Official Breed Standard
Rottweiler
Head and Skull: The head is of medium length, the skull between the ears is broad. The forehead line is moderately arched as seen from the side. Occipital bone well developed
but not conspicuous. Cheeks well muscled but not prominent, with the zygomatic arch well formed. The skin on the head should not be loose although it is allowed to form
moderate wrinkle when the dog is attentive. Muzzle fairly deep with topline level and length not longer than the length from stop to occiput.
Nose: The nose is well developed with proportionately large nostrils and is always black.
Eyes: The eyes should be of medium size, almond shaped and dark brown in colour; eyelids close lying.
Ears: The ears are pendant, small in proportion rather than large, set high and wide apart on the head, lying flat and close to the cheek.
Mouth: The teeth are strong and the incisors of the lower jaw must touch the inner surface of the upper incisors. The flews are black and firm; they fall gradually away towards
the corners of the mouth, which do not protrude excessively.
Neck: The neck should be of fair length, strong, round and very muscular. It should be slightly arched and free from throatiness.
Forequarters: The shoulders should be well placed on the body, long and sloping with the elbows well let down, but not loose. The legs should be muscular with plenty of bone
and substance. The pasterns should be bent slightly forward and not be completely vertical. The front legs seen from all sides must be straight and not placed too closely to
one another.
Body: The chest should be roomy, broad and deep with the ribs well sprung. The depth of brisket will not be more, and not much less than 50 percent of the shoulder height.
The back should be straight, strong and not too long; ratio of shoulder height to length of body should be as 9 is to 10; the loins short, strong and deep, the flanks should not
be tucked up. The croup should be broad, of proportionate length, and very slightly sloping.
Hindquarters: The upper thigh not too short, broad and strongly muscled. The lower thigh well muscled at the top and strong and sinewy lower down. Stifles fairly well bent. Hocks
well angulated without exaggeration and not completely vertical.
Feet: The feet should be strong, round and compact with the toes well arched. The hind feet are somewhat longer than the front. The pads should be very hard and the toenails
short, dark and strong. Rear dewclaws are moved .
Gait: In movement the Rottweiler should convey an impression of supple strength, endurance and purpose. While the back remains firm and stable there is a powerful hind
thrust and good stride. First and foremost, movement should be harmonious, positive and unrestricted.
Tail: Carried horizontally. It is short, strong and not set too low. It should be docked at the first joint.
Coat: The coat, which consists of top coat and undercoat, should be of medium length, coarse and flat. The undercoat, which is essential on the neck and thighs, should not
show through the outer coat. The hair may also be a little longer on the back of the forelegs and breechings.
Colour: The colour is black with clearly defined markings on the cheeks, muzzle, chest and legs, as well as over both eyes and the area beneath the tail. Colour of markings
ranges from rich tan to mahogany brown.
Size: The height at the shoulder should be: Dogs: Between 63.5 and 68.5 cm (25 and 27 in) Bitches: Between 58.4 and 63.5 cm (23 and 25 in). However, height should always
be considered in relation to the general appearance of the dog.
Faults: The following faults are noted for the clarification of the Standard:
1. Too lightly or too heavily built.
2. Sway backed or roach backed.
3. Cow hocked, bow hocked or weak hocked.
4. Long or excessively wavy coat.
5. Any white markings.
6. Nervousness and viciousness are highly undesirable.
Note: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.