CKC Registered Rottweiler Breed Standards

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CANADIAN KENNEL CLUB • ROTTWEILER

GROUP III: WORKING DOGS 

ROTTWEILER RECOGNIZED: 1938

Effective: January 2006

The breed standard outlines the ideal characterisƟcs, temperament and appearance of a breed, and ensures that a dog can carry out 

its original purpose. Breeders and judges should be mindful to prioriƟze dogs that are healthy and sound in both mind and body. 

ORIGIN & PURPOSE 

The Rottweiler was developed from the dogs used by the Roman legions to herd and guard the cattle brought by 

them to feed their legions. The butchers of Rottweil, Germany, developed the dogs to drive cattle to market and 

to protect their money bags, which were tied around the dogs’ necks. It was an arduous task to drive the cattle 

and a strong dog with staying power, full of self will and physical strength was needed. In the beginning of the 

20th century, these dogs were found particularly well-suited as a police dog – a function they still fulfill, especially 

in Europe. 

GENERAL APPEARANCE 

The ideal Rottweiler is an above medium-sized, robust, and powerful dog, black with clearly defined rich tan 

markings. His compact build denotes great strength, agility, and endurance. Males are characteristically larger, 

heavier boned and more masculine in appearance. 

TEMPERAMENT 

The Rottweiler should possess a fearless expression with a self-assured aloofness that does not lend itself to 

immediate and indiscriminate friendships. He has a strong willingness to work. In examining a Rottweiler, one 

should bear in mind that this dog reacts with alertness to his master and his surroundings, and in performing his 

function in life, the Rottweiler is not expected to submit to excessive handling by strangers. However, the judge 

shall dismiss from the ring any shy or vicious Rottweiler. A dog shall be judged fundamentally shy if, refusing to 

stand for examination it shrinks away from the judge; if it fears an unexpected approach from the rear; if it shies 

at sudden or unusual noises to a marked degree. A dog that attacks or attempts to attack, without provocation, 

either the judge, or its handler is definitely vicious. An aggressive or belligerent attitude towards other dogs shall 

not be deemed viciousness. 

SIZE 

Height: Dogs, 61 to 68.5 cm (24 to 27 in); bitches, 56 to 63.5 cm (22 to 25 in) 

Proportion should always be considered rather than height alone. The length of the body, from the breastbone 

(sternum) to the rear edge of the pelvis (ischium) is slightly longer than the height of the dog at the withers, the 

most desirable proportion being as 10:9. Depth of chest should be 50% of the height. 

COAT 

Outer coat is straight, coarse, dense, medium length, lying flat. Undercoat must be present on neck and thighs. 

The Rottweiler should be exhibited in a natural condition without trimming, except to remove whiskers, if desired. 

COLOUR

The colour is always black with rich tan to mahogany markings. The borderline between the black and the co al absence of markingsforechest, on forelegs from carpus downward to toes, on
inside of rear legs showing down the front of the stifle and broadening out to front of rear legs from hock to toes
but not eliminating the black from the back of the legs, under tail. Black penciling markings on the toes. The
undercoat is grey or black. Quantity and location of markings are important. Insufficient or excessive markings
should be penalized.
HEAD
Of medium length, broad between the ears; forehead line seen in profile is moderately arched. The cheekbones
and stop are well developed. The length of the muzzle should not exceed the distance between the stop and the
occiput. The skull is preferred dry; however, some wrinkling may occur when the dog is alert. The bridge of the
muzzle is straight. The muzzle is broad at the base with slight tapering towards the tip but not snipey. The nose is
broad rather than round, with black nostrils. The lips are always black with the corners tightly closed. The flews
should not be too pronounced. The inner mouth pigment is dark. A pink mouth is to be penalized. The teeth are
42 in number (20 upper and 22 lower). They are strong and should be correctly placed meeting in a scissors bite
– lower incisors touching the inside of the upper incisors. Eyes should be of medium size, moderately deep set,
almond-shaped with well-fitting lids. The iris should be of uniform colour, from medium to dark brown, the darker
shade always preferred. Ears should be pendant, proportionately small, triangular in shape, set well apart and
placed on skull so as to make it appear broader when the dog is alert. The ear should terminate at approximately
mid-cheek level. When correctly held, the inner edge will lie tightly against the cheek.
NECK
Powerful, well muscled, moderately long with slight arch and without loose skin.
FOREQUARTERS
The shoulder blade should be long and well laid back at a 45° angle. The elbows are tight and under the body. The
distance from the withers to the elbow and the elbow to the ground is equal. The legs are strongly developed
with straight, heavy bone. They are not set close together. The pasterns are strong, springy and almost
perpendicular to the ground. Feet are round, compact with well-arched toes, turning neither in nor out. Pads are
thick and hard. Nails are short, strong and black. Dewclaws may be removed.
BODY
The topline is firm and level, extending in a straight line from the withers to the croup. The brisket should be deep,
reaching to the elbow. The chest is roomy and broad with a well-developed forechest. The ribs are well sprung.
The loins short, deep and well muscled. The flank should not be tucked up. The croup is broad, of medium length
and slightly sloping.
HINDQUARTERS
The angulation of the hindquarters balances that of the forequarters. The slope of the pelvis from the horizontal
is between 20° to 30°. The bone of the upper thigh is fairly long, and the thigh is broad and well muscled. The
stifle joint is moderately angulated. The lower thigh is long, powerfully muscled, leading to a strong hock joint.
The metatarsus is perpendicular to the ground. Viewed from the rear, the hind legs are straight and perpendicular
to the ground. The feet are somewhat longer than the front feet, with well-arched toes turning neither in nor out.
Dewclaws may or may not be present but for this working breed, dewclaw removal is suggested.
TAIL
The tail is normally carried in a horizontal posiƟon giving the appearance of an elongated topline. It is carried above
the horizontal when the dog is excited. The tail may be docked short close to the body. If leŌ in natural condiƟon,
tail is level in extension of the topline; at ease, may be hanging. A kinked tail or a ring is undesirable. The set of the
tail is more important than length.