You really can't tell anything from the pictures. But if you didn't get him from a breeder that is consistently successful in the show ring with her dogs then he wouldn't be suitable for the conformation ring. A winning conformation doesn't happen by accident, they have to be well bred for it. From what you have said about the breeder, it sure doesn't sound like she is somebody that shows her dogs, and certainly not successfully.
There are certainly a lot more options out there though. You can show in obedience (that's how I started in the ring, with a pet quality dobe male), or agility, or any of the sports they excel in that interest you. You can also go to conformation class and even fun matches with him just to get experience in handling a dog. Handling a doberman well in the ring takes practice, and there is no reason you couldn't learn on him.
There is only a small percentage of the doberman population out there that is destined to have a successful show career. The rest of the dogs are every bit as lovely and wonderful. So enjoy your pretty boy for what he is and whatever venue he may excel in if you decide to pursue any.
There are certainly a lot more options out there though. You can show in obedience (that's how I started in the ring, with a pet quality dobe male), or agility, or any of the sports they excel in that interest you. You can also go to conformation class and even fun matches with him just to get experience in handling a dog. Handling a doberman well in the ring takes practice, and there is no reason you couldn't learn on him.
There is only a small percentage of the doberman population out there that is destined to have a successful show career. The rest of the dogs are every bit as lovely and wonderful. So enjoy your pretty boy for what he is and whatever venue he may excel in if you decide to pursue any.