Lily, (left) being guided while walking with Maddison (right). The pair have been inseparable since Lily lost her sight
D:!
Amazing. And inspiring.
This is a general visual ‘outline’ of the most well-observed differences between bloodlines in America versus European bloodlines, showing several breeds. Keep in mind that every breed has many bloodlines, and both continents will have leaner and bulkier dogs that have not come from the opposite country’s bloodlines. So, again, this is just general, but what is highly observed within both the show and working dogs of both places.
In each photo, the American dog is on the left, European on the right.
Dobermans; both dogs have finished their championships.
Giant Schnauzers; both dogs have finished their championships.
Boxers (perhaps the most notable differences); both have finished their championships.
Great Danes (head study); both have finished their championships.
As you can see, bloodlines make a very big difference in the appearance of a dog. Furthermore, standards are not the same in every country within a single breed. And many minor changes are made based in various clubs. Some breeders also breed out undesired traits within standards that tamper with health, in an attempt to create a healthier dog that is still able to fit the bill of what the breed was meant to be.
Hopefully this helps clear up any confusion about the American vs European bloodline debates, or any that any of you may have been curious about.
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All natural Doberman Pinscher
Not a very lean dobie. He looks pretty chunky, actually. Also, his muzzle is pretty large/blocky. They’re supposed to have more slender muzzles…(with the show dogs, at least)
You are not looking at a Doberman from American bloodlines in this photo. AKC Dobermans are going to be more slender, sharper, because it adds to the appeal. German (and European in general) bloodlines, specifically, in most German breeds, are much stockier. He is not, at all, ‘chunky’. There is nothing ‘wrong’ with this individual. For his breed, he is quite the specimen.
American bloodlines also tend to be extremely watered down in their drive. There are many problems within the breed, and many breeders have turned to importing more European stock to help fix all of these issues.
Take a look at German bloodlines in various breeds, such as Rottweilers, and Boxers, and you will see the difference, and notice the trend of how Western breeding has changed the shape of these dogs within various bloodlines.
This particular Doberman is CH. Ken-Ti’s Bongo (Dex for short) and has finished his title in Belgium, as is. He was bred by Von Roth kennels.
Just clearing the air on this issue, that’s all. I’d hate for any ignorance to be spread about how this breed is ‘meant to look’ based on the fact that Americans are used to seeing leaner dogs bred from, ultimately, different, and often poor bloodlines.
