Doberman head and body shapes?

[GennyB]

It just never ceases to amaze me that I just can't apply the standard to the dog.
For whatever reason I'm missing something. I have sat ringside with different breeders and dobe people, even an AKC judge and I still fail miserably.
I just don't get it! I would consider myself artistic and can draw almost anything you describe to me. Why can't put the words of the standard to the dog?
Here's hoping someone says something in this thread that makes it all come together for me!

 

[NikiL02]

I need to grab one of the non-wonky ear side. You can't see in these photos but his occiput is pretty prominent. I think he has a slight overbite so his teeth don't scissor as well as the could at the canines but he may grow out of it? I can try for better pics.

 

[Apollo's Dobermom]

Ooooo can I take some pictures of Apollo's head tomorrow and join in? This is simply entertaining and just for fun!

 

[LifeofRubie]

Shoot! This is fun! Here's one I have handy of Rubie. Not the best picture. I'll try and maybe get a better one tonight. I really want a good side picture of her but she's not trained to stack so not sure how successful we'll be!

 

[GennyB]

I thought this might be fun. Post some shots of Rumor and just see how her head changes as she grows. Not the best shots but hopefully @Archer can give her critique. No worries about hurting my feelings, I love everything about her, perfect or not. She's my girl.

 

[Oh Little Oji]

View attachment 70073 View attachment 70074 View attachment 70075
I need to grab one of the non-wonky ear side. You can't see in these photos but his occiput is pretty prominent. I think he has a slight overbite so his teeth don't scissor as well as the could at the canines but he may grow out of it? I can try for better pics.

Your boy's head looks not that dissimilar to Oji's, but your boy has better eyes.

I feel I must throw in the reminder that anything I write here is good-natured and for fun and information-sharing (even we've already established this).

Nero there, has nice fairly parallel planes of about equal length. Viewed from the front, he has a nice flat top with ears set on at the top (not too low). I don't see a very pronounced occupit, but in the second front shot I see it more.

He looks snipey to me, and lacks substantial underjaw, and I'd like to see more width the the head overall.

I have to say it's really cute, his right ear.

He has a nice separate "kiss mark" on the cheek, which I prefer; but I see that Archer says a peninsula-style mark is also correct.

He appears to have nice rust marking color in these pics.

 

[Oh Little Oji]

Shoot! This is fun! Here's one I have handy of Rubie. Not the best picture. I'll try and maybe get a better one tonight. I really want a good side picture of her but she's not trained to stack so not sure how successful we'll be!

Ruby's cute. I feel I must throw in the reminder that anything I write here is good-natured and for fun and information-sharing (even we've already established this).

The main thing I see here in terms of a fault is the appearance of being down-snouted.

The eyes also look like they could use being more almond-shaped and a bit less round.

 

[Oh Little Oji]

So, am I totally digging myself a hole here, or what?

I will look for shots of my Oji and will be the first to rip him apart.

 

[Apollo's Dobermom]

Your boy's head looks not that dissimilar to Oji's, but your boy has better eyes.

I feel I must throw in the reminder that anything I write here is good-natured and for fun and information-sharing (even we've already established this).

Nero there, has nice fairly parallel planes of about equal length. Viewed from the front, he has a nice flat top with ears set on at the top (not too low). I don't see a very pronounced occupit, but in the second front shot I see it more.

He looks snipey to me, and lacks substantial underjaw, and I'd like to see more width the the head overall.

I have to say it's really cute, his right ear.

He has a nice separate "kiss mark" on the cheek, which I prefer; but I see that Archer says a peninsula-style mark is also correct.

He appears to have nice rust marking color in these pics.

1) I had no idea that mark on their cheek is called a "kiss mark" and that they are all different. What are the differences and which ones are preferred? I never even paid much attention to those until now!
2) What does snipey mean?
3) Apollo has a huge bump on his head. I hear it's called a "smart bump" and that all big dogs have them?

 

[Apollo's Dobermom]

Here are Apollo's pictures so critique away! Don't be afraid to be honest. I honestly think his eyes are too beady hahaha. They aren't almond shape so he will always look very innocent, which I don't mind. He will always be a baby to me even when he's old.




beady eyes like marbles..

 

[Oh Little Oji]

1) I had no idea that mark on their cheek is called a "kiss mark" and that they are all different. What are the differences and which ones are preferred? I never even paid much attention to those until now!
2) What does snipey mean?
3) Apollo has a huge bump on his head. I hear it's called a "smart bump" and that all big dogs have them?

Just to make sure here: You know I was critiquing Nero's head with those comments, right? I haven't written anything about Apollo's yet. I am maybe going to wait to see if I am the only one who is going to participate in this. I have a feeling the idea could end badly.

But to answer your questions:

I don't really know which, according to the breed standard, is preferred – if either, when it comes to the kiss mark. I know I really prefer the mark to be distinct and separate. Archer said in this thread that both are correct.

Snipey means a snout that is not substantial enough compared to the rest of the head. A snipey snout sort of tapers too much as well.

I only recently heard the occupit referred to as a "smart bump." Not all big dogs have it. Too much of it is not correct and does not look good.

 

[GennyB]

So, am I totally digging myself a hole here, or what?

I don't think so. We're all adults here. IMHO, all dogs are only perfect in their owners eyes.
While breeders should strive for perfection, it doesn't exist so we have to settle for perfect for us.

 

[LifeofRubie]

Ruby's cute. I feel I must throw in the reminder that anything I write here is good-natured and for fun and information-sharing (even we've already established this).

The main thing I see here in terms of a fault is the appearance of being down-snouted.

The eyes also look like they could use being more almond-shaped and a bit less round.

She does have crazy round eyes, especially when she REAAAAALLY wants something. I still need to try and get a good side picture of her. And no worries about critiquing... she came to a 'pet' home for a reason Still the prettiest Dingo I've ever seen

 

[Archer]

1) I had no idea that mark on their cheek is called a "kiss mark" and that they are all different. What are the differences and which ones are preferred? I never even paid much attention to those until now!

He has a nice separate "kiss mark" on the cheek, which I prefer; but I see that Archer says a peninsula-style mark is also correct.

Called a clown marking Clown marking is preferred as it was the original marking, but both markings are correct

 

[Archer]

Snipey means a nose/head that is more pointed towards the nose than it should be. A Doberman's head in profile should be wedge shaped. Snipey had nothing to do with nose length. It's depth.

 

[Oh Little Oji]

She does have crazy round eyes, especially when she REAAAAALLY wants something. I still need to try and get a good side picture of her. And no worries about critiquing... she came to a 'pet' home for a reason Still the prettiest Dingo I've ever seen

Yes, today I saw Ruby's expression when you were having steak or something. The Random Photo... thread I believe. Kind of like this without the open mouth.

 

[Oh Little Oji]

Called a clown marking Clown marking is preferred as it was the original marking, but both markings are correct

You haven't heard them called "kiss marks?" Maybe I'm making that up.

 

[Oh Little Oji]

Snipey means a nose/head that is more pointed towards the nose than it should be. A Doberman's head in profile should be wedge shaped. Snipey had nothing to do with nose length. It's depth.

I don't think I said snipey had to do with snout length. Maybe somebody else did.

 

[LifeofRubie]

Think I got a good profile view of the Dingo. She's almost 14 months and has started to fill out. She's scheduled to be spayed in May so if she could make it big in the show ring, we need to know now! <- totally facetious. How's she look?

 

[LifeofRubie]

*don't worry about being 'harsh.' I would like to know for my own benefit. Also, she was sold as a 'pet' dog, not a show dog, so I'm not concerned that I got ripped off, or anything. Of course I think she's the most beautiful pooch