Judging the Doberman

As a member of the Doberman Judges Education Committee, I have received a number of calls in the last few months from handlers and breeders whom I respect. They are mature individuals who know what they are showing.

Their complaints aren’t that they aren’t winning; sometimes they are winning (or losing) for the wrong reasons. When they speak with a judge after the breed is finished, they find that the judges chose a certain dog because “it was so square.” Never mind that it was stick-straight front and rear or had the topline of a terrier.

Recently, I attended a dog show and observed a permit judge in action in the Doberman ring. This person is a well-known and well-respected judge.

In one class of bitches, he had three representatives. Two were very good examples of the breed; one was considerably less so. To my surprise, the lesser bitch won the class and went on to Winner’s Bitch.

The permit judge saw me watching at ringside and came to me later to discuss the breed. The discussion quickly went to that bitch class because he heard that his Winner’s Bitch was third in the class on the prior day under a breeder judge. In our discussion, he justified his choice because “I made my first cut on square.” I didn’t have an immediate answer, and the judge needed to leave to start judging another breed, so we weren’t able to continue the discussion.

On the way home, I started to think about his statement. Have we oversold the concept that square is the most important characteristic of the breed? Maybe so. I know that when asked to describe a Doberman, a typical breed person starts with “it’s a square breed,” and then goes on from there.

Yes, square is important. It’s one of the defining characteristics of the breed. But to immediately exclude other exhibits based on that one factor can’t be right. There has to be some consideration of all the major virtues and deviations, not just one.

So what should that judge have considered on his “first cut?” That depends on the judge’s priorities, but selecting any one attribute may leave the best dog out of the running.

There are some “must haves” and many “wants” in judging. The first “must have” is to find breed type. When the class enters the ring, the first decision should be “which dog most resembles the ideal Doberman?” The overall picture (the profile) is the confluence of the desired attributes from the Breed Standard. This is a visual comparison of what stands before you relative to the mental picture you have of the ideal.

The overall profile of the dog should include the head as well as the body proportions (square, body depth equal to leg length, prosternum, heavy bone), angulation (90-degree front placed well back, rear balancing front), a correct neck and tail placement/carriage, and planes (topline, head).

It seems complicated, but it’s no more difficult than finding a particular car or flower. If you have the right picture, you can find the right one… just as a picture of a Porsche or a rose will help you identify the right car on the lot or the right flower in the nursery.

Here’s a photo of the ideal Doberman dog and bitch that you are looking for:

The next priority is how they hold themselves when they go around. They should look very much like the ideal profile but with legs moving correctly and head slightly dropped, as illustrated in the photo below:

It’s amazing to me how many times a class enters the ring and my first thought is “Wow, this is a good class,” only to find when they move, they are lacking reach and/or drive, going off in the topline or tailset, bouncing, or any of several other problems. The search for the best Doberman just got a lot more difficult.

So, in the first few minutes when they have entered the ring and then gone around, you have made some major decisions, and it wasn’t on one attribute like square. You have decided which ones have the best profile and can move while keeping that profile.

Fortunately, many times there are several dogs that rise out of those first two decisions… profile and movement. They have passed the first two “must haves.” A full body evaluation is next on the priority list.

Now is the time that you start setting priorities. This is when “I made my first cut on square” is appropriate. This is the point at which head, bone, feet, muscle tone, conditioning, down-and-back movement, and many other essentials are evaluated. It’s also the point where judges’ opinions diverge substantially, and that’s okay.

The head is a breed-defining characteristic and must be given due consideration and be high on the priority list. As in the first priorities in judging (profile and movement), the head must be of correct Doberman type. No matter how well a dog matches the profile and movement, if it does not have an acceptable head, then it is not a correct Doberman.

That being said, will you give a little on the head to be square? Or will you give a little length for a better head? Your decision.

Below are the images of a correct head that you must have in your mental picture to complete the three most important priorities in judging.

Breeders and judges all place emphasis on the areas they feel are most important. Some judges cannot accommodate a dog with a less-than-superior head. I’ve often heard it said that “the head is the first thing you see, and I want it right.” Okay, that’s a major priority for you, and you can weigh it more heavily than other characteristics.

Others may consider proper front angles to be a major priority, as the correct front is noticeably absent in many Dobermans. It’s hard to successfully breed and easy to lose.

Still others may consider the rear to be the most important characteristic, as that’s what furnishes most of the power in forward motion.

With so many options and so many individual “druthers,” you can see why judging seems to be inconsistent. Good judges aren’t inconsistent; they just have different priorities from one another.

If judges select a Doberman that most closely matches their mental picture for profile, movement, and head, then they should not be expected to choose the dog that you or another judge would select. Judges can put up different dogs for different reasons, and as long as they can articulate why they chose a certain dog, then it is the right dog for them.

I know that we Doberman people emphasize square to every judge and anyone who asks about the breed. Apparently, many judges are making their first cut based on square. It’s important, but it’s only one attribute.

The point here is to make your first cut based on the most important points, and not one or two specific characteristics.

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Interview with a Junior Handler, Micaela Kenyon

Hi, my name is Micaela Kenyon. I’m 14 years old and live in Holly, Michigan, on a 10-acre hobby farm with my family where we raise goats, sheep, chickens, honey bees, and Norwegian Buhunds. I also co-own two Doberman Pinschers that I also show in addition to the Buhunds.

Where do you live? Where do you go to school?

I live in Holly, Michigan, and I’m homeschooled.

Do you have any hobbies or interests apart from purebred dogs? Do you have a job?

I am an active member of two 4-H clubs. I also show lambs and goats with our county fair. I do not have a job.

Have you grown up in a doggy family? What is your breed(s)?

Yes, my family raises and breeds Norwegian Buhunds.

How were you introduced to Junior Showmanship? When did you start competing?

It just became something I was interested in. I started competing in 2018 at nine years old.

What do you remember about the first time you showed as a Junior?

I remember just being very nervous, but also excited about getting to show my dog.

How do you prepare your dog and yourself for the ring? Any rituals? Any good luck charms?

Nothing special, really; I just groom my dog and off we go.

What’s it like in the ring when the pressure is on? Do you have a secret for handling the nerves?

I just go into “work mode.”

Do you have a mentor in the sport? Have you assisted any Professional Handlers?

Yes, Heather Sekovich has been such a blessing to me! She has taught me everything I know about Dobermans, Great Danes, and German Shorthaired Pointers. I love assisting the professionals… I learn a lot.

Are there any wins for which you are particularly proud? Any memorable losses?

Multiple wins! Four months after I started showing dogs, I co-owned a Bullmastiff named “Legend” (I miss you, buddy) who I got my first Reserve Best Junior Handler (RBJH) with.

It was super special when I went Best in Specialty Show (BISS) with my Doberman bitch in a large entry, and my puppy dog went Winners Dog/Best of Winners/Best of Opposite Sex (WD/BOW/BOS) for a 5-pt major.

I remember how I was so excited. I could have jumped out of my skin when my best girl went Reserve Best in Show-Owner-Handled (RBIS-OH) for the first time.

Also, going Top Junior at UKC Premier 2022.

As for losses, well, you can’t win all the time… tomorrow is a new day. I’m leaving with the best dog, win or lose.

How do you accentuate your dog’s breed type in the ring? How do you try to stand out?

I like to bait one of my Buhunds on that final look to show off her expression. With my Doberman, I stand in a lunge position to show off her beautiful neck.

Are there any breeds that you haven’t yet shown but would like to some day?

Oh my gosh, that’s a long list! But at the top of that list would probably be the Beauceron. I love
the breed!

What can be done to encourage more young people to participate in Junior Showmanship?

Less ring conflicts! A lot of us use our own money to pay for entries, and entries are getting more expensive, which makes it really hard to miss due to a breed conflict.

Have you bred or co-bred a litter? If so, can you share what you’ve learned from the experience?

I will be co-breeding my first Doberman litter very soon! I just co-bred my first Buhund litter, and two out of six went to show homes.

Is breeding something that you’d like to pursue? Is breed preservation important to you?

Yes, I plan on breeding when I’m older, and yes, breed preservation is very important to me.

What are your goals for the future? Do you see yourself continuing in the sport once you’ve aged-out?

I love dogs and I absolutely see myself continuing in the sport once I age out of juniors. My goal is to become a successful professional handler someday.

Can you share a word or two about your relationship with your current dog? What does s/he mean to you?

All five of my dogs mean a lot to me. They each hold special places in my heart for different reasons. “Tisla” (Buhund) was my first good Junior dog, and first import, as well as my first BIS winner; she’s the best cuddler. “Saga” (Buhund), she’s my first big successful dog, my first dog to finish a championship, and my first Grand Champion (GCH) and Grand Champion Bronze (GCHB). She was my first dog that I got a Group placement on.

She’s my heart dog and best friend who sleeps in my bed every night. “Captain” (Buhund) is my first male and my youngest dog to finish a championship. He’s a “derp,” but he’s got the cutest and squishiest face and I just love him! “Cait” (Doberman) is my first Doberman, my first Doberman GCH, my first dog I ever got a BISS on, and she’s the perfect first Doberman… so patient with my novice Doberman handling, but she taught me how to be a Doberman handler. “Seger” (Doberman) is Cait’s nephew. He’s my first Doberman male, first red Doberman, and the first Doberman I got to hand-pick as a puppy. I’m so excited to see what the future holds for him.

Is there a funny story that you can share about your experiences as a Junior Handler?

My puppy, “Captain” (Buhund), tripped me at my first breed National Specialty and I fell on my face! I had a bruise on my hip for a month!

The post A Junior’s Journal – Micaela Kenyon appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

Judging the Doberman

Doberman breed authority Peggy Adamson said, “Breed type emerges from the whole standard”. The whole dog is important, deviations should be taken to the extent of the deviation. The only deal breaker other than the disqualifications, is temperament.

In the beginning, when the Doberman didn’t look like a purebred he acted like a Doberman. This was the endearing characteristic that made them so valuable. With time their look developed. So, first and foremost, never award a dog with poor temperament.

How can you be expected to determine temperament in a 2.5-minute examination? I say if a dog can’t keep it together for 2.5 minutes, he has flunked the temperament test. A dog should be expected to stand proud, determined, alert and noble.

When the judge approaches, questionable temperament is evidenced when the dogs’ eyes are rolling (showing white), if his ears are pinned back, if he is shaking, or looks like his skin is crawling, if he is leaning on his handler, or racking back upon approach. These are signs of improper Doberman temperament. He may be the best looking and moving dog in the ring, but he should not win. If there are no other good dogs on that day, withhold ribbons. That is how important temperament is.

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If I see a dog with questionable temperament I give them more time to help make the experience positive. If the dog is superior I tell them how lovely their dog is and that they need to correct the problem. I get complaints from exhibitors and handlers when they witness a shy dog winning. Unfortunately, it happens way too often. We don’t want you to give a temperament test in the ring. We just want the Doberman to display breed type as described in the first paragraph of our standard.

The procedure I use with the Doberman is the same as what I do with every breed. Walk up to the dog from a slight angle, not straight on. I extend my hand palm up and put it under the chin. This is a non-threatening gesture that allows me to feel the underjaw and check the muzzle and skull planes and view the almond shaped, moderately deep-set dark eyes.

With the DQ for missing teeth and incorrect bites, I ask the handler to show me the mouth. From the front, I see the bite and incisors. Then with mouth closed (to also view occlusion), they show the premolars on each side, then open the mouth to view the molars. I put my hands on both sides of the head to feel the clean line of the blunt wedge, and then view the parallel planes and a slight stop from the side.

After the head exam, I proceed toward the rear of the dog, feeling the forechest, shoulder and upper arm and depth of body. I feel the topline, short wide loin and well filled out croup and the tail which is slightly off the horizontal. It is amazing how few people know that is what the standard says about the tail. Our breed is plagued with high tails and handlers who push up the high tails to advertise the fault. I guess they are also advertising the fact that they haven’t read the standard, but that is for another article. Then I check the testicles and feel the muscling in the rear. At this point the hands-on exam is over.

It is amazing how few people know that is what the standard says about the tail. Our breed is plagued with high tails and handlers who push up the high tails to advertise the fault.

I look down at the dog from the rear to see the hips being broad and in proportion to the body, breadth of hips being approximately equal to breadth of body at rib cage and shoulders. You can also see from the top view if the flow is smooth without lumps  and bumps.

Then it is time to move the dog. I do a down and back. When the dogs moves toward me I ask the handler to let the dog stand on its own, free stack. They can bait the dog. This is a crucial test. It shows how the dog stands unaided by the handler and tells a lot about the temperament. I observe their demeanor from the front, and the breadth of chest and the front legs and feet. Then I walk around the dog. Does he notice my motion but continue to be unfazed? Does he stand confidently, with the breed defined nobility, fearless, watchful, determined and alert stance with proud carriage. If he does he passes  the test.

On the free stack, I can also observe the balance and proportion that is so important to type. The compact muscular and powerful body is square. Ideally, he is a one-piece dog, all parts fitting together smoothly. If something stands out, it is probably out of balance. His neck and head should be in balance with his leg and body. Please note that our standard does not say the neck is long, it says it is in balance. This is a square breed and the height from elbow to withers equals height from ground to elbow. The brisket reaching deep to the elbow. The front angulation matches the rear. The shoulder blade is the same length as the upper arm and the upper thigh the same length as the lower thigh. The underline is curved to a well tucked up, short loin.

He is muscular and powerful with heavy bone yet he is elegant in appearance and agile. In other words, he is not coarse or fine.

This is a well-angled breed. And when the front and rear are in balance he can move smoothly in a trot. The final test is the go around. The dog should look as good as he did standing. He is well muscled, powerful, one-piece. His head is above his neck and forward a little to allow for good reach and drive. He has a straight topline, tail slightly off the horizontal. His rear foot leaves the ground as high as the front foot and both are close to the ground. The gait is free balanced and vigorous.

In conclusion, please remember this is a personal companion dog. He is muscular and powerful with heavy bone yet he is elegant in appearance and agile. In other words, he is not coarse or fine. He is strong and a threat to be reckoned with. He is noble, determined, alert, fearless and of great temperament. Please NEVER reward poor temperament. We encourage you to review our video, “How to Judge the Doberman”. You can find it on the DPCA website or YouTube. The DPCA JEC website is a wealth of information, check it out. Enjoy our breed, they are amazing companions.

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Interview with Jim & Ann White, Breeders of Cambria Doberman Pinschers

Where do we live? How many years in dogs? How many years as breeders?

Jim & Ann White: We live in Millsap, Texas (west of Fort Worth). Jim purchased his first Doberman Pinscher in 1958; Ann in 1970. We both purchased dogs from serious breeders… and so it began. Jim whelped his first litter in 1986; Ann in 1973. But, real breeding began in the ‘80s.

What is our kennel name? How many dogs do we currently keep?

Jim & Ann White: Our kennel name is Cambria. We keep 10-15 Dobermans (personal and client dogs… retired, breeding, and show dogs). Several of our breeding bitches are in companion homes on co-ownerships.

Which show dogs from the past have been our noteworthy winners?

Jim & Ann White: For Jim: Ch. Marienburg’s Sunhawk and Ch. Schauffelein’s Rendevouz. Together: Ch. Cambria’s Carmen, Ch. Cambria’s Victoria’s Secret, Ch. Cambria’s Varmait Parfait, and Ch. Cambria’s Must Be Fate.

Which have been our most influential sires and dams?

Jim & Ann White: Most Influential Sires: Ch. Cambria’s Cactus Cash (181 AKC Champions; Top-Producing Working Dog Sire of All Time… in researching records, he may be Top Producing Sire of All Breeds of All Time); Ch. Cambria’s Out For Justice (92 AKC Champions). Cambria dogs have sired well over 400 AKC Champions. Most Influential Dam: Our foundation bitch, Ch. Florowill Bit Of Magic (Top-Producing Doberman Dam of All Time with 21 AKC Champions).

Can we talk a bit about our facilities? Where are our puppies whelped? How are they raised?

Jim & Ann White: Jim is a builder, and so he builds. We have a custom dog-friendly property designed just for our breeding and show operation. We have ample runs for housing, paddocks for conditioning, and a dog-friendly house for living with our dogs. Our main kennel building is designed for adult dogs, and our puppy kennel is attached to the house, with a breeze-way to our bedroom. Our puppies are whelped just feet from our bedroom in our puppy kennels/office or in our totally enclosed back porch area. All dog areas are temperature-controlled.

What is our “process” for selecting Show Puppies? Performance Puppies?

Jim & Ann White: Nothing extraordinary, just constant evaluation through regular hands-on interaction with our puppies. Our official evaluation is 11-12 weeks, when it becomes necessary to make decisions to send show puppies on their way. Ideal show temperaments are also appropriate for performance. Dobermans are highly trainable and want to please. Early socialization is an obvious part of puppy our raising.

Do we compete in Performance Events? In Parent Club Tests & Trials?

Jim & Ann White: Yes, in the past; however, it is impossible to go full-throttle in multiple directions. Our focus is on breeding dogs according to the Breed Standard (show dogs), with appropriate temperaments and good health.

Is “performance” part of our decision-making when it comes to breeding?

Jim & Ann White: We are advocates of performance-worthy dogs. I have spent considerable time training in various performance venues. A Doberman should, first and foremost, be an athlete. And just as important is a temperament, which, according to our Standard, states, “Energetic, watchful, determined, alert, fearless, loyal and obedient.” Success in performance venues rests with the trainer.

How would we define “conditioning” as it relates to our breed?

Jim & Ann White: Conditioning encompasses both mental and physical stimulation. Daily outside exercise is mandatory for our dogs. We have multiple paddocks that encourage the dogs to “run the fence line,” without damaging each other. (Dobermans are incredibly body-physical.)

Are there any health-related concerns in our breed? Any special nutritional needs?

Jim & Ann White: Yes, of course. We consider heart disease to be our breed’s No. 1 issue. We do health testing, but consider our knowledge of health histories (who died of what, when, and under what conditions… many generations into our pedigrees). Health is a big consideration when selecting breeding pairs. And, it shows. Our current senior resident is an active 14-year-old. We have our fair share of 12-14 year-olds. We feed Purina Pro Plan and are happy with the results.

Do we think our breed is supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders?

Jim & Ann White: We are concerned with the lack of “depth of knowledge” among breeders; not all, but with many. There are far too many whose confidence far exceeds their knowledge. Both of us had a litter very early-on in our involvement. However, Jim’s first serious litter was 35 years into his involvement as a dog show fancier. Ann’s was 18 years later. There was much to be learned.

Is our breed well suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own our breed?

Jim & Ann White: Yes, but they are like a child. Their requirements and needs are many. A Doberman cannot be left alone to raise itself. We recommend an active family or individual who loves living life to its fullest. A Doberman’s mind is a terrible thing to waste and they need lots of direction and discipline. That said, they will give back ten-fold. We cannot imagine life without our Dobermans.

What is the biggest misconception about our breed? What is our breed’s best-kept secret?

Jim & Ann White: The biggest misconception is their long-held reputation as a “bad dog” die-hard. We’re still on “bad dog” lists for campgrounds, insurance companies, etc. Best-kept secret? We all have stories of how our (or a friend’s) Doberman was there to “watch our back” when we needed them to protect us. They are almost human-like and amaze us over and over again.

If we could share a comment or two with judges of our breed, what would we like to say to them?

Jim & Ann White: We love our breed’s temperament, and they should be sound of mind. But, please don’t make it all about the well-choreographed performance. And, yes, I LOVE a beautiful head, but we are not a head breed, and “pretty” probably shouldn’t be used to describe our breed. I love pretty too, but don’t ever forget functional. We are an athlete, and some of the current trends do not support a powerful Working Dog.

Do we have any words of wisdom to pass along to newer breeders?

Jim & Ann White: Don’t ever forget to be a student of the breed. Read the Standard. Then, read it again… and again… and again. It is our blueprint.

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Interview with Linda Vinson, Breeder of Rockhill Dobermans

Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder?

Linda Vinson: I live in Southeast Minnesota. I have been in dogs all my adult life. I had bred Labrador Retrievers decades ago, but have been a Doberman Pinscher breeder for just four years.

What is my kennel name? How many dogs do I currently keep?

Linda Vinson: My kennel name is Rockhill Dobermans. I currently keep six at home.

Which show dogs from the past have been my noteworthy winners?

Linda Vinson: I am really just getting started. My current Top 20 special, “Iceman,” is a serious contender that I hope people will remember.

Which have been my most influential sires and dams?

Linda Vinson: I am still developing my “line,” if you will. I am riding on the coattails of some very successful kennels like Foxfire, Cambria, and Lyndobe, to name a few.

Can I talk a bit about my facilities? Where are my puppies whelped? How are they raised?

Linda Vinson: I am a small hobby breeder. I do not currently have any independent buildings for my dogs. They all live in my home. Younger dogs are crated while the older ones have free run of the house. My whelping box is within my office so that I can more easily access my dam and litters, and regulate the temperature of the space. I use many of the Puppy Culture protocols in raising my litters. I live and sleep in that room for the first two weeks. Once puppies are older and weaning, I move them to an expanded space in my basement. My entire basement is 80 percent dog/puppy space. I have some kennels, mini kitchen, bathroom, and training space in my basement. Puppies are introduced to new sounds and textures daily/weekly.

What is my “process” for selecting Show Puppies? Performance Puppies?

Linda Vinson: I follow recommendations by Pat Hastings and do my main evaluations at 8 weeks, give or take 3 days. I do, however, start putting them on a table and looking at 5 weeks, just for curiosity. Watching puppies move and stop naturally is a big part and an ongoing process. I often pick my front runners at 5-6 weeks.

For Performance puppies, structural soundness is key and I do not put Conformation homes before Performance picks. The only difference in selecting Performance puppies is temperament. I watch and look for how outgoing they are. How confident they are around objects/sounds. The ones that have a stronger human connection make good Performance prospects.

Do I compete in Performance Events? In Parent Club Tests & Trials?

Linda Vinson: Yes, I started in Obedience and Rally. I still enjoy the Performance venue even though I spend less time doing it than I would prefer. I also volunteer for my parent club and local breed club.

Is “performance” part of my decision-making when it comes to breeding?

Linda Vinson: The all-around Doberman is my goal. If I have homes looking for Performance, it may influence who I use for a stud.

How would I define “conditioning” as it relates to my breed?

Linda Vinson: A conditioned Doberman should have good muscling. They should be of proper weight. I find good yard exercise on hilly areas to be excellent for general conditioning.

Are there any health-related concerns in my breed? Any special nutritional needs?

Linda Vinson: Dobermans have plenty of health-related issues that we battle. DCM of the heart is our biggest concern, but we have issues with thyroid, kidney/liver health, and cancer, like most breeds. VWD, hips, and elbows are less of an issue due to health testing of breeding stock and we hope to find some deeper answers with a new project launched at the University of Minnesota called The Disappearing Doberman Project. Due to some Dobes having coat issues and, of course, with heart issues, I may feed meat/fish or supplements for healthy coats as well as general heart health.

Do I think my breed is supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders?

Linda Vinson: No. Of course, I myself know plenty, but the general public does not. The public is likely to go where puppies are “fast and easy,” which is the complete opposite of how it is finding a quality Doberman puppy from a preservation breeder. We need to be better at being accessible to the public. I think social media is helping in some ways with that.

Is my breed well suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own my breed?

Linda Vinson: Yes, Dobermans are great family dogs as long as they have strong leadership, directions, and boundaries. Outgoing people or families would do well with a Doberman. The breed requires a lot of mental and/or physical exercise to be fulfilled. They are not kennel dogs and are not suitable for people who leave their dogs alone a lot. People who are idle or who want a quiet couch potato dog should look elsewhere, unless they want a senior.

What is the biggest misconception about my breed? What is my breed’s best-kept secret?

Linda Vinson: Many people are still scared of Dobermans, thinking they are aggressive because of how they look or the fact that they may bark. The best-kept secret is they are the most loyal and loving dogs. They are not the dog you see in the movies, out just guarding property… they would choose to be with you!

If I could share a comment or two with judges of my breed, what would I like to say to them?

Linda Vinson: Bad movement can be hidden by faster speed. Don’t be fooled. Great handlers do not automatically equate to great dogs.

Do I have any words of wisdom to pass along to newer breeders?

Linda Vinson: Watch, listen, and learn. Do not be afraid to talk to established breeders/owners/handlers. I found Doberman people to be very serious and intimidating, but when you talk to them you find they are much like their dogs… hard-looking on the outside but very kind-hearted on the inside.

For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing I’ve ever experienced with a Working Dog?

Linda Vinson: One night, I was walking my girl “Kenzie” out behind a hotel where an event was going on. A bunch of loud, drunk people, who did not see us, came stomping fast in our direction and she went into work mode, end of the leash, barking to warn them. They stopped dead in their tracks and changed direction, and she went back to sniffing around like nothing happened. Honestly, I still get a tickle when I travel with my Dobermans and people react by crossing the street.

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Interview with Michelle Santana, Breeder of Foxfire Doberman Pinschers

Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder?

Michelle Santana: I always wanted a Collie! I finally got my wish when I was fourteen. My mom said, “Since I’m driving you around to fun matches, Conformation class, and Obedience classes, I’m going to resume my dream of owning a show Doberman.” She and my dad purchased our foundation bitch, Am. Can. CH JanRic’s Zerline v. Davanti, “Pele,” in 1979 and she was the first Doberman Pinscher I ever pointed.

Once she aged out of the Puppy Classes, her Breeder and my Mom decided she was “ready to go,” but my handling had not progressed to defeat the pros on a regular basis. I was like 15/16. So, they hired professional handler Gene Haupt and Pele finished from the 12-18 Month Puppy Class and won a Group One from the classes under Langdon Skarda! Boy, that brings back memories! EVERY Foxfire Doberman today traces back to Pele, so many generations ago. Once Pele finished, I played around with her as a “special” and won a couple of BOB, but mostly honed my skills to finish her progeny, which I vowed to do—and did!

We whelped our first litter in 1982, which produced our first two Champions, Breeder/Owner-Handled by me. (Our First Champion also became a ROM, which is a parent club designation given to Dobermans that attain a Championship/Advanced Performance title and pass the Working Aptitude Evaluation temperament test. Our friends, whom she eventually retired to live with, put the Performance title on her.

Originally from California, my significant other, Dave Miller of Placer Country GSP fame, and I moved to the Pacific Northwest—almost 30 years ago!

What is my kennel name? How many dogs do I currently keep?

Michelle Santana: Foxfire was chosen by my Mother who passed away quite a while ago. She didn’t participate much in the breeding program much after the first ten years because of health issues, but she got to see me be awarded AKC Working Group Breeder of the Year in 2010 and Outstanding Breeder of the Year “Winkie” by Dogs in Review subscribers in 2012 as well as achieve DPCA APEX GOLD Breeder level of which there are only two recipients thus far. She was extremely proud of my accomplishments.

We usually have around 6-10 dogs, not including puppies I may be “growing out” until I can really determine if they are a keeper. I co-own many of my dogs, so they live with various trusted friends. The joke among my friends is that if I ask you to “babysit,” that’s usually a sign they have a dog for life, LOL! I always say, “It takes a Village.” And it DOES! I could have never reached the level of success Foxfire enjoys without Dave and a mass community of FRIENDS who have become Family—and who help the breeding program along by keeping dogs for me, and occasionally whelping a litter if I am traveling to shows.

Which show dogs from the past have been my noteworthy winners?

Michelle Santana: We’ve had several notable winners. Our first Breeder/Owner-Handled DPCA Top Twenty Finalist and AOM winner was Multi. Group-Winning CH Foxfire’s It’s Gotta Be Good, “Dreamer” (1986).

My first BIS Breeder/Owner-Handled (1993/94) was CH Foxfire’s Devils N Demons WAC. He was also a multiple DPCA AOM recipient and Top 20 finalist. We won the National BOB from the Veterans Class in 1998. “Demon” was our first notable sire and earned the distinguished DPCA GOLD level Legacy award. It is very difficult to qualify for Gold level.

Then came Demon’s granddaughter, CH Foxfire’s Take That. “Jazz” was also in the DPCA Top 20 and a DPCA AOM and multiple Group winner. Her daughter, CH Foxfire’s All That Jazz, was one of our biggest winners. “Jade” took me on the ride of a lifetime! Winners Bitch at the 2002 National Specialty and then on to No. 1 Doberman in 2005. Multiple BIS/25 BISS, DPCA Top 20 winner, DPCA National Host Club BOB, AND she was a fabulous producer! She is a DPCA Legacy Bronze level recipient.

Her daughter, CH Foxfire’s All The Glirz N Glamour, “Jayla,” also became a Breeder/Owner-Handled multiple BIS/BISS winner, DPCA National Regional BOS, and Top 20 qualifier and No. 2 Doberman in 2009.

BIS/MBISS CH Foxfire’s Love Monster CD, ROM was the No. 1 Male in 2008 and won the DPCA Top 20 Breeder/Owner-Handled. “Cupid” also was a DPCA AOM recipient and is a DPCA Legacy Bronze level.

Multi BIS/BISS Ch Foxfire’s Alltimate Wanna Be was our second National Specialty winner and third DPCA Top 20 Winner. After I finished “Julius,” I allowed him to go to Texas with an owner, Tony MacKenzie, to be handled by Alfonso Escobedo because I knew I did not have the travel capabilities and resources to allow him to fulfill his promise. (Diego Garcia handled him in his last TT event because COVID canceled the 2020 National, and he won the 2021 event at seven years old!)

Which have been my most influential sires and dams?

Michelle Santana: Definitely “Jade,” Multi BIS/25 BISS/DPCA Top 20 winner CH Foxfire’s All That Jazz, dam of fourteen Champions. Rarely are top show bitches as prepotent as males seem to be. Or, you sacrifice the “Show Record” for the “Whelping Record.” Jade is a DPCA Legacy Bronze level recipient. She was always an over-achiever and slept on my bed for 12.5 years!

Her first litter, sired by a dog from Argentina, “Inaqui,” produced a very contemporary influential sire of our breed, CH Foxfire All Star. With nearly one hundred Champions (including the illustrious four-time DPCA National and Top 20 winner, “Fifi”), “Jet” (Jayla’s brother) is a recipient of the highly prestigious DPCA GOLD level Legacy award. Jade & Jet were both AKC Top Producers (Dam in 2008 & 2009 and Working Group Sire in 2009
& 2012).

From Jade’s last litter was born another influential sire, DPCA Legacy Bronze recipient CH Foxfire’s Alltimate. “Jullyen” is the sire of our National Specialty and our third Top 20 winner, CH Foxfire’s Alltimate Wanna Be, “Julius.”

Can I talk a bit about my facilities? Where are my puppies whelped? How are they raised?

Michelle Santana: Originally from California, we moved to Oregon almost 30 years ago. We live on a beautiful seven-acre “Doggy Heaven” property! It was my dream as a small child growing up in a residential neighborhood to live in a place like a “National Forest” and just open the front door to be in a park with my dogs! We even have a creek I walk our puppies to every day. My creek walk videos are quite popular on Foxfire Dobermans Facebook page!

I whelp our litters in the bedroom because it’s the easiest room to temperature control and keep quiet. After about a week of sweating my brains out, LOL, and everyone is settled in and doing well, I move the litter to the kitchen converted pantry/whelping box. This way, they hear lots of noises and hustle & bustle as they grow.

At six weeks, they start to go outside (weather permitting) to a puppy play area which has lots of apparatuses to be adventurous on, like a slide, teeter totter, tunnel, wobble board, etc. And we begin our creek walks. We have two Papillons and they really enjoy teaching the puppies the ropes of following the trail to the creek, and keeping the puppies “in line.” I think this teaches the puppies to be greatly respectful of small, yet mighty, animals. It’s a wonderful and blessed life for all of us, but ALOT of property upkeep for poor Dave.

What is my “process” for selecting Show Puppies? Performance Puppies?

Michelle Santana: Even though I don’t do Performance Events myself (with the exception of putting a CD on my Collie when I was 14), I do have many friends and puppy owners who love the Performance Events.

I seem to have a keen sense on which pups will do well in Performance venues, though most of my dogs, and probably Dobermans in general, are highly biddable and love to do things for their owners. So, it might just be dumb luck!

I don’t really do a lot of stacking on a grooming table. I prefer to watch them running around playing and self-stacking. After all, we aren’t a breed that shows on a table! And my pups generally suck at table-stacking. I decide which ones look the part of having what it takes to be a “show prospect.” Then at about 9 weeks, right before cropping, I’ll take some photos on a table and share with a couple of trusted friends to see what they see—trust, but verify my intuition.

Do I compete in Performance Events? In Parent Club Tests & Trials?

Michelle Santana: I do not, but we have many, many dogs that do! Foxfire has bred at least six dual-titled CH/MACH dogs, plus a triple-titled Agility Grand Champion/MACH4/CH, which there are only a few of in Dobermans. And Foxfire has 40 DPCA ROMs and counting! For a ROM, you must become a Champion, have an advanced Performance degree, and pass the arduous DPCA Working Aptitude Evaluation temperament test. It’s quite an accomplishment to become a ROM and we are so proud of our puppy homes that pursue such lofty goals! We do have one owner who has gone High in Trial at our National Obedience Trial on a couple of occasions.

On many occasions, we have individual dogs qualifying for the DPCA Top 20s in Obedience, Agility, and Conformation. It’s wonderful to produce such versatile dogs!

As for parent club programs, I participate in the DPCA Breeder and Legacy awards with many of our males and females being awarded either the Gold, Silver, or Bronze levels. I also participate in the DPCA Longevity program, which requires a Doberman to reach ten years old to receive a certificate. We just had our 132nd Doberman recognized with this distinguished landmark honor.

Is “performance” part of my decision-making when it comes to breeding?

Michelle Santana: In a way. It doesn’t have to be a formal title, but I want dogs that are good citizens. So, they have to be biddable and get along in society. Not shy and/or timid about things. Not obnoxious or stubborn. Although a trait in the Breed Standard is described as “determined,” which could be considered stubborn, LOL, and which alone can be challenging to live with!

How would I define “conditioning” as it relates to my breed?

Michelle Santana: Conditioning is really everything and probably one of the hardest aspects for people to grasp in raising a Doberman; definitely for the show ring because we have no hair to hide flaws or create an illusion of something being there that is not. I have hair envy, LOL! Just grow coat to mask a flaw or groom in a virtue! But, I hate grooming!

Toplines must be hard, and muscles defined in the rear. So, if you don’t have the property for massive exercise routines, you have to seek it out through road-working or treadmill and parks for hardcore galloping. You can’t just take a couch potato to the show and expect to win!

There is also a massive amount of conditioning the brain. Having to have ears up and tail up to create the coveted eloquent silhouette of a Doberman isn’t by happenstance. You have to work with puppies early on to teach the behavior of “attention” and (from our Standard) “of proud carriage.” Some are naturals, but far more have to be sculpted mentally into a great show dog!

Are there any health-related concerns in my breed? Any special nutritional needs?

Michelle Santana: Unfortunately, yes. Researchers tell us 50-60 percent of ALL Dobermans, regardless of lineage, will develop some type of heart problem. We have a high susceptibility to two types of cardio events: dilated cardio myopathy, which can cause congestive heart failure, and an electrical infarction syndrome, which can cause sudden death. We are all trained to do annual heart testing through a cardiologist for an echo ultrasound for DCM, and a 24-hour Holter EKG for irregular infarctions. You can purchase your own Holter monitor yourself through a company and submit the data yourself to this company, and get results in a day. So, over time, this option is more cost effective. However, a test with too many premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) will have to see a cardiologist. There is also a blood test, ProBNP, that can help monitor heart health relatively cheaply. Unfortunately, many John Q. Publics (JQP) do not know to do the above testing, so by the time their dogs fall ill it is too late to reverse the heart damage. Medications to help heart health can give a pet years, if developing irregularities are caught early.

I’d say the second biggest affliction Dobermans have after heart concerns is cancer. Researchers with the Doberman Diversity Project, which I also participate in, say that the average lifespan of a Doberman is eight years. When we started in Dobes it was said to be nine years; however, we have many live to 10 and beyond.

Do I think my breed is supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders?

Michelle Santana: I don’t think so. The demand for Dobermans by JQP is quite high. As we old guard breeders get too old for the demands of such a labor intensive and powerful breed, we do not have enough replacement young breeders coming along to meet a regular demand for JQP Dobermans.

Very few of the younger breeders breed with any regularity. When breeders only breed once every few years, I fear the sustainability of the breed will be jeopardized. So, they will turn to the backyard breeders (BYB) producing puppies of lesser quality.

Is my breed well suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own my breed?

Michelle Santana: They are great family companions, highly devoted to their “kiddlets.” But, it is a difficult breed to raise through puppyhood until they kind of “grow up” and settle down at about three years old. Like I said, they are labor intensive, highly active, and intelligent. You need to keep them exercised and micro-managed. (And you also have to deal with months of ear wrapping the cropped ears, which takes dedication.)

My standard lecture is: “You are purchasing an 18-month-old to two-year-old human toddler. You are on suicide watch 24/7/365 as they try to put EVERYTHING in their mouths or jump off obstacles they ought not be climbing. They are not leaving the room to make a good decision. So, ALWAYS have one eye monitoring the puppy.” High maintenance is putting it mildly!

I choose homes where the folks either work from home, have highly flexible work hours, can take the dog to work, have doggie daycare options, or are retired. I do not choose homes that “go off to work for eight hours a day,” leaving the puppy for that length of time. It’s a disaster waiting to happen because the puppy won’t be exercised to properly develop physically or mentally.

What is the biggest misconception about my breed? What is my breed’s best-kept secret?

Michelle Santana: In the bygone years, the Doberman had a reputation of being a badass, sharp breed—easily provoked to bite, which they probably were! There was the movie The Doberman Gang (Dobermans trained to rob banks), which over-popularized the breed in the 1970s.

Our history books recount one of the first imports to the US, “Ferry,” being shown at Westminster, and it was rumored that he could not be examined by the judges, yet went Best in Show! Can you imagine that today? LOL!

My Mom’s first two Dobermans, when I was 5-7 years old, both bit neighbors. The one male was finally euthanized after biting a neighbor boy. He did not have a great temperament with “outsiders” but he was great with us. In her attempt to “break into the show world,” which she desperately wanted to participate in, she bought a pointed adult bitch from a local bench show that we attended annually, Golden Gate KC in South San Francisco. She too bit our across-the-street neighbor as he came running over excited to meet “Fancy.” She jumped up and bit his arm. So, while it was somewhat warranted, it was not what my Mom wanted to live with. So, she was returned to her breeder. Sigh. And my Mom gave up on Dobermans until my teens.

Dobermans have come a long way since the days of mass popularity from their movie fame and “popularity breeding.” Temperaments aren’t as sharp, and I believe contemporary breeders have strived to make the Doberman a versatile, family-friendly companion breed vs. a hardcore protection breed, especially in our litigious society where vicious dog laws can have your dog confiscated and euthanized… or you can be sued.

The best-kept secret is the breed’s devotion to their owner and their “Velcro” tendencies to always want to be touching you!

If I could share a comment or two with judges of my breed, what would I like to say to them?

Michelle Santana: The breed is a whole package. The symmetry of all the parts should harmonize with one another! It is a much more angled breed than a lot of judges realize, so broaden the definition of “fits in a box” to visualize the angles while seeking the “square dog.” Being straight and square is not the goal.

Do I have any words of wisdom to pass along to newer breeders?

Michelle Santana: Breeding is not for the faint of heart. It’s incredibly heartbreaking—and incredibly rewarding!

Mother Nature wields a wicked fickle finger of fate, and SHE DOES NOT READ all of our fancy health testing results. You just have to pick yourself back up and not dwell on the injustices of Mother Nature. Just continue to persevere by putting one foot in front of the other… and in front of the other.

For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing I’ve ever experienced with a Working Dog?

Michelle Santana: I forgot that Ohana could break out of any Vari-Kennel-type crate when I picked her up from her co-owner on the way to shows. So, she was in a back crate of my van. Fortunately, I had an RV parking spot for closer parking inside the show grounds. I always prop my doors open for ventilation. I toted some stuff to the ring when suddenly the announcer was announcing that a Doberman was loose near Gate C. I didn’t note which gate I was parked by, but I knew there was a gate! So, I was immediately, UH-OH! I ran back to my van, and there was Ohana running around the van, trying to figure out how to get back IN! She realized she’d made a BIG mistake, LOL! I opened the back door wider and she immediately was so thankful to me and hopped back in! I didn’t make that mistake again, and she traveled in an inescapable crate from then on!

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Interview with Jeff Brucker, Breeder of Monarch Dobermans

Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder?

Jeff Brucker: I live in Belleview, Florida. I have 60 years in dogs, 55 years as a breeder.

What is my kennel name? How many dogs do I currently keep?

Jeff Brucker: My kennel name is Monarch Dobermans. I currently keep five Doberman Pinschers.

Which show dogs from the past have been my noteworthy winners?

Jeff Brucker: My noteworthy winners would include Dolph Von Tannenwald, a Doberman who had 27 Bests in Show.

Which have been my most influential sires and dams?

Sire: GCHS Monarch’s Empire Maker;

Dams: CH Monarch’s Heir To The Throne and GCH Monarch’s Borgata.

Can I talk a bit about my facilities? Where are my puppies whelped? How are they raised?

Jeff Brucker: I live on five wooded acres that is akin to living in a park. The paddock areas for the dogs are approximately 70×100 with exercise jumps similar to a Cavaletti for horses. The puppies are whelped in our library. We have a mattress in the whelping box, and one of us is in with the puppies at all times for the first three weeks. We start show training as soon as they can walk.

What is my “process” for selecting Show Puppies? Performance Puppies?

Jeff Brucker: We are continuously monitoring the progress of the puppies, both mentally and physically, as they develop to determine which puppy would be best for each venue.

Do I compete in Performance Events? In Parent Club Tests & Trials?

Jeff Brucker: We do not currently have a dog competing in a Performance Event.

Is “performance” part of my decision-making when it comes to breeding?

Jeff Brucker: Yes.

How would I define “conditioning” as it relates to my breed?

Jeff Brucker: It is a great deal of exercise, of course, depending on their age.

Are there any health-related concerns in my breed? Any special nutritional needs?

Jeff Brucker: Cardiomyopathy and hip dysplasia are the main concerns. Every dog is different as far as nutritional needs.

Do I think my breed is supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders?

Jeff Brucker: Yes.

Is my breed well suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own my breed?

Jeff Brucker: Yes, I believe a Doberman Pincher is a family dog. The best owners are generally families.

What is the biggest misconception about my breed? What is my breed’s best-kept secret?

Jeff Brucker: The biggest misconception is that their temperament isn’t reliable, and they might be dangerous. The best-kept secret is that they are wonderful family dogs that are very mentally stable, yet still good guard dogs.

If I could share a comment or two with judges of my breed, what would I like to say to them?

Jeff Brucker: I would tell them to keep studying. Make yourself familiar with the history of the breed.

Do I have any words of wisdom to pass along to newer breeders?

Jeff Brucker: I would also tell them to keep studying, make yourself familiar with the history of the breed. Don’t just breed to the top-winning dog.

For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing I’ve ever experienced with a Working Dog?

Jeff Brucker: Being urinated on in the exercise pen at The Garden.

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A ‘Doberman Daughter’ Pays It Forward: Ashlee Claggett

The Van Orman name is one known to even the most casual of dog show watchers because of the immense amount of success that Susan, Charles, and Ashlee Claggett have had in the breed that has been captured in the ring and on television over the decades they have been involved.

Susan has had a Doberman Pinscher in her household since 1984 and has been committed to the breed ever since. And it’s a passion that has traveled down to her daughter, Ashlee, who says she feels incredibly fortunate to have been born into her passion.

“We have continuously worked to not only improve our breeding program each generation, but to better the breed as a whole,” Ashlee says. “I look at every dog that we produce with overwhelming pride. There is no better feeling than seeing the culmination of the many years of blood, sweat, and tears go on to be the ultimate companion for someone (or ourselves), whether it be on their couch, in the show ring, or both.”

The dog show world consists of people who both were and were not born into the sport, though all share an equal level of passion for what they do. It is true, though, that not all people who are born into dog shows stay in it, with so many career paths available in the world that may seem more traditional to the average person.

Going another way was never even a thought for Ashlee.

“I think everyone can relate to me when I say I was simply ‘bit’ by the dog show bug,” Ashlee says.

She also understands that this is not everyone’s calling, even if they have been surrounded by it for their whole lives. Ashlee has three older siblings who traveled the show circuits with the family growing up, but they were not involved to the same extent.

“They love their dogs and love supporting our passion, but it’s not for them,” Ashlee says. “I was always absolutely fascinated with the show world as a whole. I had the honor of growing up in Florida and watching the greats of our breed, and the sport, compete weekend after weekend. I attest a lot of my success to watching these handlers my whole life. However, my true passion for the sport is in the whelping box. Some of my earliest memories place me in the whelping box ‘helping’ with the litters, even though I probably was more in the way than anything. My parents saw my interest and nurtured it from there.”

At the end of the day, it all comes down to one thing: producing, protecting, and maintaining the “total Doberman.”

Ashlee has come a long way since those fond memories of helping out with puppies as a child, and has had a string of her own clients and has developed intense relationships with dogs she knows she will one day have to send back to the owners when they’ve reached their goals in
the ring.

“There truly isn’t anything that quite compares to the bond you develop with the dogs you’re showing, especially in a breed like the Doberman. I can’t tell you how many times sending a dog home just broke me, simply for the fact that they become one of ‘yours.’”

There are more ways than just showing dogs herself that Ashlee has given back to the dog world and to those who want to be involved, though.

One of those is mentoring assistant Ariella Harris, who now shows her own winning Doberman, “Ronin.” Ariella approached Ashlee back in 2017 and wanted to gain experience, and quickly won Ashlee over with her passion and drive.

“She has not only continuously exceeded my expectations, but has become like family to me,” Ashlee says. “She is also someone who is naturally gifted with the dogs, so she made my job easy!”

Ariella has fulfilled a successful junior handling career and Ashlee now views her as “carrying on the torch” and says she now has a feel for the thrill that others feel, watching from outside the ring, when she watches Ariella and Ronin in action.

“I am such a firm believer in mentorship and paying it forward, so to have the opportunity to nurture that passion within is so incredibly rewarding,” Ashlee says. “I feel that everyone who has the knowledge and experience to pass on, needs to. There is always the conversation surrounding the future of the sport, and if more people don’t step up and fulfill those mentorship roles, both on the showing side and breeding side, the sport will not continue.”

Beyond the white fences, gray mats, ribbon tables, and surrounding handlers, Ashlee has extended her knowledge and care for the Doberman breed to new heights that brought her way north of where she began her career in the Deep South.

All the way to the University of Minnesota, that is.

“I have taken a new path in my passion for constantly bettering the breed,” Ashlee says.

“I now currently work for the University of Minnesota as the project manager for a research project surrounding the health of the Doberman—The Disappearing Doberman Project. This project allows me to combine my years of experience, education, and dedication to the breed in the form of a lifetime study. I am also currently working on finishing my requirements to obtain my judging license.”

At the end of the day, it all comes down to one thing: producing, protecting, and maintaining the “total Doberman.”

“The total Doberman owns the ground he walks on; he encompasses the epitome of elegance and stability… devotion to his people and won’t back down from a challenge. Aesthetically, I want to see a true square, medium-sized dog with presence. I want his outline to stay true both when standing and moving. Ideally, you should be able to look at a silhouette and, without a doubt, be able to tell that he is a Doberman. In a perfect world, the total Doberman encompasses these traits and lives a long, healthy life.”

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