Thanks for the links, Apollo...but I have read all of that before, and although I never meet anyone around here that knows anything about Dobermans at all, I have seen advertizements on the Internet for "Warlock" Dobermans. I don't know if they are meaning SIZE or LINEAGE. But I am assuming that they are meaning oversized. Ain't it funny, but my big ol' goofy direct descendant pup of Borong was one of the biggest, sweetest Doberman I have ever had the pleasure to know. But, let me tell you, even at his size, he was extremely agile and could run like the wind. And so intelligent, but at the same time so bad, as in mischievous. And he had a passion for chocolate!!! SNICKERS!!! And yes, I know that chocolate is bad/really bad for dogs, but someone forgot to tell Zak.
When I was looking for my newest male, it was his markings that struck me first!!! He is beautiful (at least in my eyes) and I loved that his markings were so even and well defined. He reminded me so much of my first Doberman in his looks. I was taken with him from the first time I laid eyes on his pictures. And his temperament is beyond reproach. He is one of the most affectionate Dobermans I have ever had the pleasure of sharing my life with. He has what we used to refer to as the "Warlock" head. My girl Delilah is beautiful, but she has that long, narrow face, that reminds me of a greyhound. She is so awesome, but I just don't care for that long, narrow nose on her. My other girl is so sweet and smart and has a wonderful head, but she is too much of the Euro Standard for my personal taste. Too compact, stocky, muscular, shorter neck, not as regal as the American Standard. But that is my opinion. But Damien is like looking at a Greek god...he is absolutely a handsome example of what I want to see in a Doberman.
So, in the end, I would venture to speculate that we all have different opinions on what makes for a great Doberman. I love a certain look, a definite sweetness, total loyalty, and a desire to please by listening and accomplishing what is expected. I wonder what a Doberman expects or appreciates in his/her human??? I know mine appreciate that I cook for them and that I spend time with them. I think they appreciate that I would never and have never left them to the elements to fend for themselves. Maybe they also like that I share my bed with them, and gladly accept that they like to be very close to me when they sleep. That makes me feel cared for and needed and also part of their pack. I hope they feel the same way too...