" German" vs. "American" Rottweiler

The most common question we receive about our Rottweiler puppies is ;

“Are they German or American ?”

Well the simple answer to this question would be that they are "American" .

They are born in America and therefore are considered citizens of the country they are born in.

The Rottweiler originated in Germany. However, the ONLY true "German" Rottweilers are BORN in GERMANY !

Now here is where the confusion comes in, considering the different standards applied to the breed by official governing bodies who register the Rottweilers as pure bred.

The ADRK or Allegemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler- Klub is the German “equivalent” of the AKC or American Kennel Club. The ADRK however has MUCH higher standards. In Germany, before a Rottweiler is even ALLOWED to breed, it must first prove itself and be judged on how well it represents the TRUE German Rottweiler in both conformation (physical appearance–head type, heavy bone, a well muscled body with good substance) and Temperament (mental soundness-- courageous, highly intelligent and good natured). This is accomplished by a Breeding Suitability Test. It must also have certification pertaining to genetic diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia. Then it must be determined if the Rottweiler to which it is intended to be bred is compatible and whether it will “better the breed”. If ALL qualifications are NOT met, the pups WILL NOT BE REGISTERED by the ADRK.

With the American Kennel Club, you can register and breed any pure bred Rottweiler with papers. While the AKC attempts to regulate the breed, the ADRK ensures it. As a result, the more “American” generations in a Rottweilers pedigree, the further the dog typically is from his true German heritage. The strong head with a broad skull and short muzzle elongates and narrows, weakening the bite strength that the Rottweiler is famous for. The rich, well defined markings become muddy or faded. The compact, solid bone structure and massive muscular frame are replaced with a leggy and wiry “American” version. And most importantly, the calm, confident, nurturing dog is bred to be aggressive and indiscriminate.

That having been said, there are breeders here in the USA who strive to maintain the standards set fourth by the ADRK and are thereby making some beautiful “American Rottweilers” who are correct in conformation.

So in conclusion, a true German Rottweiler is one born in Germany.

German-born Rottweilers have to adhere to strict protocols when being bred, and consequently generally produce pups that are superior in conformation, temperament and health than elsewhere.

Rottweilers born in other countries can be of the same quality if they have excellent German bloodlines in their pedigree. While we have yet to actually import a true “German” Rottweiler, all of our Rottweilers and Rottweiler puppies have true and excellent German and European bloodlines.

At Von Muiredach Rottweilers we post an AKC officially certified 3 generation pedigree on all of our breeding stock so that anyone can see for themselves the quality and standards that we try to reproduce and adhere to.

They are not “German” Rottweilers, They are “citizens” of their country of birth, but with German ancestry.