FCI Rottweiler Standard
Rottweiler Rassestandard: Englisch, 1479601E.DOC, 25.08.2004 10:38 1
F.C.I.-Standard Nr. 147 / 19.06.2000 / GB
Rottweiler
TRANSLATOR: Mrs. Chris Seidler
ORIGIN: Germany
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE
VALID ORIGINAL STANDARD:
06.04.2000
UTILIZATION: Companion, service and working dog
CLASSIFICATION FCI Group 2 (Pinscher and Schnauzer type, Molossian type and
Swiss Mountain- and Cattle Dogs and other breeds)
Section 2.1 Molossian type, Mastiff type
With working trial.
Brief historical summary:
The Rottweiler is considered to be one of the oldest dog breeds. Its origin goes back to Roman
times. These dogs were kept as herder or driving dogs. They marched over the Alps with the
Roman legions, protecting the humans and driving their cattle. In the region of Rottweil, these
dogs met and mixed with the native dogs in a natural crossing. The main task of the Rottweiler
now became the driving and guarding of the herds of cattle and the defence of their masters and
their property. This breed acquired its name from the old free city of Rottweil and was known as
the „Rottweil butcher’s dog“.
The butchers bred this type of dog purely for performance and usefulness. In due course, a first
rate watch and driving dog evolved which could also be used as a draught dog. When, at the
beginning of the twentieth century, various breeds were needed for police service, the Rottweiler
was amongst those tested. It soon became evident that the breed was highly suitable for the tasks
set by police service and therefore they were officially recognized as police dogs in 1910.
Rottweiler breeders aim at a dog of abundant strength, black coated with clearly defined rich tan
markings, whose powerful appearance does not lack nobility and which is exceptionally well suited
to being a companion, service and working dog.
GENERAL APPEARANCE
The Rottweiler is a medium to large size, stalwart dog, neither heavy nor light and neither leggy
nor weedy. His correctly proportioned, compact and powerful build leads to the conclusion of great
strength, agility and endurance.
IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS
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 %.
BEHAVIOUR / TEMPERAMENT
Good natured, placid in basic disposition and fond of children, very devoted, obedient, biddable
and eager to work. His appearance is natural and rustic, his behaviour self assured, steady and
fearless. He reacts to his surroundings with great alertness.
HEAD:
CRANIAL REGION:
Skull: Of medium length, broad between the ears. Forehead line moderately
arched as seen from the side. Occipital bone well developed without
being conspicious.
Rottweiler Rassestandard: Englisch, 1479601E.DOC, 25.08.2004 10:38 2
Stop: Well defined.
FACIAL REGION
Nose: Nose well developed, more broad than round with relatively large nostrils,
always black.
Muzzle: The foreface should appear neither elongated nor shortened in relation to
the cranial region. Straight nasal bridge, broad at base, moderately
tapered.
Lips: Black, close fitting, corner of the mouth not visible, gum as dark as
possible.
Jaws / Teeth: Upper and lower jaw strong and broad. Strong complete dentition
(42 teeth) with scissor bite, the upper incisors closely overlapping the
lower incisors.
Cheeks: Zygomatic arches pronounced.
Eyes: Of medium size, almond shaped, dark brown in colour. Eyelids close
fitting.
Ears: Medium-sized, pendant, triangular, wide apart, set on high. With the ears
laid forward close to the head the skull appears to be broadened.
NECK Strong, of fair length, well muscled, slightly arched, free from throatiness,
without dewlap.
BODY
Back: Straight, strong, firm.
Loins: Short, strong and deep.
Croup: Broad, of medium length, slightly rounded. Neither flat nor falling away.
Chest: Roomy, broad and deep (approximately 50 % of the shoulder height) with
well developed forechest and well sprung ribs.
Belly: Flanks not tucked up.
TAIL: In natural condition, level in extension of the upper line; at ease may
be hanging
LIMBS
FOREQUARTERS: Seen from the front, the front legs are straight and not placed too closely
to each other. The forearm, seen from the side, stands straight. The slope
of the shoulder blade is about 45 degrees to the horizontal.
Shoulders: Well laid back.
Upper arm: Close fitting to the body.
Forearm: Strongly developed and muscular.
Pasterns: Slightly springy, strong, not steep.
Front feet: Round, tight and well arched; pads hard; nails short, black and strong.
HINDQUARTERS: Seen from behind, legs straight and not too close together. When
standing free, obtuse angles are formed between the dog’s upper thigh
and the hip bone, the upper thigh and the lower thigh and the metatarsal.
Upper thigh: Moderately long, broad and strongly muscled.
Lower thigh: Long, strongly and broadly muscled at top, sinewy.
Hocks: Sturdy well angulated hocks; not steep.
Hindfeet: Slightly longer than the front feet. Toes strong, arched, as tight as front
feet.
GAIT The Rottweiler is a trotting dog. In movement the back remains firm and
relatively stable. Movement harmonious, steady, full of energy and
unrestricted, with good stride.
SKIN
Skin on the head: Overall tight fitting. When the dog is alert, the forehead may be slightly
wrinkled.
Rottweiler Rassestandard: Englisch, 1479601E.DOC, 25.08.2004 10:38 3
COAT
HAIR: The coat consists of a top coat and an undercoat. The top coat is of
medium length, coarse, dense and flat. The undercoat must not show
through the top coat. The hair is a little longer on the hindlegs.
COLOUR: Black with clearly defined markings of a rich tan on the cheeks, muzzle,
throat, chest and legs, as well as over both eyes and under the base of
the tail.
SIZE AND WEIGHT
Heigtht at withers: For males is 61 - 68 cm.
61 - 62 cm is small 63 - 64 cm is medium height
65 - 66 cm is large - correct height 67 - 68 cm is very large
Weight: approximately 50 kg
Heigtht at withers: For bitches is 56 - 63 cm.
56 - 57 cm is small 58 - 59 cm is medium height
60 - 61 cm is large - correct height 62 - 63 cm is very large
Weight: approximately 42 kg
FAULTS Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and
the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in
exact proportion to its degree.
General appearance: Light, weedy, leggy appearance. Light in bone and muscle.
Head: Hound-type head. Narrow, light, too short, long or coarse head. Flat
forehead (lack of stop or too little stop).
Foreface: Long or pointed muzzle; split nose; Roman nose (convex nasal bridge) or
dish-faced (concave nasal bridge); aquiline nose; pale or spotted nose
(butterfly nose).
Lips: Pendulous, pink or patchy; corner of lips visible.
Jaws: Narrow lower jaw.
Bite: Pincer bite.
Cheeks: Strongly protruding.
Eyes: Light, deep set. Also too full and round eyes; loose eye-lids.
Ears: Set on too low, heavy, long, slack or turned backwards. Also flying ears or
ears not carried symmetrically.
Neck: Too long, thin, lacking muscle. Showing dewlap or throaty.
Body: Too long, too short or too narrow.
Back: Too long, weak; sway-back or roach back.
Croup: Too sloping, too short, too flat or too long.
Chest: Flat ribbed or barrel shaped. Too narrow behind.
Tail: Set on too high or too low.
Forequarters: Narrow or crooked front legs. Steep shoulder placement. Loose or out at
elbow. Too long, too short or too straight in upper arm. Weak or steep
pastern. Splayed feet. Too flat or too arched toes. Deformed toes. Light
coloured nails.
Hindquarters: Flat thighs, hocks too close, cow hocks or barrel hocks. Joints with too
little or too much angulation. Dewclaws.
Skin: Wrinkles on head.
Coat: Soft, too short or too long. Wavy coat; lack of undercoat.
Colour: Markings of incorrect colour, not clearly defined.. Markings which are too
spread out.
Rottweiler Rassestandard: Englisch, 1479601E.DOC, 25.08.2004 10:38 4
ELIMINATING FAULTS:
General: Distinct reversal of sexual type, i.e. feminine dogs or masculine bitches.
Teeth: Overshot or undershot bite, wry mouth; lack of one incisive tooth, one
canine, one premolar and one molar.
Eyes: Entropion, ectropion, yellow eyes, different coloured eyes.
Tail: Kink tail, ring tail, with strong lateral deviation
Hair: Definitely long or wavy coat.
Colour: Dogs which do not show the typical Rottweiler colouring of black with tan
markings. White markings.
Behaviour: Anxious, shy, cowardly, gun-shy, vicious, excessively suspicious, nervous
animals.
N.B.: Male animals must have two apparently normal testicles fully descended
into the scrotum.
F.C.I.-Standard Nr. 147 / 19.06.2000 / GB
Rottweiler
TRANSLATOR: Mrs. Chris Seidler
ORIGIN: Germany
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE
VALID ORIGINAL STANDARD:
06.04.2000
UTILIZATION: Companion, service and working dog
CLASSIFICATION FCI Group 2 (Pinscher and Schnauzer type, Molossian type and
Swiss Mountain- and Cattle Dogs and other breeds)
Section 2.1 Molossian type, Mastiff type
With working trial.
Brief historical summary:
The Rottweiler is considered to be one of the oldest dog breeds. Its origin goes back to Roman
times. These dogs were kept as herder or driving dogs. They marched over the Alps with the
Roman legions, protecting the humans and driving their cattle. In the region of Rottweil, these
dogs met and mixed with the native dogs in a natural crossing. The main task of the Rottweiler
now became the driving and guarding of the herds of cattle and the defence of their masters and
their property. This breed acquired its name from the old free city of Rottweil and was known as
the „Rottweil butcher’s dog“.
The butchers bred this type of dog purely for performance and usefulness. In due course, a first
rate watch and driving dog evolved which could also be used as a draught dog. When, at the
beginning of the twentieth century, various breeds were needed for police service, the Rottweiler
was amongst those tested. It soon became evident that the breed was highly suitable for the tasks
set by police service and therefore they were officially recognized as police dogs in 1910.
Rottweiler breeders aim at a dog of abundant strength, black coated with clearly defined rich tan
markings, whose powerful appearance does not lack nobility and which is exceptionally well suited
to being a companion, service and working dog.
GENERAL APPEARANCE
The Rottweiler is a medium to large size, stalwart dog, neither heavy nor light and neither leggy
nor weedy. His correctly proportioned, compact and powerful build leads to the conclusion of great
strength, agility and endurance.
IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS
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 %.
BEHAVIOUR / TEMPERAMENT
Good natured, placid in basic disposition and fond of children, very devoted, obedient, biddable
and eager to work. His appearance is natural and rustic, his behaviour self assured, steady and
fearless. He reacts to his surroundings with great alertness.
HEAD:
CRANIAL REGION:
Skull: Of medium length, broad between the ears. Forehead line moderately
arched as seen from the side. Occipital bone well developed without
being conspicious.
Rottweiler Rassestandard: Englisch, 1479601E.DOC, 25.08.2004 10:38 2
Stop: Well defined.
FACIAL REGION
Nose: Nose well developed, more broad than round with relatively large nostrils,
always black.
Muzzle: The foreface should appear neither elongated nor shortened in relation to
the cranial region. Straight nasal bridge, broad at base, moderately
tapered.
Lips: Black, close fitting, corner of the mouth not visible, gum as dark as
possible.
Jaws / Teeth: Upper and lower jaw strong and broad. Strong complete dentition
(42 teeth) with scissor bite, the upper incisors closely overlapping the
lower incisors.
Cheeks: Zygomatic arches pronounced.
Eyes: Of medium size, almond shaped, dark brown in colour. Eyelids close
fitting.
Ears: Medium-sized, pendant, triangular, wide apart, set on high. With the ears
laid forward close to the head the skull appears to be broadened.
NECK Strong, of fair length, well muscled, slightly arched, free from throatiness,
without dewlap.
BODY
Back: Straight, strong, firm.
Loins: Short, strong and deep.
Croup: Broad, of medium length, slightly rounded. Neither flat nor falling away.
Chest: Roomy, broad and deep (approximately 50 % of the shoulder height) with
well developed forechest and well sprung ribs.
Belly: Flanks not tucked up.
TAIL: In natural condition, level in extension of the upper line; at ease may
be hanging
LIMBS
FOREQUARTERS: Seen from the front, the front legs are straight and not placed too closely
to each other. The forearm, seen from the side, stands straight. The slope
of the shoulder blade is about 45 degrees to the horizontal.
Shoulders: Well laid back.
Upper arm: Close fitting to the body.
Forearm: Strongly developed and muscular.
Pasterns: Slightly springy, strong, not steep.
Front feet: Round, tight and well arched; pads hard; nails short, black and strong.
HINDQUARTERS: Seen from behind, legs straight and not too close together. When
standing free, obtuse angles are formed between the dog’s upper thigh
and the hip bone, the upper thigh and the lower thigh and the metatarsal.
Upper thigh: Moderately long, broad and strongly muscled.
Lower thigh: Long, strongly and broadly muscled at top, sinewy.
Hocks: Sturdy well angulated hocks; not steep.
Hindfeet: Slightly longer than the front feet. Toes strong, arched, as tight as front
feet.
GAIT The Rottweiler is a trotting dog. In movement the back remains firm and
relatively stable. Movement harmonious, steady, full of energy and
unrestricted, with good stride.
SKIN
Skin on the head: Overall tight fitting. When the dog is alert, the forehead may be slightly
wrinkled.
Rottweiler Rassestandard: Englisch, 1479601E.DOC, 25.08.2004 10:38 3
COAT
HAIR: The coat consists of a top coat and an undercoat. The top coat is of
medium length, coarse, dense and flat. The undercoat must not show
through the top coat. The hair is a little longer on the hindlegs.
COLOUR: Black with clearly defined markings of a rich tan on the cheeks, muzzle,
throat, chest and legs, as well as over both eyes and under the base of
the tail.
SIZE AND WEIGHT
Heigtht at withers: For males is 61 - 68 cm.
61 - 62 cm is small 63 - 64 cm is medium height
65 - 66 cm is large - correct height 67 - 68 cm is very large
Weight: approximately 50 kg
Heigtht at withers: For bitches is 56 - 63 cm.
56 - 57 cm is small 58 - 59 cm is medium height
60 - 61 cm is large - correct height 62 - 63 cm is very large
Weight: approximately 42 kg
FAULTS Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and
the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in
exact proportion to its degree.
General appearance: Light, weedy, leggy appearance. Light in bone and muscle.
Head: Hound-type head. Narrow, light, too short, long or coarse head. Flat
forehead (lack of stop or too little stop).
Foreface: Long or pointed muzzle; split nose; Roman nose (convex nasal bridge) or
dish-faced (concave nasal bridge); aquiline nose; pale or spotted nose
(butterfly nose).
Lips: Pendulous, pink or patchy; corner of lips visible.
Jaws: Narrow lower jaw.
Bite: Pincer bite.
Cheeks: Strongly protruding.
Eyes: Light, deep set. Also too full and round eyes; loose eye-lids.
Ears: Set on too low, heavy, long, slack or turned backwards. Also flying ears or
ears not carried symmetrically.
Neck: Too long, thin, lacking muscle. Showing dewlap or throaty.
Body: Too long, too short or too narrow.
Back: Too long, weak; sway-back or roach back.
Croup: Too sloping, too short, too flat or too long.
Chest: Flat ribbed or barrel shaped. Too narrow behind.
Tail: Set on too high or too low.
Forequarters: Narrow or crooked front legs. Steep shoulder placement. Loose or out at
elbow. Too long, too short or too straight in upper arm. Weak or steep
pastern. Splayed feet. Too flat or too arched toes. Deformed toes. Light
coloured nails.
Hindquarters: Flat thighs, hocks too close, cow hocks or barrel hocks. Joints with too
little or too much angulation. Dewclaws.
Skin: Wrinkles on head.
Coat: Soft, too short or too long. Wavy coat; lack of undercoat.
Colour: Markings of incorrect colour, not clearly defined.. Markings which are too
spread out.
Rottweiler Rassestandard: Englisch, 1479601E.DOC, 25.08.2004 10:38 4
ELIMINATING FAULTS:
General: Distinct reversal of sexual type, i.e. feminine dogs or masculine bitches.
Teeth: Overshot or undershot bite, wry mouth; lack of one incisive tooth, one
canine, one premolar and one molar.
Eyes: Entropion, ectropion, yellow eyes, different coloured eyes.
Tail: Kink tail, ring tail, with strong lateral deviation
Hair: Definitely long or wavy coat.
Colour: Dogs which do not show the typical Rottweiler colouring of black with tan
markings. White markings.
Behaviour: Anxious, shy, cowardly, gun-shy, vicious, excessively suspicious, nervous
animals.
N.B.: Male animals must have two apparently normal testicles fully descended
into the scrotum.
_______________________________________________
INTRODUCTION TO PUPPY TEETH:
http://www.donnerbergrottweilers.com/rottweiler-teeth.html
Rottweiler puppies should have 28 temporary teeth that erupt at about three to four weeks of age. They will eventually have 42 permanent adult teeth that begin to emerge at about three to four months of age. As puppies, there are 14 upper and 14 lower puppy teeth.
There are four types of teeth with different functions:
Incisors: Used for cutting and nibbling food. Incisors are the front teeth situated directly in-between the canines. In adults and puppies, there are six upper and six lower. These are the front teeth and all six upper and all six lower are all in a row. The center two teeth are usually somewhat smaller and the incisor teeth get larger as you move out and away from the center.
Canine teeth: Used to hold and tear food. The canines are the large fangs. The lower canines lock in position in front of the upper canines. The canines are situated directly between the incisors and the premolars. In adults and puppies, there are exactly two upper and two lower canines. There is one on each side of the upper jaw and one on each side of the lower jaw.
Premolars: Used for cutting, holding, and shearing food. The premolars are positioned behind the canines and in front of the molars. Puppies do not have all of their premolars, but when the adult teeth come in, there will be 8 premolars on the top and 8 premolars on the bottom. Four premolars are on each side of the upper jaw and four premolars are on each side of the lower jaw in adults.
Molars: Used to grind food. The molars are positioned behind the premolars and are the last teeth in the back of the jaw. There are 4 molars on the top, two on each side, and 6 molars on the bottom, three on each side. Puppies don't have molars.
http://www.donnerbergrottweilers.com/rottweiler-teeth.html
Rottweiler puppies should have 28 temporary teeth that erupt at about three to four weeks of age. They will eventually have 42 permanent adult teeth that begin to emerge at about three to four months of age. As puppies, there are 14 upper and 14 lower puppy teeth.
There are four types of teeth with different functions:
Incisors: Used for cutting and nibbling food. Incisors are the front teeth situated directly in-between the canines. In adults and puppies, there are six upper and six lower. These are the front teeth and all six upper and all six lower are all in a row. The center two teeth are usually somewhat smaller and the incisor teeth get larger as you move out and away from the center.
Canine teeth: Used to hold and tear food. The canines are the large fangs. The lower canines lock in position in front of the upper canines. The canines are situated directly between the incisors and the premolars. In adults and puppies, there are exactly two upper and two lower canines. There is one on each side of the upper jaw and one on each side of the lower jaw.
Premolars: Used for cutting, holding, and shearing food. The premolars are positioned behind the canines and in front of the molars. Puppies do not have all of their premolars, but when the adult teeth come in, there will be 8 premolars on the top and 8 premolars on the bottom. Four premolars are on each side of the upper jaw and four premolars are on each side of the lower jaw in adults.
Molars: Used to grind food. The molars are positioned behind the premolars and are the last teeth in the back of the jaw. There are 4 molars on the top, two on each side, and 6 molars on the bottom, three on each side. Puppies don't have molars.
Diagram #1: Nine week old puppy,
showing a correct scissors bite.
showing a correct scissors bite.
In Diagram #1, you can see the incisors labeled "I", 1,2,& 3. Each tooth is identified by the upper or lower jaw and distinguished between left and right sides. The teeth labeled "C" are the canines. The large gaps between the teeth on even this nine week old puppy are normal and the gaps get larger as the puppy grows, prior to the adult teeth coming in. These puppy teeth are extremely tiny and it's not hard to tell the difference between them and adult teeth.
Diagram #2: Upper teeth of nine
week old puppy, showing 14 teeth.
week old puppy, showing 14 teeth.
Diagram #2 shows what you can expect to see in your own puppy's mouth. There are large gaps between the teeth at this point which should not be cause for alarm, yet. If you see gaps like this in an adult's mouth, you probably have missing teeth. In diagram #2, if you count the three back teeth you can see on each side, the Premolars, that's six, then add the two Canines, that's eight, and then add the six Incisors, that's a total of 14 teeth on the top.
Diagram #3: Lower teeth of nine week old puppy.
In Diagram #3, you see half of the lower jaw. It's nearly impossible to take a photo of the entire lower jaw showing all the lower teeth at the same time because the tongue and the lips naturally cover the teeth. The P1's and P2's are the hardest of all the teeth to show. Puppies don't have P1's, so there aren't any in Diagram #3. The P1's will be coming up in the gap you see in Diagram #3 in-between the teeth that are labeled "Canine" and "P2". In Diagram #3, if you count the three back teeth you can see, the Premolars, add the ones on the other side, that's six, add the two canines, that's eight, and finally add the six incisors, that's 14 on the bottom.
Diagram #4: Chart showing a full set of puppy teeth.
Puppies should lose a puppy tooth before the corresponding adult tooth emerges, but many times with Rottweilers, you'll see both the puppy tooth and the adult tooth side by side. This is especially true of the canines (commonly called the fangs). If a puppy tooth is still in place when an adult tooth begins to show, and it shows no signs of looseness, see your veterinarian to decide if the puppy tooth needs to be pulled so the dog's occlusion is not affected.
Diagram #5: Upper teeth of a youth dog
under 9 months old, showing extra teeth.
under 9 months old, showing extra teeth.
In Diagram #5, this photo actually shows newly erupted adult teeth still in transition, and one extra incisor tooth. The canines are marked with "C", and at this point the puppy canines are side by side with the adult canines which are still coming in. All of the large teeth in-between the canines are adult incisors. See how much larger the adult teeth are, and the gaps are closed. I'm pointing out the difference in size, because people get confused when they see an extra adult tooth. They think that it must be a puppy tooth that has not fallen out, but visually, you can see that the difference in size is enormous. Thus, any additional teeth in the mouth of this dog are extra adult teeth, and a decision must be made carefully and quickly as to whether or not the extra teeth should be pulled. Extra teeth left in the mouth, especially incisors, can throw a bite off and render the dog as pet quality and show disqualified.
Diagram #6: Lower teeth of a youth dog
under 9 months old, showing extra teeth.
under 9 months old, showing extra teeth.
In Diagram #6, this photo shows newly erupted adult teeth still in transition, and two extra adult incisor teeth on the bottom which have pushed the bottom incisors forward and out of alignment for a scissors bite. It is vitally important to keep a close eye on your puppy's teeth watching for abnormalities.
_______________________________________________
INTRODUCTION TO ADULT TEETH
Rottweiler adults should have 42 permanent teeth in number, 20 upper and 22 lower. The teeth should be strong, correctly placed, and meeting in a scissors bite. The lower incisors should touch the inside of the upper incisors.
The adult canine teeth of Rottweilers are essential to be allowed to show and breed. The AKC Rottweiler Standard currently allows one missing tooth. The FCI Standard, which is what all the rest of the world besides America goes by, doesn't allow any missing teeth for the Rottweiler breed in order to be considered show and breeding quality. Don't make the mistake of walking into a show ring without counting your dog's teeth and checking your dog's bite first.
FCI Standard:
Jaws / Teeth:
Upper and lower jaw strong and broad. Strong complete dentition (42 teeth) with scissor bite, the upper incisors closely overlapping the lower incisors.
Faults:
Jaws: Narrow lower jaw.
Bite: Pincher bite.
Eliminating Faults:
Teeth:
Overshot or undershot bite, wry mouth; lack of one incisive tooth, one canine, one premolar and one molar.
AKC Standard:
Bite and Dentition--Teeth 42 in number (20 upper, 22 lower), strong, correctly placed, meeting in a scissors bite--lower incisors touching inside of upper incisors.
Serious Faults--Level bite; any missing tooth.
Disqualifications--Overshot, undershot (when incisors do not touch or mesh); wry mouth; two or more missing teeth.
The adult canine teeth of Rottweilers are essential to be allowed to show and breed. The AKC Rottweiler Standard currently allows one missing tooth. The FCI Standard, which is what all the rest of the world besides America goes by, doesn't allow any missing teeth for the Rottweiler breed in order to be considered show and breeding quality. Don't make the mistake of walking into a show ring without counting your dog's teeth and checking your dog's bite first.
FCI Standard:
Jaws / Teeth:
Upper and lower jaw strong and broad. Strong complete dentition (42 teeth) with scissor bite, the upper incisors closely overlapping the lower incisors.
Faults:
Jaws: Narrow lower jaw.
Bite: Pincher bite.
Eliminating Faults:
Teeth:
Overshot or undershot bite, wry mouth; lack of one incisive tooth, one canine, one premolar and one molar.
AKC Standard:
Bite and Dentition--Teeth 42 in number (20 upper, 22 lower), strong, correctly placed, meeting in a scissors bite--lower incisors touching inside of upper incisors.
Serious Faults--Level bite; any missing tooth.
Disqualifications--Overshot, undershot (when incisors do not touch or mesh); wry mouth; two or more missing teeth.
Diagram #7: Shows a correct scissors bite on an adult Rottweiler.
Diagram #8: Chart showing the correct number
and placement of the upper and lower teeth.
and placement of the upper and lower teeth.
Diagram #9: Showing the jaw closed and
how the teeth should mesh properly.
how the teeth should mesh properly.
Diagram #10: A good view of the root system for the teeth.
Diagram #11: View of a moderate overbite,
with the canines in reverse order.
with the canines in reverse order.
In Diagram #11, this drawing of a moderate overbite clearly shows that the lower canines will not mesh with the upper canines, and will in fact bore unnatural holes in the roof of the mouth of the dog. On overbites, the teeth find a place to go and do not interfere with the dog's ability to eat and certainly do not affect the health of the dog. Many veterinarians will tell people who have overbite puppies that they need to bring them in for surgical removal of the lower puppy canines because they are boring unnatural holes in the roof of the mouth. In all the time we've been breeding Rottweilers, overbites are the most common feature that occur rendering a puppy as pet quality. Of all of the overbite pet quality puppies we've produced, not one single one ever required any medical intervention or pulling of teeth because of the overbite and many times overbites do correct during the transition from puppy to adult.
Diagram #12: Shows a regular overbite,
a show disqualifying feature.
a show disqualifying feature.
In Diagram #12, the drawing shows a regular overbite. On occasion, a regular overbite can and sometimes does correct into a scissors bite.
A puppy's bottom jaw will continue to grow until they are approximately nine months old, which means the bite is in transition until 9 to 11 months old. It should be noted that the top jaw is also in transition and growing during this period. The bite can go either way, from scissors to underbite or from scissors to overbite, or the most common would be from scissors to level bite.
A puppy's bottom jaw will continue to grow until they are approximately nine months old, which means the bite is in transition until 9 to 11 months old. It should be noted that the top jaw is also in transition and growing during this period. The bite can go either way, from scissors to underbite or from scissors to overbite, or the most common would be from scissors to level bite.
Diagram #13: Shows a level bite.
In Diagram #13, the drawing shows a level bite which is breedable and showable and is not a disqualifying fault in the show ring, but it is a fault. A level bite is often heavily penalized by judges and is not desirable. Many older Rottweilers have level bites that show up later in life. Sometimes these bites are caused from excessive chewing or excessive tugging on the jaw.
Diagram #14: Shows an underbite,
a show disqualifying feature.
a show disqualifying feature.
In Diagram #14, the drawing shows an underbite which is much less common than the overbite and level bite. In all the years we've been in Rottweilers, an underbite has never corrected to a scissors bite. While it is possible that it could happen, the odds against it are astronomical.
The only bite abnormality we don't currently have a drawing or photo of is the wry bite. A wry bite is when the teeth are crooked. Some of the teeth would be considered an overbite and some would be considered an underbite and some meet dead level. I've only seen a handful of wry bites, and some were caused by outside influences, and some were purely genetic.
The only bite abnormality we don't currently have a drawing or photo of is the wry bite. A wry bite is when the teeth are crooked. Some of the teeth would be considered an overbite and some would be considered an underbite and some meet dead level. I've only seen a handful of wry bites, and some were caused by outside influences, and some were purely genetic.
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If your dog's teeth become broken, a canine dentist can prepare a metal or porcelain crown. A broken tooth is a common problem, especially among outdoor dogs. Aggressive chewing on hard objects, such as rocks, cyclone fencing, cow hooves, bones or igloos, is a primary cause, and chewing on hard objects can also change a scissors bite to a bad bite and this would not be considered a genetic cause. Rottweilers are very aggressive chewers and their bites should be checked often and if you notice the teeth are shifting, you should remove any objects the dogs are chewing on. Rottweilers also can lose a tooth by pulling on cyclone fencing and crate doors and grating. Rottweilers have also been known to lose teeth from doing bite work and teeth have been pulled out of alignment from tug-of-war games.
Studies show that by age three, 80 percent of dogs exhibit signs of gum disease. Symptoms include yellow and brown build-up of tartar along the gumline, red inflamed gums and persistent bad breath. Small dog breeds are more likely to develop periodontal disease than large dogs because the teeth of small dogs are often too large for their mouths, according to veterinary dentistry experts. Plaque on dog's teeth are a concern because it can lead to heart disease. We highly recommend that you keep your dog's teeth clean by offering raw beef femur bones on a regular basis. We offer them regularly and let the dogs chew on them only long enough to clean their teeth, and then the bones are removed so that they don't chew all the enamel off their teeth. Sometimes only a half hour of chewing is sufficient to clean all the plaque off. Some dogs require a longer period of time.
We hope you found our article on the Rottweiler teeth and dentition helpful, educational and interesting. If you are having any special problems with your dog's teeth, and you have any photographs of your dog's teeth that you can send us that could be added to this page as another example of teeth and the problems we run into, we would appreciate you sending them to us so we can present them for educational purposes.
If your dog's teeth become broken, a canine dentist can prepare a metal or porcelain crown. A broken tooth is a common problem, especially among outdoor dogs. Aggressive chewing on hard objects, such as rocks, cyclone fencing, cow hooves, bones or igloos, is a primary cause, and chewing on hard objects can also change a scissors bite to a bad bite and this would not be considered a genetic cause. Rottweilers are very aggressive chewers and their bites should be checked often and if you notice the teeth are shifting, you should remove any objects the dogs are chewing on. Rottweilers also can lose a tooth by pulling on cyclone fencing and crate doors and grating. Rottweilers have also been known to lose teeth from doing bite work and teeth have been pulled out of alignment from tug-of-war games.
Studies show that by age three, 80 percent of dogs exhibit signs of gum disease. Symptoms include yellow and brown build-up of tartar along the gumline, red inflamed gums and persistent bad breath. Small dog breeds are more likely to develop periodontal disease than large dogs because the teeth of small dogs are often too large for their mouths, according to veterinary dentistry experts. Plaque on dog's teeth are a concern because it can lead to heart disease. We highly recommend that you keep your dog's teeth clean by offering raw beef femur bones on a regular basis. We offer them regularly and let the dogs chew on them only long enough to clean their teeth, and then the bones are removed so that they don't chew all the enamel off their teeth. Sometimes only a half hour of chewing is sufficient to clean all the plaque off. Some dogs require a longer period of time.
We hope you found our article on the Rottweiler teeth and dentition helpful, educational and interesting. If you are having any special problems with your dog's teeth, and you have any photographs of your dog's teeth that you can send us that could be added to this page as another example of teeth and the problems we run into, we would appreciate you sending them to us so we can present them for educational purposes.