German Rottweiler
Description of the German Rottweiler
By Sharon Davies
A German Rottweiler is simply a dog that is born in Germany while the American Rottweiler is born in the United States. But the two forms of Rottweiler’s do have a few big differences. After June 1998 the biggest difference between the German Rottweiler and the American Rottweiler is that the German Rottweiler has a tail. However, the two breeds are nearly identical in standard aside from the tail. So don’t be fooled by a backyard breeder who tries to claim that the size, heads, bone and temperament of Rottweilers are different between the German and American breeds.

Photo: vomhamblin.com
The modern Rottweiler breed originally started in Germany, which came from an old breed of Roman drover dogs. Many US bred dogs are imported from Germany and today many of the Rottweilers are still bred in Germany. The biggest difference between the two forms of Rottweilers is the method of registration, tracking and breeding. However, there isn’t much of a difference when it comes to the dog’s appearance.
In the United States two purebred dogs can be bred and the litter registered with the American Kennel Club. However, in Germany only the breed warden can approve the breeding of two dogs. This breed warden is a representative of the national Rottweiler club known as ADRK (the official German kennel club), which personally oversees and approves litters. A litter cannot be registered without the warden’s approval. At eight weeks of age every puppy is tattooed with a number that is then used to track the dog throughout his or her life.
In order for a German Rottweiler to be bred they need to meet specific criteria. This includes an obedience title, hip and elbow clearances, a conformation evaluation that includes weights, measurements and proportions, a written evaluation by an ADRK judge and a temperament test. If a dog fails a test and is still bred then their offspring can never be registered. And all information is kept within an annual book along with the ADRK database. The database keeps track of all registered Rottweilers in German from birth to death.
Although whether the dog is German Rottweiler or an American Rottweiler getting a top quality dog is always a balance of genetics, pedigrees, knowledge, experience and little bit of trial and error. What really makes the difference between the American and German Rottweiler is the individual person’s breeding program. There are some breeders that focus on dogs for working ability, some for soundness and genetic health, some for temperament and yet other for structure and type. Although the best breeders to look for are those who try to breed for all of these qualities, they are not always successful.
There are a lot of breeders who claim to have German Rottweilers when in reality they are backyard breeders. This is why it is always important to ask to see certification and then check that certification before you adopt any dog from a breeder. Always consider the breeders code of ethics and makes sure you are getting a dog from a reputable breeder and not a backyard breeder.
Sharon Davies is extremely knowledgeable on the difference between Rottweiler types. To accurately see the difference between German and American Rottweiler types you should look at Rottweiler pictures. Getting Rottweiler information can help you determine which type is right for you.















