F.C.I. Standard No 147 dated 11th September 1992
Adopted in Australia 1st January 1994
Amended May 2001
Country of Origin: Germany
Translated by - Mrs C. Seidler Country of Origin – German

Brief Historical Summary
The Rottweiler is considered to be one of the oldest breeds of dog. Its 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 its name from the old free city of Rottweil, and became known as the "Rottweil butchers 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%.

Characteristics
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:
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.

Loins: 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.

Tail
Docked at the first or second joint, or left natural. The natural tail should be level, an extension of the upper line (top line); at ease may be hanging.

Gait/Movement
The Rottweiler is a trotting dog. In movement the back remains firm and relatively stable. Movement harmonious, steady, full of energy and unrestricted, with good stride.

Coat
The coat consists of a top coat and an undercoat. The top coat is of medium length, coarse, dense and flat. The undercoat must not show through the top coat. The hair is a little longer on the hind legs.

Colour
Black with clearly defined markings of a rich tan on the cheeks, muzzle, throat, chest and legs, as well as over both eyes and under the base of the tail.

Size
Height at withers for males is 61-68 cm (24-26 * ins)

61-62 cm is small
63-64 cm is medium height
65-66 cm is large – correct height
67-68 cm is very large

Weight approximately 50 kg (110lbs)

Height at withers for bitches is 56-63 cm (22-25 ins)

56-57 cm is small
58-59 cm is medium height
60-61 cm is large – correct height
62-63 cm is very large

Weight approximately 42 kg (95 lbs)

(Note: Imperial measurements in brackets are approximate only)

Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.

Disqualifying Faults