The Difference Between German and the American Rottweiler Breed

I get many phone calls with regards to our Rottweilers, and the first questions is "Do you breed German" the second question  "What the difference between the German Breed and the American Breed" I hope this will help to clear up some of our questions.

There is only one Rottweiler; correct in type* and construction according to the standard. No doubt, untypical and poorly constructed specimens are everywhere. Often, I have encountered Rottweilers purchased as pets (even represented as a show dog) I would consider completely lacking breed type *, yet I know they are pure bred Rottweilers. Why the difference? Variations of size, shape, and head type etc, encountered in the breed happen for two reasons:

A.

Normal variance that occurs in the progeny when breeding Sire to Dam B. Poor planning / Little Concern for the Rottweiler breed (some breedings take place with no motive at all, but for a monetary one)  Even when a litter is carefully planned, a percentage within the progeny is observed that varies in type and construction. This is normal. Not every pup in the litter will be uniform. This divergence is a matter of genetic inheritance which all competent and concerned breeders must deal with each time they decide to plan a litter. When we go searching for a stud dog to utilize, as experienced breeders we do our homework:

1. Researching the pedigrees of Sire and Dam.

2. Ascertaining whether the stud dog and brood bitch will compliment each other.

3 . What improvements can be realized in the upcoming litter?

4. What undesirable construction / type faults will possibly surface? By doing homework, as concerned breeders reduces the occurrence of undesirable flaws and increases their chances of producing desirable traits and a uniformity in the litter. Predicting results and having goals are the hallmark of a concerned, experienced, responsible breeder.

B.

Undesirable traits which many people not deeply involved with the Rottweiler question are the Doberman-like heads, long bodies, thin, spindle-like bones, general poor construction. These traits are repeatedly observed when the Sire and Dam used in the breeding are not uniform in breed type*, poor planning (perhaps no planning at all) and little concern for the Rottweiler breed. A breeding of this sort, for all concerned, should not occur. Those are reasons why great variations are seen in Rottweilers. Top quality specimens are produced by thoughtful, selective, hard working breeders. It does not matter what the country of origin is. Germany produces some of the finest Rottweilers. Also included in this list are all of Europe, Russia, Canada and certainly the US. Quality is where you find it; not exclusive to one particular place.

 

  *Example of "American" Rottweiler, note the long Doberman/Shepard nose (this is not one of our breeding Bitchs this picture is for reference purposes only!!)

 

* True "German" Rottweiler Bitch, Of medium length, broad between the ears; forehead line seen in profile is moderately arched. The cheekbones and stop are well developed. The

length of the muzzle should not exceed the distance between the stop and the occiput. The skull is preferred dry; however, some wrinkling may occur when the dog is alert. The bridge of the muzzle is straight. The

muzzle is broad at the base with slight tapering towards the tip but not snipey. The nose is broad rather than round, with black nostrils. The lips are always black with the corners tightly closed. The flews should not be too pronounced. The inner mouth pigment is dark. A pink mouth is to be penalized.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Back to Table of Contents