nose solid black in black dogs, dark brown in brown ones, dark gray in blue ones.

Faults: Not wedge-shaped, head too thin or too long, or too short, skull too wide, coarse, arched or not flat. Prominent occipital bone. Roman nose and dish-faced heads. Bridge of nose too narrow. Too much offset on forehead, heavy cheeks, sunken jaws in front of the eyes, drooping lips, pointy or powerless jaws, an
d multicolored nose.

Eyes: Iris of solid color, ranging from medium brown to black, almond shaped, with medium size with vigorous energetic expression. In reds or blues, eyes should blend with the color of coat.

Faults: Too small, too large, too round and too prominent, set to close together, shade lighter than medium brown. Slit eyes and glass eyes.

Teeth: Strongly developed and snow white. Lower incisor as nearly upright as possible and touching the inside of the upper incisors.

Faults: Any missing fangs, incisors, molars, two or more premolars; distemper teeth; undershot or overshot exceeding one quarter inch.

Ears: Well trimmed and carried erect. In all states where ear trimming is prohibited or where dogs with cropped ears cannot be shown, the above requirements are waived.

Faults: Ears place too low or too high.

Neck: Of medium length, carried upright, well muscled and dry. Nape of neck straight or slightly arched, widening gradually towards chest.

Faults: Nape of neck too arched; deer neck. Neck too short, too heavy, too thin, too long, loose skin on throat and neck.

Body: Back short, firm, of sufficient width and muscular at the location of the kidneys, extending smoothly to the slightly arch croup.

Withers well pronounced a and forming the highest part on body. Chest with sufficient spring of ribs, reaching deep to the elbow. Brisket full but not too broad. Belly well tucked up, extending curved line with chest. loins wide and muscled, hips sufficiently broad. Tail clipped short to first or second joint.

Faults: Roached back, depressed back, too long or too short or narrow in back. Position of wither lower than that of croup. Loins or hips not spacious enough, lack of muscular development. Chest too narrow, shallow or barrel shaped. Brisket too prominent, too flat or too narrow. Belly too much drawn up, tail set too low, or too high, tail clipped too long, lack of forechest.

Forequarters: Shoulder blade and upper arm should meet at an angle of at least ninety degrees and not more than one hundred and ten degrees. Proportion of shoulder and upper arm should be one to one.

Legs seen from the front and side perfectly straight and parallel from elbow to pasterns, with round bones, muscled and sinewy. In a normal position the elbow should touch the brisket.

Pasterns firm, with a almost perpendicular position to the ground.

Paws well arched, compact and cat like.

Faults: shoulders too loose, too steep, (too short), overloaded with muscles. Weak pasterns, paws turning in or out. Bones too heavy or too light. French front, bowlegged front, front too narrow or too wide. Paws too long, flat or spayed (rabbit feet). Too much gap between elbow and brisket and/or forechest. Elbow turning out. Dew claws.

Hindquarters: Upper shanks long, sufficiently wide and well muscled on both sides of thigh, with clearly defined knee (stifle). Hocks, while at rest, should stand perpendicular. Upper shanks, lower shanks and hocks parallel to each other, also wide enough apart to fit in with a properly built body. The hip bone should fall away about thirty degrees from the spinal column. The upper shank should be at right angles with the hip bone. Croup well filled out. Cat paws, like on front legs, turning neither in or out.

Faults: Fine or slightly muscled legs. Steepness or lack of angulation, or excessive angulation. Lack of knee development, hocks not parallel. Cow hocks, or too prominent hocks, hips too wide or too narrow. Diagonally slanting or excessively rounded croup. Toes turning in or out. Lack of balance with forequarters. Flat feet.

Gait: His gait should be free, balanced and vigorous. When moving swiftly, he should throw his hindlegs at least as far as his front legs.

Faults: lack of drive, stiffness, looseness, excessive back motion, throwing front or rear legs, or both, in or out. Not covering enough ground with rear legs.

Coat, color and markings: Smooth haired, short, hard, thick and close lying. Gray undercoat on neck permissible. Black, brown or blue, with rust-red, sharply defined markings, appearing on all legs and paws, forechest, throat and muzzle, above each eye and below tail.

Faults: Hairs too long, too soft, too thin, wiry or wavy. Undercoat visible through outer coat. Color not distinct. Straw-colored and splashed markings, not enough or too large of markings, white on chest exceeding half inch square.

Note: Faults printed in italics are major faults evidencing degeneration of the breed.

1948

Adopted by the DPCA and approved by the AKC, February 9, 1948.

Source: American Kennel Club

Conformation and general appearance:

The appearance is that of a dog of good middle size, with a body that is square, the height, measured vertically from the ground up to the withers, equaling the length measured horizontally, from the forechest to the rear projection of the upper thigh. Height at the withers, males 26 to 28 inches, ideal being about 27 inches; bitches 24 to 26 inches, ideal being about 251/2 inches. 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. Faults: Coarseness, Fine Greyhound build. Undersized or oversized.

Disqualifying Faults: Shyness, viciousness.

Shyness: A dog shall be judge fundamentally shy if, refusing to stand for examination, it shrinks away from the judge; if it fears an approach from the rear; it shy from sudden and unusual noises to a marked degree. Viciousness: A dog that attacks or attempts to attack, the judge or its handler is definitely vicious. An aggressive or belligerent attitude towards other dogs shall not be deemed viciousness.

Head: (Shape, eyes, teeth, ears). Shape: Long and dry, resembling a blunt wedge, both frontal and profile view. When seen from the front, the head widens gradually toward the base of the ears in a practically unbroken line. Top of skull flat, turning with a slight stop to the bridge of the muzzle, with muzzle line extending parallel to the topline of the skull. Cheeks flat and muscular. Lips lying close to jaws, and not drooping. Jaws full and powerful, well filled under the eyes. Nose, solid black in black dogs, dark brown in brown ones, dark gray in blue ones. Faults: Head out of balance with proportion to body. Ram’s, dishfaced, cheeky or snipy heads. Eyes: Almond-shaped, not round, moderately deep set, not prominent, with vigorous, energetic expression. Iris of uniform color, ranging from medium to the darkest brown in black dogs, the darker shade being more desirable. In reads or blues, the color of the iris should blend with that of the markings, but not be a lighter hue than that of the markings. Faults: slit eyes. Glassy eyes. Teeth: Strongly developed and white. Lower incisors upright and touching the inside of upper incisors–a true scissors bite. Forty two (22 in lower jaw, 20 in upper jaw). Distemper teeth should not be penalized. Disqualifying Faults: Overshot more than 3/16 of an inch. Undershot more than 1/8 of an inch.

Ears: Well trimmed and carried erect. (In all states where ear trimming is prohibited, or where dogs with cropped ears cannot be shown, the foregoing requirements are waived.) The upper attachment of the ear when held erect, should be level with the top of the skull.

Neck: Carried upright, well muscled and dry. Well arched, with nape of neck widening gradually toward body. length of neck proportionate to body and head.

Body: Back short and firm, of sufficient width, and muscular at the loin extending in a straight line from wither to the slightly arch croup. Withers pronounced and forming the highest point of body. Brisket full and broad, reaching deep to the elbow. Chest broad, and forechest well defined. Spring of ribs pronounced. Belly well tucked up, extending curved line from chest. Loins wide and muscled. Hips broad in pro[portion to body, breath of hips being approximately breadth of body at rib spring. Tail docked at approximately second joint, should appear to be the continuation of the spine, without material drop.

Forequarters: Shoulder blade and upper arm should meet at an angle of ninety degrees. Relative length of shoulder and upper arm should be like one to one, excess length of upper arm being much less undesirable than length of shoulder blade. Legs , seen from the front and side perfectly straight and parallel to each other from elbow to pastern; muscled and sinewy, with round heavy bone. In a normal position, and when gaiting, the elbow should lie close to the brisket. Pasterns firm, with a almost perpendicular position to the ground. Feetwell arched, compact and cat like, tuning neither in or out.

Hindquarters: In balance with forequarters. Upper shanks long, wide and well muscled on both sides of the thigh, with clearly defined stifle. Hocks, while the dog is at rest: hock to heel should be perpendicular to the ground. Upper shanks, lower shanks and hocks parallel to each other, and wide enough apart to fit with a properly built body. The hipbones should fall away from the spinal column at an angle of about 30 degrees. The upper shank should be at right angles with the hip bone. Croup well filled out. Cat-feet as on front legs, turning neither in or out.

Gait: The gait should be free, balanced and vigorous with good reach in the forequarters and good driving power in the hindquarters. When trotting, there should be a strong rear drive, with rotary motion of hindquarters. Each rear leg should move in line with the foreleg on the same side. Rear and front legs should be thrown neither in or out. Back should remain strong, firm and level.

Coat, color and markings: Coat, Smooth haired, short, hard, thick and close-lying. Invisible gray undercoat on neck permissible. Allowed colors black, brown or blue. Markings, rust red, sharply defined, and appearing above each eye, and on muzzle, throat, and forechest, and on all legs and feet, and below tail. White on chest, not exceeding one-half inch square inch, permissible.

The forgoing description is that of the ideal Doberman Pinscher. Any deviation from the above described dog must be penalized in proportion to the extent of the deviation, and in accordance with the appended scale of points.

SCALE OF POINTS

General Conformation and Appearance

Proportions………………………………………………..8

Bone—Substance………………………………………..8

Temperament–expression–Nobility…………………..8

Condition……………………………………………………5 29

Head:

Shape………………………………………………………6

Teeth……………………………………………………….5

Eyes………………………………………………………..3

Ears…………………………………………………………1 15

Neck……………………………………………………….3 3

Body:

backline–withers–loins–tail placement………… 8

Chest brisket–rib spring–tuck up…………………8

Shape and proportions………………………………..4 20

Forequarters

Shoulders, upper arms, legs and pasterns…………5

Angulation…………………………………………………4

Paws……………………………………………………….2 11

Hindquarters

Upper thigh–stifle–hocks………………………………5

Angulation…………………………………………………4

Paws……………………………………………………….2 11

Gait…………………………………………………………6 6

Coat—Color—Markings…………………………………5 5

Total………………………………………………………100 100

1969

Adopted by the DPCA and approved by the AKC on October 14, 1969.

Source: American Kennel Club.

General Conformation and Appearance:

The appearance is that of a dog of medium size, with a body that is square; the height, measured vertically from the ground to the highest point of the withers, equaling the length measured horizontally from the forechest to the rear projection of the upper thigh. Height: at the withers–dogs–26 to 28 inches, ideal being about 27 1/2 inches; Bitches–24 to 26 inches, ideal being about 25 1/2 inches.

Length of head, neck and legs in proportion to length and depth of body. 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.

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.

Head: 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. Top of skull flat, turning with a slight stop to bridge of muzzle, with muzzle line extending parallel to the top line of the skull. Cheeks flat and muscular. Lips lying close to the jaw. Jaws full and powerful, well filled under the eyes.

Eyes: Almond-shaped, moderately deep set, with vigorous energetic expression. Iris of uniform color, ranging from medium to the 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.

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.

Ears: Normally cropped and carried erect. The upper attachment of the ear, when carried erect, is on the level with the top of the skull.

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.

Body: Back short and firm, of sufficient width and muscular at the loins, extending in a straight line from withers to the slightly arched croup. Withers: pronounced and forming the highest point of body. Brisket: reaching deep to the elbow. Chest: broad with forechest well defined. Ribs: well sprung from the spine, but flattened in lower end to permit elbow clearance. Belly: well tucked up, extending in a curved line from the brisket. Loins: wide and muscled. Hips: Broad in proportion to body, breath of hip being approximately equal to breath of body at rib cage and shoulders.

Forequarters: Shoulder blade: Sloping f
oreword 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 the height from ground to elbow. Legs: seen from the front and side, perfectly straight and parallel to each other from elbow to pastern; muscled and sinewy, with heavy bone. In normal position, and when gaiting the elbow should lie close to the brisket. Pasterns: firm, with almost perpendicular to the ground. Feet: well arched, compact and cat like, turning neither in nor out.

Hindquarters: The angulation of the hindquarters balances that of the forequarters. Hip Bone falls away from the 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 the 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 the front legs, turning neither in or out.

Gait: Free, balanced and vigorous, with good reach in the forequarters and good driving power in the hindquarters. When trotting there is a strong rear-action drive. Each rear leg moves in line with the foreleg on the same side. Rear or front legs should be thrown neither in or out. Back remains strong and firm. When moving at a fast trot, a properly built dog will single track.

Coat, Color and Markings. Coat: 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 forechest, on all legs and feet, and below tail. Nose: Solid black on black dogs,dark brown on red ones, dark gray on blue ones and dark tan on fawns. White patch on chest not exceeding 1/2 square inch, permissible.

Faults

The foregoing description is that of the ideal Doberman Pinscher. Any deviation from the above described dog must be penalized to the extent of the deviation.

Disqualifications

Overshot more than 3/16 of an inch; undershot more than 1/8 of an inch. Four or more missing teeth.

1982/1990

Adopted by the DPCA and approved by the AKC on February 6, 1982, Reformatted November 6, 1990.

Source: American Kennel club. (Note: The only change in 1982 to the standard approved in 1969 was the addition of a disqualifying fault for dogs “Not of an allowed color.” The standard was reformatted only and no descriptions were changed in 1990.)

General Appearance:

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.

Size, Proportion, Substance: Height at the withers: Dogs 26 to 28 inches, ideal about 27 1/2 inches; bitches 24 to 26 inches, ideal about 25 1/2 inches. The height, measured vertically from the ground to the highest point of the withers, equaling the length measured horizontally from the forechest to the rear projection of the upper thigh. Length of head, neck and legs in proportion to the length and depth of body.

Head: 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 the 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 carried erect, is on the level with the top of the skull.

Top of skull flat, turning with a slight stop to the bridge of the muzzle, with muzzle line extending parallel to the top of the top line of the 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 the 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, 22in lower, 20 in upper jaw. Distemper teeth should 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.

At the end of the standard for faults, this verbiage was added: Faults: The foregoing description is that of the ideal Doberman Pinscher. Any deviation from the above described dog must be penalized to the extend of the deviation.

Disqualifications: Overshot more than 3/16 of an inch. Undershot more than 1/8 of an inch. Four or more missing teeth.

Neck, Topline, Body: 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 forechest 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.

Forequarters: 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.

Hindquarters: The angulation 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.

Coat: Smooth haired, short, hard, thick and close-lying. Invisible gray undercoat on neck permissible.

Color and markings: Allowed colors: Black, red, blue and fawn (Isabella). Markings: Rust, sharply defined, appearing above each eye and on muzzle, throat and forechest, on all legs and feet, and below tail. White patch on chest not exceeding 1/2 square inch, permissible. Disqu
alifying fault: Dogs not of an allowed color.

Gait: Free, balanced and vigorous, with good reach in the forequarters and good driving power in the hindquarters. When trotting, there is a strong rear-action drive. Each rear leg moves in line with the foreleg on the same side. Rear and front legs should be thrown neither in or out. Back remains strong and firm. when moving at a fast trot, a properly built dog will single track.

Temperament: energetic, watchful, 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.

In this standard too the temperament characteristics are talked about in the General Appearance section which says: Elegant in appearance, of proud carriage, reflecting great nobility and temperament. Energetic, watchful,determined, alert, fearless, loyal and obedient.

FAULTS: The foregoing description is that of the ideal Doberman Pinscher. any deviation from the above described dog must be penalized to the extent of the deviation.

Disqualifications

Overshot more than 3/16 of an inch, undershot more than 1/8 of an inch. Four or more missing teeth. Dogs not of an allowed color.

29

Head:

Shape………………………………………………………6

Teeth……………………………………………………….5

Eyes………………………………………………………..3

Ears…………………………………………………………1 15

Neck……………………………………………………….3 3

Body:

backline–withers–loins–tail placement………… 8

Chest brisket–rib spring–tuck up…………………8

Shape and proportions………………………………..4 20

Forequarters

Shoulders, upper arms, legs and pasterns…………5

Angulation…………………………………………………4

Paws……………………………………………………….2 11

Hindquarters

Upper thigh–stifle–hocks………………………………5

Angulation…………………………………………………4

Paws……………………………………………………….2 11

Gait…………………………………………………………6 6

Coat—Color—Markings…………………………………5 5

Total………………………………………………………100 100

1969

Adopted by the DPCA and approved by the AKC on October 14, 1969.

Source: American Kennel Club.

General Conformation and Appearance:

The appearance is that of a dog of medium size, with a body that is square; the height, measured vertically from the ground to the highest point of the withers, equaling the length measured horizontally from the forechest to the rear projection of the upper thigh. Height: at the withers–dogs–26 to 28 inches, ideal being about 27 1/2 inches; Bitches–24 to 26 inches, ideal being about 25 1/2 inches.

Length of head, neck and legs in proportion to length and depth of body. 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.

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.

Head: 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. Top of skull flat, turning with a slight stop to bridge of muzzle, with muzzle line extending parallel to the top line of the skull. Cheeks flat and muscular. Lips lying close to the jaw. Jaws full and powerful, well filled under the eyes.

Eyes: Almond-shaped, moderately deep set, with vigorous energetic expression. Iris of uniform color, ranging from medium to the 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.

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.

Ears: Normally cropped and carried erect. The upper attachment of the ear, when carried erect, is on the level with the top of the skull.

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.

Body: Back short and firm, of sufficient width and muscular at the loins, extending in a straight line from withers to the slightly arched croup. Withers: pronounced and forming the highest point of body. Brisket: reaching deep to the elbow. Chest: broad with forechest well defined. Ribs: well sprung from the spine, but flattened in lower end to permit elbow clearance. Belly: well tucked up, extending in a curved line from the brisket. Loins: wide and muscled. Hips: Broad in proportion to body, breath of hip being approximately equal to breath of body at rib cage and shoulders.

Forequarters: Shoulder blade: Sloping foreword 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 the height from ground to elbow. Legs: seen from the front and side, perfectly straight and parallel to each other from elbow to pastern; muscled and sinewy, with heavy bone. In normal position, and when gaiting the elbow should lie close to the brisket. Pasterns: firm, with almost perpendicular to the ground. Feet: well arched, compact and cat like, turning neither in nor out.

Hindquarters: The angulation of the hindquarters balances that of the forequarters. Hip Bone falls away from the 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 the 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 the front legs, turning neither in or out.

Gait: Free, balanced and vigorous, with good reach in the forequarters and good driving power in the hindquarters. When trotting there is a strong

rear-action drive. Each rear leg moves in line with the foreleg on the same side. Rear or front legs should be thrown neither in or out. Back remains strong and firm. When moving at a fast
trot, a properly built dog will single track.

Coat, Color and Markings. Coat: 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 forechest, on all legs and feet, and below tail. Nose: Solid black on black dogs,dark brown on red ones, dark gray on blue ones and dark tan on fawns. White patch on chest not exceeding 1/2 square inch, permissible.

Faults

The foregoing description is that of the ideal Doberman Pinscher. Any deviation from the above described dog must be penalized to the extent of the deviation.

Disqualifications