The Rottweiler has been standardized in Germany since 1883, and the first breed standard in the United States was written by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1935. According to one (decidedly German) source, the major distinction between dogs bred in America versus those bred in Germany is that German breeders are quite selective about the dogs they allow to breed in the first place. The selection process includes both physical and temperamental standards that many disreputable breeders will often ignore.

With this in mind, let’s compare the breed standards of the ADRK (All-Germany Rottweiler Club) against those of the AKC.

Rottweiler Size Standards

Height

Both the ADRK and AKC agree on the height standards for Rottweilers being 24 – 27 inches for males and 22 -25 inches for females, with a focus placed on overall proportion.
On this proportion, the ADRK standard says “The length of the body, measured from the sternum (breast-bone) to the ischiatic tuberosity, should not exceed the height at the withers by, at most, 15%.”
The AKC standard had this to say, “The length of body, from prosternum to the rearmost projection of the rump, is slightly longer than the height of the dog at the withers, the most desirable proportion of the height to length being 9 to 10.”

Weight

While the AKC does not list a specific weight specification for Rottweilers, the ADRK lists it at 50kg (110 pounds).

Head and Face

Both the ADRK and the AKC agree on the standards for the head and face, varying only slightly in their descriptions. The sole exception here is with regard to the tail. Tail docking is illegal in Germany and many other countries, while it remains part of the standards in the United States.

• Skull: Of medium length, broad between the ears. Forehead line moderately arched as seen from the side. Occipital bone well developed without being conspicious.
• Nose: black, broader than it is round with large nostrils.
• Lips: Black, close fitting, corner of the mouth not visible, gums as dark as possible.
• Jaws & Teeth: Strong and broad upper and lower jaws, strong and complete dentition with 42 teeth total (20 upper, 22 lower). Upper incisors closely overlapping the lower.
• Eyes: Medium sized, almond shaped and dark in color with close fitting eyelids.
• Ears: Medium sized, pendant, triangular, wide apart and set on high. With the ears laid forward close the head the skull should appear broadened.
• Neck: Strong and long, well muscled and arched slightly with no loose skin.

Coat

Outer coat is straight, coarse, dense, of medium length and lying flat.

Gait

The Rottweiler is a trotting dog. In movement the back remains firm and relatively stable. Its movement is harmonious, steady, full of energy and unrestricted and it has a good stride.

With the exception of the standards that are relevant to the tail, it appears that the standards of the All Germany Rottweiler Club (ADRK) and those of the American Kennel Club are strikingly similar. The most recent versions of these standards were published and effective on April 6, 2000 (ADRK) and June 8, 1990 (AKC)