Page 189 - ShowSight - May 2020

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ICON OF THE BREED
“EARS, CORRECTLY PLACED AND CARRIED HAVE A SUBTLE ROLE FOR THE CORRECT HEAD TYPE. THEIR PROPER SHAPE IS THAT OF AN ISOSCELES TRIANGLE, EQUAL ON ALL SIDES.”
THE MUZZLE
Some Rottweilers come close to the ideal. Others pos- sess essential traits in varying amounts. The most common problem of the head is a shallow zygomatic arch and a nar- row muzzle at the base.
A shallow zygomatic arch creates a muzzle that is coni- cal in shape. Conversely, a well-developed zygomatic arch— stated in the Standard—accompanies a muzzle broad and powerful at the base.
The zygomatic arch and muzzle width at the base are cor- related. When incorrect, they diminish the powerful mas- culine head type the Standard indicates. Figure 2 shows a shallow zygomatic arch and narrow muzzle at the base.
CORRECT SHAPE AND PLACEMENT OF EYES
The eyes of the Rottweiler play a pivotal role for correct head type. The Standard acknowledges it by detailing his self-assured, steady and fearless expression.
• Eyes, medium size
• Almond shape
• Well-fitting lids
• Moderately deep set, neither protruding nor receding • Desired color is a uniform dark brown
• Serious faults—Yellow eyes—Eyes of different color—Hair- less eye rim
Correct eyes and placement. Dark, almond shape, with eyelids tight- fitting, hair present on the eyelids, noble serious expression,clear with no ocular discharge. Set well apart.
EARS
Ears, correctly placed and carried have a subtle role for the cor- rect head type. Their proper shape is that of an isosceles triangle, equal on all sides. When right, they augment the width of the head and give the dog/bitch a serious, focused appearance. Incorrect, they detract from a correct head.
Correct ears.
Incorrect ears.
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 2
Figure 3
Zygomatic Arch
Above are three muzzle shapes we observe at shows. Only Fig. 4 is correct for the Rottweiler. It depicts a wedge shape, and blunt at the tapering end of the nostrils. We can observe both a conical shape—Fig. 5 and a rectangular shape muz- zle—Fig. 6. Muzzles Fig. 5-6 are incorrect.
SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, MAY 2020 | 187