Differences Between American Rottweiler and German Rottweiler
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Among the most notable differences between American Rottweiler and German Rottweiler is the shape of their head and muzzle stand out.
If you love Rottweilers and have doubts about the differences between an American Rottweiler and a German Rottweiler, this article is for you. We must begin by specifying that this is a dog originating from Germany, but of Roman descent and that this dog was trained for many years to be a sheep herder.
According to the International Cynological Federation (FCI), it is one of the oldest breeds. His name comes from the ancient town of Rottweil. His rugged and imposing appearance led him to be one of the dogs tested for police service, and in 1910 he was officially named a police dog.
In the following lines, we present a brief overview of the general characteristics of the Rottweiler, as well as the differences between the German Rottweiler and the American Rottweiler. You will see that it is not so difficult to tell them apart.
How is the physical characteristics of the Rottweiler?
The Rottweiler is considered a large dog. He is sturdy and looks powerful, so he has long been bred as a guard animal. In terms of character, this breed is characterized by devotion, obedience, docility, effort, and affability.
Moreover, he is a brave dog. Although he is considered to be a potentially dangerous dog (PPP), aggression is not typical behavior of this breed and therefore depends on how each dog is trained.
His stocky appearance does not hinder his agility in any way. He is also a breed that can start training and exercise from the puppy stage, as he is a resistant, agile and energetic dog. Mental stimulation should not be neglected, and it is possible to learn different tricks, as they are very intelligent.
Considering that the Rottweiler is one of the breeds prone to obesity, according to studies, it is necessary to take care of his diet, which must be of excellent quality, whether commercial or homemade. In addition to maintaining a healthy weight, a good diet helps keep the dog in peak physical condition.
Are the differences between the American Rottweiler and the German Rottweiler accepted everywhere?
In Germany, a dog that does not meet club standards will not be recognized as a pure Rottweiler due to the lack of control in the breeding process. In this sense, for strict breeders, there are no official differences between the American Rottweiler and the German Rottweiler or any other country.
A Rottweiler must have the same standardized characteristics regardless of the country in which it is raised.
Varieties with rare characteristics that some breeders offer for large sums of money (such as the long-haired, albino, or blue-eyed Rottweiler) are not recognized as part of this breed. You will understand the standard is very fixed, and drastic variations are not allowed.
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What is the differences between an American Rottweiler and a German Rottweiler?
Now that you know more about the Rottweiler breed, it's time to talk about the differences between the American and German Rottweiler. Although, at first glance, they look alike, there are some aspects that you need to consider when adopting a dog of this breed.
- Country of birth
The first of the differences between the American Rottweiler and the German Rottweiler is their origin. At this point, it must be emphasized that the Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler Klub (ADRK) is the organization responsible for preserving the purity of this breed and that the standards are very demanding.
In Germany, mating is only allowed between parents who have an approved family tree and meet all the conditions, thus avoiding unnecessary breed variations. The breeding parameters established by the ADRK must be respected in all countries where this dog is bred.
In theory, if outside of Germany this type of dog is bred according to the standards of the organization, there should be no distinction between the lines. Only, that is not always the case. So let’s see what the differences are between the German Rottweiler and the American Rottweiler.
- Height and weight
If you compare a German Rottweiler to an American Rottweiler, you will likely notice differences in height and weight. The American may be thinner than the German and have longer legs.
The American Rottweiler measures between 68 and 69 centimeters and weigh up to 80 kilograms when fully grown if well-fed and not overweight. For its part, the German Rottweiler measures between 61 and 68 centimeters and ideally weigh 50 kilograms.
It must be taken into account that there are in turn, differences between males and females of both varieties.
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Muzzle and tail length
Although it takes a bit of sharpening the eye to spot this difference, more experienced masters will notice it. The American Rottweiler has a long muzzle and a short tail, while the German has a shorter, somewhat broad muzzle.
Although it is a prohibited practice in several countries, it is common to find that American specimens have a tail of minimum size because breeders cut it shortly after birth. On the other hand, German Rottweilers have long tails, especially younger models.
- Head circumference
Another difference between American and German Rottweilers relates to the size of their head. German specimens have a larger heads due to their thicker bones, which impacts the body's overall appearance. The American specimen, being more slender, has a smaller head.
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Training
Officially, there should be no difference between German and American Rottweilers, as the breeding of this breed should follow the standards set by the German club. This means that the variations we have described may occur due to how dogs are bred, not due to the genetic load of the animal's lineage per se.
Since no club or association verifies breeding specifications in the United States, there are expected differences in dogs from the German standard, but it is not always the case. Some breeders adhere to the certification conditions, whether they are not in Germany or not, where the process is rigorous.
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