Doberman Pinscher Breed Information

Munro Kennels recognizes the Doberman Pinscher Standard is probably one of the most precise and clearly written standards existing today. It leaves very little out, and clearly states that any deviation from it’s description is penalized to the extent of that deviation. Where it is not stated in the standard, it shall be a deviation — that’s made very clear!

A German named Louis Doberman is credited with developing the Doberman pinscher breed in the late 1800s. He was a tax collector and wanted a fierce guard dog to accompany him on his rounds. Doberman also kept the local dog pound, where he had access to many strays. No one knows for certain, but Doberman is thought to have crossed many breeds to get the Doberman pinscher. Some of the breeds thought to be involved include the Rottweiler, German pinscher, Great Dane, German shepherd dog, Manchester terrier, and English greyhound shorthaired shepherd. Although initially bred and still used worldwide as guard dogs, Doberman pinschers also have been police and military dogs, rescue dogs and therapy dogs.

To understand Doberman structure, it’s important to know its original purpose. The Doberman was originally bred for its character, but physically designed to be geometrically and aesthetically perfect. It began with what they wanted the dog to be —watchdog, guard dog, fearless, a short-backed galloper, agile, fast, powerful and sturdy, to mention just a few qualities. Features for beauty were “built in” to the mathematical outline.

Males are about 27 or 28 inches tall and weigh about 70 pounds (32 kilograms), while females are an inch or two shorter and weigh about 60 to 65 pounds (27 to 29 kilograms). The Doberman pinscher has a long head and a sleek, muscular body. The ears are often cropped to stand erect, and the tail is usually docked short. A short, sleek and shiny coat that is black, dark red, blue or fawn with rust-coloured markings on the face, body and tail. This dog is an average shedder and requires minimal grooming. Dobermans live about 10 to 12 years. 

Living With A Big Personality:

Doberman pinschers are considered people-oriented dogs that are affectionate and sweet with people, if socialized and trained properly. They are loyal to their owners and are good with children if raised with them; however, some Dobermans may bond only to one person. 

Living With A Dobe:

Doberman pinschers are powerful, energetic dogs that need lots of exercise. If they are not exercised, they are more likely to become irritable or even aggressive. They can adjust well to apartment living if exercised daily. Careful socialization and obedience training from a young age are essential for this breed. Doberman pinschers respond very well to positive reinforcement. No special guard training is needed for anyone who wants a good family protector. In fact, Doberman pinscher experts often advise against special guard training, which could result in over-guarding and aggression.

The Doberman Pinscher Standard

The standard, from beginning to end, demands an orderly and harmonious arrangement of parts to create a statically and kinetically balanced dog. Thus, whether the dog is standing or moving, the parts must be in total harmony. The impression of the dog should be the same, whether the dog is in motion or stationary. The key to the Doberman is balance and proportion. All the parts fit together smoothly with no distractions. If any part stands out, whether good or bad, it takes away from the total picture and the balance and proportion is disrupted. As you go through the standard, you will see just how specific the description of the Doberman Pinscher is. Some points are so important, they are referred to in more than one section of the standard. To ignore the standard is an injustice to the breed and will change the Doberman Pinscher forever

The appearance of this dog is that of of a medium size, with a body that is square. Compactly built, muscular and powerful, for great endurance and speed. While elegant in appearance and of proud carriage, the Doberman reflects great nobility and temperament. You will always find them energetic, watchful, determined, alert, fearless, loyal and obedient.

SIZE, PROPORTION, AND SUBSTANCE

Height at 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, equaling the length measured horizontally from the forechest to the rear projection on 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 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. Forty-two 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, AND 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.

Size: 

Weight Range: 

Male: 65-90 lbs. 
Female: 65-90 lbs. 

Height at Withers: 

Male: 26-28 in.

Female: 24-26 in.

Expectations:

Exercise Requirements: >40 minutes/day 
Energy Level: Very energetic
Longevity Range: 10-12 yrs.
Tendency to Drool: Low Tendency to Snore: Low
Tendency to Bark: Low
Tendency to Dig: Low Social/Attention Needs: Moderate

Bred For:

Guardian

Coat:

Length: Short
Characteristics: Flat
Colors: Black, red, blue, fawn (all with tan markings)
Overall Grooming Needs: Low

Club Recognition:

AKC/CKC Classification: Working Dog
UKC Classification: Guardian Dog 
Prevalence: Common