Size
The Doberman Pinscher is a dog of medium size. Although the breed standards vary among kennel and breed clubs, the shoulder height of a Doberman Pinscher female is typically somewhere between 24-26 inches, 25.5 being ideal (61-68 cm), and the male typically stands between 26-28 inches, 27.5 being ideal (66-72 cm). The male generally weighs between 75-100 lbs. and the female between 60-75 lbs.
Appearance
There is often a slight difference in type between the male and female Doberman Pinscher, with males being decidedly masculine (but not coarse) and females being noticeably feminine (but not spindly).
Doberman Pinschers typically have a deep, broad chest. Their muscular bodies are medium-sized, but powerful, compact, and square. However, in recent years some breeders have primarily bred, shown, and sold a slimmer or more sleek-looking Doberman Pinscher. This has become a popular body type among many owners, especially those who show their Doberman Pinschers competitively. The traditional body type is still more desirable to many casual owners and to those who want the dog for protection.
Coat and Color
Two different color genes exist in the Doberman, one for black and one for color dilution, which provides for four different color types: black, red, blue, and fawn. The traditional and most common color is usually referred to as black or black and rust (also called black and tan). The most common color variation is a deep reddish-brown with rust markings.
The blue color is a diluted black, and the fawn color is a diluted red. Since 1994 the blue and fawn colors have been banned from breeding by the Dobermann Verein in Germany and under FCI regulations Blue and Fawn are considered disqualifying faults in the international show ring.