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Rottweiler
Utility
| Group: |
Utility |
 |
| Size: |
large |
| Lifespan: |
10-12 years |
| Exercise: |
medium |
| Grooming: |
very low |
| Trainability: |
medium |
| Watchdog ability: |
very high |
| Protection ability: |
very high |
| Area of Origin: |
Germany |
| Date of Origin: |
ancient times |
| Other Names: |
none |
| Original Function: |
cattle drover, guardian,
draft |
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| History |
| The
Rottweiler descends from a line of powerful dogs that drove
and guarded the cattle of the Roman Army as it traversed Europe.
In Rottweil, Germany, this mastiff-type dog was crossed with
local herding dogs and was bred specifically as the "butcher's
dog of Rottweil." The dog would accompany and guard the
butcher on the way to cattle sales, carrying his money en route;
he would then drive the purchased beef-on-the-hoof home. An
effort was made to conserve the breed when mechanised transport
replaced the job of the courageous Rottweiler. This breed requires
plenty of room and exercise. He is often nicknamed the "Rottie". |
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| Temperament |
| The
Rottweiler is a very territorial, imposing dog breed and is
ideal for protection. Headstrong and stubborn, this dog breed
requires a strong leader and firm training. |
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| Upkeep |
| The
Rottweiler needs daily physical and mental activity, either
in the form of long walks or jogs, or a vigorous game in a safe
area, as well as obedience lessons. It enjoys cold weather and
may become overheated in hot weather. It can live outdoors in
temperate to cool climates, as long as plenty of shelter is
available. It needs to spend significant time inside with its
human family, however, so that proper bonding can occur. Coat
care is minimal, consisting only of occasional brushing to remove
dead hair. |
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Official Breed Standard |
GENERAL APPEARANCE:
The Rottweiler is an above average sized
stalwart dog. His correctly proportioned, compact and powerful form
permits of great strength, manoeuvrability and endurance. His bearing
displays boldness and courage; his tranquil gaze manifests good
nature and devotion.
Head and Skull:
The head is of medium length, the skull between the ears is broad.
The forehead line is moderately arched as seen from the side. Occipital
bone well developed but not conspicuous. Cheeks well muscled but
not prominent, with the zygomatic arch well formed. The skin on
the head should not be loose although it is allowed to form moderate
wrinkle when the dog is attentive. Muzzle fairly deep with topline
level and length not longer than the length from stop to occiput.
Nose:
The nose is well developed with proportionately large nostrils and
is always black.
Eyes:
The eyes should be of medium size, almond shaped and dark brown
in colour; eyelids close lying.
Ears:
The ears are pendant, small in proportion rather than large, set
high and wide apart on the head, lying flat and close to the cheek.
Mouth:
The teeth are strong and the incisors of the lower jaw must touch
the inner surface of the upper incisors. The flews are black and
firm; they fall gradually away towards the corners of the mouth,
which do not protrude excessively.
Neck:
The neck should be of fair length, strong, round and very muscular.
It should be slightly arched and free from throatiness.
Forequarters:
The shoulders should be well placed on the body, long and sloping
with the elbows well let down, but not loose. The legs should be
muscular with plenty of bone and substance. The pasterns should
be bent slightly forward and not be completely vertical. The front
legs seen from all sides must be straight and not placed too closely
to one another.
Body:
The chest should be roomy, broad and deep with the ribs well sprung.
The depth of brisket will not be more, and not much less than 50
percent of the shoulder height. The back should be straight, strong
and not too long; ratio of shoulder height to length of body should
be as 9 is to 10; the loins short, strong and deep, the flanks should
not be tucked up. The croup should be broad, of proportionate length,
and very slightly sloping.
Hindquarters:
The upper thigh not too short, broad and strongly muscled. The lower
thigh well muscled at the top and strong and sinewy lower down.
Stifles fairly well bent. Hocks well angulated without exaggeration
and not completely vertical.
Feet:
The feet should be strong, round and compact with the toes well
arched. The hind feet are somewhat longer than the front. The pads
should be very hard and the toenails short, dark and strong. Rear
dewclaws re moved.
Gait:
In movement the Rottweiler should convey an impression of supple
strength, endurance and purpose. While the back remains firm and
stable there is a powerful hind thrust and good stride. First and
foremost, movement should be harmonious, positive and unrestricted.
Tail:
Carried horizontally. It is short, strong and not set too low. It
should be docked at the first joint.
Coat:
The coat, which consists of top coat and undercoat, should be of
medium length, coarse and flat. The undercoat, which is essential
on the neck and thighs, should not show through the outer coat.
The hair may also be a little longer on the back of the forelegs
and breechings.
Colour:
The colour is black with clearly defined markings on the cheeks,
muzzle, chest and legs, as well as over both eyes and the area beneath
the tail. Colour of markings ranges from rich tan to mahogany brown.
Size:
The height at the shoulder should be: Dogs: Between 63.5 and 68.5
cm (25 and 27 in) Bitches: Between 58.4 and 63.5 cm (23 and 25 in).
However, height should always be considered in relation to the general
appearance of the dog.
Faults:
The following faults are noted for the clarification of the Standard:
1. Too lightly or too heavily built. 2. Sway backed or roach backed.
3. Cow hocked, bow hocked or weak hocked. 4. Long or excessively
wavy coat. 5. Any white markings. 6. Nervousness and viciousness
are highly undesirable.
Note:
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended
into the scrotum.
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