A standard has been developed for all breeds of dog recognized by the kennel club for the uk. This standard provides a guideline for breeders and judges in terms of conformation, character, coat, and it also describes the way the dog should move. When a dog is judged at a show, it is the individual who conforms as closely as possible to the breed standard that will win.
Breed Standard.
General Appearance.
The Rottweiler is a powerful, noble- looking dog. Above average size. Correctly proportioned, compact and powerful form, permitting great strength, endurance and agility.
Characteristics.
Appearance displays boldness and courage. Self- assured and fearless. Calm gaze should indicate good humor.
Temperament.
Good natured, not nervous, aggressive or vicious. A well breed rottweiler will be confidant and self- assured. The breed has natural guarding instincts.
Head.
The medium length head is broad between ears.
The eyes are dark and almond- shaped. Light eye undesirable, eye lids close fitting.
The Ears are triangular, and set wide apart. Small in proportion rather than large.
The lips are dark and firm. Cheeks well boned and muscled. Skin on head not loose, although it may form a moderate wrinkle when attentive.
The muzzle should be fairly deep with topline level. The teeth meet in a scissor bite, where the upper teeth closely overlap the lower teeth.
Forequarters.
The neck is strong and muscular, and is slightly arched. The shoulders are long and sloping , and well-laid back. The legs are straight and musclar.
Body.
The Chest is broad and deep with well sprung ribs.
Back is strong and straight, and is slightly longer then the height of the dog.
Loins short, strong and deep.
Flanks not tucked up.
Croup of proportionate length, and broad, very slightly sloping.
Hindquarters.
The upper and lower thighs are strong and muscular.
Stifles fairly well bent.
Hocks well angulated without exaggeration, metatarsals not completely vertical. Strength and soundness of hock desirable.
Feet.
Strong, round and compact with toes well arched. Hind feet longer then front feet. Pads very hard, toenails short, dark and strong. Rear dew claws removed. Black pencil lines on toes highly desirable.
Tail.
Docked.
Docked at first joint, strong and not set too low. Normally carried horizontally but slightly above horizontally when dog is alert.
Undocked: Strong and not set too low. Normally carried horizontally but slightly above horizontal when dog is alert. May hang when dog is at rest.
Movement.
The rottweiler should cover the ground effortlessly, showing an impression of supple strength, endurance and purpose. While back remains firm and stable there is a powerful hind thrust and good stride.
Coat.
Consists of top coat and undercoat. Top coat is of medium length, course and flat. Undercoat, essential on the neck and thighs, should not show through top of coat.
Color.
Black with clearly defined markings as follows: a spot over each eye, on cheeks, as a strip around each side of muzzle, but not on bridge of nose, on throat, two clear triangles on either side of the breast bone, on forelegs from carpus downward to toes, on inside of rear legs from hock to toes, but not completely eliminating black from back of legs, under tail. Colour of markings from rich tan to mahogany and should not exceed 10 per cent of body colour. White marking is highly undesirable. Black pencil markings on toes are desirable. Undercoat is grey, fawn, or black.
Size.
Dogs height at shoulder: between 63-69 cms (25-27 ins); bitches between 58-64 cms (23-25 ins). Height should always be considered in relation to general appearance.
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 and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.
Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
General Appearance.
The Rottweiler is a powerful, noble- looking dog. Above average size. Correctly proportioned, compact and powerful form, permitting great strength, endurance and agility.
Characteristics.
Appearance displays boldness and courage. Self- assured and fearless. Calm gaze should indicate good humor.
Temperament.
Good natured, not nervous, aggressive or vicious. A well breed rottweiler will be confidant and self- assured. The breed has natural guarding instincts.
Head.
The medium length head is broad between ears.
The eyes are dark and almond- shaped. Light eye undesirable, eye lids close fitting.
The Ears are triangular, and set wide apart. Small in proportion rather than large.
The lips are dark and firm. Cheeks well boned and muscled. Skin on head not loose, although it may form a moderate wrinkle when attentive.
The muzzle should be fairly deep with topline level. The teeth meet in a scissor bite, where the upper teeth closely overlap the lower teeth.
Forequarters.
The neck is strong and muscular, and is slightly arched. The shoulders are long and sloping , and well-laid back. The legs are straight and musclar.
Body.
The Chest is broad and deep with well sprung ribs.
Back is strong and straight, and is slightly longer then the height of the dog.
Loins short, strong and deep.
Flanks not tucked up.
Croup of proportionate length, and broad, very slightly sloping.
Hindquarters.
The upper and lower thighs are strong and muscular.
Stifles fairly well bent.
Hocks well angulated without exaggeration, metatarsals not completely vertical. Strength and soundness of hock desirable.
Feet.
Strong, round and compact with toes well arched. Hind feet longer then front feet. Pads very hard, toenails short, dark and strong. Rear dew claws removed. Black pencil lines on toes highly desirable.
Tail.
Docked.
Docked at first joint, strong and not set too low. Normally carried horizontally but slightly above horizontally when dog is alert.
Undocked: Strong and not set too low. Normally carried horizontally but slightly above horizontal when dog is alert. May hang when dog is at rest.
Movement.
The rottweiler should cover the ground effortlessly, showing an impression of supple strength, endurance and purpose. While back remains firm and stable there is a powerful hind thrust and good stride.
Coat.
Consists of top coat and undercoat. Top coat is of medium length, course and flat. Undercoat, essential on the neck and thighs, should not show through top of coat.
Color.
Black with clearly defined markings as follows: a spot over each eye, on cheeks, as a strip around each side of muzzle, but not on bridge of nose, on throat, two clear triangles on either side of the breast bone, on forelegs from carpus downward to toes, on inside of rear legs from hock to toes, but not completely eliminating black from back of legs, under tail. Colour of markings from rich tan to mahogany and should not exceed 10 per cent of body colour. White marking is highly undesirable. Black pencil markings on toes are desirable. Undercoat is grey, fawn, or black.
Size.
Dogs height at shoulder: between 63-69 cms (25-27 ins); bitches between 58-64 cms (23-25 ins). Height should always be considered in relation to general appearance.
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 and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.
Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.