simpatico, executed in parallel motion gen- erated by balanced angulation of the front and rear assembly. I once heard respected Breeder/Judge Joan Klem humorously remark that when she saw this fusion of perfection in a dog before she had con- ducted its individual exam, she would pray ahead of the exam that it would have all 42 of its teeth! If you see a dog that appears to be moving rapidly but covering little ground or a dog that appears to cross over, rear feet to front feet, you are observing the results of incorrect structure and balance. Breed Type: As important as balance is to the Rottweiler, so too does Breed type matter. It is the essence of the Rottweiler and serves to upper case the ideal image presented by the AKC standard. Breed type is the embodiment of those charac- teristics that most make a Rottweiler look like a Rottweiler. For example, while some may assert that the Rottweiler is not a head breed, a strong or pleasantly pronounced head is undeniably one of the hallmarks of
the breed and most certainly of a beautiful Rottweiler. Dark eyes and substantial bone are also characteristics of type that breed- ers strive to produce. Occasionally, ringside criticism is o ff ered of exhibits that boast of type: “ Th at dog is overdone.” An exhibit’s head may appear extreme or its bone may appear to be more substantial than other entries. Be cautious not to overly penalize such a dog if the excess type does not occur at the expense of balance and harmony of movement; it may be a superior dog. And sometimes it is the superior Rottweiler that looks like no other in the ring. And some- times, given the alternatives, one might be wise to select “overdone” before he would lean toward “underdone”. Some of us who breed can point to times when “overdone” is the best breeding solution for “under- done”! Uniquely beautiful breed type in combination with correct balance and har- monious movement is not always common and when it appears it can be so remarkably inconsistent with what else is exhibited on
a given day, that only a seasoned judge or breeder would recognize the quality rather than penalizing it for standing out as too di ff erent from the others. More common, we find ourselves facing exhibits that boast various combinations of balance and breed type— and we have to be mindful of the image the AKC standard presents as the ideal Rott- weiler, finding the exhibit that best presents that image. Sometimes it is so beautiful that a judge might forgive something in its struc- ture, while in much the same way, another judge may forgive a dog somewhat lacking in type but with exceptionally beautiful proportions and balance. On these days, there is never more truth in the saying that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder! Incidentally: Th e following are a few incidentals for you to consider as you embark upon judging Rottweilers: Plan a ring procedure that will allow you to observe adequately the movement of your exhibits. Rottweilers need room and are easier to judge in open spacious rings. Always remember that much like a par- ent who brings to the teacher his best in the way of his child, your exhibitors often bring you their best with pride and antici- pation. Exhibitor dignity is paramount and short of misconduct on his/her part, the exhibitor should be a ff orded always the courtesy of kindness and patience. One misconception in the AKC ring is that a bigger dog is a better dog; in the AKC Rottweiler Standard, the structure , pro- portion and balance, standing and moving, are more important than size, as long as the size meets the range guidelines presented in the standard for his/her gender. When counting teeth, be sure you look under the handler’s fingers. You should count 42, 22 on the bottom (two canines, six incisors, eight premolars and six molars) and 20 on the top (two canines, six inci- sors, eight premolars and four molars). On the down and back, have the dog stop facing you and if its front is turned away from you, walk around the dog to see it (and you can enjoy the view of the dog’s freely stacked rear this way also). Th is is your opportunity to view the dog’s front
Rottweiler: calm, confident and courageous. (Multi BIS/Multi BISS GCH Cammcastle’s Friar Tuck, “Tux”)
Rottweiler: a large, robust and powerful dog. (Multi BIS/Multi BISS Grand Ch. Cammcastle’s Kore Elements ATTS, CGC, “Karbon”)
Breed type are characteristics that make a Rottweiler look most like a Rottweiler. (Multi BISS Ch. Cammcastle’s London Calling, “London”)
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