ILLUSTRATED STANDARD
AKC Standard
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, equaling 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.
Commentary
The
standard requires Dobermans to be of medium size, which gives them more
endurance and greater agility than many larger dogs. Heavy boned and athletic,
Dobermans are able to generate the power to excel at their working functions.
In the standard, all measurements are proportional to the height of the dog at
his withers. All parts should be in proportion to the body size.
The
height of the dog is measured from the highest point of the withers to the
ground. The length of the body
is measured from the point of the forechest to the rear projection of the upper
thigh (or shank).
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Correct Body Length
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Long Body
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The leg measured from the elbow to the ground is equal to the depth of the body.
The body of the Doberman with these measurements will be square.
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Long Legs
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Ideal
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Short Legs
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There must be a balance of bone density, substance and body size in relation to
the height. Dogs that measure over
the standard lack that balance and should be penalized. Dogs that are more than
1 inch over maximum height are large-sized, rather than medium-sized as required
by the standard, thus are not of correct breed type.
You will not see many undersized
specimens. Some males have ideal
height but appear feminine because of a lack of bone and substance and should be
penalized as well. The standard
calls for heavy bone in the forelegs. Heavy bones in the forelegs
imply heavy bones through the dog's structure without tending toward coarseness.
The heavy bone, Doberman temperament, and elegant appearance create a generally
imposing presence.
The
Doberman is square, substantial and balanced. His head is in balance with his
neck and body. His front is in balance with his rear. If any part of a Doberman
stands out or is not in harmony with the rest of the dog, it is a deviation.
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