Rottweiler

Official U.K.C. Breed Standard - Revised January 1, 1998

HISTORY -- The Rottweiler was known as the "butcher dog of Rottweil," a title earned by driving cattle to market over the Alps in the Roman times. The breed was developed from the mastiff type of dog used for herding and guarding. In recent years the breed's popularity has increased in America as the dogs are being used for police work, tracking, obedience competition and as a brave family pet.
The Rottweiler was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1950.

GENERAL APPEARANCE -- The Rottweiler is an above average-size dog. It is black with brown markings; with small pendant ears and a short cropped tail. It is a powerfully built dog, giving the impression of strength, courage and agility.

CHARACTERISTICS -- Brave, powerful, faithful and a good guard dog. Strong willed.

HEAD & SKULL -- The head is of medium length. Between the ears the skull is broad. Viewed from the side the forehead line is moderately arched. The skin on the head should not be loose although it is allowed to form moderate wrinkles when the dog is attentive.
The muzzle is fairly deep; with a level topline. The length of the muzzle is not longer than the length from stop to occiput; the desired ratio of backskull to muzzle is 3 to 2. The flews are black and firm; they fall gradually away and towards the corners of the mouth, which do not protrude excessively.

Serious fault: Total lack of mouth pigment.

EYES -- The almond-shaped eyes are medium-sized and moderately deep-set. They are dark brown in color. The eyelids are well fitting.

Serious faults: Yellow eyes. Eyes of different color or size. Hairless eye rim.

EARS -- The medium-sized ears are triangular pendants, set high and wide apart on the head, lying flat with the inner edge against the head; ending at about mid-cheek.

TEETH -- A full complement of strong, white teeth meet in a scissors bite. The incisors of the lower jaw must touch the inner surface of the upper incisors.

Serious faults: Even bite. One missing tooth.

NOSE -- The nose is broad and black in color.

NECK -- The powerful, well-muscled, moderately long neck is slightly arched and free from throatiness.

FOREQUARTERS -- The long shoulder blades are well-laid back. The upper arm is equal in length to that of the shoulder blade.

FORELEGS -- The strongly-developed, muscular legs have straight, heavy bone. The elbows are set well under the body. The pasterns are strong and springy and set almost perpendicular to the ground.

BODY -- The chest should be roomy, broad and deep; ribs well sprung. The depth of the brisket will be about 50% of the shoulder height. The back should be straight and strong and not too long. Ratio of shoulder height to length of body is 9 to 10. The loins are short, deep and strong; the flanks should not be tucked up. The croup should be slightly sloping and broad. The distance from the withers to the elbow is the same as the distance from the elbow to the ground. HINDQUARTERS -- The angulation of the hindquarters is balanced with that of the forequarters.

HIND LEGS -- When viewed from the rear, the hind legs are straight and wide enough to accommodate the body width. The well-muscled, fairly long upper thigh is very broad. The lower thigh is also well-muscled and is long, broad and powerful. The stifles are well-bent. The angular hocks are without exaggeration and completely vertical. The rear pasterns are nearly perpendicular to the ground.

FEET -- The feet are strong, round and compact, with well-arched toes. The hind feet are somewhat longer than the front. The pads are hard and thick. The toenails are short, strong and black. Front dewclaws may be removed; rear dewclaws are removed.

TAIL -- The tail is docked at the first or second vertebrae. It is carried horizontally, giving the impressions that it is an extension of the topline. It may be carried slightly above the topline when the dog is excited.

HEIGHT -- Height should always be considered in relation to the general appearance of the dog and within the accepted range. Measured at the withers, adult males are 24" to 27"; adult females are 22" to 25". The preferred size is mid-range.

COAT -- Consists of a top coat and undercoat. The outer coat 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 be a little longer on breechings. It is shortest on the head, ears and legs.

COLOR -- The Rottweiler 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. The markings range in color from a rich tan to mahogany brown and do not exceed ten percent of the total body color. The undercoat may be gray, tan or black.

Serious faults: Straw-colored. White markings anywhere on the dog.

Disqualification: Albinism.

GAIT -- The Rottweiler's natural gait is a trot. Movement conveys an impression of suppleness, endurance and purpose. The back remains firm and stable; there is a powerfulhind thrust and good stride. Movement should be unrestricted, harmonious and positive. As speed increases, the dog single tracks.

DISQUALIFICATION
Extreme viciousness or shyness.
Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid.
Entropionism. Ectropionism.
Two or more missing teeth.
Overshot.
Undershot.
Wry mouth.
Base color other than black.
Absence of all markings.
Albinism.
Long coat.