FCI Breed Standard | UK Kennel Club Breed Standard

Conformation

The following information was extracted from: J.M. v.d. Zwan, In the beginning . . . a history of the Dobermann, 1999

The European judging system is based on a quality grading system, as in all FCI countries (FCI - Federation Cynologique Internationale). With this system the dog is compared with the ideal dog in the Standard and graded accordingly.

Judging is believed to lack purpose and value without a grading system, because a dog can be placed first although it may posses any number of undesirable characteristics. This gives the novice a false idea of the value and quality of the dog. A judge who grades a dog Excellent when in fact it is only Very Good is therefore being irresponsible. Only dogs of Excellent type will pass those same qualities to future generations.

At any show a judge is only allowed a maximum of 60 dogs. The dogs are split into a Youth Class (9-18 months), an Open Class (15 months upwards), a Working Class (for dogs with a Working Certificate) and a Champion Class.

In Germany and some other countries there are seperate classes for the colours, Black and Red. Fawn is not accepted because of the coat problems genetically linked with this colour. The IDC has also debared the Blue Dobermann for the same reason. Of course the sexes are also seperated. All the dogs entered in a class will appear in the ring and the judge will have a quick look just to get a general impression of the quality being shown. After that the judge will examine the dogs individually, first checking bite and dentition. Then he will observe the dog which is shown on a long lead by a handler other than the owner. Most of the time the dog's owner is standing out side the ring trying to get the dog's attention, by calling his name, throwing toys, food, etc. in fact anything and everything to ensure the dog shows to his best advantage, looking alert and intelligent. This "double handling" is forbidden in some countries, but not for the Dobermann people. So there is always a lot of excitement around the Dobermann ring.

I have to say that there is little excitement around the Dobermann rings in Great Britain where the rules againstdouble handling are strictly enforced. Even at Crufts, Britain's most prestigious Show, the atmosphere is much quieter than at the Bundessieger in Germany or the Winner Show in Holland.

The judge dictates to his secretary, the good and bad points of the dog he is examining, one copy of this critique is kept by the owner for future reference, the other goes into the Club Files. The judge will give one of four gradings. Only those dogs graded Excellent will come back to the ring for the judge to select the first four placings. At all times the judge is looking for the dog that adheres most closely to his interpretation of the Breed Standard. Such a dog will win the Challenge and the Show.

To obtain the title of Champion the dog has to win at least four or five Challenges (CAC) depending on the regulations in different countries. There must always be a minimum of twelve months between the first and last CAC and the dog must win his last CAC after twenty-seven months of age. These are the basic rules but every country has some rule variations. For Example, in Austria and Germany it is necessary to have a Working Certificate like Schutzhund or IPO (International /working Certificate). In France there is a special test called TAN. A Working Certificate is not required in Holland. These varying regulations among European countries are not conductive to mutual cooperation between the National Dobermann Clubs.

To become an International Champion a dog has to win at least two International Challenges (CACIB) in two different countries and hold a Schutzhund or an IPO qualification. Twelve months must elapse between the first and second Challenge.

The Bundessieger title is a most important title to win at a one day Show (The Bundessieger Show in Germany). This show is only held once a year and many well known international Dobermanns are entered to try and win the Jackpot. Another sought after title is the Winners Show in Amsterdam, another one day Show.

The IDC title is not official and not recognized by the FCI, but despite this it is the most important title a Dobermann can win. All the best Dobermanns in Europe compete for this title, in front of everyone who is anyone in the Dobermann world.