The Rottweiler is a medium-large, robust dog, neither gross nor slight not spindly.  In correct proportion he is compact and powerfully built indicating great strength, manouevrability and endurance.

Proportions & Size :

The length of the body measured from the point of the prosternum (breast bone) to the rear edge of the pelvic edge (ischial protuberance) should not exceed the height at the highest point of the withers by more than 15 percent.

Height of males 61 to 68 cms.  Ideal size 65 to 66cms.

Height of bitches 56 to 63 cms.  Ideal size 60 to 61 cms.

Weight of males about 50 kilos.  Weight of bitches about 42 kilos.

Character & Temperament :

He is descended from friendly and peaceful stock and by nature loves children, is affectionate, obedient, trainable and enjoys working.  His rough appearance belies his ancestry.  His demeanour is self reliant, with strong nerves and fearless character.  He is keenly alert and aware of his surroundings.

Head :

Skull : Medium long, the backskull broaqd between the ears, the forehead line seen from the side only moderately arched.  The occiput is well developed without protruding excessively. 

Skin: The skin on the head is tight fitting but allowance is made for some wrinkling when dog is alert.

Nose : The bridge of the muzzle is straight, broad at the base and slightly tapering.  nose is large,l rather broad than round, always black with proportionately large nostrils.

Muzzle : must never be long or short in comparison to the backskull.

Lips : black close lying with the corners closed, gums should be dark.

Jaw : Strong. Broad upper and lower jaw.

Cheeks : Pronounced cheek bones (zygomatic arch).

Dentition : Complete (42 teeth), bite is strong with the upper incisors closing like scissors over those of the underjaw.

Eyes : Medium large, almond shaped, of dark brown colour with tightly fitting lids.

Ears : Medium large, pendant, triangular, set well apart and high.  When brought forward, well placed ears will broaden the appearance of the backskull.

Neck :

Powerful, moderately long, well muscled, slightly arched, dry without dewlap of throatiness.

Body :

Back : Straight, strong, tight.  Loin is short, strong and deep.

Croup : broad, medium long, gently sloping, neither flat or steep.

Chest : Roomy, broad and deep (approximately 50% of the height of the dog at the withers).

Abdomen : Flanks not drawn up.

Tail : Docked short so that one or two tail vertabrae remain.

Forequarters :

Forequarters : Overall, seen from the front, the forelegs are straight and not set close together.  Seen from the side, the lower leg is straight.  the shoulder angulation should approximate 45 degrees.

Shoulder : Well placed.

Upper Arm : Lying correctly on the body.

Forearm : Strongly developed and muscular.

Pastern : Somewhat springy, strong and not steep.

Feet : Round, well closed and well knuckled, pads hard, nails short, black and strong.

Hindquarters :

Hindquarters : Overall, as seen from the rear, the rear legs are straight and not set close together.  In a natural stance the articulation between the upper thigh and the lower thigh forms an obtuse angle.

Upper Thigh : Moderately long, broad and very muscular.

Lower Thigh : Long powerful and heavily muscled, sinewy with strong tendons, well angulated, not steep.

Feet : Somewhat longer tghan the front feet, nevertheless tight knuckled, with strong toes, no dewclaws.

Movement :

The Rottweiler is a trotter.  The back remains firm and relatively motionless.  The gait is harmonious, positive, powerful and free.

Coat :

Coat quality : Consisting of outer coat and undercoat.  The outer coat is medium long, coarse, thick and straight.  The undercoar must not show through the outer coat.  On the back of the rear legs the hair is somewhat longer.

Colour :

Back with sharply defined dark reddish-brown markings on the cheeks, muzzle, under the neck, on the chest and legs and also over the eyes and under the tail.