 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
AKC Breed Standards for the
Doberman Pinscher
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 27½
inches; Bitches 24 to 26 inches, ideal about 25½ inches. The height, measured
vertically from the ground to the highest point of the withers, equalling the
length measured horizontally from the forechest to the rear projection of the
upper thigh. Length of head, neck and legs in proportion to 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 darkest brown in black dogs; in
reds, blues, and fawns the color of the iris blends with that of the markings,
the darkest shade being preferable in every case. Ears normally cropped and
carried erect. The upper attachment of the ear, when held erect, is on a level
with the top of the skull.
Top of skull flat, turning with
slight stop to bridge of muzzle, with muzzle line extending parallel to top line
of skull. Cheeks flat and muscular. Nose solid black on black dogs, dark brown
on red ones, dark gray on blue ones, dark tan on fawns. Lips lying close to
jaws. Jaws full and powerful, well filled under the eyes.
Teeth strongly developed and
white. Lower incisors upright and touching inside of upper incisors a true
scissors bite. 42 correctly placed teeth, 22 in the lower, 20 in the upper jaw.
Distemper teeth shall not be penalized. Disqualifying Faults: Overshot more than
3/16 of an inch. Undershot more than 1/8 of an inch. Four or more missing teeth.
Neck,
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 ½ 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
strong rear-action drive. Each rear leg moves in line with the foreleg on the
same side. Rear and front legs are thrown neither in nor out. Back remains
strong and firm. When moving at a fast trot, a properly built dog will
single-track.
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.
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.
AKC Color Codes
Description
Type
Code
Black & Rust
S
015
Blue & Rust
S
042
Fawn (Isabella) & Rust
S
316
Red & Rust
S
145