Breeder/Exhibitor Ed Archives

Evolution of the Standard: Hindquarters

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.

Evolution of the Standard: Forequarters

Breeder/Exhibitor Ed, History

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

Evolution of the Standard: Neck,Topline,Body,Tail

Breeder/Exhibitor Ed, History

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.

Evolution of the Standard: Head

Breeder/Exhibitor Ed, History

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.

__________________________________________________________

Evolution of the Standard: General Appearance

Breeder/Exhibitor Ed, History

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.

_____________________________________________________________

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

Evolution of the Standard

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:

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.