Preserving the Rottweiler: The Fight Against Extreme Breeding

Here at Keira’s Doghouse, our love for the Rottweiler breed runs deep. We celebrate their history, their intelligence, and their noble spirit. But as advocates for these magnificent animals, we must also speak up when we see trends that threaten their health and well-being.

A concerning movement is gaining traction in some breeding circles: the push for Rottweilers with excessively broad, shortened heads and heavily wrinkled faces—a look that drifts dangerously towards that of a Bulldog. While some may find this "look" appealing, it’s a stark departure from the breed standard and, more importantly, a detriment to the dog's health.

The Rottweiler Head: A Benchmark of Function and Form

The traditional Rottweiler head is a thing of power and beauty, defined by the breed standard as:

• Moderately long in relation to the body.

• A broad skull between the ears.

• A well-defined stop (the transition from skull to muzzle), but not an abrupt one.

• A strong, broad muzzle that should never be short or snipey.

This design isn’t just for show. It’s functional. A correctly proportioned head allows for:

• Efficient Breathing: Ample airway space for a working dog that needs stamina.

• Strong Bite (Scissor Bite): Essential for the historical work of holding and driving cattle.

• Overall Health: Properly formed teeth and jaw structure, free from overcrowding.

The "Bulldog" Trend: When Aesthetics Harm Health

When breeders selectively choose for an extremely broad skull, overly pronounced stop, and a short, wrinkled muzzle, they introduce a host of potential health problems, including:

• Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS): This is the most serious risk. Dogs with shortened airways struggle to breathe, snore excessively, pant inefficiently, and are at high risk for heatstroke. The Rottweiler is not a brachycephalic breed, and pushing it in that direction is unethical.

• Skin and Eye Issues: Excessive skin folds (wrinkles) can trap moisture and bacteria, leading to painful skin infections and irritations. Improperly set eyes can also be more prone to issues.

• Dental Problems: A shortened jaw often leads to severely overcrowded teeth, which are difficult to keep clean and can cause pain and decay.

Why Is This Happening?

This trend is often driven by a desire to make the breed look more "intimidating" or "extreme" to stand out in the show ring or on social media. Unfortunately, this prioritizes a fleeting aesthetic over the dog’s health, temperament, and function.

How Can We, as Lovers of the Breed, Help?

1. Educate Ourselves: Know the breed standard. Recognize what a healthy, functional Rottweiler looks like. The American Rottweiler Club and Canadian Rottweiler Club have excellent resources.

2. Support Responsible Breeders: Choose breeders who prioritize health, temperament, and conformation to the true breed standard over "fashionable" extremes. Ask to see health testing certifications for parents (OFA hips, elbows, heart).

3. Ask the Right Questions: When you see a Rottweiler, especially online, look critically. Does the dog have a clear, open airway? Can it run and play without gasping? Is its muzzle strong and broad, not short and pushed in?

4. Celebrate the True Rottweiler: Share photos and stories of well-bred, healthy Rotties! Let's show the world that the true beauty of this breed lies in its balanced, powerful, and functional form.

At Keira’s Doghouse, we believe loving a breed means protecting it. We will always use our platform to champion the health and history of the Rottweiler, not the trends that compromise it.

Let's keep the Rottweiler strong, healthy, and true to its incredible heritage.

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