Dobermann Kennel Ascomannis

Since the 1950s, working dogs in the former East Germany (DDR) were rated by the Wertmessziffer system. This "measured value number" system conveyed the conformation and temperament type in a simple and clear manner. German Shepherd Dogs, Dobermanns, Riesenschnauzers, Rottweillers, Airedales and Boxers were all rated by this system.

For example, a dog with a 6545/55 rating would be powerfully built with ideal constitution and good angulation. It would be an even tempered, good natured dog, yet very hard against influence. As reflected in the last two digits after the slash, hardness and sharpness would be very good.

Over the years, the German word "Schärfe" has been done a disservice in translation and explanation. It refers to a dog's inherent stimulation threshold and desire to pursue and attack. It does not imply "nervy", fearful, flighty responses.

The Wermessziffer rating system viewed high levels of sharpness and hardness as ideal. Emphasis was placed on identifying tough individuals who would work well in a variety of situations. Friendliness towards strangers was of little importance.

The system translated below is the version developed specifically for the German Shepherd Dog. Hence, the reference to "weak ears" in one category. In the case of the Riesenschnauzer, the rating system contains a section on coat hardness and beard/furnishings.

Albrecht and Haberhauffe, Theoretische Grundlagen der Abrichtung , 52-3.

	first digit	second digit	third digit	fourth digit	fifth digit	sixth digit
value	breed standard comparison	constitution	body structure	temperament	sharpness	hardness
0	little resemblance	delicate, weak, sensitive	cryptorchid	nervous, afraid, very shy
1	poor representative	deficient sexual characteristics	poor angulation, gait or chest faults	easily frightened, timid, noise-sensitive	none	none
2	light build	teeth faults or poor pigment	faulty front or hind proportions	unsure/insecure behaviour, visible fearful moments, possibly sharp and somewhat irritable or easily triggered	some	some
3	leggy	faulty coat or weak foundation	average angulation	reserved with people, mistrusting or aggressive	sufficient	sufficient
4	adequate	lack of development, immaturity	good angulation	aggressive, very sharp, pronounced hardness, nasty	good	good
5	average	noble, powerful harmonious symmetrical	excellent in form, harmonious symmetrical	even tempered, good natured, very hard against influence	very good	very good
6	powerful	robust, coarse	good angulation with ample chest development	even tempered, good natured, hard against influence
7	saggy, hanging, loose	poor ligaments and joints, weak in one or both ears	stretched build due to long back	even tempered, good natured, sensitive to influence
8	heavy	soft, bloated	over-angulated limbs	even tempered, good natured, indifferent, low sharpness
9	coarse, oversize	bow-legged appearance	overproportioned (combination of points 6-8 above)	not sharp, unreactive, depressed, soft