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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 toward other dogs shall not be deemed viciousness.
DISCUSSION—When the Doberman first came to America, they were judged by looks only and not by “hands on” as many were too tough to approach or examine. After WW11, Doberman fanciers demanded that any Doberman stand for examination without acting shy or vicious, or be disqualified. This meant that the American Dobermans had to accept strangers approaching and handling them, as the judge deemed necessary. Now, many years later, most all Dobermans behave well and are expertly handled.
Do not talk to the dog on approach, as this is cause for the Doberman to be suspicious. He has been trained to stand, have his mouth examined, and gone over. Talking to the dog is not to be encouraged. By the same token, kneeling in front or behind the dog is not proper either. Again, examine the dog with a firm hand, but do not bounce or massage the dog. Your hands should quickly go over him without feeling every part.
An exam such as this will be easy for the judge, as well as the dog. Pay attention to a handler who feeds the dog just before your approach. These dogs are taught to bait with passion and a the judge placing a hand in front of the mouth may cause the dog to possible grab the hand thinking it has bait in it. You can tell the handler to put away bait until you have finished the mouth exam.
Occasionally a puppy at its first show may be somewhat timid of its surroundings. You may want to give it a second try for examination. If it refuses to stand, or runs behind the handler, you must excuse it.
If a Doberman growls, excuse it immediately. Do not try for a second chance. These dogs give a warning and they mean it. Don't push your luck. If it would snap or bite you or the handler, disqualify it immediately; do not give it a second chance. These are powerful dogs and can do damage. The Doberman temperament is one of the best of all breeds in and out of the ring. You expect a stable dog. Do not put up for a moment with an unstable Doberman. You can see the look in the eyes if they are going to be trouble. It is extremely rare, but it can happen that one does not have the correct temperament.
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.OVERVIEW—When judging a class of one or several Dobermans, stand in the middle of the ring to view the overall balance of the dog. Once you have individually examined and gaited the dog, as it comes back to you, let it stand freely without the aid of the handler setting it up. You will see the dog as he is, and not as a clever handler can mould.
We have not discussed showmanship. The Doberman is a show dog and is a beautiful sight to behold. He exudes energy and elegance, bone and substance. He is the epitome of an athlete. Many have gone on to become “the dog to beat” in Group and Best In Show competition. He is all there. No coat to hide faults. As a companion he is what all owners feel is the best. These dogs are most all house pets, and their devotion is next to none. We hope you enjoy your judging of them as we enjoy owning them.