Breed Standard

The Rottweiler Breed Standard

F.C.I. Standard No. 147 (24.07.2018/ EN)
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE ORIGINAL VALID STANDARD: 15.06.2018.

ORIGIN: Germany
TRANSLATED BY: Mrs C. Seidler. Revised by Peter Friedrich
UTILIZATION: Companion, service and working dog.

CLASSIFICATION FCI Group 2 (Pinscher and Schnauzer type, Molossian type and
Swiss Mountain- and Cattle Dogs and other breeds)
Section 2.1 Molossian type, Mastiff type
With working trial.

BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY

The Rottweiler is considered to be one of the oldest dog breeds. 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 free city 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, service, rescue 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, agility and endurance.

IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS

The length of the body, measured from the point of the sternum (breast bone) to the ischiatic tuberosity, should not exceed the height at the withers by, at most, 15%.

BEHAVIOUR/TEMPERAMENT

The Rottweiler is good natured, placid in basic disposition, 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 and at the same time even tempered.


HEAD 

Cranial Region

Facial Region


NECK

Strong, of fair length, well muscled, slightly arched, free from throatiness, without dewlap.


BODY

TAIL

In natural condition, strong, level in extension of the upper line; while paying attention, when excited or while moving it can be carried upward in a light curve; at ease may be hanging. While positioned along the leg, the tail reaches approximately to the hocks or is a bit longer.


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, stands straight. The slope of the shoulder blade is about 45 degrees to the horizontal.

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.


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

COAT

SIZE AND WEIGHT

Height at withers

For Males is : 61-68 cm.
61 – 62 cm is small
63 – 64 cm is medium height
65 – 66 cm is large – correct height
67-68 cm is very large
Weight is approximately 50 kg

Height at withers for bitches: is 56-63 cm
56 – 57 cm is small
58 – 59 cm is medium height
60 – 61 cm is large – correct height
62 – 63 cm is very large
Weight is approximately 42 kg


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.


SEVERE FAULTS

DISQUALIFYING FAULTS

Note: Males must have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
Only functionally and clinically healthy dogs, with breed typical conformation, should be used for breeding.

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