Questionable Phenotypic traits in the Rottweiler, by Prof. Dr. Peter Friedrich.

Controversy has broken out among Rottweiler fans. Differences of opinion between breeders across the world are becoming increasingly evident. Preferences are drifting apart when it comes to  selecting stud dogs and bitches to breed from and judging dogs at shows, and it seems that two camps have emerged. A second type of Rottweiler has appeared alongside the type reflecting the traditional breed standard which has existed for decades. While the new type is prized by quite a few people,

it must nevertheless, on closer inspection, be deemed problematic. The new Rottweilers have striking features – especially in the head area, but also in relation to their physique more generally – which have developed due to exaggerated interpretations of the breed standard. The animals in question are not only poor exponents of the traditional breed standard – no, they are also susceptible to health risks which are both serious and avoidable. The next three sections of this text will describe the problematic traits alluded to above and sketch out a proposal for practicable counter-measures. But before moving on to look at specific issues in detail, let us first contemplate the difference between a healthy breed population and one which must already be considered threatened; this is a distinction which could become relevant for Rottweilers more quickly than any of us would likely care to acknowledge.

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Magazine "The Rottweiler in The World"

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IFR World Show 2018 Argentina

We hear that 180 entries are registred for the IFR World Show 2018 in Argentina (13 - 14 oktober) and look forward to a great show with thorough and fair judging, a perfect opportunity for all lovers of the breed to enjoy and promote the Rottweiler as the great dog he is.  

I wish the judges rings brimming with excellent dogs but above all I hope and dare to insist that their judgments will not just select the most beautifull dog but will hold a message, the message that the Rottweilerbreed is a healthy utility-breed, averse from extremities and that what makes him "beautifull" is not defined by personal preferances but by the FCI-breed standard, to be understood as the very characteristics that make the Rottweiler fit to function and be the versatile breed it is : the Rottweiler is in body and in mind, physically and mentally ... always and everywhere and also in the showring : a healthy working dog !    

To the organisation : my sincere thanks,.  To all participants : success.   To the breed : a bright future !

Dirk Vandecasteele.

IFR World Championship IPO III ABC 2018 - the Netherlands

We look back on a very successful World Championship, a true feast in honour of the Rottweiler as a healthy utility breed !   There were not less than 65 entries and we witnessed a fair and strong competition, well organized by our Rottweiler friends of the Netherlands and for which our sincere thanks.  More info and details will follow shortly.    

The results :

Regulations IFR World Championship Tracking Dogs

• 2018.09.02

It is with pleasure that we can now announce that the IFR decided to organize not only an annual World Championship IPO III but also an annual World Championship for Tracking Dogs and that its Regulations are approved.

This is again a major decision and step towards for the preservation of the original characteristics of the Rottweiler as a utility breed.

Our friends from Denmark may start their preparations for the first competition in 2019 and will find the Board at the ready for all wanted assistance and cooperation.   

Please communicate this to all your Club Members.  We look forward to meet the Rottweiler in large numbers on the tracking field !