Doberman Conformation

DLS · 06-24-2008, 12:12 PM

OK, here is a picture of one of my boys from the past. He is about 2 years old in the photo. For those of you who want to learn more about correct conformation get out your books, study the breed standard and then use my guy to practise evaluating a Doberman Pinscher. Do not worry about 'hurting' my feelings, because I know he was not 'perfect', no dog is. So go ahead give me your evaluations, we can all learn something here. Have fun with it!
Monti would not mind. lol

**greenkouki** · 06-24-2008, 12:29 PM

He's a very pretty boy that's for sure. He looks a little long but I think it's the way he's stacked (he looks like he's leaning back a bit too). not sure what it's called but his front "wrists" look kind of pushed back per se. I don't know that much about conformation so that's just my opinion

DLS · 06-24-2008, 01:14 PM

greenkouki, you are on to a couple of things now just try to figure out what exactly it is that you are seeing. The 'wrists' are known as pasterns. AS for length, get a piece of string and measure his length and then compare it to his height, is he square or is he long backed? DO you have a standard for the DOberman available to look at?

**greenkouki** · 06-24-2008, 01:17 PM

I have a printed standard in the Joanna Walker B&B book. Haven't read it in a couple years though. I do see some other things that aren't the most desirable but you have to take into account it's only one photo and the dog is still probably immature. He's built like a bitch, but again that could be related to his age

**BackInBlack** · 06-24-2008, 01:18 PM

This should be very interesting to read. I wont comment, because as the old saying goes.......It is better to be thought of as a fool, then to open your mouth and remove all doubt

LOL. I don't think I have a keen enough eye for conformation at this time.

DobeGirl07 · 06-24-2008, 01:25 PM

I think all need to take in account when judging a dog, the good qualities and the bad qualities.

When talking about dogs being square vs. rectange....Why am I seeing more RECTANGLE dogs now than square???

Oh and I don't think he has the body of a bitch.

DLS · 06-24-2008, 01:32 PM

BackinBlack, don't be afraid to comment, this is an exersice in learning about conformation. So give it a try. If the whole picture is too hard to see, start with the feet or nose, etc.

greenkouki, don't think of what he may be later or any other if ands or buts, just evaluate what you see now.

DLS · 06-24-2008, 01:37 PM

DobeGirl07, yes, always try and look at the whole picture, there are always good and bad points. But when learning about conformation sometimes it is easier to start with say the head and then move on to another part until you can see the whole picture together.
Some dogs who may seem long backed are really short on leg.

DLS · 06-24-2008, 01:54 PM

Come on guys don't be shy. lol.

Here is a little more info. on Monti. as it is very hard to determine size and weight in a photo. He is 27 3/4 inches high and about 88 lbs.

**dobermansrule** · 06-24-2008, 02:11 PM

I don't have the standard in front of me, but:

he looks long, but I think it might be how far back his back feet go to make the hocks vertical with the ground. I think technically, you should be able to draw a vertical line down from the butt bone to the ground and the back toes touch that line with hocks parallel to the ground.

It looks like he is rocking back a little on his front feet - probably the way he's stacked and the long stretch of the back legs.

Overall he looks good to me.
disclaimer: I have no experience judging conformation - I love all Dobermans