Rottweiler 101: The Breed Standard

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.
According to the breed standard, Rottweilers should be mostly black with rust-red points only. The points include the paws, legs, belly, chest, jaw, dots where their eyebrows would be, and underneath the tail. No white markings are allowed on show dogs. No dewclaws are allowed on show dogs (although rarely some puppies are born without them). They may have short coats or double costs, neither of which should be long or wavy.

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. The ears should be floppy (but not as floppy as a Bassett Hound's – think floppy like a Jack Russell). The eyes should be brown. The expression should be soft, as a direct contrast to the massive jaws, which should meet evenly.
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.