The DV52 is standard dreadnaught shape, like the other D prefix models Guild made, including the D50 and D55. Aside from the external differences (the rosette, the binding, etc.), my understanding is that the way the braces were finished is what distinguishes the guitar from others in the D series.
I'm crazy about the guitars myself -- if I had to recommend an affordable vintage Guild to a first-time guitar owner, the DV52 would top of the list.