Showing
Open to pedigree, registered Rottweilers belonging to VCA Members. The Show ring is the window on the breed. Learning to show your dog is not easy but it has many rewards. Dog shows were evolved so that the best conformation dogs were known and were then chosen for breeding. Many people show for social reasons and enjoy the day out with their dogs. If sufficient points are gained the dog is eligible to become a Champion. The name of your dog then has “CH” in front of it.
There are two main types of shows – Open and Championship Shows. As a member of your Canine body you will receive a monthly magazine with the schedules of forthcoming shows. The Schedule will provide all details necessary to complete your show entry. Entry forms are available from the VCA Inc., KCC Park, 655 Westernport Highway, Skye 3977 (Locked Bag K9, Cranbourne, Vic 3977). Details of the age groups are on the back of the entry forms. Go along and watch a few shows before you enter so you will have an idea of how they operate and what you will be required to do.
IFR Gradings (Champ Showing)
The qualifications given by the judges must correspond to the following definitions:
V EXCELLENT may only be awarded to a dog which comes very close to the ideal standard of the breed, which is presented in excellent condition, displays a harmonious, well-balanced temperament, is of high class and has excellent posture. Its superior characteristics in respect of its breed permit that minor imperfections can be ignored; it must however have the typical features of its sex.
(SG) VERY GOOD may only be awarded to a dog which possesses the typical features of its breed, which has well-balanced proportions and is in correct condition. A few minor faults may be tolerated but none of a morphological nature. This award can only be granted to a dog that shows class.
(G) GOOD is to be awarded to a dog that possesses the main features of its breed however showing faults provided these are not concealed.
SUFFICIENT must be awarded to a dog which corresponds adequately to its breed, without possessing the generally accepted characteristics or whose physical condition leaves something to be desired.
DISQUALIFIED must be awarded to a dog which shows a behaviour clearly not in line with its standard or which behaves aggressively or to dogs that show eliminating faults in regard to the FCI- breed standard
Obedience Trialling
Associate registration is available for those who do not have the registration papers with their dog Titles can be gained in Obedience Trials. Titles available are CD – Companion Dog, CDX – Companion Dog Excellent, UD – Utility Dog, UDX – Utility Dog Excellent and OC – Obedience Champion. Obedience Titles go after the dog’s name. At a Trial it is you and your dog competing against the Rules. Rule books with full explanations are available from the local Obedience Club or direct from the VCA. There are in excess of 40 Obedience Clubs affiliated with the VCA Inc. The social side of Obedience is great, the big plus is that while enjoying the competition, you will also have a well trained, well behaved obedient dog as a bonus!
Rally
Rally aims to provide a fast-moving and motivational sport for both dogs and their owners, requiring them to work as a team to complete various exercises in a set course that demonstrates competency in basic obedience exercises.
Handlers are allowed to walk the course to become familiar with it before competing. The Rally course is set out with numbered stations including a start and finish.
Handlers and their dogs navigate the course by following the numbers and carrying out the exercises shown on the sign positioned at each of the numbered stations. Dogs work in the “Heel” position between exercises.
Handlers can direct their dog by talking, encourage with praise and patting is allowed unless specified in the rules.
At the entry-level of Novice, dogs negotiate a course having between 10 and 15 signs (not including the start and finish) and work on lead during the test. There is a total of 57 signs available to be placed on a Rally course gradually increasing in complexity as the level of Rally becomes higher.
The higher levels of Rally, Advanced, Excellent and Master use up to 24 signs including many of the more complex ones and dogs are required to navigate the course off lead with their handlers.
In Rally competitors complete the course with their dog while a judge scores the round but doesn’t give voice commands or help.
Rally has a far more relaxed atmosphere than other dog sports and each run is a different series of exercises. Owners never know what the course will be until they do the preliminary walkthrough.
Agility
Open to all VCA Inc. Members with registered or associate dogs. Dogs are required to complete an obstacle course within a specified time, the fastest wins.
The Rules are available from the VCA Inc. in booklet form.
Speed and control are the necessary ingredients.
Tracking
All dogs over the age of six months are able to enter Tracking.
There are now seven (7) tracking tests:
The first track is 400 metres, after which the tracks and degree of difficulty increase until you get to 1200 metres to become a Tracking Champion.
This is a fascinating sport as the dogs are doing something by nature that we humans have no concept of; following a scent.
A newly established sport that follows on from tracking is Track and Search.
Carting
Anyone with a large good natured dog can enjoy carting. A club is in the formative stages. Rottweilers have a history of use as carting dogs. Great for the breed and the dogs love to be the centre of attention. Learn from our Members who are experienced in this sport. Carts can be plain or extremely elaborate. Rottweilers love to show off when pulling a cart.
Endurance
The Endurance Test is open to dogs aged between 2 and under 8 years, but must not have reached the birth date of 8. Completing an ET is open to Rottweilers on the Main or Limited Register, as well as Associate dogs.
Completing an ET is an incredibly rewarding experience for both dog and owner – one that you and your dog can be extremely proud of and which has so many benefits!
It’s a 20km run for the dog, the handler can run or bike. Its completed at 10km/hr in 3 stages: 8km, 6km and 6km with 15min and 20min breaks.
There is a willingness test for the dogs prior to and at the end of the 20km – they must ‘want’ to work.
There is a vet check before, at each break and at the end of the 20km. Vets check heart rate, temperature and condition of the dogs foot pads.
Why should I consider doing it with my dog?
The Endurance Test challenges a dogs fitness levels as well as their willingness or desire to work.
Completing an ET with your dog is a fantastic accomplishment where months of hard work come to fruition and you feel a sense of pride in what you and your dog can achieve together!
