American breed rotties Versus German breed

[Miko]

A very good friend of mine wan'ts to purchase a rottie and needs to know the difference between american dogs and german!I know there's a difference between Shepherds and prefer the overall stability of German breeds.I know that there is a lot of controversy between which is better, but I personally feel that some american breeders are more worried about the look of our dogs in an AKC trial then about the soundness of health and mental stability.My friend is only looking for a family pet that will be good in a home enviorment,and has no interest in showing or working it.Please help me to give her proper information so she may purchase the right puppy with good stable temperment,and also any info and what she has in store for her...Thank you in advance for your help!

[bob_whit]

Miko, You will find sound temperament in American as well as German bred dogs. But in Germany to register a litter of puppies, with ADRK the parents have to pass a ZtP or in America it's called a BST which is a temperament test. This test does exactly that. Tests the temperament of the dog in a number of different ways. This of course, is no guarantee that the dog's temperament will be sound. But it does show genetically that the parents are able to pass a structured test. If I were to buy a dog that was AKC registered, I would want to see the parents and see if they appear to be of sound temperament and that both the parents were at least O.F.A. good. And there would be a certificate from OFA stating their rating. Good family dogs with sound temperament could be found in the newspaper . An OFA or a ZtP is no guarantee but it improves your chances of finding a sound dog.

[Michele Baxter]

As far as the German vs. American breed standard goes...they are basically the same. Only VERY minor differences. For example, the Germans don't allow any missing teeth, whereas, AKC allows one. For temperment, size, general appearance, etc. they are, for all intents and purposes, the same. However, in the US you must find a breeder that adheres to the standard in it's entirety. If the litter is AKC registered it means simply the parents had AKC papers. If the litter is ADRK registered it means both parents passed the Ztp prior to breeding. Does that make the German litter better? Not necessarily. There are excellent breed examples here in the US, but as I stated you must find someone who believes in the total rottweiler according to the breed standard. Someone who actively participates in some venue of activity with their dogs. Someone who belongs to breed clubs, etc. Be aware though, that the Germans aren't likely to send their best dogs out of the country (at least not without a hefty pricetag) but if one is looking for a pet only then there are excellent breedings here in the US that will provide form and function also. Good luck with the search.

[Killfactor]

Usually german's tend to like smaller darker markings, it seems that many american dogs have large lighter markings, mainly seen in the chest. also American standard is less specific when it comes to size, although they are really close. I would also add that if you are buying an import, unless you have really really good connections, you are then usually better off with an american bred rottie, germany tends to "dump" the less than desirable dogs to the US. Also, many of the US breeders have "tamed" the temperment of the Rottie to make it more of a docile dog for the show ring. Not to say that you cannot find excellent dogs in one country and not another, it really comes down to the breeder your pup came from, and what the dog will spend its life doing.

[Miko]

I need to add something to my question because I didn't clarify it right! When I asked about US Rotties versus German I didn't mean I wanted to import a dog...I mean that In dealing with Shepherds of which I have one of there are US breeders that Raise american german shepherds or American shepards.The difference being American Shepherds are more sloped for AKC trials,there not as mentally sound,there more easily spooked and not as hard driven as good old fashioned German Shepherd dogs!They tend to have more health problems also...( If that makes any sense)I think Alot of breeders here are more worried about a conformation look and thats what they strive for that they haven't kept true to what A German Shepard dog should be!I Wan't to know If like German Shepard breeders that the same holds true for rottweiler breeders!And what should I tell my friend to look out for! Also Is a rottie a good choice for a first time dog owner who is willing to put in the training time...What will they be up against?

Sorry for the confusion...

[Nancy Estes]

First, there is not as big a difference in *German* Rottweilers and American as there is in German Shepherds. There are lots of American dogs out of German imports and lots of American dogs that look the same. There are also lots of import or import bred Rottweilers that do compete in AKC conformation shows and do very well. You don't say what your friend wants to train for - working/SchH? If so and if he's worked with Shepherds before, he should be able to train a Rottweiler, as long as he realizes that there are very distinct differences in the temperaments of the two breeds.

Nancy

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von Dorow Rottweilers
doggo1@apex2000.net

[Killfactor]

I guess one thing I would look for is if your friend wants to work the dog, I find that a good number of breeders who work their dogs seem to favor Stronger german lines, people who show their dogs in conformation tend to lean towards american lines(not always of course). the important thing is in the pedigree, one with alot of schIII will probabley turn out better working dogs, and one with CH will probabley turn out ones closer to breed standard. every ethical breeder breeds for a reason, tell your friend to find a breeder with the same interest, that will help insure he is happy with the dog he chooses. Like Nancy said, there is little difference, and even the best of judges could have difficultey telling the difference between a german and an american rott. I have seen German rotts with big light markings, and american with little dark markings, so temperment is key.

[Chef99]

Is it true that tail-docking has been outlawed in Germany?

[German Vanegas]

Chef99, tail docketing and ear cropping has been banned all over Europe... where you've been? http://www.rottweiler.net/rottie/smile.gif

[damp]

German,
I got you, you are wrong. http://www.rottweiler.net/rottie/biggrin.gif It isn't all over Europe tail docketing and ear cropping has been banned.

[This message has been edited by damp (edited August 28, 1999).]

[nick teifke]

It is not all over, but you wait, it will be. and if we can keep it out of the US then we win. but that was not the question, lets not veer off track.
Miko states earlier "The difference being American Shepherds are more sloped for AKC trials,there not as mentally sound,there more easily spooked and not as hard driven as good old fashioned German Shepherd dogs!They tend to have more health problems also...( If that makes any sense)"

Well first of all this is not a discussion group for GSDs but turn it to rotties and I would say you are making a generalization based on the FEW amount of dogs you have seen. My guess would be you have not been around enough dogs to make any statements about the whole breed. I understand this may be your opinion but dont judge a book by its cover. I know of many fine breeders who breed AMERICAN GSDs. If a dog is born in America its American, plain and simple.
And to your question Miko about owning a Rottweiler for their first dog, Cleo is my first dog and I like to think we're doing alright <G> Its not all rocket science but it takes hard work and dedication. Rotties can be tough for your first breed because they will try and push their way to the top, to be Alpha. You've got to be able to see that and not allow it. I would reccomend a good trainer. Where does your friend live?


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nick teifke
nteifke@dog.com
www.angelfire.com/wi/1strottie
icq# - 28884141