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important to keep in mind the Rottweiler is first and foremost a working breed and should have the physical and mental attributes to that end. 1. What shortcomings are you most willing to forgive? What faults do you find hard to overlook? Cosmetic features such as lighter markings, some pink in the mouth, or a bit lighter eye are easier to forgive. Faults of structure or temperament cannot be overlooked. 2. How has the breed changed since you became involved with it? Do you see any trends you think are moving the breed in the wrong direction? Any traits becoming exaggerated? Most definitely. The incorrect trends I am now seeing are: lack of balance (exaggerated rear angulation with moder- ate fronts) lending to movement that is neither effortless nor attractive; lack of upper arm length and shoulder lay back; lack of fill under the eye; lack of presence/intelli- gence giving way to lifeless eyes. A great Rottweiler is one that exemplifies the standard of the breed with the physical attributes, mind and attitude and carries a certain “presence” that can not be overlooked. A great Rottweiler should give the impres- sion they are always thinking, unlike some of the “empty
one, they only become more endearing. The best way to explain this is to own one. STEVE WOLFSON I am a strong supporter, passionate about the Rottweiler since 1977 and became an AKC Rott-
weiler breeder specialist judge in 2002. My goal of breeding and titling working Rottweilers came to fruition when I titled my Dux von Wolf Sch.1 BH, Ztp, AD and several others in my breeding program to their BHs. I have competed in many AKC conformation shows
and finished my co-owned Rottweiler Ch. Ruanes Dark Victory—AKC #WF998428—to his championship. In 2003, I wrote and published my book, The Prior- ity of Breed Type in the Rottweiler . I have lectured for Rottweiler Clubs worldwide and written many articles on Rottweiler structure and type, which are referenced by the American Rottweiler Club and translated into other languages for international Rottweiler club newsletters. Adding to my credits, I have written and codified the original ARC national Sieger shows rules and regula- tions, revamped—with American Rottweiler Club board approval—the ARC Judges’ Education presentation and know the workings, verbal critiquing and rating system of Sieger style shows. I am head survey judge for the ARC breed survey, com- mittee member of ARC Judges Education, a 17-year member of ARC and adjudicated breed surveys for the American Rottweiler Club, the Rottweiler Clubs of Aus- tralia, New Zealand and Ecuador. A commercial photographer that lives in Merrick, New York, married with one son earning his degree as a physi- cist. My other passions are the jazz guitar and breeding tropical fish. In the US and Canada, I have adjudicated Rottweilers for many all-breed and specialty clubs to include: The Colo- nial Rottweiler Club, Associated Rottweiler Fanciers Club of California, Rottweiler Club of Canada and Gulf Stream Rottweiler Club, Miami Sieger shows I have adjudicated in the US are: Wine Country Rottweiler Club, California, Southern Louisiana Rottweiler Club, Baton Rouge, National Independent Rottweiler Klub National Sieger show, California, Moun- tain City Rottweiler Club, Pennsylvania and New England Rottweiler Fanciers, Boston, MA. A partial list of Rottweiler specialty shows I have adju- dicated worldwide are: the International Friends of the
stares” you may see in the ring these days. 3. How do you feel about undocked tails?
I do not care for undocked tails. In my opinion, an undocked tail completely destroys the breed’s overall type and essence. The breed standard reads, “Tail docked short, close to body, leaving one or two tail vertebrae”. That is exactly how I prefer to see each dog in my ring. 4. Why do we mostly see dogs (as opposed to bitches) in the top ranked Rottweilers? Perhaps it is because the bitches are often tending to mothering duties or held back for a breeder’s litter plans. A campaigned male can continue showing with no break, other than planned breedings. 5. Is there anything Rottweiler handlers do you wish they would not? Throw bait for attention and not have the decency to pick it up; and not allowing enough space between dogs. 6. Name a dog not currently being shown that exempli- fies your ideal type. Yngo—Multi V-1, Sieger, Multi BISS Am/Can Ch. Yngo van het Dornedal Am/Can CDX, Am TDX, Can TD, SchH III, FH, BST, BH, TT, CGC. Yngo was imported from Belgium to Canada as a young dog. He is a great example of the complete Rottweiler—lovely type, great mind in a robust body—not to mention he had a sense of humor. He also has passed on many of his great attributes to his offspring, earning him a top position in the parent club production point schedule. 7. Anything else you’d like to add? I love the look of the Rottweiler and their overall consti- tution—their willingness and (actual) need to do a job, their power, their intelligence and their humor. Their loyalty to their owner is unmatched and as you age with
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