When choosing a Rottweiler stud to use in the breeding of one of our Rottweiler bitches
we intelligently scrutinize both the phenotype and the genotype of the potential sire as well as the dam. The phenotype is the outward physical appearance and characteristics of the dog. This alone is what most people base 
their decision on when selecting a stud dog to use. The problem is that they are failing to realize that every dog also possesses a genotype which is as equally important, if not more important. The genotype is what the dog looks like internally based on the gene pool that it received from all of the ancestors in their pedigree. Predominantly this genotype is effected by the three previous generations. Anything past the third generation is generally considered to be too diluted to strongly influence the dog in type or temperament. By using the method of line breeding or inbreeding one can greatly reduce the diversity of the gene pool that is being passed on to the progeny and by creating a more homogenous gene pool we are thereby enabled to better project the hereditary characteristics that the offspring of this mating will possess. This explanation is certainly and oversimplification of the process, but the point I wish to make is that though line breeding gives us no definite guarantees, it does allow us a better opportunity to possibly produce the kind of puppies from the Rottweiler Breeding that we have in our mind as ideal specimen.
Now the question that many ask is, "Why do we specialize in German Rottweilers and not American Rottweilers?"
Many would erroneously argue that the only difference is that native born German Rottweilers have tails and American Rottweilers 
do not have tails. While it is true that in June of 1998 a law was passed in Germany forbidding the docking of tails on all breeds, except select hunting breeds, and therefore any Rottweiler born in 
Germany will have a tail, it is not true that tails are the only difference. There are major foundational differences between German Rottweilers and American Rottweilers and it all starts with the breeding program. German Rottweiler breeders must breed in strict compliance to the standard. According to the rules and regulations of the Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler Klub (ADRK), which is the official governing body for Rottweilers in Germany, before any dog can be used for breeding they must first pass a breed suitability test commonly known as the ZtP, which is equivalent to the BST in America. The requirements for the test include: a hip and elbow rating concerning hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, a BH degree in obedience, and a conformational evaluation that includes weight and measurements. The dog must be completely free of any disqualifying faults. The remainder of the test is to insure that the dog is sound in nerves and mind. The results of this test are published in an annual "Kor" book and becomes a permanent record that will follow the dog for the rest of his or her life and even thereafter. The report will also be printed on the pedigree of everyone of the dog's offspring.
In addition to both dogs having to pass a breed suitability test before allowing to mate,
at least one of the proposed dogs must have a ScH 1 title. Due to such stringent breed regulations the Germans are much more successful at eliminating inferior dogs from their gene pools. Therefore they consistently produce dogs that are superior to most American lines. In the United States, dog owners have the liberty to breed whatever quality of dogs that they choose. As a result the gene pools of American lines have been compromised with unstable temperaments, poor conformation and
inheritable diseases such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, entropian and ectropion, congenital heart disease such as SAS (Sub-Aortic Stenosis), Hypothyroidism, and a blood-clotting disorder known as VWD or
Von Willebrand's Disease.
While we readily admit that there are some absolutely magnificent American Rottweilers that are inferior to none other and though we will quickly agree that there are good and bad traits in all bloodlines, including German Rottweilers, we have chosen at Von Warterr to breed dogs only of European/German descent because of the aforementioned reasons. Rottweilers, like all large breeds, are prone to hip dysplasia. In an effort to decrease the likelihood of this problem we only breed dogs that have received a certified passing hip rating from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals here in America or who have been certified free of hip dysplasia by the ADRK. It is our firm opinion that nobody ought to ever purchase a puppy from a litter in which both parents have not been OFA'd. To do so is to promote irresponsible breeding. Besides having health certificates most of our dogs have proven or are in the process of proving themselves in the show ring and/or on the working field. Most of our dogs received their titles in Germany and are therefore recognized by FCI countries around the world. Our dogs have shown both in the German style shows as well as the American style shows.
Please enjoy your visit to our web site and take the time to browse through our various pages.
Our education page provides links to many web sites so you can learn more about 
Rottweilers. If you have any questions or comments then certainly call or email us. We thoroughly enjoy talking about our dogs and yours. We do 
not claim to know everything about the German Rottweiler but we are always happy to share what we have learned from our own experiences as well as the education we have received from others. Remember that we are always taking reservations for upcoming litters. We only have three or four breedings a year and so reservations are usually necessary in advance to whelping. Sometimes we also have adult German Rottweilers for sale.
We especially enjoy helping those individuals who are newcomers to our wonderful breed.
We can well remember how disappointing it was when we first started involving ourselves in the Rottweiler fancy only to discover that there were those who took advantage of our lack of experience and knowledge. The greed and dishonesty of some breeders who prey on rookies resulted in us losing thousands of dollars before we learned our lesson. Therefore we have dedicated ourselves to providing beginners with honest and helpful information.
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Perry Payson ~ Professional Handling Services
