ICON OF THE BREED

By Steve Wolfson

     Often when watching a conformation show, one is confronted by the dissimilarity of breed type exhibited within the entries. Dogs and bitches alike are all over the spectrum regarding breed type. Some dogs are small, with heavy bones; some are large, with fine bones. Some are long in body with too much angulation in the rear; others are short in body with no angulation in the front or the rear. Accompanying this dissimilarity of breed type is the degradation of the breed’s icon, its head. For a great number of dogs and bitches head type is incorrect. Some heads are narrow in the topskull and narrow in the muzzle. Some are too long in the muzzle and possess incorrect prominence in the under-jaw; some possess the hyper-type of the Mastiff, others have no type at all. This is alarming. Head types have lost their distinctiveness!

Discussing this and other aspects with another Rottweiler breeder, the topic of head type pre-sented itself. Asking this breeder where on the hierarchy of importance you place head type, she replied, “Head type in the Rottweiler is not important to me; it’s the whole picture that matters.” “Furthermore”, she went on to state, “a head could easily be attained in one or two generations, so why bother?” I was taken aback by that statement and realized that her view was affirmed, since none of her dogs had correct head type!

Ideally, since the standard describes it in detail, all should have a consensus and give a similar description of the Rottweiler head if asked. Yet for many this is not the case; correct head type remains an uncertainty. Conflicting opinions and notions about its architecture abound. This is a great problem for the breed. Head type should not be an opinion based upon personal preference or even what is popular, but rather founded on the factual design of our standard. This lack of clear familiarity with the standard influences one’s viewpoint of correct head type. This holds true for the newly acquainted to the breed, all-rounder judges, spectators, and even the well acquainted.

Without a clear and concise reference and a commitment to the standard, what will be used for reference and visual comparison is what is observed in the show ring, what is presented in periodicals, or what enthusiast own. These references are misleading since the show ring may be trendy and unreliable as a marker for what is correct. And what others own is most often tainted with personal bias. So, when a dog or bitch enters the ring that possesses model head type, spectators, breeders and judges may not know how to react. They ask if what they see is right or out of standard. (Note; this is a present-day problem. Correct head type has eroded to the point that few dogs possess it. In the eyes of many, incorrect has become correct!)

Because of the above ambiguities, one must establish a foundation of reliable knowledge of correct head type in order to know what is not. (Note: model head type is the bar set by the standard. Some-thing we work to achieve). Additionally, from a breeder’s point of view, one cannot fully appreciate correct Rottweiler head type unless a person understands how difficult it is to achieve and maintain. These statements are important to a complete understanding of the breed. Unfortunately they are misunderstood, misinterpreted and summarily dismissed by some. This is evidenced by the great variance within the ob-servable head types we now see, i.e. from the occasional Mastiff/Bulldog hyper head type, to the more prevalent narrow-muzzled, slender and elongated Doberman style.
If the above were untrue, then all Rottweilers we see would have model head type. Currently they do not. Actually, model head type is rare; few possess it. Occasionally, it is present in a dog or bitch entered in a show. Once seen, it is inspiring and unforgettable!

WHERE TO PLACE THE EMPHASIS?
The standard is a blueprint to safeguard, stabilize and prevent great variances in breed type. Con-fusion about its design should be the exception, not the rule. The emphasis of Rottweiler breed type is the head.

To the breeder in the opening paragraph, correct head type was not a priority since she did not consider it vital to the quintessential Rottweiler. As long as her dogs had reasonable type she could pro-claim success. The performance Rottweiler enthusiasts have a similar argument claiming: “If my dog per-forms in the sport of Schutzhund, scores well in a trial or another performance event, I don’t care if he only has borderline type.” Their contention is also a proclamation of success. However, from a breed perspective, both have long term damaging effects. Each argument accepts a certain mediocrity and each argument neglects what separates the Rottweiler from the others. And that is the Rottweiler breed type. These arguments are inadvertently reinforced when standing ringside and viewing the dogs that are entered; there is little uniformity. Therefore, it is easy to become confused or misled about what is or is not correct. Head type on each entry can vary greatly. Some have shallow zygomatic arches; some heads look more Doberman-like with slender topskulls and narrow muzzles. Others have dome shaped topskulls like the Boxer, some have an abundance of loose skin like the SharPei, and some possess close set eyes with no stop. Confusion abounds. Which traits are correct, which should be faulted?
The head is the breed’s icon as evidenced by the following:

• It is the most detailed segment of the standard and where the standard places its accent mark.
  The American Rottweiler Club standard describes the Rottweiler head in great detail. The descrip-tion of the head has more information than any other segment of the standard - containing 264 words, 8 categories, 6 disqualifications and 4 serious faults. In the FCI standard, it contains 234 words, 2 main categories, 12 subcategories and 8 disqualifications. It contains the most weight of any segment for both standards. Why have so much detail if the accent was intended somewhere else?

• Correct Rottweiler head type is fundamentally correlated to correct breed type.
  There is a strong correlation between these two components. A Rottweiler must have correct head type to enhance his general breed type. Without it, correct breed type is incomplete.

• The Rottweiler head is unique. It is this distinctiveness that separates it from all others.
  The uniqueness in the Rottweiler breed type is very much dependant on head type. Now, with the advent of the tail, making the Rottweiler a bit less distinguishable among breeds, correct head type is paramount.
  
  

• Good length of skull from a well pronounced stop to the occiput . The skull should measure 60% of the skull and muzzle length combined.
• Topskull is moderately arched.
• Good width from ear to ear in the topskull.
• Well pronounced zygomatic arch. Well pronounced stop.
• Strong depth and width of the muzzle (especially at the base of the muzzle) with a strong lower jaw. The muzzle should measure 40% of the skull and muzzle length combined.
• A noble, serious expression. In appearance, the Rottweiler head should exude masculinity, power and substance, without exaggeration (the hyper-head type of the Mastiff or Pit bull). Conversely, it should not possess an elongated, feminine, shallow zygomatic arch and muzzle type like that of the Doberman.

1. The length of the topskull and muzzle. Measured from the tip of the nose to the occiput
2. Width of the topskull.
3. Zygomatic arch
4. Muzzle length. Measured from the tip of the nose to the stop.
5. Broad muzzle at the base. Correlated to the pronunciation of zygomatic arch.
6. Length of the topskull. Measured from the stop to the occiput.
7. Strong lower jaw.
8. Almond shape, dark eyes, tight fitting eyelids, hair present on eyelids, no ocular discharge.
9. Dark gum pigmentation (the color of dark, chocolate).
10. Complete correct dentition.
11. Ears, set correctly hanging close to the cheeks, of medium size.
12. Correct, moderate arch of the topskull.

Page 3 describes correct head type. Some dogs come close to the ideal; others possess essen-tial traits in varying amounts. Today, the most common problem worldwide is the lack of zygomatic arch and a shallow muzzle at the base. A shallow zygomatic arch accompanies a shallow muzzle at the base and produces a muzzle that is conical in shape. Conversely, a pronounced zygomatic arch accompanies a muzzle wide and powerful at the base. The zygomatic arch and muzzle thickness at the base are correlated. When incorrect, they greatly diminishing the powerful masculine head type we appreciate. Figure 2 demonstrates the shallow zygomatic arch and narrow muzzle at the base.

CORRECT SHAPE AND PLACMENT OF THE EYES
The eyes of the Rottweiler play a pivotal role in correct head type. The standard makes special mention of this by detailing the “expression” of the Rottweiler along with the shape, placement, size and color of the eye.
The standard specifies;

• Expression is noble, alert and self assured

• Eyes, medium size

• Almond shape

• Well fitting lids

• Moderately deep set, neither protruding or receding

Serious faults

A. Yellow eyes (FCI standard - a disqualification)
B. Eyes of different color or size (FCI standard - a disqualification)
C. Hairless eyelids
D. Loose fitting eyelids

Two anomalies not mentioned in the standard, yet serious faults nonetheless, are excessive ocular
discharge and the presence of a prominent third eyelid. The latter is uncommon and both are indicative of
an eye problem…genetic or environmental.

CORRECT EYES AND PLACEMENT

Dark, almond shape, with tight fitting, hair present on the eyelids,
noble serious expression, clear with no ocular discharge.
Set well apart, at approximately a 15 degree angle above the bridge of the nose.

EARS

Correct                                                                 Incorrect
Ears, correctly placed and carried have a subtle role in correct head type. Their correct shape is that of an isosceles triangle, equal on all sides. When correct, they augment the width of the head and give the dog/bitch a serious, focused appearance. Incorrect, they detract from a correct head.

CORRECT HEAD TYPE: POWERFUL SKULL AND MUZZLE, STRONG
ZYGOMATIC ARCH AND STOP, POWERFUL LOWER JAW
 

 

 

INCORRECT HEAD TYPE: NO PRONUNCIATION IN
ZYGOMATICH ARCH, CONICAL MUZZLE SHAPE, SHALLOW STOP
 

 

 

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES
BETWEEN DOG AND BITCH HEAD TYPE?

Many enthusiasts incorrectly believe there should be a distinct difference in the architecture of head types between the dog and bitch. Whereas, only the dog should be the sole possessor of power, substance and masculinity, and the bitch, because she is a female, should possess soft lines, be shallow in the topskull and muzzle with little to no stop or zygomatic arch. For them, in essence, the bitch is less than the dog! The standard does not affirm this notion. The American Rottweiler Club standard states:
“Dogs are characteristically more massive throughout with larger frame and heavier bone than bitches. Bitches are distinctly feminine, (here is the important caveat) but without weakness of sub-stance or structure.”
In the FCI Rottweiler standard there is no mention of a difference between the sexes other than a marked reversal of sexual type as an eliminating fault stating:
“Distinct reversal of sexual type, i.e. feminine dogs or masculine bitches.”
The architecture of the head is to include power in the muzzle, stop and zygomatic arch. It is the same for the dog and the bitch. Following are the two exceptions:

• The Dog head is more massive throughout

• The Dog head has more pronunciation in the stop and zygomatic arch

 
Correct Dog Head                             Correct Bitch Head

SUMMARY
Correct Rottweiler head type is multi-faceted and complex; more than some would like to admit. Its comprehension and recognition are essential in completely understanding Rottweiler breed type. Dis-missing its importance would be analogous to dismissing the value of the engine in a racing car. Both will get by with less, yet both are missing what makes them unique!
* This article cannot be reprinted in part or whole without written permission from the author.

References
The American Rottweiler Club Breed Standard
Federation Cynologique Internationale Rottweiler Breed Standard
Nr. 147 / 19.06.2000 / D Rottweiler
Rottweiler il Cane, Carla Romanelli Lensi
The Priority of Breed Type in the Rottweiler, Steve Wolfson

After ten years active in Colorado’s Rottweiler rescue community, Ellen O’Connell published her first novel, a mystery titled “Rottweiler Rescue,” in February of this year. “Rottweiler Rescue” is now available on Amazon.com in paperback and as an ebook for the Kindle. Other ebook formats are available at Smashwords.com. Ellen is donating one-half of her royalties from sale of the paperback edition of the book to the Colorado Rottweiler rescue group, Rottie Aid (www.rottieaid.org).

“Rottweiler Rescue” tells the story of Dianne Brennan, who plans to help save lives as a volunteer foster home for Rottweiler rescue. Little does she know that her volunteer work will take her into the path of a canine-phobic killer! Worse, although Dianne cannot identify the murderer, he begins stalking her with deadly intent. Can she keep herself and her Rottweilers safe long enough to collar the killer?

“Rottweiler Rescue” has been an Editor’s Choice in the Mystery Category of the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Annual Colorado Gold Contest. Amazon readers have given the book a thumbs up: “Highly recommended.” “Check this book out, you won't be disappointed!” “Terrific!” “I couldn't put this one down.”

For more information, see www.oconnellauthor.com.

Click here to read our review.

A ROTTWEILER dog and a tiny piglet cuddle up as if they were family after the baby runt was dismissed by its own mother.

Surrogate mum Sasha, an eight-year-old Rottweiler, took on motherly duties for grunter Apple Sauce – a tiny Belgium Blue – and seems to be taking the adoption in her stride.

Lonely Apple Sauce was one of 11 piglets but unwanted by her own mother she had her bacon saved when Sasha fell in love with her after being introduced to the one -and-a-half-year-old dog by owner Heidi Rhiann.

And the unlikely relationship has made the wrinkly piggy a genuine sausage dog. In these adorable images Apple Sauce can even be seen trying to suckle from her gigantic new mum.

The two animals live together in Pont Llogel, near Lake Vyrnwy, where pig breeder owner Heidi Rhiann, runs a catering business.

Caring Heidi owned a pig that gave birth to 13 piglets. She has managed to give a few away but Apple Sauce was the runt of the remaining herd – introducing her to Sasha was her one last chance of survival.

Heidi told the County Times: “We didn’t know what to do so we thought we would give Apple Sauce one last chance and introduce her to our dog.

“We rubbed her in one of the puppies blankets to leave her with the same scent and just left them to become acquainted.

“A couple of hours later we came back to find Apple Sauce suckling on Sasha. 
“We hope the bond continues, so far though Sasha is the best mother you can imagine. She immediately fell in love with the piggy.

“Days later she started lactating again and giving milk for the piggy. She obviously regards it now as her own baby.”

Mum of the year? Quite possibly!

Every breed standard highlights and describes certain faults that it wants to diminish and/or eliminate. Faults are a warning of characteristics that the standard considers undesirable and will degrade breed type or the breed’s function. This process insures stability and uniformity of type, construction and temperament. The Rottweiler standard, a highly descriptive and exacting one, contains 25 faults.

Below is a list of the 25 faults in the American Rottweiler Club standard. All are listed as serious, except numbers 13 and 25. Number 13 and number 25 have less gravitas and are listed only as faulty.

Despite the standard referring to serious and non-serious faults, many breeders and exhibitors often speak about faults as "cosmetic". There is nothing in the standard referring to faults in this manner.

Labeling faults as "cosmetic" is dismissive. It implies that a fault can be easily removed or overcome. For example, the correct color for markings is mahogany. However, many presently exhibited Rottweilers possess light or straw colored markings (#19). It is listed as serious. A good amount of breeders and owners of dogs with this fault address this as a problem of cosmetics. If this were just a matter of cosmetics, then why are so many

Rottweilers exhibiting this fault? All Rottweilers should possess rich mahogany markings. Currently they do not.

Another example of a fault labeled "cosmetic" is pink gum pigmentation. Not only is this listed in the standard as a serious fault (#10), more importantly, it is a type fault as well. That is why dark gum pigmentation is highly desirable, difficult to obtain and maintain once achieved in a breeding program. Nonetheless, a problem often observed on many exhibits is "bubble-gum" pink inner mouth pigmentation.

All involved with the Rottweiler for any length of time understand that faults are not easily surmounted, nor disappear or go away. This is why the study of a pedigree and knowing its strengths and weaknesses is so important. Discovering and acknowledging problems within a bloodline helps to prevent a fault from emerging.

Below are the prevailing faults, which are incorrectly categorized as cosmetic.

Why do some label these faults cosmetic? Most likely, they are called "cosmetic" so an owner or breeder of a dog can make palatable certain faults encountered on an otherwise good specimen. It is easier to rationalize a fault than it is to acknowledge it. One should always be objective and critical when faults are the topic of discussion. Avoid making a fault more palatable by labeling it merely cosmetic