| Tony,
I concur with your criteria entirely. First and foremost the Rottweiler is a working dog, that it's how originally it was bred for, and still it's expected to be bred for. Obviously, conformation structure is also very important, to obtain the best performance possible, but primarily I look for the working background in the dog, expecting high marks there. In short, if I have to choose between an outstanding working Rottie with a few minor faults, that may not qualify it for show quality, OR a "perfect" or "near-perfect" conformation Rottie with little, or none, working abilities; I rather take the working one anytime. And again, proper conformation is desired, of course. As far as show rings are concerned, they are fine for those that like it. It's just that to me, real working dogs are what I personally enjoy the most, particularly sport and protection trials. That it's all: a matter of PERSONAL preference.
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