THE ROTTWEILER HEADPIECE

Barrott Rottweilers - This head is a very good example of breed type, There is good proportion between Skull and Muzzle, Cheek is correct, Flew and mouth color is correct, Eye color is excellent, Ear set is correct and skull shape appears to be correct. Overall an Excellent specimen. I would be happy to breed that head every day. Thoughts, This dog is thinking I LOVE YOU, whether it be bait, toy or person.  
Wednesday, May 16, 2012, 4:20:32 PM

Betty Dukee - Looking over the head on this Rottweiler I can't find any faults! He has a broad skull, dark eyes, dark gums, his expression is fearless, and his color is very good! I loved and bred, showed Rottweilers for 15 years. My last Rottweiler died after 15 years of a great life. His name was Wolfie.  I am now 61 and really miss the breed.  We always OFA certified our Rotties.

Saturday, May 05, 2012, 11:49:10 AM

Bernie McDowell - He is being baited by someone he knows and trusts...seems relaxed and anticipating the treat. As long as a person approaches this dog with respect, I think a new friendship will ensue...gorgeous head. No loose flews that I notice. Since all of our dogs are descendants of imports, not sure why that matters. There is only the Rottweiler...not American or German, Polish, Hungarian and so on... What's he thinking......"gimme that little toy!"
Thursday, May 03, 2012, 5:12:41 PM

Barbara at Asgard Rottweilers - I am learning a lot! I just came back to check this page and I am glad that I did. I can't really say much as I am a beginner compared to you people but I have to say that this is the photo and all the speculation in the world won't change that. I think they meant for us to comment on what we see, not so much what we would want to see in the breed. In other words, I think this dog is terrific!

Thursday, May 03, 2012, 6:04:03 PM

Jeff Shaver - Glad you came back Barbara ....
Thursday, May 03, 2012, 7:06:00 PM

Steven at Darkstarr - [Lynn's Quote ] Also would hazard a guess that when the dog is not smiling it has loose flew. We definitely need a photo with the side view of the head and with the mouth closed.
[My Reply ]The flews on this dog are correct and tight. Maybe what is causing your confusion is the thickness of his cheek muscles? As seen in the photo, you can see more separation between the teeth and the flew at the corner of the mouth than typically seen on dogs here. The thick well formed cheek muscles are an essential part of a correctly constructed Rottweiler head and is typical on a dog having pronounced zygomatic arches. The more pronounced the zygomatic arch the greater the area for muscle attach & development which naturally results in thicker cheek muscles. There is nothing in this photo to suggest loose flews
[Quote] So I would warrant a guess that this dog is an import or directly descendant.
[My Reply ]I would agree, and being an import is a good thing! Historically our breeding programs in this country have relied on the continued influx of import dogs to help maintain correct breed type. While, here, we emphasizing balance side gait and clean down & back movement, Europeans place their emphasis more on breed type issues like correct constructed heads, eye and mouth color, ear sets, bone, markings (definition, color, size), correct temperament, powerful far reaching side gait, etc. Our Rottweiler breeding programs, in this country, have greatly benefited from the blending of our movement emphasized American Rottweilers with the breed type emphasized European Rottweilers. You don't have to take my word for it. A quick study of our Gold Sires list will show over 50% are either imports or sons of imports!  Interestingly, at one time, an import coming to this country was looked forward to with great anticipation. Now, since the tail issue, they are looked upon by a certain crowd with resentment.  Despite this resentment, it does not eliminate our dependency on imports to help maintain correct breed type of the Rottweiler in this country.
[Quote] How'd I do?
[My Reply] Not very well I'm afraid! Maybe you need to to take another look at the standard and try again later.
Thursday, May 03, 2012, 2:28:33 PM

Lynn Lopez - SR: I was right on all points. However, you make some assumptions without any basis. This dog is not awful. However, what I see *and what I was asked to comment on* is what the pictures shows. Furrowing, incorrect ear-set, lack of clear definition (according to the AKC standard) between the base color and the markings, and a possibility of wetness.  Please look again at the correct Rottweiler head- Ears of medium size, pendant, triangular in shape; when carried alertly the ears are level with the top of the skull and appear to broaden it. Ears are to be set well apart, hanging forward with the inner edge lying tightly against the head and terminating at approximately mid-cheek.  The dog in question does not exhibit properly set ears, in my opinion. If the owner has a written critique of the head, perhaps it can be shared here. I think the critique will agree with my notes.  Having been involved in the latest judge's education handbook, I take the standard very seriously.

Thursday, June 07, 2012, 6:54:48 AM

Steven at Darkstarr - Lynn, how exactly were you involved in the latest judges handbook? Did you staple the pages together? Just about anyone looking at this photo can tell he has a very nice head for a Rottweiler. The more you try to diminish the quality of his head, only serves to show how inapt your own expertise of Rottweiler conformation is and reflects poorly on your creditability. I'm curious. How many champion Rottweilers have you bred?
Friday, June 08, 2012, 2:42:16 PM

Steven at Darkstarr - [Lynn's Quote ] Because it is difficult for a breeder to tell the owner of a dog what its problems are, it is unfair, I think to present a head as no one will be wont to say what is wrong. I thought about it and held back criticism of the dog's head. Two things that would disturb me are the ears, their set, and the dome. It appears to be furrowed.
[My Reply] There isn't anything wrong with his ears as far as can be determined from this photo. The length is mid-cheek as specified by the standard and lies close to the head as specified by the standard. From this angle and with the head cocked, it is hard to say anything definitive about the ear set. You can only determine if the back skull is dome shaped from a side profile photo which this is not, but there is no indication of dome shape from the angle of this photo. All Rottweilers will display wrinkling while panting. This is a non-issue!
[Lynn's quote] Another difficulty is the muddy color (lack of good definition between the mahogany and the black). However, this is typical of the import, and not as typical of the Ambred dog.
[My Reply] Actually, this Rottweiler in the photo has rich mahogany markings like what is specified in the standard and not the lighter tan markings typically seen here. (TO BE CONTINUED)
Thursday, May 03, 2012, 2:27:55 PM

CJ - This dog looks to me to be focused, intent on a toy or treat. I would probably pet him, unless his demeanor changed considerably. BUT, I know nothing about Rottweiler type, as I have Shiba Inu, different ball game entirely!
Thursday, May 03, 2012, 8:42:44 AMM

Lynn Lopez - Because it is difficult for a breeder to tell the owner of a dog what its problems are, it is unfair, I think to present a head as no one will be wont to say what is wrong. I thought about it and held back criticism of the dog's head. Two things that would disturb me are the ears, their set, and the dome. It appears to be furrowed.  Another difficulty is the muddy color (lack of good definition between the mahogany and the black). However, this is typical of the import, and not as typical of the Ambred dog.  Also would hazard a guess that when the dog is not smiling it has loose flew. We definitely need a photo with the side view of the head and with the mouth closed.  So I would warrant a guess that this dog is an import or directly descendant.  How'd I do?
Thursday, May 03, 2012, 8:13:33 AMM

Jeff Shaver - All Rottweilers in this country are descended from imports!

Thursday, May 03, 2012, 8:47:58 AM

Steven at Darkstarr - He seems to be displaying the "Good Humor" affection characteristic of the breed. If he was looking at you while display this, he would be approachable as long you properly introduce yourself by confidently offer your hand cupped downward, low and in front of his his face so he can smell you. In this photo, he is looking to the side possibly to his owner and so the affection he is displaying isn't necessarily intend for you.  While this is , obviously, a photo of a very nice head, it isn't from an angle to fully appreciate the head's proportions. What we can say is he/she has a correct almond shaped eye (dark), correct length & close fitting ear, Dark mouth pigment and lips & nice full muzzle (Not snipey or lacking in substance). A full head, specifically a pronounced zygomatic, (cheek bone under the eye) and well developed cheeks. Nice coat with nice markings.  It is impossible to determine the number of teeth, bite, stop, backskull/muzzle length ratios, etc from this photo.  Sidenote: I have always considered the Rottweiler's muzzle to be the foundation of a correct Rottweiler head and the zygomatic arch the corner stone of that foundation.  Without correctness in these two fundamental characteristics, the head is fundamentally flawed no matter how expressive the rest of the head may be.
Thursday, May 03, 2012, 7:10:33 AM

Pam at Pamton Rottweilers - Correct male head with dark almond eyes, dark mouth and lovely ear set. Would love to see the rest of the dog, his head is very impressive. Dog looks attentive. Would have no problem approaching the dog, would love to pet him.
Wednesday, May 02, 2012, 8:45:59 PM

corblack@embarqmail.com - He looks inquisitive but wary. I would approach him, and let his body language tell me how safe I am.
Wednesday, May 02, 2012, 7:28:57 PMM

Guest 2 - Head - breed standard taken from AKC:: Of medium length, broad between the ears; forehead line seen in profile is moderately arched; zygomatic arch and stop well developed with strong broad upper and lower jaws. The desired ratio of backskull to muzzle is 3 to 2. Forehead is preferred dry, however some wrinkling may occur when dog is alert. Expression is noble, alert, and self-assured. Eyes of medium size, almond shaped with well fitting lids, moderately deep-set, neither protruding nor receding. The desired color is a uniform dark brown. Serious Faults--Yellow (bird of prey) eyes, eyes of different color or size, hairless eye rim. Disqualification--Entropion. Ectropion. Ears of medium size, pendant, triangular in shape; when carried alertly the ears are level with the top of the skull and appear to broaden it. Ears are to be set well apart, hanging forward with the inner edge lying tightly against the head and terminating at approximately mid-cheek. Serious Faults--Improper carriage (creased, folded or held away from cheek/head). Muzzle--Bridge is straight, broad at base with slight tapering towards tip. The end of the muzzle is broad with well developed chin. Nose is broad rather than round and always black. Lips-Always black; corners closed; inner mouth pigment is preferred dark. Serious Faults--Total lack of mouth pigment (pink mouth). 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.
Wednesday, May 02, 2012, 7:21:34 PM

Woodenbridge Labradors and Rotti lover - Beautiful dog!!!
Wednesday, May 02, 2012, 6:58:14 PM

Guest - This is a great specimen.
Wednesday, May 02, 2012, 6:56:05 PM

Peggy Garner, Tarheel Rottweilers - Gorgeous Male! Great color and markings---head is great, color of mouth exceptional, nice clean teeth, know it looks like he is missing teeth on the lower right side, but these teeth are the smallest. From this angle, topline looks to be less than straight and croup looks a little high. BUT---would need to see him stacked and---from the side! Nice thick neck, short muzzle, dark eyes! Would ask owner if he is approachable first, nothing about this dog would alarm me! By looking at him, would think he is wagging his tail or nub! Appears to be looking, lovingly at his owner! Wouldn't be surprised if he is titled---conformation and possibly Sch. titled!
Wednesday, May 02, 2012, 6:08:31 PM

Terry Williams - Blaxwil's Rottweilers - In my opinion, this dog is thinking "Hello how are you, and what's your name"? The expression appears to be very inviting and approachable. I would pet this dog based on the exact moment the photo was taken. However, would I say the same if his mouth was closed? Hmmmm.. Also, closing the mouth would change what I think the dog is thinking at this moment in my opinion. Without all the hypothetical what if's, I would say this dog is saying hello and I would pet him.
Wednesday, May 02, 2012, 4:28:52 PM

Barbara at Asgard Rottweilers - I think you are right. Cool, about the mouth. It really does say what the dog is thinking.
Wednesday, May 02, 2012, 6:35:24 PM

Lynn Lopez - Sorry 'bout that Fred! I know that hurt. I have never been bitten by a Rottie, but have been bitten by my collies and cockers. At least they are smaller and have smaller teeth.
Wednesday, May 02, 2012, 3:29:20 PM

Lynn Lopez - A Rottweiler is supposed to be aloof and from the standard your protector. I would want a dog to be protective of me and warn anyone approaching in a dark parking lot that he's there and he knows what he's doing. The scenario you relay seems off.
Thursday, May 03, 2012, 8:16:27 AM

Jeff - Seems like what Dave wrote describes perfectly what is expected ..."Definitely AT ALERT" with a stranger in a dark area , until the owner approaches and signifies by actions the situation is OK .
Thursday, May 03, 2012, 11:45:01 AM

Jeff Shaver - For sure a relaxed and approachable look , and thanks for reminding everyone Rose, always need to ask!
Tuesday, May 01, 2012, 11:43:24 PM

Henry, Dog Owner - I just heard about this on my breed chatlist this morning, what a great way to learn about the dos and don'ts. A friend of mine just got her first Rottie puppy and his head is almost roundish from the front with a wide nose that fits his face (even for a puppy, very masculine). This picture almost makes the dog look like he hasn't much of a nose. I thought domed was a description for a Chihuahua head? Like the comment above, I would never go up to any dog and try to pet it. He may be relaxed now but putting your fingers in his face without being introduced, you could draw back a knub.
Wednesday, May 02, 2012, 10:44:38 AM

Jeff - Henry, from the front view here, you just can't see the muzzle length!
Wednesday, May 02, 2012, 11:46:33 AM