German or American?
Here is the Answer!
Here is the Answer!
This is, without a doubt, one of the most-common questions we get at SpoiledRottenweilers©.
I usually just say “American” & leave it at that, but I do realize that some of you may truly want more information, & may or may not be sure of the differences. So, I pieced this together from trusted sources to provide more information to those who REALLY want to know.
Breed standards, as judged by the kennel club guidelines are available, in depth, here- (Rottweiler Owner's Guide (outside source, purchase required). I personally do not own this guide, and provide the link as a courtesy – since they are the source of some of my information.
I usually just say “American” & leave it at that, but I do realize that some of you may truly want more information, & may or may not be sure of the differences. So, I pieced this together from trusted sources to provide more information to those who REALLY want to know.
Breed standards, as judged by the kennel club guidelines are available, in depth, here- (Rottweiler Owner's Guide (outside source, purchase required). I personally do not own this guide, and provide the link as a courtesy – since they are the source of some of my information.
The Rottweiler breed is from Germany, and originally Rome, so what determines/defines an American Rottweiler? How can you tell whether your own Rottie is German or American?
There are some (slight) differences between the two- read on to learn more.
Rottweiler origin is a common source of question & even argument. Some ‘experts’ base determination on hair length, coloration, head and/or chest size, body and/or leg length, etc… but who is right? Where does the “correct & expert” opinion come from? To provide the answer, let’s dig a little deeper, shall we?
The German Rottweiler
Research & observation have led me to the following standards for consideration…
Simplicity first – a German Rottweiler is defined as German for being born in Germany. If your Rottweiler‘s official place of birth was Germany, then your Rottweiler is defined as a German Rottweiler.
However, the German Rottweiler is not so easily defined. The Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler-Klub (ADRK) does have specific, strict standards for the breed.
The ADRK includes a temperament specification; requiring that “their” Rottweiler’s are “well-suited in assisting their human companions”. This includes a strict standard guideline that the rotties possess a mild and calm personality & sharp mind. The ADRK wants their Rottweiler to be compatible for use as:
- Companion dogs
- Guide dogs for the blind and or disabled
- Security dogs
- Working dogs
- Family dogs
Additionally, a major difference is that the ADRK has a very strict no docking rule. They will not even consider recognizing a Rottweiler as ADRK if they have a docked tail.
Tail docking, or intentionally removing the animal’s tail, is still fairly common in the U.S. – but has been banned in the U.K. since 2007.
The American Rottweiler
The American Rottweiler is a loosely defined as a Rottweiler that was born in America, not in Germany.
There are many similar characteristics between the two. The main differences seem to be what the American Kennel Club (AKC) standard requirements are - as opposed to those of the ADRK. The AKC does allow tail docking, where the ADRK does not.
So, Is My Rottweiler German or American?
As you can see, there is very little difference between the German & American Rottweiler. Most of the differences are based on standards defined by the AKC and ARDK & their values and ideas as to what should be recognized as a Rottweiler.
The ADRK is primarily concerned with:
- Temperament
- Size/Weight
- Intact Tail (NO DOCKING)
The American Kennel Club allows for less-stringent size/weight requirement & accepts the docked tail as a ‘signature’ of the Rottweiler breed.
Unless the guidelines of these organizations is of vital importance to you, you can define your Rottweiler as German or American is simply by where they were born.
So – FINAL ANSWER:
If your Rottweiler was born in Germany, then they are indeed a German Rottweiler. If they were born in America, they are an American Rottweiler. Regardless of where your Rottweiler’s origins lie, there is a common thread you can be proud of – when bred & raised in a healthy, loving, environment, they are a hardy, intelligent, & loyal breed with a sweet disposition & when well-bred will provide you with a faithful friend, companion, & protector.
So – FINAL ANSWER:
If your Rottweiler was born in Germany, then they are indeed a German Rottweiler. If they were born in America, they are an American Rottweiler. Regardless of where your Rottweiler’s origins lie, there is a common thread you can be proud of – when bred & raised in a healthy, loving, environment, they are a hardy, intelligent, & loyal breed with a sweet disposition & when well-bred will provide you with a faithful friend, companion, & protector.
Regarding Registration (Our Own Reasons)
Just a side-note, when we first got involved in raising Rottweiler’s, I was under the impression that the “German Rottweiler” was longer-haired - like the one on the right in the following photo:
Just a side-note, when we first got involved in raising Rottweiler’s, I was under the impression that the “German Rottweiler” was longer-haired - like the one on the right in the following photo:
My misconception was incorrect, and came solely from the fact that when the AKC decided on breed restrictions, they decided that the long haired and rough haired Rottweiler does not “meet breed standards”. So, in my ignorance, if it wasn’t acceptable by AKC standards, it must be German – as I said, an incorrect assumption.
Additionally, I was shocked and disgusted to learn that many long haired Rottweiler puppies are euthanized! Why?? – simply because they do not meet Kennel Club standards for the breed!!
Fortunately, there are breeders who, instead of cruelly putting these ‘different-looking’ Rottweiler’s to an undeserved death, opt to separate them and sell them as ‘pet-quality’ instead of ‘show-quality’ dogs. The long haired Rottie are a very healthy breed of dog, much like the regular shorter, smoother haired version you normally see. There does not appear to be any specific diseases or genetic problems that come along with having long hair. So you don’t need to worry about any extra health issues if you are planning on including a long haired Rottweiler into your family. Additionally, the long-haired version is a rarity. Even if you bred two long-haired Rotties, odds are slim that you would see more than one or two long-haired offspring in the entire litter!
Additionally, I was shocked and disgusted to learn that many long haired Rottweiler puppies are euthanized! Why?? – simply because they do not meet Kennel Club standards for the breed!!
Fortunately, there are breeders who, instead of cruelly putting these ‘different-looking’ Rottweiler’s to an undeserved death, opt to separate them and sell them as ‘pet-quality’ instead of ‘show-quality’ dogs. The long haired Rottie are a very healthy breed of dog, much like the regular shorter, smoother haired version you normally see. There does not appear to be any specific diseases or genetic problems that come along with having long hair. So you don’t need to worry about any extra health issues if you are planning on including a long haired Rottweiler into your family. Additionally, the long-haired version is a rarity. Even if you bred two long-haired Rotties, odds are slim that you would see more than one or two long-haired offspring in the entire litter!
When asked about whether our SpoiledRottenweilers© are ‘registered’ or ‘have papers’ – my stock response is simply that we do not do so because “We sell Pets, not Papers”. It is because of guidelines as mentioned above that I refuse to endorse or support the Kennel Clubs. We guarantee our puppies are always pure-bred, and 100% Rottweiler.
Thanks to:
RottweilerHQ &
Rottweiler Owners Guide - for their invaluable assistance in the creation of this article.
Rottweiler Owners Guide - for their invaluable assistance in the creation of this article.
