What is an "American" Doberman?
 The American Doberman is bred to be a family companion. He retains the
protective nature of the breed, while losing some of the aggression
necessary for the police work which was the original purpose of the breed.
His looks have been refined; but he still retains the square
compact body necessary for agility and health. A true family member, the
American Doberman will serve both as protector and friend, asking only
that you share your love and time with him.

Appearance: In appearance he is elegant, proud and with skin that fits
him like a glove. Approved colors are black, red, blue or fawn with
rust markings. He has an almond shaped eye, wedge-like head and
an arching neck. He is medium size with a square frame (length of body
should equal height) and a head, neck, & legs in proportion to the body.
His conformation is designed to give him strength, endurance and
agility. The prefix Ch (Champion) in front of the dog's name attests to
the fact that he has been judged to have excellent quality conformation.

Personality: The personality of the Doberman is peculiar to the breed.
They are rated high in playfulness and trainability, medium in
curiosity/fearlessness, and low in reactivity. The Doberman is
extremely loyal, quickly learning to "Respect & Protect" their owners.
This behavior earns them a rating of low owner directed aggression but
higher stranger directed aggression. The initials CGC (Canine Good
Citizen) and TDI (Therapy Dog International) are certificates which can
be earned to attest to the dogs' stable temperament.

Intelligence: Defined as a combination of learning, problem solving and
communication. Intelligence in the Doberman is ranked 5th in all dog
breeds and first in trainability. The suffix WAC (working aptitude
certificate), CD, CDX, UD, UDX (obedience) and NA, OA, AX, MX (agility)
are titles which are earned for excellence in performance trials. OTCH & MACH
are prefix titles which indicate champion status in obedience and agility.

Health: Common serious health problems include dilated cardiomyopathy
and von Willebrand's disease (a bleeding disorder). Less serious common
health concerns include hypothyroidism, wobblers, CIV, bloat and hip
dysplasia. American breeders are eliminating the frequency of these
disorders. The description “OFA hips-good”, “OFA thyroid-normal”, “Vet
GEN VWD – clear”, “Echo-normal”, “holter-normal” represent test results
that assure that the dog is a superior genetic health specimen. LC
(Longevity Certified) is placed behind the dogs name when he has
achieved at least 10 years of age.