Rottweiler Appearance

The Rottweiler is categorized by the American Kennel Club as a working breed. The Rottweiler breed is large standing 22 to 27 inches tall at the withers and weighing between 70 and 120 pounds. Males tend to be considerably larger framed and much bulkier and heavier than females. Females typically have a more feminine look. Proportionally, the breed is slightly longer than it is high. The breed is over all very muscular and powerful.

The head is typically broad between the ears, a dry forehead is preferable even though, some wrinkling is expected when the dog is alert. The overall expression is noble and alert.

The inner mouth is preferred to be dark. Teeth meet in a scissor bite, with the lower incisors touching the inside of upper incisors. The eyes are dark brown, almond shaped, neither protruding nor receding.
The coat is straight and medium length with a course outer coat. An undercoat can be present on neck and thighs, and this varies depending on climatic conditions. Color is always black with rust or mahogany markings.

Tail is typically docked short, close to the body, leaving one or two tail vertebrae. However, more and more breeders are electing to keep the tail full length. A full length tails is not means for disqualification since the AKC standard claims “ The set of the tail is more important than length.” Nails are strong and black and declaws are often removed with the tails a few days after birth.
The Rottweiler is a trotter when it comes to gait. Its motion is fluid, efficient and ground-covering. This is a great trait for a herding breed.
Having a history of being used as a guard dog, this breed is claimed to be territorial and protective, and therefore, can be initially suspicious of strangers. It is overall calm, confident and courageous with a typical wait-and-see attitude. A strong willingness to work and please makes it a very versatile dog. Protective of the home and family, this breed is an intelligent dog that prefers to stay around its family rather than outdoors alone.
The breed may at times be intolerant of other dogs, therefore “an aggressive or belligerent attitude towards other dogs should not be faulted in the show ring”, according to the American Kennel Club. Shy or aggressive specimens however shall be excused from the show ring.