Deciding On A German Rottweiler

Simply put a German Rottweiler is a dog that is born in Germany while the American Rottweiler is born in the United States. However, there are a few big differences between the two forms of Rottweiler's. The biggest difference with the German Rottweiler is the fact that any dog born after June 1998 has a tail. Aside from the tail the breed standards between the two breeds are nearly identical so don't be fooled by backyard breeders who claim the size, heads, bone and temperament of Rottweilers is different between the German and American breeds.

The German Rottweiler comes from the old breed of Roman drover dogs and the modern Rottweiler breed originally started in Germany. Today many of the Rottweilers are still bred in Germany and many U.S. bred dogs are imported from Germany. The method of registration, tracking and breeding is the biggest difference between the two forms of Rottweilers. When it comes to appearance there isn't much difference.

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. Compare Rottweiler types in order to accurately see the differences between German and American Rottweilers. Look up Rottweiler information in order to help you determine which type is right for you.