4. Aptitude Tests, 1976-2015

Series

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This series includes documentation of Register of Merit (ROM) evaluations and awards and Working Aptitude Evaluations (WAE) and certificates (WAC). The Register of Merit Award and Working Aptitude Evaluation Program has, as its fundamental purpose, the recognition of Dobermans having those natural qualities of beauty and functional utility that make the breed what it was intended to be. In order to earn a Working Aptitude Certificate, a Doberman must demonstrate the characteristics required of a dog to be a stable companion and resolute protector.[1]

Documents in this series may include Chapter Club applications to sponsor such evaluations; Chapter Club advertisements and registration for scheduled evaluations; data sheets prepared by dog owners with information about the dog being tested and the owner; supporting documentation for tested dogs, such as photocopies of other awards and certificates earned and registration information; a completed evaluation sheet indicating test scores and whether the dog passed or failed; and an evaluation summary document completed by the test host or judge noting test conditions and comprehensive results. Results and the evaluation summary were then sent to the club's ROM Coordinator. There are a few files with correspondence and documentation from various ROM award recipients during specific years. In addition, there is a comprehensive binder of relevant information regarding aptitude testing beginning in 1978, created and maintained by the DPCA's ROM Award Committee.

Also included is an index card file maintained by DPCA of dogs tested for a ROM or WAC. Each card contains a dog's name, scores, date and location tested, tester name, titles, and information such as the dog's birth date and owner's name and address. The cards are organized by year beginning in 1977, then by type of test (ROM or WAC).

Researchers may also note that aptitude test results were typically published in DPCA publication, The Pipeline.

Also included is video footage of WAC/ROM tests. Some photographs may be found along with photos for the National Specialty show during which testing was conducted, in "3.3 National Specialty show scrapbooks, photographs, and video."

[1] Source: DPCA website, http://www.dpca.org/breed/breed_temperament.htm, accessed 10/28/2016.

Dates

1976-2015

Language of Materials

From the Collection:

The bulk of this collection is in English. There are also some periodicals, books, and pedigrees in German.

Access Restrictions

Two document boxes comprising governance files and National Specialty records are restricted and inaccessible due to the presence of inactive mold. Please see the archivist for details. The rest of the This collection is open to research without restrictions.

Physical Description

From the Collection: 141.52 Linear Feet (170 boxes) : in 64 document boxes, 6 legal-sized boxes, 7 cartons, 56 flat photo/folder boxes, 2 photo album boxes, 5 DVD/CD boxes, 1 slide box, 33 oversize boxes of varying sizes.

Additional Description

Arrangement

ROM/WAC Award Committee records are listed first in chronological order, then video footage. These are followed by the index cards, which are organized by year and type of test (ROM or WAC), as they were kept by the DPCA. Test results records are listed last, in the same filing order as maintained by the DPCA (by test date in chronological order). The hosting club's name is also noted on each file.