will hair color change

[rommel's mom]

I know this is probably brought up alot but not having a rottweiller before I need advice. Rommel has alot of light tan hair on is rump. It goes from the very back of his legs to around the butt area. Is there any chance this will change, and if not does that disqualify him for showing? Does anyone know why he would have this color on him, it's alot lighter than the mahogany color, otherwise he is a beautiful dog and we love him to death so it doesn't really matter whether he can be shown or not, he's our baby. Oh and another thing can we breed him with this color on him. He has champion bloodlines on both side. This color popped up when he was about 4 months old now he is almost 8 months. Sorry for being so long but am really curious on this hair thing. Thanks in advance for all you help. You guys are all very informative on rottweillers.:) :) P.S. forgot to say it is intermingled with his black hair in spots. Sorry not able to send a picture.

[CarolineS]

Do you mean that the marking on his butt and legs is in the right place, but is a lighter color than the rest of his markings? They are supposed to have a tan marking under the tail. The top of the rear legs is feathered and you do sometimes see some tan hairs in the feathers peeking through from the inside, but it should be predominantly black on the outside back of the legs.

If Dresden is anything to go by, the marking on her butt is a light yellowish tan and is a different color than the rest of her markings which are mahogany. I got her at 10 months of age (she'll be 2 years next month) and the color of that particular marking hasn't changed and I doubt it will.

The AKC lists "straw-colored" markings as a serious fault. Since Dresden is spayed (because she has an underbite), it isn't a concern for me. Though straw-colored markings aren't a disqualification, they would probably hinder your dog's chances in a conformation ring.

Color tends to be hereditary so there is a good chance your dog would pass on this fault.

[rottnkidd]

Hi Rommel's mom- Did you purchase your pup as pet or show quality? I'm asking because there can be a substantial difference in the cost, and most breeders guarantee their show prospects for at least a year. If you bought a show-quality pup, with intentions of working him in the conformation ring, your breeder needs to know his coloring has changed significantly therefore he's ineligible for the show ring. This doesn't make him any less a wonderful companion though! Get him involved in formal Obedience training, and he can trot his way to a CD or better!
Best wishes to you!
kathy

[poohbearsmom]

On every rottie I've seen, the butt patch is generally lighter than the tan on the rest of the bod. This is normal.

Color is cosmetic. While a deep mahogany is preferred, having lighter coloration is not a disqualifying fault. In my book, I'll take a little lighter color in exchange for good hips, correct bite, straight front and rear, nice shoulder set, excellent topline, good feet.....and the list goes on. Color is nice, but give me a well built dog, and I'll let the color suffer a little - IMO, in the grand scheme of things, this should be easy to correct in a couple of generations.

Humble thoughts.

Elisabeth

[RottiMomCT]

My Ben has beautiful mahogany markings - except for his butt patch and the upper rear leg markings - that is a dark tan.

He's a rescue & neutered so his markings don't matter conformation-wise....now if I could just get him to realize that markings don't matter in obedience we'd be all set :D ! ONLY KIDDING - it's MOM who's been laid back in training the past few months - come Spring 2003 we're back into it and on to our CD!!