It can be said that the main difference between a German and an American Rottweiler would be the size. In the US, the dog is larger and more robust than the German original, which is smaller and would be less agile.
However, the distinction between Rottweiler breeds involves controversy. Many believe that there are no variations between one dog and another other than the location in which they are born.
| german rottweiler | american rottweiler | |
|---|---|---|
| Height | Between 61 and 68 centimeters for males; between 52 and 62 centimeters for females. | It has an average of 69 centimeters, but there are records of even larger specimens. |
| Weight | Ideal weight of 50 kilos for males and 43 kilos for females. | It can reach 80 kilos. |
| body structure | Robust and muscular, yet compact. Shorter muzzle and longer tail. | Robust and with prominent muscles. Wide muzzle and short tail, result of mutilation, prohibited practice in Germany and several countries. |
pure rottweiler
The rottweiler dog breed began to be perfected in the 19th century, undergoing major transformations until it reached the variant that is known today.
It was thought to be a herding or guard dog, being known for its fierce jaws, muscular bodies, speed and agility. This made them famous during World War II, when they were used as police dogs.
Even so, they are dogs that create very strong bonds with their owners and family members, being easy to train. But it is worth mentioning that, like every dog, training is a crucial factor for an animal of this size to become violent or not.
However, in general, the characteristics among the specimens of the breed are based on the short and black coat. This one has light reddish brown tones in some parts of the body.
But the controversy starts here: the differences between a German Rottweiler are extremely subtle compared to its American namesake.
Characteristics of the German Rottweiler
In Germany, there is an association that certifies the purity of a Rottweiler. called from Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler Klub (ADRK), something like General German Rottweiler Club in Portuguese.
It was founded in 1921 precisely to certify whether a dog of this breed is really pure.
The association only allows the crossing between Rottweilers in which the family tree of the canine has been studied in detail. This is to guarantee the purity of the German race.
This would prevent the animal's characteristics from changing over generations. It is a very restricted form of control.
In general, the main characteristics of a German Rottweiler are:
- Height: between 61 and 68 centimeters for males; between 52 and 62 for females.
- Weight: males would have an ideal weight of 50 kilos; females must weigh 43 kilos.
- Body: Robust and muscular, but compact.
Another important feature of German dogs of the breed is the long tail and shorter muzzle, which distinguishes it from the American variant.
Therefore, a Rottweiler is only considered a “pure” German if it meets these standards defined by the ADKR. However, the American specimens would surpass the size of the Germans, which already starts the controversy about the race.
Characteristics of the American Rottweiler
In the United States, there is no association that studies in detail the family tree of the rottweiler in the country. Therefore, there are no guarantees that the dog has not been crossed with other species.
However, the biggest controversy is that there would not be an American variant of the animal. This is because they would be from the same family. But some characteristics are distinct between animals originating in Germany and those born in America.
In addition to surpassing the German Rottweiler in size, reaching 69 centimeters in height, the American Rottweiler could also reach 80 kilos. It is a weight far above the ideal for the German standard, which would not exceed 50.
In addition, the muzzles are wider and the tails short, which, however, would be the result of mutilation. The practice is prohibited in Germany and in several countries.
There are those who say that the larger size of the American specimen is due to the artificial selection of breeders.
American breeders would choose the largest specimens of the species to breed with each other. This would give rise to animals almost twice the size of the German namesake.
Generally speaking, an American Rottweiler would have the following characteristics:
- Height: larger than the German, which would not exceed 68 centimeters. The average height for an American Rottweiler is 69 cm and can be even higher.
- Weight: American Rottweilers can reach 80 kilos, that is, 30 more than the German specimen.
- Body: Robust and with prominent muscles.
Are there really two breeds of rottweiler?
Many experts claim that the only difference between a German and an American Rottweiler is the place of birth. However, in Germany, there is the ADKR that carefully studies the family tree of the species, avoiding variation in generations.
As similar control is not carried out in the United States, there may have been crosses between different specimens. This is to arrive at the Rottweiler that exists in the American continent today.
Therefore, with the exception of size, weight and body build, it is difficult to conclude that there are two distinct species of Rottweiler.
Perhaps, the differences are based on the way these animals are raised, since American dogs can participate in competitions and need to be more prepared for such events. Therefore, they can be more agile and aggressive.
However, the German variant, despite being very independent and docile, has a protective instinct that can make it aggressive if necessary.
Therefore, training and selection of dogs for breeding may have been the most important factor. This concerns the subtle differences we see between the German and the American Rottweiler.
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