Q&A
3. Do uncropped ears and/or undocked tails affect judging?
Ch. Borong the War- lock CD—he was a dog of medium size, with a square body. He was compactly built, muscular and powerful. He was elegant in appearance, of proud carriage reflecting great nobil- ity and temperament. He was energetic, watchful, determined, alert, fearless, loyal and obedient. “War- lock” was so nearly perfect in his adher-
The Doberman is a cropped and docked breed. The stan- dard is specific on these points. The uncropped and/or undocked Doberman should be faulted. 4. What are the most controversial breed topics? How do you address them? Of course, the question of cropping and docking is a fore- most concern of the Doberman fancy. The other contro- versy involves the definition of “straight” topline. 5. Which traits, if any, are becoming exaggerated? Straight fronts coupled with overangulated rears. For some time, the forechest was very exaggerated, but there has been improvement in the last few years. 6. What do handlers do in presentation that you wish they would not? The Doberman ring is fortunate to have some incredibly talented handlers. Nearly all take pride in presenting each exhibit to its utmost. 7. What traits do you see popping up these days that are going in the wrong direction? What’s better? Length in body, lack of leg and length in loin. Shoulders are improving in placement and angulation giving better neck sets and forechests. 8. Describe ideal Doberman movement and its impor- tance in judging. Movement is kinetic proof of proper structure. A Doberman should move with balance exhibiting equal reach in front and drive in the rear holding a strong topline throughout. 9. What, if anything, do you feel non-breeder judges get wrong about the breed? Dobermans are actually easy to judge. Everything is right there for anyone to see. It is important to look past show- manship and evaluate structure. 10. How does the breed in North America compare to other parts of the world? The breed is in good shape in many parts of the world. Australia, many South American countries and some Russian dogs are very beautiful. Many of these dogs are making an impact on American Dobermans. NANCY CHRISTENSEN 1. In order, name the five most important traits you look for in the ring. Compact, powerful, standard size, heavy bone and smooth—nothing extreme. 2. Are there any unforgivable faults in the breed? Weak or fearful temperament. 3. Do uncropped ears and/or undocked tails affect judging? Of course, the “politically correct” answer is to staunchly say that this is a cropped and docked breed. I have never been known to be politically correct. Of all the things
Ch Charem’s warrior von warlock CDX
ence to the Doberman standard, that for over 40 years AKC used his photo in every edition of their Complete Dog Book (AKC Book of Breed Standards) to depict the best of Dobermans. “Warlock” died in 1966, but remains today the epitome, the embodiment, the essence of the Doberman Pinscher. 11. How does the breed in North America compare to other parts of the world? American-bred (South America included) Dobermans are socialized more highly than European-bred. They tend to be more elegant in stature. As opposed to many foreign bred dogs, American Dobermans, for the most part, have
their ears cropped and their tails docked. 12. Do you have anything else to share?
Dobermans are a unique breed. They do not belong in every household. They are extremely intelligent, require a good deal of exercise and have a high prey drive. Dober- mans should live in the home and do best with a fenced-in yard. They need to be your companion and guardian, or they will not thrive. They are not pack dogs—one male per household is the rule of thumb. They need guidance and discipline and enjoy the show ring, obedience and all performance events. If your Doberman knows you love him, he will sacrifice his life to save yours. JUDITH A. BROWN
1. In order, name the five most important traits you look for. Square, balanced front and rear, correct placement and angulation of shoulders, level topline, proper 50/50 proportion of depth from withers to elbow and from elbow to ground. 2. Are there any unforgivable faults in the breed? Long and low.
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