The German Rottweiler | Dogs

By SharonDavies
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Basically a German Rottweiler is a dog that is born in Germany while an American Rottweiler is a dog that is born in the United States. Although there are not very many differences between the two forms of Rottweiler, one of the biggest differences is that all German Rottweilers born after June 1998 have tails. However, don't be fooled by backyard breeders who claim the size, heads, bone and temperament of Rottweilers are different between the German and American breeds. Rather the breed standards between the two breeds are nearly identical aside from the tail.

The Rottweiler breed originally started in Germany and originally descended from the Roman drover dogs which is a very old breed. Germany still breeds many of the Rottweilers and many U.S. bred dogs are imported from Germany. The biggest difference between the two forms of the Rottweilers is in how they are registered, tracked and bred. There isn't much difference when it comes to appearance.

In the United States a litter can be registered with the American Kennel Club if two purebred dogs are bred. Although in Germany two breeding dogs can only be approved by the breed warden. The breed warden personally oversees and approves all litters and is a representative of the national Rottweiler club, known as the ADRK (the official German kennel club). A litter cannot be registered if it doesn't have the warden's approval. When a puppy reaches eight weeks of age they are tattooed with a number that is used to track them throughout their life.

At eight weeks of age every puppy is tattooed with a number that is then used to track the dog throughout his or her life. In order for a German Rottweiler to be bred they need to meet specific criteria. This includes an obedience title, hip and elbow clearances, a conformation evaluation that includes weights, measurements and proportions, a written evaluation by an ADRK judge and a temperament test.

If a dog fails a test and is still bred then their offspring can never be registered. And all information is kept within an annual book along with the ADRK database. The database keeps track of all registered Rottweilers in German from birth to death.

Whether trying to breed a German Rottweiler or an American Rottweiler a top quality dog is always a unique balance of genetics, pedigrees, knowledge, experience and a little bit of trial and error. The biggest difference between the American and German Rottweiler is how each individual person handles their breeding program.

Breeders will focus their litters on specific areas including working ability, soundness and genetic health, temperament and finally structure and type. Although it is best to find a breeder that tries to breed all of these qualities in their dogs, it does not always happen that way.

Many breeders will claim to have German Rottweilers but they are actually just backyard breeders. This is why you always want to ask to see a breeders' certification and then check it before you adopt a dog from any breeder. Make sure you read the breeders code of ethics carefully before purchasing a dog from any breeder. This way you can be sure you are getting your dog from a reputable breeder and not a backyard breeder.

About the Author

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 at this website, you can also learn all about Rottweiler types plus a whole lot more.

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