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.