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Rottweiler-IFR-Sieger show in Bologna, Italy 2004, World Show in Mexico City for the Rottweiler Club of Mexico, The Rottweiler Club of Ecuador National Sieger, The Norsk Rottweiler Klub National Sieger Show, Nor- way, The Rottweiler Club of Colombia National Sieger show, Colombia, Copa America Specialty Show for the Rottweiler Club of Argentina, Raduno di Lombardia regional specialty Sieger show for the Rottweiler Club Ita- lia, Rottweiler Club of New Zealand National Sieger show, Rottweiler Club of New South Wales regional specialty Sieger show, Australia. 1. What five traits do you look for, in order, when judging Rottweilers? What do you consider the ulti- mate hallmark of the breed? The five traits I look for are the correctness of the geom- etry of the head, dark eye, lip and gum pigmentation, correct body proportions, general power and substance, harmony and fluidity of gait. In that order. The icon of the breed is the Rottweiler head! 2. What shortcomings are you most willing to forgive? What faults do you find hard to overlook? I can forgive minor construction faults. However, I can- not forgive breed type faults such as poor head type, light eyes, pink gums, incorrect body proportions, deficient breed type. 3. 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? The Rottweiler made steady gains in the US since its acceptance to the AKC breed book in 1931. Gains in the general power, body substance and powerful masculine “the ICon oF the BreeD IS THE ROTTWEILER HEAD!”
Amigo vom rudenturm
head type were steady. However, this positive trend has reversed and a general loss of the of these positive traits has been occurring for many years. Today, the breed is trending smaller and too refined. 4. How do you feel about undocked tails? I judge worldwide where the docking of tails is prohib- ited. I accept exhibits undocked. 5. Why do we mostly see dogs (as opposed to bitches) in the top ranked Rottweilers? Typically, the male working dogs are more dynamic in breed type, with larger heads, more muscle and size. Therefore, they attract get the attention. However, I would not hesitate to award an excellent bitch with top honors. They are the foundation of the breed. 6. Is there anything Rottweiler handlers do you wish they would not? Many exhibits are being trimmed in the rear, neck and other areas. The standard specifies no scissoring. The Rottweiler is to be exhibited in its natural state. 7. Name a dog not currently being shown that exempli- fies your ideal type. If possible, please include a photo and/or explanation. Yes, I will name two. They are opposite in size; one is small, the other is large. Yet each demonstrates outstand- ing correct breed type and a strong production record: Cassius Lad and Amigo vom RudenTurm. 8. Anything else you’d like to add? Yes. The Rottweiler—here in the states—is shrinking. Not only in size but body, bone and substance. This trend is alarming. As these traits trend smaller, they become self-perpetuating since the breeding dogs possess this negative trend. Once size, bone and body mass diminish, they become difficult—if not impossible—to reverse! Internationally, the Rottweiler has improved and trends towards more power, substance, stronger head type with more pronunciation of the zygomatic arch and stop in both dog and bitches. Unfortunately, a schism is occur- ring between our Rottweilers and our international counterparts. It is alarming.
Cassius Lad
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