Form should always follow function. A dog that moves properly should theoretically have proper conformation. We as conformation breeders breed to produce dogs to the standard we abhold to. A Doberman should not be large, or too thick or boxy. They should be muscular, agile, athletic and be able to jump through the open window of a car with ease. I will spare my personal opinions of the EU bred versus NA bred Dobermans in this thread as it should be used for education and should never manifest into a pissing match. Standards between the two types are similar
Discussing Doberman standard in NA is a lot of information. It's easier to go over specific regions individually in detail and then move on to the next. Otherwise you lose that detail and can't touch on specifics. Since you have been asking about heads Apollo's Dobermom, we can start there?
What you guys are seeing with differences in conformation and workability is the fact that most (not all) show breeders breed for form and function and tempermeant, not workability. They should breed for both! It is especially important for working dogs to have proper conformation, as working a body without proper structure can and will fail. They typically fail more quickly due to stress and strain on abnormal bones/joints. The working breeders breed for workability.
Some snipey puppies will grow out of their snipeyness. Some don't. At 6-9 weeks Aria was snipey. She has an ideal head now.
Head is one of the most important elements that define breed type. The head should be long and dry, resembling a blunt wedge in both frontal and profile views. When seen from the front, the head widens gradually toward the base of the ears in an unbroken line.
Eyes are almond shaped. Moderately deep set with vigorous, energetic expression. Iris should be uniform in color. They are medium to darkest brown in blacks. In reds, blues and fawns the color of the iris blends with the markings. The darkest color is preferred in every case. Expression should convey the image portrayed in the standard: energetic, watchful, determined, alert, fearless. Expression should be a look of intensity which should encompass the entire look of the dog. It is typically referred to as "the look of eagles"
Ears are normally cropped and carried erect. Upper attachment of the ear when held correctly is is on level with the top of the skull.
Planes of the head: top of skull flat turning with slight stop to bridge of muzzle with muzzle line extending parallel to top line of skull. Cheeks flat and muscular. Lips lying close to jaws.
Muzzle length should be equal to length of back of skull. Skull/muzzle straight and flat. Cheeks are flat. Ears are erect with straight edges.
Mouth: scissor bite (Lower incisors upright and touching inside of upper inscisors)42 correctly placed teeth (22 lower and 20 upper). DQ are four or more missing teeth, overshot of more than 3/16" or undershot more than 1/8".
This is a perfectly correct head. We can comment on the pictures because they are my dogs
Different dog. Also mine. This is also a correct head, although she is slightly too wet in the mouth in this first picture, but she is not normally
Same dog
Beautiful masculine head
Good example of the difference between a bitch and dog head
