While Red Rottweilers are exactly that- red in color, there are plenty other questions that surround this basic fact. What is it that makes them red? Is there any difference between a Black Rottweiler and a Red Rottweiler? Because there are so rarely seen, are Red Rottweilers exotic?
For all of you looking to find out more about the seemingly elusive Red Rottweiler, here are some answers.
A Red Rottweiler is essentially red in color because of a recessive gene that it carries. This genetic fault impedes the display of the black base coat color that is distinctive to Rottweilers and instead gives the appearance of an auburn or light brown base coat with light auburn markings.
According to the standards set down by The American Kennel Club (AKC), the Rottweiler is a black dog with clearly defined rust or mahogany markings. Controversially, though the AKC upholds this description of the Rottweiler, it does register Red Rottweilers, even though they have never really been confirmed as pure bred.
And what’s in a color you may very well ask; after all, isn’t a Rottweiler by any other color, still a Rottweiler? Breeders of Red Rottweilers often advertise them as rare and will insist that these genetic variants are essentially harmless. It’s not so simple however. The color discrimination exists primarily because the red color is an indication of a genetic fault and it brings along with a host of undesirable characteristics. For one, Red Rottweilers carry a higher incidence of cardiac problems. In addition to that, very often Red Rottweilers will also exhibit lighter colored eyes, which may hint at a higher incidence of vision problems.
Ethical breeders will not intentionally breed for disqualifying traits just for the purpose of exotica. Allowing the trait to spread could very well be a threat to the genetic integrity of the Rottweiler breed.
3 Comments to “What Exactly Is A Red Rottweiler?”
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I was fortunate to have one of these red rotts several years ago, bought from a private breeder. He was beautiful! The dam was on site, and was a HUGE specimen(also totally red), and my puppy turned out to weigh upwards of 120 to 130 lbs fully grown. He was not registered, but was a purebred. Although we did not experience any cardiac trouble or eye trouble, he did end up having both knees worked on, and eventually died of esophageal cancer. I wish I could find another one of these beautiful dogs, but even so, don’t think I could ever have another one, because Skinner was such an exceptional dog! But I just wanted to say, that even though they are not officially recognized in the breed, they are worth having none the less!
tengo una rottweiler fina la chata y la cruze con un perro igual de fino el billy cuando lo compre vi a los padres y eran iguales negros manchitas cafes son legitimos los dos el 21 de enero tubo 13 cachorros la chata todos iguales esepto 3 k son rojisos siguen siendo raza pura?? por k todos hablando de los padres y los padres de los padres son negros manchas cafes y los cachorritos 10 son negros manchas cafes y 3 completamente rojisos ysi si son puros es recomendable no cortarles la cola ni el 5to dedo??
I was very shocked to see red rotties myself. I have owned one now for almost 13 yrs. Her name is Reesee she AKC registered, she was purchased from a private breeder. She has been the healthiest Rot I have ever owned. No heart trouble, no eye trouble, no hip trouble, she takes a thyroid pill and is growing old age warts and tiny tumors, but other than that she has been doing great and will be 13 yrs old this summer…… I would love to have another one. Reesee has also been the most well behaved dog we have ever had. She is perfect all the way around.