January 13, 2009

The Breed Standard For Rottweilers

by Sharon Davies

Although some breeds of dogs look pretty much alike, the Rottweiler is highly distinctive and easily recognizable. The Rottweiler breed standard firmly outlines what defines a show worthy form of pet quality Rottweilers. Just because a Rottweiler might not meet the physical breed standard doesn’t mean they won’t make good pets. A spayed or neutered Rottweiler will be healthier, calmer, less attractive to thieves and pays attention to you more.

Variety is not encouraged in the breeding of purebred Rottweilers. Breeding Rottweilers to the breed standard is a lot like cloning without the laboratories. Any variation is usually in size, weight, amount of red-rust tan, coat thickness, roundness of head and, of course, character. Ideally, Rottweilers are one hundred pound black and red bricks on legs. They used to pull wagons, so their bodies resemble draft horses with slimmer legs. They are solid muscle and their coats usually gleam. They should exude controlled power.

The body of the Rottweiler should look like a canine tank on legs. They are solid muscle, stand square, with a deep chest and powerful limbs. Dewclaws must be removed in show dogs. A moving Rottweiler should give the impression of being on the case, ready to defend his master and family at a moment’s notice. The paws are comically huge on puppies, but are still large and broad on adults.

Rottweilers should average about one hundred pounds and look solid as a rock. They should exude a sense of controlled power and be well muscled. These dogs can easily become overweight so it is important to monitor their diet and exercise.

In pet quality or show quality Rottweilers, the jaw must be strong and look like it could easily rip off limbs. The jaw is square and the teeth should meet evenly. No overbites or under bites are allowed.

Rottweilers have to be shown with docked tails. According to Rottweiler information, the docked tail “honors the breed’s special character”. They are chopped off by the breeder and usually not by a veterinarian when the Rottweiler puppies are two or three days old, when the bones are still soft. In England, all Rottweilers born after April 2007 must be shown with natural, long, curving tails, as docking has finally been banned.

Rottweilers are alert, curious and highly trainable. They will eagerly try anything you want them to do, from guard work, catching a tennis ball to acting in movies. When they are not overfed and under-exercised, they are calm characters, as steady as the black and tan rocks they look like.

It is important to keep them exercised. A good Rottweiler is a tired Rottweiler. They also are calmer, healthier and less likely to roam or pick a fight with another dog if neutered.

About the Author:

Sharon Davies is a passionate lover of the Rottweiler and has a popular website that can show you how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Rottweiler. Among other topics there, you can also learn all about Rottweiler Breed Standards plus a whole lot more.