German vs. American Rotts

[moonbeam]

People have asked me whether my Rotties are German or American, in all the books I've read I've never learned what the difference is? Is it where they are bred, where their sire and dam are from?

Thanks!

[sammylee]

HI MOONBEAN, GOOD QUESTION I ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOW THE ANSWER TO THAT QUESTION TO. I FOUND IT IN WORKING ROTTS. MAY 21, 2001 GERMAN VS. AMERICAN LINES. IT ANSWERED MY QUESTIONS, SEE IF ANSWERS YOURS. :)

[Hummer]

All Rotties originated from Germany, but your question could mean a couple of things. Here are some answers:

American line - Rottweilers bred in the US with American bred ancestors up to some generations. Or it could mean that the puppies were bred for AKC style conformation competition.

German line - Rottweilers bred in Germany or whose parents were imported from Germany. It could also mean that the puppies were bred for German style Sieger, or SCH competition.

If you want a brief history of AKC dogs in America, you could read the book of Mrs. Klem.

[moonbeam]

I always thought this was kindof a strange question for someone to ask. I guess I could answer it "Her dad is German, her mom is from Belgium and she was bred in America, so whatever that makes her, she is".

It's nice to know some good reasons behind the question, if it is actually someone who knows about the breed. As we all know, there are some people who know absolutely nothing about Rotties who want to act like they know a lot. I actually had someone ask me if our male is a "miniature Rottweiler" (he weighs 120 pounds, and they were serious!), and someone who said my dog wasn't breed standard because she wasn't "brindle". The list is endless...

[LisaS]

in my experience, this particular question indicates that questioner is not very knowledgeable about rottweilers and holds some 'wrong-headed' ideas about things. German or American is a really a question that isn't answerable in the way that it is generally asked of someone out with a dog - IMHO.
I don't think a true fancier would ask the question that way - instead asking about "his lines" or "who is she out of" etc.
Lisa

[RogandBo]

IMHO the question of American or German bloodlines came about because there are several breeders in the USA are breeding, showing and earning champion status with weaker appearing Rottweilers, while Germany has maintained a powerful looking but not to heavy Rottweiler. Just my opion!

[German Vanegas]

I tell you what the difference is. IF you get a Rottweiler from an ethical reputable breeder, then whether be German or American will make no difference, except in the price of an import ;)

If you get a Rottweiler from a backyard breeder, or an unscrepulous breeder, then you are just "throwing the dice". Meaning, you can easily be duped by false advertisements such as "German champion lines".

It all boils down to the type of breeder. The rest is only "wives' tales", or better yet: bulldodoo! ;)

[ May 23, 2001: Message edited by: German Vanegas ]

[Hummer]

How do you define a Backyard Breeder BYB?

(Sorry, I know this is a new topic, but I had to continue this question here)

[ElaineandMike]

I agree with RoganBo. Most people that ask this question are referring to the fact that the overbreeding of the Rott here in America has produced a taller, lankier, less powerful appearing Rott than what still exists in Germany. In my experience with rescue leagues, most Rotts found around here are "American." It may not be an actual, correct term to apply to the dogs, but it is what most people ask me when they meet one of my fosters for the first time.

[Judi W]

Originally posted by ElaineandMike:
<STRONG>America has produced a taller, lankier, less powerful appearing Rott than what still exists in Germany. </STRONG>

Oh really!

:o

[German Vanegas]

A backyard breeder to me is a person that has no clue about what is involved in dog breeding.

Dog breeding requires an in-depth analysis of potential genetic transmission from the selected sire and dam, which is absolutely essential in an attempt to produce desired results. Proper selection of the breeding stock greatly improves the odds of a getting a good quality litter. Therefore, a backyard breeder is someone that mates two dogs at random, whether be for "fun", profit, to get some money out of the dogs, or any other pitiful motive that does not include the preservation of the breed standards. This is also known as wanton careless breeding.

As far as the issue of German v. American lines is concerend, it is wrong to believe that in the United States there are no ethical reputable breeders. That is a minconseption and misleading argument. Here in the U.S.A. we have breeders that produce outstanding dogs from German lines imported in this country, and then preserved as American generations of Rottweilers from Germany. Which it means, they are American born Rottweilers but from German ancestry ;) Of course, if you find an American Rottweiler from a backyard breeder, or an unethical one, then you are just gambling with the end-result ;) Sadly enough, most people do not know where to get a dog from and how to select one :(

[ May 24, 2001: Message edited by: German Vanegas ]

[godfreyc]

I am new to this site but like it very much. This particular topic is something that has always baffled me. Most of the people who have asked me if my dogs are german rotts wouldn't know, I could tell them anything. Still they base their interest in a particular dog on the answer to the question. I have read and seen things that say that German rotties are still very work oriented and so tend to be stockier than what has been labeled the American rott, but to large extent unless you are going to use your dog for true work, the build of any dog you buy is going to be based on your personal preference. Hope I'm not sounding off too much considering I just got here. :)

[alexav]

Gee, I wonder why no one ever asks me if my Chows are Chinese or American? It makes about the same amount of sense! :D

[ May 24, 2001: Message edited by: alexaV ]

[damp]

Originally posted by alexaV:
<STRONG>Gee, I wonder why no one ever asks me if my Chows are Chinese or American? It makes about the same amount of sense! :D

[ May 24, 2001: Message edited by: alexaV ]</STRONG>

:D :D :D

[Hummer]

Guys, there are no "German style" shows and SCH for Chows, only AKC style.