The German Rottweiler is without doubt one of the most common and popular members of the Molosser family.
For several centuries it has been one of the principal cattle-herding dogs of central Europe, and, as such, has been of untold value to breeders of livestock especially in Bavaria, and southern Germany generally.
It is believed that the ancestors of the Rottweiler came over the Alps together with the Roman legions. These dogs drove the cattle, which the Romans did bring with them as food for the legions. In the first century after Christ
there were in south Germany, not far from the Alps, a Roman colony, which later became the town of Rottweil. As early as in the beginning of the middle ages this town were already a center for buying and selling of cattle. When the Romans lost ground
and were forced south, they left their dogs behind. These dogs continued to serve and work as cattle herders, a work the Rottweiler have done all the way up to the late 1800's.
It is common believed that in the region of Rottweil, which have given the breed its name, the breed, once also known as Rottweiler Metzgerhund, got its breed characteristics and developed to be the dog we know him as today.
A wolf-coloured Rottweiler from the German kennel "von Neckar". Born in 1912.
I central Europe it have existed, at least from the middle ages, dogs of different breeds and type, who have been used to protect the cattle against predators and thieves, but also to hunt bear and wild boar. These breeds, according to Hadamar's descriptions of hunting in the 14. century, were
called "Rüden to dem Swinen". From the middle ages several of these "Rüden to dem Swinen" breeds were bred after perticular lines. These breeding "programs" did after a while produce breeds of specific type. Most of these "breeds" have dissapered and gone extinct, others have been crossed and evolved to other breeds.
The Rottweiler have also, like many other breeds, gone through changes and it was not before the turn of the century that the breed got recognition as a breed of it's own. We must all agree that before the standard was set the Rottweiler, like many other breeds, did vary much in type but also in colour. I believe that the white markings on the
Rottweiler, which we see on speciments now and then, was much more common in the old days, as well as the wolf colour, which can be seen above. Today the the standard on the Rottweiler, regarding colour, is very strict.
German "Siegervinner" 1912, 7 year old Ralp von Neckar,
from the same kennel as the above wolf-coloured dog.
We must realize that several breeds of central Europe, among them the Saüerpacker, Hatzrüden, Bullen and Barenbeisser, Brabanter, Rottweiler, Deutsche Dogge and the Sennenhund, can trace their ancestors to the ancient Roman dogs, or at least they can count the dogs of the Roman legions as one of their ancestors.
Exactly how much influence these breeds have had from other dogs than the Romans is lost in time, but one things is sure, without the Roman occupation of central Europe many of today's breeds have not existed.
In Germany several breeds were tested for police service in the beginning of this century and the Rottweiler soon were regarded as an excellent police and guarddog. In 1910 the breed were official recognized as a police dog, and afterwards it was also regarded as an excellent
rescue dog and also as a guide dog for the blind..
In one old dog book I have it is written an interesting story about the Rottweilers origin as a police dog; "At a sailors pub in Hamburg fourteen drunken sailors were fighting about a woman. The bartender did rush out in the street and stopped a passing policeman, who had his Rottweiler with him. When the policeman entered the pub all the fighting
sailors stopped fighting and all fourteen jumped on the policeman. But, they had not considered the Rottweilers reaction. In few seconds the Rottweiler had disabled four of the sailors, the other quickly run out of the pub." After this incident it is said that the Rottweiler was given the oppurtunety to be tested as a policedog.
Two Rottweilers from the beginning of the 1900's. At right Hackel vom Kohlerwald.
When Germany went to war in the 1930's it was needed more dogs in the military, especially as service dogs.
The dogs had to be fast and should "never" get tired. The standard for the Rottweiler was changed because Germany was in need for more "message" and service dogs.
Instead of "quadratic" built they changed it to "not to short" and as maximum height 65 cm. (25,5 inch) was set, but dogs who were 60 cm. (23,5 inch) should be preferred.
This member of the Molosser family, who loves to have a work to do, would be a excellent choise as a family and companion dog, but also as a guard and
watchdog, protection dog, police and military dog, service dog, rescue dog, etc. In other terms; the work a Rottweiler can be used to is unlimited, something that have made the breed
so loved and popular.
The Rottweiler have a calm expression and a good nature. He is obedient and intelligent and very loyal to his master. As a very strong dog the Rottweiler must be controlled from early childhood,
and must learn who the master is. He has much self-reliance and will quickly try to take control, if allowed.
F.C.I.-Standard No. 147/16.01.1996/GB
Translator: Mrs. Chris Seidler
Origin: Germany
Date of publication of the valid original standard: 16.01.1996
Utilization: Companion, Security and Working dog
Classification: FCI Group 2 (Pinscher and Schnauzer type, Molossian type and Swiss Mountain and
Cattle dogs) Section 2.1 Molossian type, Mastiff type with working trial.
Brief historical summary:
The Rottweiler is considered to be one of the oldest breeds of dog. Its origin goes back to Roman times.
These dogs were kept as herder or driving dogs. They marched over the Alps with the Roman legions,
protecting the humans and driving their cattle. In the region of Rottweil, these dogs met and mixed with
the native dogs in a natural crossing. The main task of the Rottweiler now became the driving and
guarding of the herds of cattle and the defence of their masters and their property. This breed acquired its
name from the old federal town of Rottweil and was known as the "Rottweil butcher's dog".
The butchers bred this type of dog purely for performance and usefulness. In due course, a first rate
watch and driving dog evolved which could also be used as a draught dog. When, at the beginning of the
twentieth century, various breeds were needed for police service, the Rottweiler was amongst those
tested. It soon became evident that the breed was highly suitable for the tasks set by police service and
therefore they were officially recognized as police dogs in 1910.
Rottweiler breeders aim at a dog of abundant strength, black coated with clearly defined rich tan
markings, whose powerful appearance does not lack nobility and which is exceptionally well suited to
being a companion, security and working dog.
General Appearance -
The Rottweiler is a medium to large size, stalwart dog, neither heavy nor light and neither leggy nor
weedy. His correctly proportioned, compact and powerful build leads to the conclusion of great strength,
manoeuvrability and endurance.
Important Proportions -
The length of the body, measured from the sternum (breast-bone) to the ischiatic tuberosity, should not
exceed the height at the withers by, at most, 15 %.
Behaviour and Character -
Being good natured, placid and fond of children in basic disposition, he is very devoted, obedient,
biddable and eager to work. His appearance is natural and rustic, his behaviour self assured, steady and
fearless. He reacts to his surroundings with great alertness.
Head / Cranial Region -
Skull: Of medium length, the skull broad between the ears. Forehead line moderately arched as seen
from the side. Occipital bone well developed without being conspicious.
Stop: Well defined.
Facial Region -
Nose: Straight nasal bridge, broad at base, moderately tapered. Nose well developed, more broad than
round with relatively large nostrils, always black.
Muzzle: The foreface should appear neither elongated nor shortened in relation to the cranial region.
Lips: Black, close fitting, corner of the mouth not visible, gum as dark as possible.
Jaw: Upper and lower jaw strong and broad.
Cheeks: Zygomatic arches pronounced.
Teeth: Strong complete dentition (42 teeth) with scissor bite, the upper incisors closely overlapping the
lower incisors.
Eyes: Of medium size, almond shaped, dark brown in colour. Eyelids close fitting.
Ears: Medium sized, pendant, triangular, wide apart, set on high. The close fitting ears, set well forward,
give the impression of a broad skull.
Neck: Of fair length, well muscled, slightly arched, free from throatiness, without dewlap.
Body -
Back: Straight, strong, sturdy.
Loins: Short, strong and deep.
Croup: Broad, of medium length, slightly rounded. Neither flat nor falling away.
Chest: Roomy, broad and deep (approximately 50 % of the shoulder height) with well developed
fore-chest and well sprung ribs.
Belly: Flanks not tucked up.
Tail: In natural condition, level in extension of the upper line; at ease may be hanging.
An outstanding speciment of the breed; Ragnar van het Falconsnest. Owner; Dirk Vandecasteele, Belgium.
Limbs -
Forequarters: Seen from the front, the front legs are straight and not placed too closely to each other.
The forearm, seen from the side, looks straight. The slope of the shoulder-blade is about 45 degrees to
the horizontal.
Shoulders: Well laid back.
Upperarm: Close fitting to the body.
Forearm: Strongly developed and muscular.
Pasterns: Slightly springy, strong, not straight.
Feet: Round, tight and well arched; pads hard; nails short, black and strong.
Hindquarters: Seen from behind, legs straight and not too close together. When standing free, obtuse
angles are formed between the dog's upper thigh and the hip bone, the upper thigh and the lower thigh
and the metatarsal.
Upper thigh: Moderately long, broad and well muscled.
Lower thigh: Long, strong, broadly muscled at top and sinewy below, merging into sturdy well angulated
hocks, not straight.
Feet: Slightly longer than the front feet. Just as tight. Arched and with strong toes.
Gait: The Rottweiler is a trotting dog. In movement the back remains firm and relatively stable.
Movement harmonious, steady, full of energy and unrestricted, with good stride.
Skin -
Skin on the head: Overall tight fitting. When the dog is alert, the forehead may be slightly wrinkled.
Coat -
Texture of coat: The coat consists of a top coat and an undercoat. The top coat is of medium length,
coarse, dense and flat. The undercoat must not show through the top coat. The hair is a little longer on the
buttocks.
Colour: Black with clearly defined markings of a rich tan on the cheeks, muzzle, throat, chest and legs, as
well as over both eyes and under the base of the tail.
Norris vom Gruntenblick, SCHIII FH AD BH IPOIII ES93 KS91,92 KJS90
Born: 12/3/88, Breeder/Owner: Wolfgang Gaa - Germany, Picture from Rajah, Von Der Ehrenwache Kennels
Height and weight -
Shoulder height for males: is 61 - 68 cm. (23,9-26,7 in).
61 - 62 cm. (23,9-24,3 in): small.
63 - 64 cm. (24,7-25,1 in): medium height.
65 - 66 cm. (25,5-25,9 in): large = correct height.
67 - 68 cm. (26,3-26,7 in): very large.
Weight males: approximately 50 kg. (110 lbs).
Shoulder height for bitches: 56 - 63 cm. (22-24,7 in).
56 - 57 cm. (22-22,4 in): small.
58 - 59 cm. (22,7-23,1 in): medium height.
60 - 61 cm. (23,5-23,9 in): large = correct height.
62 - 63 cm. (24,3-24,7 in): very large.
Weight bitches: approximately 42 kg. (92,4 lbs).
Faults -
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with
which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.
General Appearance: Light, racy, weedy appearance. Light in bone and muscle.
Head: Hound-type head. Narrow, light, too short, too long or coarse head. Flat forehead. Lack of stop
or too little.
Foreface: Long or pointed muzzle; split nose; roman nose or dished nose; aquiline nose; pale or spotted
nose (butterfly nose).
Lips: Pendulous, pink or patchy; corner of lips visible.
Jaws: Narrow lower jaw.
Cheeks: Strongly protruding cheeks.
Bite: Pincer bite.
Ears: Set on too low, heavy, long, slack or turned backwards. Also flying ears or ears not carried
symmetrically.
Eyes: Light, showing how, deep set. Also round eyes.
Neck: Too long, thin, lacking muscle. Showing dewlap or throaty.
Body: Too long, too short or too narrow.
Back: Too long, weak; sway-back or roach back.
Croup: Croup too sloping, too short, too flat or too long.
Chest: Flat ribbed or barrel shaped. Lack of spring.
Tail: Set on too high or too low.
Forequarters: Narrow or crooked front legs. Steep shoulder placement. Loose or out at elbow. Too
long, too short or too straight in upper arm. Weak or straight pasterns. Splayed feet. Too flat or too
arched toes. Deformed toes. Light coloured nails.
Hindquarters: Flat thighs, hocks too close, cow hocks or open hocked. Joints with too little or too
much angulation. Dewclaws.
Skin: Wrinkles on head.
Coat: Soft, too short or too long. Wavy coat, lack of undercoat.
Colour: Mismarking. Smudged, not clearly defined markings. Markings which are too spread out.
Disqualifying Faults -
General: Marked reversal of sexual type, i.e. feminine dogs or masculine bitches.
Behaviour: Anxious, shy, cowardly, gun-shy, vicious, excessively suspicious, nervous animals.
Eyes: Entropion, ectropion, yellow eyes, different coloured eyes.
Teeth: Overshot or undershot bite, way mouth; missing one incisive tooth, one canine, one premolar and
one molar.
Coat texture: Very long or wavy coat.
Coat colour: Dogs which do not show the typical Rottweiler colouring or black with tan markings. White
markings.
Tail: Kink tail, ring tail, with strong lateral deviation.
N.B.: Males must have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
Molosserworld wants to thank Rajah, Von Der Ehrenwache Kennels for the standard as well as the colour-photos.
