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Written by Sharon Davies
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Thursday, 05 June 2008 |
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Basically a German Rottweiler is a dog that is born in Germany while an American Rottweiler is a dog that is born in the United States. Although there are not very many differences between the two forms of Rottweiler, one of the biggest differences is that all German Rottweilers born after June 1998 have tails. However, don't be fooled by backyard breeders who claim the size, heads, bone and temperament of Rottweilers are different between the German and American breeds. Rather the breed standards between the two breeds are nearly identical aside from the tail.
by SharonDavies
Basically a German Rottweiler is a dog that is born in Germany while an American Rottweiler is a dog that is born in the United States. Although there are not very many differences between the two forms of Rottweiler, one of the biggest differences is that all German Rottweilers born after June 1998 have tails. However, don't be fooled by backyard breeders who claim the size, heads, bone and temperament of Rottweilers are different between the German and American breeds. Rather the breed standards between the two breeds are nearly identical aside from the tail.
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 a litter can be registered with the American Kennel Club if two purebred dogs are bred. Although in Germany two breeding dogs can only be approved by the breed warden. The breed warden personally oversees and approves all litters and is a representative of the national Rottweiler club, known as the ADRK (the official German kennel club). A litter cannot be registered if it doesn't have the warden's approval. When a puppy reaches eight weeks of age they are tattooed with a number that is used to track them throughout their life.
In order for a German Rottweiler to be bred they must meet specific criteria. Included in these criteria is an obedience test, hip and elbow clearances, a conformation evaluation that includes weights, measurements and proportions and a written evaluation by an ADRK judge and a temperament test.
If a dog is still bred after they fail a test then their offspring can never be registered. An annual book contains the information of every dog along with the ADRK database which records all registered Rottweilers in Germany from the point or birth until death.
Whether trying to breed a German Rottweiler or an American Rottweiler a top quality dog is always a unique balance of genetics, pedigrees, knowledge, experience and a little bit of trial and error. The biggest difference between the American and German Rottweiler is how each individual person handles their breeding program.
Breeders will often focus their litters on a specific area such as working ability, soundness and genetic health, temperament and finally structure and type. Although the best breeder you can find is one that tries to breed all of these qualities in their dogs.
Many breeders will claim to have German Rottweilers but they are actually just backyard breeders. This is why you always want to ask to see a breeders' certification and then check it before you adopt a dog from any breeder. Make sure you read the breeders code of ethics carefully before purchasing a dog from any breeder. This way you can be sure you are getting your dog from a reputable breeder and not a backyard breeder.
About the Author:
About the author: Sharon Davies is an avid lover of the Rottweiler and has a popular website that can teach you how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Rottweiler. Among other topics at this website, you can also learn all about Rottweiler types plus a whole lot more. |
