Judging the Rottweiler

by Dan Johnson

A guide to for Judges judging Rottweilers in the all breeds arena.

Introduction

	When judging our goal is to reward the complete Rottweiler. One of type, sturdy and correct in body and temperament. One which is undeniably a Rottweiler.
	When you think of the 'typical' Rottweiler, you not only picture body and head, you picture movement and character.
	Study the Standard (the blue-print or specifications for the breed), history and function and take every opportunity to study the Rottwieler at work, at home and in the conformation ring.

History

The Rottweiler descends from a line of powerful dogs that drove and guarded the cattle of the Roman Army as it traversed Europe. In Rottweil, Germany, this mastiff-type dog was crossed with local herding dogs and was bred specifically as the "butcher's dog of Rottweil." The dog would accompany and guard the butcher on the way to cattle sales, carrying his money en route; he would then drive the purchased beef-on-the-hoof home. The breed suffered greatly with the advent of modern transportation and nearly disappeared. Early this century few dogs and no breed standard existed. With the development of canine police service, however, Rottweilers gained popularity as guards and police assistants. These jobs rescued them from near extinction. Having proved invaluable in the war, they are now often used as therapy, guide, police, drug detection, search and rescue, and companion dogs.

Breed Type

	Medium in all respects.
	Robust, Powerful, Agile.
	Calm and Stable.
	Proportions over height.
	Balanced front and rear angulation.
	Clean powerful neck flows into a strong wither and level topline.
	Croup only slightly sloping.
	Straight tight feet.
	Straight, thick, flat, somehwta course double coat.
	Base colour black with mahogony markings.

Dog 24-26 3/4" - 50 kg

Bitch 22-25" - 42 kg

Marked reversal of sexual type is a serious fault

Gait

	The Rottweiler trots with a powerful, purposeful, yet economical gait. No wasted energy.
	When gaiting the head lowers with the chin in line with the topline which holds firm.
	The gait is best viewed at a slow trot.
	Rear feet will track behind the front.
	Will tend to single track at speed.

Head

	Slightly domed dry skull.
	Slight wrinkle when alert .
	Ears lay against cheeks.
	Zygomatic arch developed.
	Eyes dark brown, almond shaped.
	Well defined stop.
	Broad strong muzzle slightly tapering, strong underjaw.
	2:3 - Muzzle:Skull.
	Lips and gums dark.

The Rottweiler is not a “head breed”! The head is an integral part, but judge for the complete Rottweiler.

Dentition

	Where possible get the handler to show the teeth.
	Scissor Bite.
	42 correctly placed teeth.
	Do not just look for gaps.
	Note mouth pigmentation.

Remember that faults of dentition are of structure, not cosmetic. Treat a missing tooth as seriously as you would an undershot bite.

Prerequisites/Essentials

We have discarded the unsound dogs so it is now our job to select the best Rottweiler. Let’s start with the tip of the nose and list those points that make a Rottweiler a Rottweiler! Remember medium in all aspects.

	Zygomatic Arch.
	Stop.
	Topline.
	Balance.
	Bone and Substance.
	Economical Gait.
	Attitude.
	Gender.

Non-Essentials!

The following items are either not mentioned in the standard or are insignificant in the scheme of things and as such should not figure in the decision making process:

	looking up at the handler the best.
	the most attentive.
	standing the stillest.
	fastest trotter.
	the dew claws left on.
	tail cropped a bit long.
	One slightly turned out foot etc etc etc.

That is not unless you have two that are inseparable in every other way!

On Screen Judging

Place then in order from 1st to 4th.

Dog C is long in body but not long in loin. He is my choice for first place.
Looking at the whole dog, my choice for Second Place is short-legged Dog B.
I award Third to Dog A.
Fourth Place to Dog D.

Place then in order from 1st to 4th.

First place is awarded to Dog G.
Second place to heavy Dog F.
Third place to long legged Dog E.
Fourth Place to interesting Dog H.

We have Judged the Rottweiler! Unless he/she belies the structure and is lame or has missing teeth etc. you have your placings. No handlers required!

Faults

	Forehead too pronounced.
	Muzzle too long.
	Ears set too low.
	Neck lacks fullness, strength & arch.
	Skin loose at junction of neck & withers.
	Shoulders steep.
	Upper arm equally steep.
	hides forechest.
	Rear higher than withers.
	Steep hind leg lacking angulation at stifle & hock .
	Tail incorrectly set on high .

Any fool can pick the faults!

Attributes

	Very good breed type.
	Excellent bone strength with well developed muscle.
	Very good head, with correct proportions, correct stop, ear placement and muzzle strength.
	Strong well carried neck.
	String wither with excellent topline and underline.
	9:10 Proportions.
	1:1 Chest depth to leg length .
	Very good and balanced front and rear angulation.
	Correct tail set.

You cannot learn to recognise virtue by studying faults. You must fill your eye and mind with the image of the ideal. (Joan Klem)

Correct Approach

Approach in a deliberate and confident manner from a slight angle .
Talk to the handler before touching the dog.
Cup the chin in your left hand to assess head type: ear set, eyes, proportions and expression, do not stare into the eyes.
Ask the handler to show the teeth (where possible).
Examine the body and testicles confidently with gentle firm hands.

You do not have to touch the Rottweiler to Judge one. This is a guide for those all-rounder shows where it is expected that you must 'go over' every dog.

Dos

	Do ask Stewards to wait until the Class leaves the ring before assembling the next Class in the ring.
	Do ask the handlers to keep their space.
	Do ask handlers to gait their dogs on a loose lead at a steady pace.
	Do respect the character of the breed.
	Do ask the handler to show the teeth (where possible).

Don'ts

	Don’t be a hero. If you feel a Rottweiler cannot be examined safely, excuse him.
	If you are going over a Rott and he/she starts growling and/or backing away you are unlikely to place it so rather than push it ask them to leave.
	Don’t over-examine a Rottweiler.
	Don’t grab head, ears, push on the back, try to move legs or kneel down in front of a Rottweiler.
	Don’t reposition or stack the dog for the handler.

DON’T JUDGE ROTTWEILERS UNTIL YOU FEEL COMPLETELY COMFORTABLE WITH THE BREED.

Summary

	Respect the Standard.
	Judge for the complete Rottweiler.
	The Rottweiler is medium in all respects.
	Purposeful, but economical gait is paramount and best judged at a slow trot.
	Structural considerations should take priority over cosmetics.
	Be confident and use firm gentle hands and do not over-handle.

DON’T JUDGE ROTTWEILERS UNTIL YOU FEEL COMPLETELY COMFORTABLE WITH THE BREED.

Picture Gallery

On Screen Judging by Robert Cole