The UDC Breed Survey

From the early days of the Club, members wanted an objective evaluation of breeding stock that included not only a conformation evaluation, but also a temperament evaluation for dogs to be used in breeding programs. Hence was born the UDC Breed Survey.

Breed Survey

The United Doberman Club Breed Survey is modeled after the Doberman Verien (DV) Zuchttauglichkeitsprufung (ZTP) or breeding fitness trial, and includes an intensive, thorough conformation evaluation followed by a temperament evaluation. Before the dog is accepted for the conformation and temperament evaluation, the handler must submit proof of certain health tests such as hip x-rays, thyroid testing, eye testing, VWD (von Willebrands), and cardiac testing. Beginning with the conformation evaluation, the dog encounters being handled and examined by strangers, mingling in a noisy crowd, and protecting the handler from an attack by an aggressor. Throughout the entire examination, the dog is expected to react appropriately, to protect when necessary and to calm and quiet when any threat is resolved.

photo of dog stacked for the conformation part of the breed survey
During the conformation evaluation, the judge evaluates the dog according to the modified UDC standard, which is equivalent to the AKC standard except that more than two missing teeth is a disqualification. The judge measures the dog’s height and length with a wicket. The judge examines the dog’s bite to make sure that the dog is neither undershot nor overshot and also counts the dog’s teeth (Dobermans should have 42). The judge asks the handler to move the dog to assess the dog’s carriage and movement
Dog stitting while a crowd converges around him
If the dog passes the conformation evaluation, s/he is allowed to move to the temperament evaluation. The dog is challenged with noisy groups of people who do wierd things like shaking buckets of rocks and opening umbrellas, as well as laughing and talking loudly.
The judge watches the dog during the tie out
If the dog passes the conformation evaluation, s/he is allowed to move to the temperament evaluation. The dog is challenged with noisy groups of people who do wierd things like shaking buckets of rocks and opening umbrellas, as well as laughing and talking loudly.

Bitework
The dog must actively his or her handler from two attacks … one close in and personal, and the other far from the side of the handler. The dog must show no sensitivity to gun fire.


Breed Survey Results – All Years