Benchmark vs. Masaya vs. Von Schwarz

[Dman]

Europeans don't always fit the FCI standard to a T, nor do American bred Dobermans always fit the AKC standard. I don't know what area you are planning to do your puppy search, but as I said before, have in your mind what you want and then search for that. Not sure about other countries but a Doberman in the US that has an OFA CHIC number has been tested and passed all the heath tests recommended for the breed. That is including detention and the Dobermans temperament test called WAE/WAC. If you find a puppy litter with both parents having a CHIC number, that is as good as you can find on paper. It doesn't mean the perfect dog has a CHIC, it's just another thing to look into. AND, it still doesn't say if it's taller or heavier or show type or working type. There is no place to point you to, you just have to search out what you're looking for.

That's precisely my point. Not all European fit the standards, not all american got the AKC but the goal should be to fit those standards to have a properly bred breed. Those standards are there for a reason. Also, my point was that FCI and AKC standards are not the same. It makes me scratch my head when people in chat say they are almost the same. The temperament requirement for FCI is more detailed and requires working to qualify whereas AKC does not and is more basic. The conformation requirement is also not the same from the face, bone structure, chest, top line, hips etc,

Sure, I may have to sift through a lot to find good breeders but the difference between the two still exists as far as I understand. Unless I'm incorrect in some way. In which case, happy to learn.

 

[Oh Little Oji]

I definitely will stick to either European or American. The question really is should I be looking at euro show or working line or should I even be looking at american at all if FCI is the better standard unless they adhere to it? Looking to get a dobermann with the right confirmation that has good temperament and health.... not an easy one to answer perhaps but if people here have a good understanding of what the right standard is for a dobermann then it should help narrow things a bit...

It sounds like you may want Euro show line. Dobes from serious working lines do not have very good conformation and they are almost always slight in build and unimpressive looking. They deliver the goods on the working field, but don't look that good doing it. Working line are also more of a handful and a pain to live with. I like to say they are not very good at being pets.

 

[Dman]

It sounds like you may want Euro show line. Dobes from serious working lines do not have very good conformation and they are almost always slight in build and unimpressive looking. They deliver the goods on the working field, but don't look that good doing it. Working line are also more of a handful and a pain to live with. I like to say they are not very good at being pets.

Perhaps you are right. Maybe a working line euro within FCI standard so they have good conformation or maybe euro show line within FCI standard with a high drive...

Maybe even some American that may be great...

 

[Ravenbird]

Also, my point was that FCI and AKC standards are not the same. It makes me scratch my head when people in chat say they are almost the same.

I agree with you100%. I hope I'm not presenting myself as arguing. I agree with what you've been saying. The FCI standards are beautiful written out with very little to question what the dog should look like and be like.

 

[Dman]

I agree with you100%. I hope I'm not presenting myself as arguing. I agree with what you've been saying. The FCI standards are beautiful written out with very little to question what the dog should look like and be like.

It's not easy, it seems... if i am looking for european doberman with the blocky look rather than the more elegant american look, within the FCI standard with a good temperament where they are happy to be working... would you have any recommendations?

UDC has breeders that seem to focus on working line but don't seem to have good conformation and/or they are a cross between american and euro.

Whether in USA/Canada or international, do you recommend a good breeder?

I like some of Diamante Nero Kennel dobermann because they have good conformation and also focus on work but their ears are not cropped now and I would like ears cropped. Problems problems lol otherwise I would get one from them as long as DCM is not a problem in the Pedigree..

 

[JanS]

I like some of Diamante Nero Kennel dobermann because they have good conformation and also focus on work but their ears are not cropped now and I would like ears cropped. Problems problems lol otherwise I would get one from them as long as DCM is not a problem in the Pedigree.

It might be tough to get one within the FCI standards with cropped ears and docked tails. And it's better to have the parents health tested for cardio, hips and elbows and the other things, rather than looking at the pedigree. Longevity and health testing in the pedigree helps but both parents should have it done before they breed too.

 

[Dman]

It might be tough to get one within the FCI standards with cropped ears and docked tails. And it's better to have the parents health tested for cardio, hips and elbows and the other things, rather than looking at the pedigree. Longevity and health testing in the pedigree helps but both parents should have it done before they breed too.

Yes maybe it will be tough getting FCI standard with cropped ears although I'm not sure if all of them can't crop or just some...

I also wonder if there are any good breeders in USA that hold that standard. Perhaps a show line with euro look within the standard but with the ability to crop as well.

You are right, health would definitely be looked into with parents having cardio, hips, elbows, eyes tested etc.

 

[Rits]

If I may, I'd suggest trying to keep this discussion all in one thread since its a bit off topic of the OP and the three breeders mentioned, and people may be suggesting the same thing to you in multiple threads which makes it hard to track. @Dman

D

Thread 'Best Breeders that focus on the right temperament, good health & conformation'

Dec 29, 2025

I'm in Canada and I would love to find a good breeder that focuses on health testing, sound temperament for the breed and conformation that fits within the stardards.



I'm under the impression that FCI standard is better because it sticks to what a Dobermann should be and working is a requirement in order to qualify as compared to AKC standards... and according to some or many, the temperament of those dogs is better as well?



I don't want the frail looking very small greyhound Dobermann but I also don't want the hyperstle horse Dobermann that often gets pushed in Eastern Europe. I...

• Dman
• Replies: 31
• Forum: Doberman Breeders