General Appearance:  Muscular and powerful, having great speed.  Energetic, watchful, determined.

Size, Proportion, and Substance:  Height-males, 26 to 28 inches at the withers; females, 24 to 26 inches.  Height should be equal length.

Background:  Dobermans are strong, quick thinking dogs who have always served people as guardians and companions.  His ability to respond immediately to danger has made them one of the most reliable of all dogs.  Used in the military, as police dogs or in civilian life as a guard dog and family protector, the Dobie is a companion most of all.  Dobies have been successfully used as guide dogs for the blind and deaf and as therapy dogs who visit hospitals.  Dobermans are intelligent and highly trainable, requiring an experienced and knowledgeable handler.  They get along well with children if properly socialized.  Grooming is minimal.