Simply put a German Rottweiler is a dog that is born in Germany while the American Rottweiler is born in the United States. However, there are a few big differences between the two forms of Rottweiler's. The biggest difference with the German Rottweiler is the fact that any dog born after June 1998 has a tail. Aside from the tail the breed standards between the two breeds are nearly identical so don't be fooled by backyard breeders who claim the size, heads, bone and temperament of Rottweilers is different between the German and American breeds.



The German Rottweiler comes from the old breed of Roman drover dogs and the modern Rottweiler breed originally started in Germany. Today many of the Rottweilers are still bred in Germany and many U.S. bred dogs are imported from Germany. The method of registration, tracking and breeding is the biggest difference between the two forms of Rottweilers. When it comes to appearance there isn't much difference.

In the United States a litter can be registered with the American Kennel Club if two purebred dogs are bred. Although in Germany two breeding dogs can only be approved by the breed warden. The breed warden personally oversees and approves all litters and is a representative of the national Rottweiler club, known as the ADRK (the official German kennel club). A litter cannot be registered if it doesn't have the warden's approval. When a puppy reaches eight weeks of age they are tattooed with a number that is used to track them throughout their life.

At eight weeks of age every puppy is tattooed with a number that is then used to track the dog throughout his or her life. In order for a German Rottweiler to be bred they need to meet specific criteria. This includes an obedience title, hip and elbow clearances, a conformation evaluation that includes weights, measurements and proportions, a written evaluation by an ADRK judge and a temperament test.

If a dog is still bred after they fail a test then their offspring can never be registered. An annual book contains the information of every dog along with the ADRK database which records all registered Rottweilers in Germany from the point or birth until death.

Although whether the dog is German Rottweiler or an American Rottweiler getting a top quality dog is always a balance of genetics, pedigrees, knowledge, experience and little bit of trial and error. What really makes the difference between the American and German Rottweiler is the individual person's breeding program.

There are some breeders that focus on dogs for working ability, some for soundness and genetic health, some for temperament and yet other for structure and type. Although the best breeders to look for are those who try to breed for all of these qualities, they are not always successful.

A lot of breeders claim to have German Rottweilers when they are really just backyard breeders. Therefore it is important that you ask to see a breeders' certification and then check it before you purchase a dog from any breeder. Carefully read the breeders code of ethics and make sure you are getting a dog from a reputable breeder rather than a backyard breeder.