Breeder/Exhibitor Ed, History
General Appearance | Head | Neck, Topline and Body and Tail | Forequarters | Hindquarters | Forequarters and Hindquarters together | Gait | Temperament
1999–A
This standard doesn’t have a section devoted to temperament but they do cover this in the General Appearance section.
A well built and muscular dog, not plump and massive and not like a greyhound. His appearance must denotes quickness, strength and endurance. Temperament lively and ardent. He is courageous and will not run away from anything. Devoted to master and in defending him shows the courage of a lion. He gets along with other dogs; not vicious or disloyal; faithful and watchful and a superior destroyer of animals of prey.
1901–B
Characteristics: Watchful, loyal and devoted, intelligent and not vicious, however, nevertheless sharp; working equally well on water and on land; superior destroyer of animals of prey.
In this standard temperament is also addressed in the general appearance section which says: Temperament lively and ardent. He is courageous and will not run away from anything. Devoted to master and in defending him shows the courage of a lion. He gets along with other dogs; not vicious or disloyal; faithful and watchful and a superior destroyer of animals of prey. His eyes show intelligence and resolution.
1901–C
Characteristics: Ideal police dog. Watchful, loyal, devoted, intelligent; working equally well on water and on land; superior destroyer of animals of prey. good companion on the hunt. Good protector of his master; gets along with other dogs, however, when attacked, show no fear.
Temperament is also mentioned in the General Appearance section which says: His temperament is lively and ardent. His eyes show intelligence and resolution.
1920
Qualities: Pleasant in manner and character. Faithful, fearless, attentive and a reliable watch dog. Sure defender of his master, distrustful towards strangers, possessing conspicuous power of comprehension and great capability of training. In consequence of his characteristics, physical beauty and attractive size, an ideal house dog escort.
Temperament is also mentioned in the General Appearance section which says: Temperament lively and ardent, the eye expressing intelligence and resolution.
1925
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: a shy, cowardly and nervous character.
Temperament characteristics are talked about in the General Appearance section in this standard too: 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.
1935
Conformation and General Appearance: 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: failure to manifest any of the temperament characteristics.
SCALE OF POINTS
temperament, expression and nobility……………………8
1942
Conformation and General Appearance: Elegant in appearance, of proud carriage, reflecting great nobility and temperament. Energetic, watchful, determined, and alert, fearless, loyal and obedient.
Faults: Lack of nobility and temperament. Shyness. Viciousness
1948
Conformation and General Appearance: Elegant in appearance, of proud carriage, reflecting great nobility and temperament. Energetic, watchful,determined, alert, fearless, loyal and obedient.
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.
SCALE OF POINTS
temperament, expression and nobility……………………8
1969
Conformation and General Appearance: 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.
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.)
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.
This is what our history of the standards say about the Doberman Pinscher temperament and character. Most all of the standards mention these important traits in two places. Our present standard mentions temperament in two places. To me by doing this, it tells us that the temperament of our breed is paramount.
Let’s talk about the temperament and the characteristics of the Doberman Pinscher. Our forefathers sure had a great dog in mind, didn’t they? I can see that from the very beginning, can you?
Marj
Breeder/Exhibitor Ed, History
The Science of Albinism
The term “albinism” encompasses a wide range of traits, all of which result from problems with pigment production or distribution. So far, more than 60 different mutations have been isolated from many different species. Many of these mutations and their subsequent effects have been found to be identical in both humans and non-humans. Since the basic mechanisms for pigment production are nearly identical across all mammals, most data gathered from one species can easily be applied to other species.
Pigment-melanin- is produced through a series of chemical reactions which are made possible by the action of various enzymes in the body. The same general process occurs in all mammals, both human and non-human. For all mammals the most important enzyme in the production of melanin is tyrosinase. The enzyme tyrosinase encoded by the gene Tyr is usually referred to in veterinary medicine as C.
The “classic” type of albinism is known as OCA1, Oculocutaneous Albinism, type 1. OCA1 involves a mutation in the gene which produces tyrosinase . Albinism always effects vision. Dobermans of the four accepted colors do not have these vision problems. The vision problems in albinism result from abnormal development of the retina (due to lack of normal levels of pigment during development) and abnormal patterns of nerve connections between the eye and the brain. The optic nerves are misrouted to the brain. The CERF examination, commonly used to detect congenital ocular defects in dogs will not detect several of the visual problems associated with albinism. CERF does detect cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, or persistent pupillary membranes, it does not detect near-sightedness, far –sightedness, astigmatism,loss of depth-perception and the optic nerve abnormalities common to albinos. Since pupillary dilation makes all dogs photosensitive, this means that CERF examinations will not detect photosensitivity either. Obviously, visual deficits would be a serious handicap for a working breed dog. Also, the poor vision suffered by albinos may be a partial explanation for the aggressive and /or fearful behaviors often reported in albino Dobermans. There have been multiple reports of photosensitive/photophobia from owners of albinistic Dobermans, as well as repots of extreme nearsightedness (such as an inability to recognize family members from across a room and inability to chase a ball) and severe lack of depth perception (such as difficulty climbing stairs or with problems falling off of a porch ). Photophobia in these dogs was also confirmed by ophthalmogic exam.
More than 50 Tyr mutations have been identified in humans. They are in general divided into two subtypes, Type 1A having no tyrosinase activity whatever, and no melanin pigmentation, while type 1B(OCA1B) has greatly reduced tyrosinase activity, but with some melanization. Classical albinos or “complete” albinos are tyrosinase negative and “partial” albinos are tyrosinase positive. Partial albinos ARE still albinos.
The albinistic syndrome may accompany a wide range of health problems. Some types of albinism affect the immune system, liver, or clotting ability ( eg Hermansky Pudlak Syndrome- abnormal platelets that lead to mild bleeding), and others may cause other physiological abnormalities such as defects in the kidneys or thymus, inner ear defects and neurological abnormalities just to name a few. Albinism in general predisposes animals to skin cancer as well as photosensitivity/photophobia. Albinisim is a deleterious mutation which effects the whole body.
CONCLUSIONS:
All current evidence supports the conclusion that “white” Dobermans are indeed suffering from some type of albinism. Like other “tyrosinase-positive or “partial “ albinos, they have unpigmented skin and eyes. Like other albinos, the trait is inherited as a simple recessive trait. Like several other types of alblinism, they appear to have abnormal melanosomes. In fact, nationally recognized geneticists agree that these dogs are albino. Several experts in genetics, alblinism, pathology, and opthamology have agreed these dogs appear to be albinos, including G.A. Padgett, D.F. Patterson,
M.F.C. Ladd, W.S. Oetting, J.P. Scott, and David Prieur. Not a single expert in any of these fields has reached any other conclusion.
SCIENTIFIC CITATIONS:
For example, Dr. Oetting has stated “It sounds as if the dogs do indeed have albinism…These dogs sound like they have OCA1 resulting from mutations of the tyrosinase gene, a major gene in pigment formation”.
G.A. Padgett, DVM, Professor of Pathology, has stated “I would agree with Dr Patterson’s suggestions (1982) that this is probably a mutation in the C series. I believe it is an albino, although not the classical pink-eyed tyrosine negative animal which we associate with this term. They are phototypic, and I believe there is little disagreement with this statement”. After examination of hairs , Dr Padgett says “ The white Doberman is not a normal white.”. Dr. Padgett also lists albino Dobermans as partial albinos in his book Control of Canine Genetic Diseases.
David J Prieur,DVM, PhD. Of the WSU Dept. of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, has stated “Several years ago I expressed my concern regarding the breeding of “white” Doberman Pinscher dogs. I expressed the opinion that the gene for the white coat was a deleterious gene and that the Doberman Pinscher breed would be better served by not incorporating this gene into the gene pool of the breed. Although these ‘white’ Dobermans have been shown not to be true albinos, they are tyrosine- positive albinoids with a severe reduction of melanin in oculocutaneous structures. There have been numerous defects described in animals of other species with genes of this type…I am unaware of any information, published or presented, since I originally expressed my concerns, which would lead me to believe that this gene is not deleterious.”
Dr. M.F.C. Ladd, a British veterinary geneticist, has stated “Albinism means the complete absence of melanin pigment (Searle,1981) . If one accepts this view, then dogs such as the white Dobermanns with blue eyes , can be termed albinos….Unless much more evidence is forth coming, I feel that the white Dobermann should be looked upon as abnormality, known to exist and hoped to be avoided.
J.P. Scott, PhD., a geneticist at Bowling Green State University, has stated; “Photophobia would constitute somewhat of a handicap to a working dog”, and “Something must be done” . I realize that most breeders are responsible, selecting strains that seem good. But once an undesirable trait enters a breed, it is not an easy thing to eliminate.
RECOMMENDATION:
The Albino Dobermans are not acceptable for they possess a deleterious gene that causes ocular changes as well as affecting the immune system, and possessing neurological disorders. Albinism predisposes the animal to skin cancer as well as photosensitivity/photophobia. The mission of the parent club is to protect the integrity, health and function of the breed and not to promote the breeding of unacceptable specimens.
The AKC should honor this and help protect the breed by limiting the albino and factored dogs with a mandatory limited registration.
HISTORICAL FACTS:
On November 10, two back and rust parents produced 11 black and rust puppies and one female mutant albino with translucent blue eyes, pink nose, eye rims and pads. Padula’s Queen Sheba. All albinos are descendents from this dog.
Registration was sent into AKC with albino written in the color section.The Blue slip was returned explaining that albino is not a color. Photgr
aphs were requested and the registration review committee said the female was white. The first albino was registered without parent club consultation. Approximately 6500 descendants have been registered over the past 24 years, roughly 5000 or so are carriers of the albinistic trait.
DPCA asked the AKC to investigate the albino. AKC determined they are purebred.
AKC approved DPCA amendment to our standard: Disqualifying fault: Dogs not an allowed color.
DPCA bought two albino bitches for breeding studies. These dogs and their Offspring showed: Photosensitivity, hyperactive fear biters, and prone to solar skin damage.
AKC agreed to provide specialized tracking for albino and albino-factored Dobermans through special registration numbers thus creating the “z” list.
All descendants of Shebah’s parents born since 1996 have carried registration numbers starting with “wz”.
The American Kennel Club
260 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10010-1609
Mr. David C. Merriam
Chairman of The Board
Mr. James P. Crowley
Executive Secretary
Dear Sirs,
As the representative of the Doberman Pinscher Club of America I am writing you to let you know our concerns and desires for the handling of the white albino Doberman situation. The mission of the DPCA is to protect the integrity, purity , health and function of the breed.
First of all we appreciate the effort of the AKC in setting up a tracking system for the albino dogs as well as the carriers of the albinoid gene. Unfortunately this is only half the battle in the survival of the integrity of our breed. The only way we can cleanse the breed from this deleterious mutation gene is to not allow these animals to be bred. By implementing both the tracking system and a restricted registration, only then, can the breed maintain its purity. The elimination of this gene with its associated detrimental health problems would help maintain the integrity of our breed.
We would be happy to meet with you or the Board for further discussions at the AKC to answer any questions you might have. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely yours,
May S Jacobson, Ph.D.
Associate in Medicine
Children’s Hospital Boston
Harvard Medical School
Breeder/Exhibitor Ed, History
compiled by V. Cherie Holmes
The Doberman Pinscher is a compilation of many breeds. The following is a list of breeds thought to be the predecessors of the modern Doberman. These animals contributed to the Doberman over a period of 35 years.
The old German Shepherd dog:
These shepherd dogs were crossed with Pinschers to produce a Thuringer type butcher dog that was common in the area. In the early part of the 1870’s, it was told, Herr Dobermann crossed the progeny of a blue-grey Pinscher type bitch and a black and tan butchers dog, with a German Pinscher. This may be the first indication of the breeds used in the development of our breed.
The Butcher Dog, who was the ancestor of the Rottweiller as well as the Doberman, shows very strongly in this dog,
Graf Belling von Gronland, shown below.
At one of the first shows, in 1899, there were 12 Dobermans including the winner, Graf Belling, in a ring. It was said that those 12 dogs were so similar to Rottweilers that you could not tell the difference between a bad Rottweiler or a good Doberman, apart from the cropped ears!
The Beauceron : Their link to Dobermans can be made in that the Beauceron was brought to Prussia in 1806 with Napoleon’s army. The Beauceron, shown below at the turn of the century, were known to have interbred with the local dogs.
The German Pinscher:
The legacy of the German Pinscher addition is very little. It may be deemed that this addition was not a goal, but a stepping stone, and not as harmful as a breed with a more distinct type than the Doberman, would have been. The dilution of German Pinscher blood has been complete many years ago as this was not the direction the originators of the breed were wanting to go. The head, size, and body shape were not in our blueprint, and so were eliminated over time with selection.
In 1939, Herr Gruenig, (in his book, The Doberman Pinscher, 1939), said,” The German Pinscher contributed little to the head type. The Rottweiler, or old Butcher’s dog, sporting dogs, all added traits like heavy jowls, and thick skulls in which earlier specimens bear testimony.
In 1902, a Gordon Setter was crossed in, with the purpose of improving the coat color. As the short coat proved dominate, no harm was immediately seen. The color of the coat was not improved, but generations later, the long coat would show up, when the genes inadvertently were doubled.
This is a picture of 2 early dogs, circa 1899. The size of these early dogs were around 25 inches for males. The first standard was written in 1899, upon the formation of the first Doberman Club. As soon as this blueprint was set down, the breed changed rapidly into the dog we know today.
At the turn of the century , the Manchester Terrier was added. As the German Pinscher, Manchester Terrier, Rottweiler, and Beauceron are very similar in look, these crosses did not change the appearance of the turn of the century Doberman, as much as it enhanced it. Phillip Grunig stated in 1939, of the dogs of that period, “Under these circumstances it would be difficult to distinguish a coarse Doberman from a refined Rottweiler. It would be equally difficult to distinguish a small and delicate Doberman from a coarse German Pinscher, etc.”
The Doberman of today owes his present form to the many crosses done in the early years. Below is a picture of Fedor V. Arpath, born in 1906. This dog is 1/4 Manchester Terrier.
The Manchester was added to get the smooth, short coat that we desired. The hair is also very thick, with many hairs per square inch.
| Alarich v. Thueringen , born 1897, is an excellent example of what the breed was like at the turn of the century. |
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Graf Wedigo V. Thuringen, born 1901
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Greyhound:
A black Greyhound male from England was the sire of a bitch named Stella, a stud book entry in 1908.
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On the right is a picture of Stella’s daughter, Sybille, born in 1908. Sybille is 1/4 Greyhound.
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Rival’s Adonis, best of his day, 1914 ,and a great stride forward You can see that with the concentration of breeders and their dogs, the shape is already in sight.
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| Ilisa v.d, Koningstad imported to Westphalia kennels in U.S. in 1925 |
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Doberman Pinscher Club Of America was formed in 1921, when the fanciers attending the Westminster show decided to band together to promote their then relatively unknown breed. The official German standard was adopted by the DPCA on Feb. 13, 1922.
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1930’s
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1940’s Dictator von Glenhugel, owned by Bob and Peggy Adamson 1941
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Rancho Dobes Storm twice BIS at Westminster, 1952 ,1953
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1960’s
Am. Can. Mex. Ch. Sultana v. Marienburg, top Doberman 1966, 1967.Owner, Mary Rodgers.
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1970’s Am. Ch. Marienburg’s Sunhawk CD 1973-1982, owner, Mary Rodgers.
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1980’s Am. Ch. Electra’s The Windwalker, owner Judith Bingham
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1990’s Am. Ch. Brunswig’s Cryptonite, owners Mr & Mrs Lawrence, Mr & Mrs Murray
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Breeders, remember, you have been given, by your predecessors, the torch and a blueprint to follow. As the breed is only a little over 100 years old, it could be set back seriously in only a few generations of short-sightedness.
Judges must recognize that although our breed has many breeds in it’s makeup, it must not look like any one of them. You must5 see those breeds only as threads in the fabric. The making of the Doberman Pinscher is not over, but we hope you have enjoyed the story of the first one hundred years.
Am Ch Darwin’s Dance Of The Hour, Owners: Marilyn Altheide, Darlene Young
Breeder/Exhibitor Ed, History
General Appearance | Head | Neck, Topline and Body and Tail | Forequarters | Hindquarters | Forequarters and Hindquarters together | Gait | Temperament
1899–“A”
There is no verbiage about gait in this standard.
1901–“B”
Again, no verbiage.
Circa 1901–“C”
Again no verbiage.
1920
Gait: Running gear must be light and free. Note: this appears in the General Appearance section.
1925
Again, no verbiage about gait.
1935
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.
Scale of Points:
Gait………………………………….6
1942
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.
1948
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.
SCALE OF POINTS
Gait…………………………………………………6
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.
1969
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.
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. & nbsp; ; &nbs p; &nb sp;
DISQUALIFICATIONS Overshot more than 3/16 of an inch, undershot more than 1/8 of an inch. Four or more missing teeth.
Note: The verbiage of rotary motion that was in the 1948 standard was removed in this 1969 standard. I was interested in the reason why, so I looked it up in the DPCA minutes in an old magazine and found this:
In the November-December 1966 issue of Doberman News in a
report of the committee on the standard October 1965 to September 30, 1966.
This report was prepared by Eleanor Houston Carpenter, chairman and read by Dr. Shute. “Under 7I, Gait, the phrase “rotary motion of the hindquarters” is an incorrect description of the ideal gait as may be seen by reducing motion pictures of a moving Doberman to a slow speed. Hence this phrase should be eliminated.”
Here is a little more on the Gait section. “Under 7J the committee is not
all in agreement on the advisability of introducing into the standard the
observation that at a fast trot a properly built Doberman will
single–track. Granted that this is correct the question remains whether the
show ring gait is fast enough to show this trait and whether any but most
practiced judge would distinguish between the tendency to “come in on line” and the fault moving too close behind. Before marking the ballot please be sure that you are thoroughly informed on this question of gait.” Interesting heh? This is a very interesting report if any of you have this magazine.
I will try to find more discussion if there was any printed. I would like to
find out who else was on this committee. I cannot find it as of now and I
will have to stop for a bit. I am missing a November 1964 issue of Doberman News which could have the minutes of the General meeting in it. The December 1964 has the minutes of the Executive meeting in it but no mention of the other members of the Standard Committee, just the above report written by the Chair-person.
1982/1990
Note: Adopted by the DPCA and approved by the AKC on February 6, 1982. Reformatted November 6, 1990. 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.
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.
FAULTS The foregoing description is that of the ideal Doberman Pinscher. Any deviation from the above descri
bed 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.
Breeder/Exhibitor Ed, History
General Appearance | Head | Neck, Topline and Body and Tail | Forequarters | Hindquarters | Forequarters and Hindquarters together | Gait | Temperament
1899–“A”
Forequarters: It only talks about the chest which is well rounded, not flat sided and reaching to the elbow.
Hindquarters: Powerful and muscular.
Legs: Straight. Elbows stand perpendicular under the rump and should turn out. (note the terminology in those days).
Feet: Toes well arched and closed.
1901–“B”
Forequarters: It talks about the legs. Legs: Straight, with toes well arched and closed. Elbows stand perpendicular under rump and must not turn out. Hindquarters powerful and muscular.
1901–“B”
Legs: (it is all under legs verbiage) Straight, with toes well arched and closed. Elbows stand perpendicular under rump and must not turn out. Hindquarters powerful and muscular.
Circa 1901–“C”
Forelegs: Elbow possibly are right angle with shoulder blade. Should not turn to inside or outside and should be straight to foot joint.
Feet: Round, turned neither outside or inside. Toes should be arched and closed. Nails strong and well arched.
Hindlegs: Muscular, not bowed to inside or outside.
Feet: Round, turned neither outside or inside. Toes should be arched and closed. Nails strong and well arched.
1920
Forequarters: Legs straight to the pasterns. Upper arms forming as nearly as may be a right angle with the shoulder-blades. Shoulder powerful with well-defined muscles, lying close up to the body.
Faults: Stiff or loose shoulders. Feet turning in or out. Weakness in pasterns.
Valuation By Points: Build (neck, breast, back, fore and hind quarters, paws, tail, ect…….40.
Hindquarters:
Broad and with a good angle in the upper section. Powerfully defined muscles. Neither let down nor too straight on hocks, viewed from behind, placed straight, turning neither in or out.
Faults: slender and lightly muscled hindlegs. Stiffness or stiltiness in hindquarters.
Paws: Short, well arched and compact. Dewclaws are to be removed when tail is clipped.
Faults: Paws long, flat or not compact.
Valuation by points
Build: (neck, breast, back, fore and hind quarters, paws, tail and ect.-40
1925
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 birth if existing.
1935
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. Note: Faults printed in italics are MAJOR FAULTS indicating degeneration of the breed.
Scale Of Points: Forequarters
Shoulders, upper arms, legs and pasterns….5
Angulation………………………………………….4
Paws………………………………………………..2 total 11
Note: It is recommended that the Scale of points be confined in use in Match Shows and Judging Classes.
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.
Scale Of Points.
Hindquarters.
Upper thigh stifle and hocks……………………….5
Angulation………………………………………………4
Paws…………………………………………………….2 total 11
1942
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.
Scale Of Points: Forequarters
Shoulders, upper arms, legs and pasterns….5
Angulation………………………………………….4
Paws………………………………………………..2 total 11
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.
1948
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. Feet well arched, compact and cat like, tuning neither in or out.
Scale Of Points: Forequarters
Shoulders, upper arms, legs and pasterns….5
Angulation………………………………………….4
Paws………………………………………………..2 total 11
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.
Scale Of Points-Hindquarters
Upper thigh–stifle–hocks…………………………….5
Angulation……………………………………………….4
Paws……………………………………………………..2 total……11
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.
1969
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.
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.
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.
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.
NOTE: When I began as a Doberman fancier and breeder in 1960, this standard was in place.
1982/1990
Note: Adopted by the DPCA and approved by the AKC on February 6, 1982. Reformatted November 6, 1990. 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.
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 cl
early 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.
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.
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I don’t think that the standard was changed throughout the years to change the basic dog. I think that it was revised to better explain the ideal Doberman Pinscher in words.
Breeder/Exhibitor Ed, History
General Appearance | Head | Neck, Topline and Body and Tail | Forequarters | Hindquarters | Forequarters and Hindquarters together | Gait | Temperament
1899–“A”
Hindquarters: Powerful and muscular.
Legs: Straight. Elbows stand perpendicular under the rump and should turn out. (note the terminology in those days).
Feet: Toes well arched and closed.
1901–“B”
Legs: (it is all under legs verbiage) Straight, with toes well arched and closed. Elbows stand perpendicular under rump and must not turn out. Hindquarters powerful and muscular.
Circa 1901–“C”
Hindlegs: Muscular, not bowed to inside or outside.
Feet: Round, turned neither outside or inside. Toes should be arched and closed. Nails strong and well arched.
1920
Hindquarters:
Broad and with a good angle in the upper section. Powerfully defined muscles. Neither let down nor too straight on hocks, viewed from behind, placed straight, turning neither in or out.
Faults: slender and lightly muscled hindlegs. Stiffness or stiltiness in hindquarters.
Paws: Short, well arched and compact. Dewclaws are to be removed when tail is clipped.
Faults: Paws long, flat or not compact.
Valuation by points
Build: (neck, breast, back, fore and hind quarters, paws, tail and ect.-40
1925
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 birth if existing.
1935
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.
Scale Of Points.
Hindquarters.
Upper thigh stifle and hocks……………………….5
Angulation………………………………………………4
Paws…………………………………………………….2 total 11
1942
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.
1948
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.
Scale Of Points-Hindquarters
Upper thigh–stifle–hocks…………………………….5
Angulation……………………………………………….4
Paws……………………………………………………..2 total……11
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.
1969
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.
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.
1982/1990
Note: Adopted by the DPCA and approved by the AKC on February 6, 1982. Reformatted November 6, 1990. 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.
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.
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.
Breeder/Exhibitor Ed, History
General Appearance | Head | Neck, Topline and Body and Tail | Forequarters | Hindquarters | Forequarters and Hindquarters together | Gait | Temperament
1899–“A”
It only talks about the chest which is well rounded, not flat sided and reaching to the elbow.
1901–“B”
It talks about the legs. Legs: Straight, with toes well arched and closed. Elbows stand perpendicular under rump and must not turn out. Hindquarters powerful and muscular.
Circa 1901–“C”
Forelegs: Elbow possibly are right angle with shoulder blade. Should not turn to inside or outside and should be straight to foot joint.
Feet: Round, turned neither outside or inside. Toes should be arched and closed. Nails strong and well arched.
1920
Forequarters: Legs straight to the pasterns. Upper arms forming as nearly as may be a right angle with the shoulder-blades. Shoulder powerful with well-defined muscles, lying close up to the body.
Faults: Stiff or loose shoulders. Feet turning in or out. Weakness in pasterns.
Valuation By Points: Build (neck, breast, back, fore and hind quarters, paws, tail, ect…….40.
1925
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.
1935
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. Note: Faults printed in italics are MAJOR FAULTS indicating degeneration of the breed.
Scale Of Points: Forequarters
Shoulders, u
pper arms, legs and pasterns….5
Angulation………………………………………….4
Paws………………………………………………..2 total 11
Note: It is recommended that the Scale of points be confined in use in Match Shows and Judging Classes.
1942
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.
Scale Of Points: Forequarters
Shoulders, upper arms, legs and pasterns….5
Angulation………………………………………….4
Paws………………………………………………..2 total 11
1948
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. Feet well arched, compact and cat like, tuning neither in or out.
Scale Of Points: Forequarters
Shoulders, upper arms, legs and pasterns….5
Angulation………………………………………….4
Paws………………………………………………..2 total 11
1969
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.
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.
NOTE: When I began as a Doberman fancier and breeder in 1960, this standard was in place.
1982/1990
Note: Adopted by the DPCA and approved by the AKC on February 6, 1982. Reformatted November 6, 1990. 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.
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.
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.
——————————————————————————————————–
Okay, this is the standard through the years on the forequarters. I noted that in the 1945 standard we allowed the shoulder blade and upper arm should meet at an angle of at least ninety degrees and not more than one hundred and ten degrees.
I learned from Marge Kilburn that good shoulders are recessive which she learned from her schooling of genetics from the Wistor Institute. Marge studied breeding programs of dogs, horses, cattle and pigeons. This study gave Marge the courage to selectively linebreed. I also learned from Marge, how equally important the selection of individuals is in linebreeding (in any breeding)–“you don’t just stick two pedigrees together and expect miracles.” Marge also learned this from practical experience. I have seen this too in the breeding that I have done. In my Dachshunds I have never swayed from good and correct shoulders and I still have them. In Dobermans however, I did sway and lost my good and correct shoulders in the one breeding to never have them return to the original shoulders that I had in the beginning.
My question is, could this be when we may have lost our shoulders with this 1942 standard, “Shoulder blade and upper arm should meet at an angle of at least ninety degrees and not more than one hundred and ten degrees” which allowed a little more wiggle room for shoulder angulation?
What do you think?
There has been an opinion and I think it is from Rachael Page Elliott that there is no such thing as a ninety degree shoulder and some agree and some disagree. I know that I have seen 90 degree shoulders in the Dachshund even today.
Marj
Breeder/Exhibitor Ed, History
General Appearance | Head | Neck, Topline and Body and Tail | Forequarters | Hindquarters | Forequarters and Hindquarters together | Gait | Temperament
The Neck, Topline and Body is the next section of the Standards to present and discuss. The more that we present of the standard, the more that you can and should go back to the previous sections of the standard to answer questions such as proportion question to other parts for example the “length of head, neck and legs in proportion to the length and depth of body” that is in the general appearance section. The standard is a description of the ideal Doberman Pinscher and “breed type emerges from the whole standard”. Those words in the quotes are from Peggy Adamson and I like what they say about our standard and an idea of how to apply it. They say that we need to learn and see our standard as a whole to me it says a lot more really.
1899
Neck: Powerful and straight.
Chest: Well rounded, not flat sided, reaching to the elbow.
Back: Straight and not too long, length from occiput to start of tail about 75 cm (29.52 inches) so that the entire length, without tail, should measure about 100cm (39.37 inches).
Loins: Loins well developed and well filled out.
Tail: Docked not longer than 15 cm (5.9 inches) Bobtails much appreciated.
Marj’s note: go back to the head section of this standard and get the measurements of the length of the head and height of the dog to get an idea of the proportions. You will have to figure in the neck length, which is not addressed. In the photos of the dogs of that time, the necks appear to be on the shorter side then the head length. If you happen to have the 1991 Fall, part 2 issue of the DQ, you can see these photos staring on page 390. You can also look in your breed book on the Doberman.
1901 “B”
Neck: Powerful and straight.
Back: Straight and not too long. Length from occiput to the start of the tail about 70 cm (27.55 inches) so that the entire length, without tail should measure about 95 cm (37.4 inches). Back should not be weak. Loins well developed and filled out. Chest well rounded, not flat sided, reaching to the elbows.
Tail: Cropped not longer than 15 cm (5.9 inches).
1991 “C”
Neck: Powerful and straight; not too long.
Body: Back straight, not too long, firm, should not be weak. Loins well developed. Loins well developed and filled out. Chest well rounded, not flat sided. It should reach to the elbow. The length and height of the dog should appear square.
Tail: Cropped not longer than 12 cm (4.72 inches). Bobtails are preferred.
1920
Neck: Sufficiently long and “dry”, fitting into the picture as a whole. Slightly arched. Nape of the neck well muscled.
Faults: Short, thick or neck like that of a Great Dane. Dewlap.
Body: Back short and firm. Withers clearly defined. Croup slightly rounded. Brisket full, but not too broad. Chest reaching deep to the elbow. Belly drawn up well and forming a beautiful curved line with the chest. Tail clipped short.
Faults: Long back, arched or depressed, and diagonally sloping croup. Flat or barrel shaped chest.
1925
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.
Faults: (are listed at the end of this 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.
1935
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.
With this standard there is a scale of points.
Neck..3,
Body. Backline, withers, loins, tail placement..8, chest, brisket, rib spring, tuck up..8, Shape and proportions..4
1942
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.
1948
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.
SCALE OF POINTS
Neck..3
Body: backline–withers–loins–tail placement…..8,
Chest brisket–rib spring–tuck up…………………8
Shape and proportions………………………………4 total for body 20.
Disqualifications
Shyness, viciousness. Overshot more than 3/16 of an inch; undershot more than 1/8 of an inch.
1969
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.
Faults (listed at the end of standard)
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
Note: Adopted by the DPCA and approved by the AKC on February 6, 1982. Reformatted November 6, 1990. 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.
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.
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.
Breeder/Exhibitor Ed, History
General Appearance | Head | Neck, Topline and Body and Tail | Forequarters | Hindquarters | Forequarters and Hindquarters together | Gait | Temperament
1899 “A”
Head: Top of head must be flat or may be slightly arched, but the forehead must be broad; stretched long, the head must go over into a not too pointy muzzle. Cheeks must be flat but very muscular. Dog of about 58 centimeters (22.83 inches) height at the shoulder should measure 41 cm (16.14 inches) around the forehead. The length of the head, from the occiput to the tip of the nose should be 25-26 cm (9.84 to 10.23 inches).
Teeth: Jaws of equal length. Teeth must be very powerful, well developed and tightly closed. Overbite is disapproved.
Lips: Lying close, not drooping.
Ears: Well cropped, not too short and not too pointed.
Eyes: Dark brown, medium size with intelligent good natured but energetic expression.
1901 “B”
Head: Top of head must be flat or may be slightly arched, but the forehead must be broad; stretched long, the head must go over into a not too pointy muzzle. Cheeks must be flat but very muscular. A dog of about 50 centimeters (19.68 inches) height at the shoulder should measure about 41 cm (16.14 inches) around the forehead. The length of the head, from the occiput to the tip of the nose should be 25-26 cm (9.84 to 10.23 inches).
Teeth must be very powerful, well developed and tightly closed. Lips lying close, not drooping. Eyes dark brown, of medium size with an intelligent, good natured and energetic expression.
Ears: Well cropped, not too short and not too pointed.
Circa 1901 “C”
Head: Not too long and not too small in the forehead. A dog of 58 centimeters (22.83 inches) shoulder length should have a circumference of 40 cms (15.74 inches) around the forehead and a length of 24-26 cms (9.44 to 10.23 inches) measured from the occiput to the tip of nose. Teeth must be very powerful, well developed and tightly closed. Lips lying closely not drooping.
Eyes: Dark brown, of medium size with intelligent and good natured expression. With brown and blue dogs lighter colored eyes should not be considered a fault.
Ears: Well cropped, not too short, not too pointed.
Please note the second paragraph where it says shoulder length. I check this many times but it is what it says and I am wondering if it is a typo and could mean shoulder height.
1920:
Note: The German standard also used by the DPCA.
Head: Dimensions must be in proper proportion to the body. It must be long and “dry” and when seen from the side, in its shape reminds one of a blunt wedge. Top of head flat as possible. Line of the forehead extending with a slight depression to the ridge of the nose. Cheeks flat. Ridge of nose straight or slightly curved. Jaws full and powerful. Lips lying close to jaw.
Faults: Strong ramshead, too strongly projected arch and too plainly visible occipital bone. Too much offset of forehead. Heavy cheeks, too short or pointed jaws and greyhound-like shape of head. Jaws must not be sunken in front of the eyes.
Eyes: Well closed, dark and medium size, with shrewd, energetic expression.
Faults: Too large, too small, prominent or light eyes.
Ears: Well placed. Of medium length and clipped to a point.
Faults: Ears placed too low, too high, or badly carried.
Teeth: Strongly developed. The incisors of the lower jaw must touch the inner surface of the upper incisors.
Faults: Undershot or overshot. Incisors out of line. Poor black brown teeth.
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.
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.
1935
Adopted by the DPCA and approved by the AKC in August 1935. The first standard written by the DPCA.
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, too 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.
1942
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, and 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.
Note: Faults that are in italics are major faults evidencing degeneration of the breed.
1948
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 o
f 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.
1948 had a scale of points. Head: Shape….6, Teeth….5, Eyes….3, Ears….1 totaling 15 points.
1969
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.
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.
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.)
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: This was added to the end of the standard. 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.
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Breeder/Exhibitor Ed, History
General Appearance | Head | Neck, Topline and Body and Tail | Forequarters | Hindquarters | Forequarters and Hindquarters together | Gait | Temperament
The background that this Evolution of the Doberman in America, was compiled by Rod Humphries in 1991. He acknowledges these people for this information, Frank Grover, Dr. Thomas Skrentny, Arthur Grey, Peggy Adamson, Joanna Walker, Ann Lanier (then publisher of the DQ) Grace Gardiner , and Wolfran Von-Maszewski. He also acknowledges the early chroniclers and Historians, Phillip Gruenig, William Sidney Schmidt, Silvester Frey and H. A. Graaf van Bylandt, “almost certainly alias Count Henry de Bylandt, who brought to life the ancestors of our Dobermans”.
The chart within the article was part of a handout at one of the DPCA breeders seminars in a program put on by the DPCA breeders education at that time, Mary Rodgers.
It also appeared as an article written by Rod Humphries in the 1991 FALL issue of the Doberman Quarterly, part 2.
I have decided to use the wording from the article itself rather than the chart.
The German National Doberman Pinscher Club, the first breed club, was formed August 7, 1899 and its president, Otto Goeller, a chief architect of the breed, to have written this which almost certainly the first standard.
From 1899 “A”
General Appearance:
A well built and muscular dog, not plump and massive and not like a greyhound. His appearance must denotes quickness, strength and endurance. Temperament lively and ardent. He is courageous and will not run away from anything.Devoted to master and in defending him shows the courage of a lion. He gets along with other dogs; not vicious or disloyal; faithful and watchful and a superior destroyer of animals of prey.
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From 1901 “B”:
Background:
Silvester Frey, who authored the first book on Dobermans in 1912 said that this was written by Goeller in the fall of 1901 and was widely recognized as THE standard. Reds and blues were officially recognized in 1901 and it appears Goeller revised his first standard to include reds and blues and several other changes.
General Appearance 1901 “B”:
Adds to “A” that his eyes show intelligence and resolution. Also adds that he works equally well on water and land. Emphatic that he “must be sharp”.
A well built and muscular dog, not plump and massive and not like a greyhound. His appearance must denotes quickness, strength and endurance. Temperament lively and ardent. He is courageous and will not run away from anything.Devoted to master and in defending him shows the courage of a lion. He gets along with other dogs; not vicious or disloyal; faithful and watchful and a superior destroyer of animals of prey. His eyes show intelligence and resolution.
Circa 1901 “C”.
1912 book Der Dobermannpinscher by Silvester Frey, published in Berlin. Frey published two points of view, or standards, side by side in his book; the first by Otto Goeller, published here as “B” and that of the union of German clubs, Verbandes de Dobermannpinscher Clubs. Several clubs were formed and had differing views on the breed. The similar wording suggests this grew out of Goeller’s original.
General Appearance:
The Doberman Pinscher is well built and muscular, however neither plump or massive, or have the appearance of a greyhound. His appearance must denote strength, quickness and endurance. His temperament is lively and ardent. His eyes show intelligence and resolution.
1920
The German Standard used by the Doberman Pinscher Club of America.
Source: The AKC Official Publication Purebred Dogs, published 1929. Book lists the standard “by courtesy of the DPCA.” The Valuation of Points” table is not listed in other publications. Source also 1926 edition of William Sidney Schmidt’s The Doberman Pinscher, published in the United States. Also 1925 publication of Popular Dogs of the Day by Paul C. Blass published in New York. Blass said that this standard was used in both countries.
General Appearance:
His appearance is of a dog of good middle size, with a body quite square in shape, sinewy and elegant. Built compact, muscular and powerful, cut out for great endurance and speed. Running gear must be light and free. Temperament lively and ardent, the eye expressing intelligence and resolution. Faults: Clumsy, heavy or Greyhound like build.
I would like to add here the definition of sinew and sinewy from the Gilbert and Brown book Structure and Terminology. Sinew is a tendon; that which transmits strength or power from muscle to bone and sinewy is having sinews of marked development; strong tough; firm.
Here are the Valuation of Points
1. General appearance (notability, makeup,gait……………………………20
2. Head (teeth, eyes, ears)……………………………………………………..15
3. Build (neck, breast, back, fore and hind quarters, paws, tail, ect)….40
4. Size (size, dogs 22 3/4 to 25 3/5 inches, bitches, 21 3/5 to 23 3/5 inches)………………………………………………………………………………..5
5. Hair (color, marking)…………………………………………………………………………….10
6. Condition (health and care)………………………………………………………………………………….10
Summery…………………………………………………………………………..100
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.
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.
There was a scale of points then too. General conformation and appearance. Proportions..8, Substance, muscle and bone..8, Temperament, expression and nobility..8, Condition..5.
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.
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.
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.
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 leng
th 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
Breeder/Exhibitor Ed, History
Below are the standards in their entirety. A comparison of the sections is also available by clicking on each of these links:
General Appearance | Head | Neck, Topline and Body and Tail | Forequarters | Hindquarters | Forequarters and Hindquarters together | Gait | Temperament
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
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. Disqualifying 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.
Breeder/Exhibitor Ed, History
by Natalie Stebbins submitted by Judy Doniere, Toledobes
From Doberman Pinscher News and Views January 1959
Colonel Jet Is Dead – Ch. Dortmund Delly’s Colonel Jet
The Great Colonel Jet. He was about a year old when I first saw him as he came up from a cellar. The books say that a great dog should receive proper nourishment from puppyhood on; receive the proper exercise; and be taught to stand and pose and gait. Colonel Jet had no need for all of this – he was born great. He knew it – and I knew it too. He was great the first time that I saw him, and yesterday all that remained of him were his eyes. AND HE WAS STILL GREAT. He always had so much heart. He gave it all. Yet he was cheated from the day he was born.
After he became a Champion, I saw the Great Colonel Jet again. I saw him come up out of another cellar. He was far from being in show condition, but he was still great. He knew it — and I knew it. His owner loved him, but was no longer able to keep him. In order to be in proper weight for the Garden, Colonel Jet ate a pound of lard a day for two months. He went to the Garden and he lost, but there wasn’t a person there who didn’t know that he was great.
He was sold there. And now he began to live in a style. He became a living room dog. He ate the finest foods. He strutted in the show rings. He became King of the World – won many Best in Shows. And he WAS great. He knew it – and I knew it too. Back to the Garden he went the next year. He won. He lay in his stall on a plush blanket and was much admired. All that year he ruled the show rings, and everyone spoke of how great he was. It was all very wonderful, he lived like a king. This was the second year that Colonel Jet lived like a king.
Yes, the Great Colonel Jet lived like a king until he went to the Garden again. He lost – and those that knew that he was truly great admired him. He WAS great. He still knew it – and I still knew it too. But the world stepped in again … and the next day there was no living room. He went to live in a kennel – and the Great Colonel jet never lived like a king again. I went with his mistress to see him many times. He was no longer a king. Some had forgotten him, but each time I saw him come out of his kennel, he was great. He still knew it – and I still knew it too. She was able to bring home for a while, but the world would not have it that way.
When he was six years old, he came to live with us, and it seemed that this was somehow meant to be. His mother had come to live with us when she was older, and once upon a time another dog had lived here. He died when he was young. He was the Great Colonel Jet’s younger brother. To be with us seemed best, for then his mistress would be able to visit him.
When he came here he was great. He knew it – and I did too. He was still The Great Colonel Jet. But he was cheated again – for he had given me his son … and he lived here too … so the great dog, and that he was, with his great heart and capacity for love, could only come into the living room when his son was out. How he would have loved to have been there twenty-four hours a day. Each of his owners had loved him, each had wanted to give him the world. But the world wouldn’t let them. All the world had to offer him was a part time shift … and he was grateful for that … and still he loved the world.
YESTERDAY, ALL THAT REMAINED OF THE GREAT COLONEL JET WERE HIS EYES … AND HE WAS NEVER GREATER … THEY SHOWED HIS LOVE … AND SAID, “I TRUST YOU”. AND RIGHT TO THE END HE WAS GREAT … AND NEVER AGAIN DID HE BLAME THE WORLD FOR CHEATING HIM. WHEREVER HE IS NOW, I HOPE THAT HE’S A KING AGAIN. I’M SURE HE KNOWS HE’S GREAT … HE ALWAYS WAS … AND HE ALWAYS KNEW IT. I WILL ALWAYS KNOW IT.. AND I WANT YOU TO KNOW IT TOO.
Natalie Stebbins
