How are German-style conformation shows different?
In German-style conformation shows, a dog is exhibited naturally. Hand stacking, such as seen in the AKC ring, is not promoted. Instead, the dog, is brought to an alert, natural stance by a second handler who attracts the dog with a toy or ball from outside the ring while the judge critiques the dog. The judge often speaks into a microphone so that everyone can hear, see and understand the dog's good points and faults, if any. After all the dogs have been critiqued, the judge will have them trot around the ring, looking for a powerful and athletic dog who also fulfills the conformation requirements to be considered a complete Rottweiler.
As the judge verbally critiques a dog, a typist records his or her exact words. A typed and signed critique for each dog entered. Copies are kept by the judge and the ARV. The original copy is given to the owner to display.
Each dog in the class receives a rating. There is a special class for Rottweilers with a Schutzhund title which is called the Gebrauchshund class.
Sieger show ratings are translated as follows:
Puppies
- VP-Very Promising
- P-Promising
- G-Good
- U-Unsatisfactory
Adult Dogs
- V-Vorzuglich (Excellent)
- SG-Sehr Gut (Very Good)
- G-Gut (Good)
- S-Genugent (Satisfactory)
- U-Ungenugend (Unsatisfactory)
Titles awarded are: Best Puppy (male and female) from the 4-12 month classes; Youth Sieger and Youth Siegerin from the 12-24 month classes; Sieger and Siegerin are chosen from the Open, Gebrauchshund and Sieger classes. Most Beautiful Male and Female in Show are chosen from the winners of the above titles, 12 months and older. Owners usually show their own dogs because German-style conformation showing is relatively easy.