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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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Tags: Dogs

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