Breed Standard
About the
The Doberman Pinscher is a square-bodied, smoothly-muscled, elegant dog of medium size with a short coat. The head is wedge-shaped with high-set ears that may be cropped or hang naturally. The naturally arched neck flows into smooth shoulders, which continue into a strong straight topline, continuing on to the tail which appears to be a continuation of the spine. The length of the head, neck, and legs are in proportion to the length and depth of the body. The Doberman Pinscher comes in four colors with rust markings. The appearance of the Doberman Pinscher should convey power and elegance.
Early Doberman Pinschers were noted for their "sharp" temperaments, but decades of careful breeding has produced a nearly ideal all-around working dog, intelligent, brave and loyal. Dobermans are alert and watchful dogs, and fearless when threatened with danger. Dobermans are energetic dogs, particularly when young, and benefit from regular training and exercise from the start. With high intelligence and confidence comes determination, so a Doberman owner must be prepared to be patient, firm and consistent in training. Dobermans excel in performance events, particularly in obedience and protection work.
Colours & Markings
About the
In-Standard colours include black, red, blue, and fawn (Isabella). The "fawn" color is a dilute of brown and is a silvery beige color, more like the color of a Weimaraner than the traditional fawn found in Boxers or Great Danes.
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Markings are rust or tan coloured, sharply defined, located above each eye and on the muzzle, throat, forechest, all legs and feet, and below the tail.
Black & Tan
Black & Rust
Red & Rust
Black & Tan | Red Dobermann
The most common Doberman coat colour is the black and tan which is sometimes called black and rust. In a healthy dog, it looks shiny and sleek.
The next most widely seen colour is the red Doberman, with a light brownish-red coat colouring. Sometimes red Dobermans are called “chocolate Dobermans“
Blue & Tan
Isabella (Fawn)
Blue | Fawn Dobermann
Blue Dobermans and fawn Dobermans are both colour dilutions.
The fawn Doberman is a diluted red. The blue Doberman is a dilute of black. The blue Doberman is sometimes called a gray Doberman. The colour may have a charcoal gray tone, silver or a purple tone.
Off-Standard Dogs
About the
The White Doberman Pinscher came from inbreeding and is considered a partial albino Dobermann. The first documented White, Sheba, was born on November 10, 1976. All Whites today descend from Sheba, who was inbred to further strengthen this mutation, leaving the majority of these dogs with vision, hearing, skin, and in some cases, behavioural issues; deafness and blindness are very common. Breeding these dogs or breeding for this mutation is highly unethical.
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Rarely seen, but an all-black, blue, or red Dobermann can occur. Known as a melanistic, Doberman these dogs lack the usual clear rust markings the breed is known for due to the dilute; though the markings are still visible in the right light. These dogs typically lack the additional health problems that the Partial-Albino Dobermann is likely to have and are still candidates for breeding as long as they're paired with a non-melanistic dog; be wary of breeders that breed for a Melanistic coat specifically.
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 â…› of an inch. Four or more missing teeth. Dogs not of an allowed color.
Partial-Albino
Melanistic Black
Melanistic Blue
Melanistic Red
Rarities
About the
Warlocks: Warlocks are a myth and are likely Dobermann that have been bred with Great Danes, Giant Schnauzers, or other breeds to give them the size. In this instance, bigger is not better.
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Coated: An extremely rare mutation with very little real-world documentation. This mutation can only occur should both parents carry the recessive gene for a longer coat in order for it to pass onto offspring. Breeding for this mutation is unethical.