Last Updated on June 25, 2021 by
How many and what types of Rottweilers are there? If you are a big fan of the burly but playful breed, then this is essential knowledge for you.
The Federation Cynologique International (FCI) considers the Rottweiler as one of the oldest breeds in the world. You can imagine that they have evolved a lot in that time. What Rottweiler breed types exist in the world?
The various breeds and crossbreeds of dogs can make the average fan dizzy. However, the different types of Rottweilers are easy to keep in mind. We categorize them by their origin country! In this article, we hope to make the different types nice and clear for you.
Table of Contents
Where are Rottweilers From?
The Rottweiler traces its origins from Germany. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, today’s modern Rottweilers descended from dogs of the Ancient Roman Legion. In their conquest of Europe, many of their cattle-driving dogs ended up North in the 2nd century. The empire abandoned these powerful beasts and led to them spinning a whole new story of their own in a new country. It’s only fitting they had such a mighty origin!
From there, the Roman dogs were bred with sheepdogs. The results were intelligent and sociable dogs, who love their job and active lifestyle. They would protect their herds from wolves and other predators. They became important colleagues of drovers and butchers.
Origin of The Breed’s Name
Rottweil, a town in Germany, lends its name to the beloved breed. Back in the day, they were considered the “butcher’s dog.” In the 1900s, they were the constant companion of butchers on their business trips out of town. They were equipped with a money-carrying pouch. Aside from being furry, friendly wallets, they performed all sorts of jobs for their owners. They acted as guards, sled-pullers, and shepherds.
Today, this term refers to the healthy dogs with the heft and brawn to match, fed with the protein provided by their owner’s profession. If you hear the idiom “as fit as a butcher’s dog,” a happy and healthy Rottweiler might come to mind!
What Types of Rottweilers are There?
An easy way to think about the types of Rottweilers that are out there is to think about their origin.
German Rottweilers
The dog’s country of origin is our first stop. Rottweilers are highly regarded in Germany. They are true to their tough and noble history.
The Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler Klub or the ADRK supervises the breeding of the German Rottweiler. As a specialized kennel club, they have very high standards for the breed and they protect the process and standardization to a strict degree.
German Rottweilers look like they have been transported through time. They maintain a stocky, sturdy build that makes them perfect for drovers and farmers to this day. The breed never lost their power that makes them adept for farms and work. Many people believe they are very close to the original Rottweilers of old.
American Rottweilers
Breeders in America got in on the Rottweiler love. As a result, Rottweilers are the 8th most popular breed in America. The country loved them so much that the US made a new spin-off Rottweiler breeds types!
The American Kennel Club (AKC) has its own standards in breeding Rottweilers. In fact, they have significantly deviated from the original standards set by the German ADRK. The ADRK keeps the breed of German Rottweiler as pure as possible. This new breed of dog really broke away from the standard and stands on its own.
American Rottweilers are noticeably smaller than their German counterparts. They are a favorite of families all over the American continent, which is a different role from the farm-ready drover from Europe.
Roman Rottweilers
These are an interesting “type” of Rottweiler that, more often than not, just refers to very big breeds of Rottweilers. The idea of the “Roman” type hearkens back to the ancient ancestor. These breeders probably call them pure descendants from the great Roman Empire. However, this claim is unlikely due to the amount of time that has passed.
What Rare Types of Rottweilers are There?
Be warned – the category of rare types being advertised by a breeder is a red flag. They might just be referring to dogs with a different marking color. A Rottweiler usually has rust-colored markings. Usually, some other shades make an appearance from time to time.
Are There Big Differences in The Types of Rottweilers?
The three different types do look quite similar, with only a few things setting each one apart. What are the most notable differences between these types? Perhaps we will be able to tell them apart just by looking at them!
The greatest indicator is the size of these dogs. Inspecting each part of the body will help you understand what could be the origin of the dog you are looking at. Significant differences are in the head and the build. The head is wider and neck thicker for the German breed. The American breed is more slender, with the chest not being as broad as its European counterpart. The German is more intimidating with its burly shape and size.
A docked tail is another indicator of origin. For instance, if you come across a Rottweiler with a docked or shortened tail, you’re probably looking at an American. In fact, a stubby nub is a big no-no in the world of German Rottweiler breeding. The ADRK expressly forbids this practice. Meanwhile, the AKC allows the docked tail. They do not actually enforce the tail rule. If you enter with an undocked Rottweiler, you might be put at a significant disadvantage in competitions.
When talking about different Rottweiler breeds, it all comes down to the country of origin. You need to keep in mind the different types that exist. At the end of the day, both breeds are the same lovable and active dogs deep down inside.
Whether you are going for a strong, broad, and industrious German Rottweiler or a slender, playful, and active American Rottweiler, it’s important to have all this information in mind!
What Rottweiler type are you interested in? Do you have any more questions about the differences? Let us know in the comments!
