DOBERMAN PINSCHERS: Questions & Answers
GRACE BLACK
7. What traits do you see popping up these days that are going in the wrong direction? What’s better? Dogs today are mainly within the range of size allowed (26"-28" inches for the male and 24"-26" for the bitch). There is no disqualification for a dog over 28". However, while adhering to the size definitions, breeders have lost the “heavy” bone. By keeping within the size range, Dobermans are supposed to retain “heavy” bone. In most rings today, Dobermans—especially males—lack the “heavy” bone as defined in our Standard. 8. Describe ideal Doberman movement and its impor- tance in judging. Dobermans should have a free, balanced and vigorous gait with good reach in the forequarters and good driving power in the hindquarters. When moving at a fast trot, a properly built dog will single track. 9. What, if anything, do you feel non-breeder judges get wrong about the breed? Non-breeder judges, especially those coming from a group other than working, tend to go strictly with animation and size in the Doberman, forgetting that a dog may be of proper size but not of the quality needed to win. They are greatly motivated by dogs shown by top professional handlers and dogs which are advertised extensively. 10. What previously campaigned Doberman(s) come close to your ideal? Please explain.
1. In order, name the five most important traits you look for in the ring. Five most important traits I look for in the ring: good temperament, bal- ance, level topline, proper tail-set, teeth and bite. 2. Are there any unforgivable faults in the breed? Specific faults I find almost unfor- givable: poor temperament—shy- ness and/or viciousness is not
acceptable in Dobermans. 3. Do uncropped ears and/or undocked tails affect judging? Fortunately, very few Dobermans are shown uncropped and undocked. Our standard calls for cropped and docked. Although it is not a disqualification in our standard to omit cropping and docking, dogs that are shown without cropped ears and docked tails must be of superior quality in order to be awarded a win over those that are cropped and docked. 4. What are the most controversial breed topics? How do you address them? Obviously, the issue of cropping and docking. As stated above, if the uncropped, undocked dog appears before me in the ring, he or she must be of superior quality in order to be placed above those that are cropped and docked. Another controversial issue is that of missing teeth and incorrect bite. It must be remembered that FOUR missing teeth is a disqualification. In judging, the dog should be penalized according to just how many teeth are missing. Also, many incorrect bites are forgiven in today’s show ring. A correct bite is essential and an incorrect bite should be penalized severely. 5. Which traits, if any, are becoming exaggerated? Faults I feel have become overly exaggerated—a gay tail, sloping topline and over angulated rears. 6. What do handlers do in presentation that you wish they would not? Over handle. Dobermans are a silhouette breed. Han- dlers should stand away from the dog, not hover over, stacking and pushing up the dog’s tail (a pet peeve of mine). There is a favorite saying of mine, “The dog is the picture—the handler is the frame.” So be it.
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