› The ANKC («Australian») Rottweiler Standard.

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Page 1 |  Page 2  Translated by Mr. Chris Seidler   Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC) rottweiler the anks breed standard Working Group Adopted in Australia 1st January 1994 Amended May 2001 Country of Origin Germany Brief historical summary The Rottweiler is considered to be one of the oldest breeds of dog. it's origin goes back to Roman times. These dogs were kept as herder or driving dogs. They marched over the Alps with the Roman legions, protecting the humans and driving their cattle. In the region of Rottweil, these dogs met and mixed with the native dogs in a natural crossing. The main task of the Rottweiler now became the driving and guarding of the herds of cattle and the defence of their masters and their property. This breed acquired it's name from the old free city of Rottweil, and became known as the «Rottweil butcher's dog». The butchers bred this type of dog purely for performance and usefulness. In due course, a first rate watch and driving dog evolved which could be used as a draught dog. When, at the beginning of the twentieth century, various breeds were needed for police service, the Rottweiler was amongst those tested. It soon became evident that the breed was highly suitable for the tasks set by the police service and therefore they were officially recognised as police dogs in 1910. General Appearance The Rottweiler is a medium to large size, stalwart dog, neither heavy nor light and neither leggy or weedy. His correctly proportioned, compact and powerful build leads to the conclusion of great strength, agility and endurance. Important Proportions The length of the body measured from the point of the sternum (breast-bone) to the ischiatic tuberosity, should not exceed the height at the withers by, at the most, 15%. Characteristic Rottweiler breeders aim at a dog of abundant strength, black coated with clearly defined rich tan markings, whose powerful appearance does not lack nobility and which is exceptionally well suited to being a Companion, Service and Working dog. Temperament Behaviour and character. Being good natured, placid in basic disposition and fond of children, he is very devoted, obedient, biddable and eager to work. His appearance is natural and rustic, his behaviour self assured, steady and fearless. He reacts to his surroundings with great alertness. — HEAD AND SKULL — Cranial Region: Cranial Region: Of medium length, the skull broad between the ears. Forehead line moderately arched as seen from the side. Occipital bone well developed without being conspicuous. Stop: Well defined. Facial Region: Nose: Well developed, more broad than round with relatively large nostrils, always black. Muzzle: The foreface should appear neither elongated nor shortened in relation to the cranial region. Straight nasal bridge, broad at base, moderately tapered. Lips: Black, close fitting, corner of mouth not visible, gums as dark as possible. Jaw: Upper and lower jaw strong and broad. Cheeks: Zygomatic arches pronounced. Skin: Skin on the head overall is tight fitting. When the dog is alert, the forehead may be slightly wrinkled. Eyes Of medium size, almond shaped, dark brown in colour. Eyelids close fitting. Ears Medium size, pendant, triangular, wide apart, set on high. With the ears laid forward close to the head, the skull appears to be broadened. Mouth Teeth strong, complete dentition (42 teeth) with scissor bite, the upper incisors closely overlapping the lower incisors. Neck Strong, of fair length, well muscled, slightly arched, clean, free from throatiness, without dewlap. — FOREQUARTERS — Seen from the front, the front legs are straight and not placed too closely to each other. The forearm seen from the side, stands straight and vertical. The slope of the shoulder blade is about 45 degrees to the horizontal. Shoulders: Well laid back. Upper Arm: Close fitting to the body. Forearm: Strongly developed and muscular. Pasterns: Slightly springy, strong , not steep. — BODY — Back: Straight, strong, firm. Loin: Short, strong and deep. Croup: Broad, of medium length, slightly rounded. Neither flat nor falling away. Chest: Roomy, broad and deep (approximately 50% of the shoulder height) with well developed fore-chest and well sprung ribs. Belly: Flanks not tucked up. — HINDQUARTERS — Seen from behind, legs straight and not too close together. When standing free, obtuse angles are formed between the dog’s upper thigh and the hip bone, the upper thigh and the lower thigh and the lower thigh and the rear pastern (metartasal). Upper Thigh: Moderately long, broad and strongly muscled. Lower Thigh: Long, strong, broadly muscled at top and sinewy. Hocks: Sturdy, well angulated, not steep. — FEET — Front: Round, tight and well arched; pads hard, nails short, black and strong. Hind: Slightly longer than the front feet. Toes strong and arched, as tight as front feet.   Page 1 |  Page 2