Hey guys, I have been researching Dobermans for a while now and I came across something that I found a bit confusing. I noticed that Dobermans from the US look noticeably weaker and smaller compared to their European counterparts. I'm wondering if there's a specific reason for this difference.
I'm really interested in getting a Doberman as a pet and I want to make sure that I understand the breed fully before making any decisions. I have seen photos and videos of Dobermans from Europe that look a lot more muscular and robust than the ones from the US, which got me thinking that maybe there's a difference in breeding standards or practices between the two regions that could explain this.
Any insights on this topic would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Hello there! As a Doberman enthusiast, I believe that the difference in appearance between American and European Dobermans is mainly due to their breeding practices. Typically, European breeders focus more on maintaining the original working dog characteristics of the breed. As a result, European Dobermans tend to be larger, more muscular, and more energetic than their American counterparts.
American breeders, on the other hand, tend to focus more on breeding for the show ring. This means that American Dobermans are bred for a specific appearance standard, which usually includes a slender and sleek body type. While this may make them look more attractive in the show ring, it can result in a less muscular physique.
That being said, there are exceptions to this rule, and it is possible to find large and muscular American Dobermans. It all comes down to the individual breeder's focus and the specific bloodlines they are using in their breeding programs.
In my personal experience, I find that European Dobermans are more suitable for working and sporting activities due to their larger size and energy levels. Conversely, American Dobermans make great companions and family pets due to their sleek and elegant appearance and calmer demeanor. However, this is a generalization, and both American and European Dobermans can make great pets depending on their personalities and individual needs.