Rottweiler (Breed Standard Template)

Breed:

Rottweiler

General Appearance

("medium-large, robust and powerful dog" + "black with clearly defined rust markings" + "compact and substantial build denotes strength, agility, endurance" + "dogs more massive with heavier bone than bitches" + "bitches feminine but without weakness" + "above average sized dog, natural or docked tail" + "small pendant ears" + "powerfully built, impression of strength and endurance" + "noble, alert, self-assured expression")

Size, Proportion, Substance

("dogs 24–27 inches" + "bitches 22–25 inches" + "preferred mid-range size" + "body length slightly longer than height" + "ideal ratio height to length 9:10" + "depth of chest about 50% of height" + "neither coarse nor shelly" + "bone and muscle mass sufficient for compact, powerful look" + "dogs under/oversized or out of proportion faulted")

Head

("medium length, broad between ears" + "forehead moderately arched, some wrinkling alert" + "stop well developed, ratio backskull to muzzle 3:2" + "skull broad, zygomatic arches pronounced" + "muzzle straight, broad base, tapers slightly, deep with chin" + "nose broad, always black" + "lips black, firm, corners closed, pigment dark" + "eyes almond-shaped, dark brown, medium size, moderately deep set" + "ears medium, triangular pendant, set high, lying flat against cheeks" + "teeth 42, strong, full, scissors bite")

Neck, Topline, Body

("neck powerful, well-muscled, moderately long, slightly arched" + "without loose skin" + "topline firm, level from withers to croup" + "back strong, straight, not too long" + "chest roomy, broad, deep, reaches elbow, with forechest" + "ribs well sprung, oval" + "loin short, deep, well-muscled" + "croup broad, medium length, slightly sloping or rounded" + "underline slight tuck-up in mature dogs" + "tail natural or docked, continuation of topline, carried level or slightly above when excited")

Forequarters

("shoulder blades long, well laid back" + "upper arm equal length to shoulder blade" + "elbows close to body, well under withers" + "distance withers to elbow equals elbow to ground" + "forelegs strong, straight, muscular, set apart" + "pasterns strong, springy, nearly perpendicular" + "feet round, compact, well-arched toes" + "pads thick, hard" + "nails short, strong, black" + "dewclaws may be removed")

Hindquarters

("hind angulation balanced with forequarters" + "upper thigh fairly long, broad, very muscular" + "stifles well bent" + "lower thigh long, broad, powerful, muscular" + "hocks sturdy, well let down, nearly perpendicular" + "rear pasterns strong" + "hind legs straight, wide enough to fit body" + "hind feet somewhat longer than front, compact, arched toes" + "pads thick and hard" + "dewclaws must be removed")

Coat

("outer coat straight, coarse, dense, medium length, flat lying" + "undercoat present on neck and thighs, not showing through" + "shortest on head, ears, legs" + "longest on breechings" + "always natural, no trimming" + "fault: wavy coat" + "serious faults: open, excessively short, or curly coat; total lack of undercoat; trimming altering coat" + "disqualification: long coat")

Color

("always black with rust to mahogany markings" + "markings clearly defined, precise locations on face, chest, legs, under tail" + "undercoat gray, tan, or black" + "markings not exceeding 10% body color" + "serious faults: straw-colored, excessive, insufficient, sooty markings, wrong placement, white marking anywhere" + "disqualification: base color other than black, absence of markings" + "serious fault: albinism")

Gait

("natural gait is a trot" + "movement balanced, harmonious, powerful" + "strong forereach and powerful rear drive" + "back firm, level, stable while moving" + "motion efficient, ground-covering, effortless" + "legs thrown neither in nor out" + "hind feet touch front footprints" + "at speed legs converge toward center line" + "movement conveys endurance, purpose, suppleness")

Temperament

("calm, confident, courageous" + "self-assured, aloof, not indiscriminate with strangers" + "brave, faithful, good guard dog" + "devoted, obedient, fond of children" + "protective of home and family" + "intelligent, adaptable, willing to work" + "aloofness or reserve acceptable" + "aggressiveness toward dogs not faulted" + "shy dogs excused, unsafe dogs disqualified")