Article 11 - A Five Star Rottweiler
Posted on April 3rd, 2015
What do I mean when I refer to a “Five Star Rottweiler”?
I am talking about the total or complete Rottweiler which is evidenced by five fundamental factors known as 1.) Health, 2.) Temperament, 3. Type, 4.) Structure and 5.) Genetics. A good Rottweiler will make a solid grade in all of these areas.
1.) HEALTH
In my mind, health is the number one priority for our breed. To place any other factor above health is just inhumane. If you love this breed and if you sincerely care for any individual dog then its personal health is of highest importance. A person can admire the beauty of an unhealthy dog but what about the dog’s quality of life? Some of these magnificent creatures even maintain wonderful temperaments in spite of being in pain. While you may enjoy their loving and loyal demeanor, isn’t their personal comfort a greater consideration? For breeders or buyers to emphasize anything above the health of the Rottweiler is purely selfish and irresponsible. Therefore a “Five Star Rottweiler” is first and foremost a healthy dog. Hips and heart are the chief concerns and should receive medical clearances. In addition elbows, patellars, thyroids and eyes are other notable issues to be considered.
2.) Temperament
While most would agree that health should top our list of priorities when defining the “Five Star Rottweilers”, many would debate as to whether temperament or type should come next. Personally I believe temperament is next in importance. What does it matter how beautiful and correct a Rottweiler may be if we cannot live with him or her? Times have changed and for the sake of our breed we must adapt to our culture. Our beloved breed is on the dangerous breed list and we need to take note. Of course this does not mean that we should lose the working side of the Rottweiler because that is a part of correct temperament but we must have dogs that are sound of mind. For the sake of the Rottweiler we cannot promote dogs that are “ticking time bombs” waiting to explode. A Rottweiler with desirable temperament is strong in drives with confidence and courage but very cerebral. We want dogs with the mental and physical tools to work and compete in sport but also that are trusted and loyal companions which can be accurately described as canine companions and “man’s best friend”! The “Five Star Rottweiler” can be wired for both competition and companionship. They do have that internal switch that they know how and when to turn either on or off. They are protectors and lovers.
3.) Type
For the real Rottweiler enthusiast “type” has become a growing concern. When we talk about breed type, we are talking about those distinguishing characteristics that readily make a dog to be recognizable as a specific breed. It is those external qualities that set the Rottweiler uniquely apart from all other breeds. One quick casual look should reveal that the canine being observed is most definitely a Rottweiler and not a Doberman or Gordon Setter or Bernese Mountain Dog or Labrador Retriever or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog or Tibetan Mastiff or Black and Tan Coonhound! Apart from the Rottweilers correct color and markings, the single most obvious trait that makes him universally recognizable is his pronounced head. The Rottweiler is not “only” a head but it is a breed uniquely known for its strong head piece! That is why such a large portion of the written standard is dedicated to the defining of the correct head type. It is the feature that first draws people to the breed before anything else. The comment that I hear from people outside the fancy more than anything else when they first meet a Rottweiler is “Look at the size of that head!” The next thing they notice which identifies correct breed type for the Rottweiler is the strong bone substance. The Rottweiler body is to be a short and compact strong looking dog. We are now seeing at an alarming rate an abundance of Rottweilers today which lack the noble characteristics of the Rottweiler breed.
4.) Structure
A “Five Star Rottweiler” is correct in the structure of its skeletal system and therefore moves as one is suppose to when naturally gaited. The dog will be built to proper proportions which give it the desired balance. Because the dimensions of its frame are right all of the anatomical parts will function with fluidity not causing any muscular discomfort or stress on the dog’s joints and ligaments. Whether walking, trotting or running the dog’s body will work in harmony and will present itself with an ease of movement rather than an appearance of being uncoordinated or a fighting of himself to try and get where he is going. The Rottweiler is a trotter though and should look powerful in the movement. He is athletic but he moves more like a linebacker than a widereceiver!
5.) Genetics
The fifth and final thing that I believe makes up a “Five Star Rottweiler” is genetics. He is not only a fine specimen externally but he is a fine specimen internally. “He” is not only a complete dog but he is made up of a long line of complete dogs inside of him. He has been genetically programmed by generations of dogs in his ancestry which also had the five stars of health, temperament, type, structure and genetics. So he not only has great phenotype but he also has great genotype.
If we want to have “Five Star Rottweilers” in the world then we do not compromise any of these areas. Sure some areas may be stronger than other but all areas must receive a high passing grade and we must prioritize these areas accordingly.
