ABKC Breed Standard: Doberman Pinscher
General Impression
The Doberman Pinscher is a medium-sized, squarely built dog of proud bearing and
keen expression. Compact, muscular, and powerful, the breed combines elegance with
strength, endurance, and agility. The Doberman should exhibit alertness, fearlessness,
loyalty, and intelligence. Temperament is steady and dependable, showing confidence
and readiness for action at all times.
Size, Proportion, Substance
Males: 26 to 28 inches at the withers (ideal 27½ inches)
Females: 24 to 26 inches at the withers (ideal 25½ inches)
The body is square, with the distance from the forechest to the point of the rump equal to
the height at the withers. Substance is balanced—strong and muscular, without
heaviness or coarseness.
Head
The head forms a blunt wedge when viewed from the front or side, long and dry with
smooth lines.
Expression: Energetic and intelligent, showing confidence and determination.
Eyes: Almond-shaped, moderately deep set, and of medium size. Eye color blends with
coat color, with the darkest shade preferred.
Ears: Ears may be cropped and carried erect or left natural. Both are equally acceptable
when in balance with the head and expression.
Skull: Flat on top, slight stop, and parallel planes between skull and muzzle. Cheeks are
flat and well-muscled.
Muzzle: Full and powerful, with strong underjaw. Lips lie close to the jaws.
Nose: Solid black on black dogs; dark brown on red; dark gray on blue; dark tan on fawn
(Isabella).
Teeth/Bite: Strong, white teeth meeting in a true scissors bite. Complete dentition of 42
teeth.
Disqualifications: Overshot more than 3/16 inch. Undershot more than 1/8 inch. Four or
more missing teeth.
Neck, Topline, and Body
The neck is proud, well-arched, and muscular, widening toward the shoulders. The
topline is firm and level from the withers to the slightly rounded croup. The body is
compact with a deep, well-filled chest reaching to the elbows. The ribs are well sprung,
the forechest pronounced, and the belly is well tucked. The loins are wide and muscular.
Tail: Tail may be docked at approximately the second joint or left natural. Both are
acceptable. The tail should be carried in a manner that complements the dog’s overall
balance and expression.
Forequarters
Shoulders well laid back at approximately 45 degrees, with equal length of shoulder
blade and upper arm forming a near 90-degree angle. Elbows lie close to the body.
Forelegs are straight and parallel from both front and side views. Pasterns are firm and
nearly perpendicular to the ground.
Feet: Front feet compact, well-arched, and cat-like. Dewclaws may be removed.
Hindquarters
The hindquarters balance the forequarters in angulation and strength. Hips are broad,
with a slightly rounded croup. Stifles and hocks are well bent. Rear pasterns are straight
and strong when viewed from behind.
Feet: Compact and cat-like, turning neither in nor out.
Coat
Short, hard, thick, and close-lying, with a smooth appearance and a noticeable sheen.
Color and Markings
Acceptable colors are black, red, blue, and fawn (Isabella), each with sharply defined
rust markings. Markings appear above each eye, on muzzle, throat, forechest, all legs
and feet, and under the tail. Any white markings other than a small patch on the chest
(not exceeding ½ inch square) are undesirable.
Disqualifications: Albinism or partial albinism; solid white coat color.
Gait
Movement is free, balanced, and powerful. The gait shows strong rear drive and good
front reach, maintaining a firm topline. From any view, the legs neither turn in nor out. As
speed increases, the feet tend to converge toward a center line of balance.
Temperament
The Doberman Pinscher should display a fearless, loyal, and confident temperament. He
is watchful, energetic, and obedient, with an inherent desire to protect his home and
family. Timidity, instability, or aggression toward handler or judge is a serious fault.
Faults
Any deviation from the ideal described herein should be penalized according to its
degree and effect on overall breed type, structure, and function.
Disqualifications
– Overshot more than 3/16 inch
– Undershot more than 1/8 inch
– Four or more missing teeth
– Albinism or partial albinism
– White coat color
