does anyone have any experience of what the different lines of rottweillers are like in regards to physical features.  i saw one site that advertised german bred dogs and another said they were introducing European lines (I know Germany is in Europe but does this terminology mean something different in relation to blood lines? ).  And where else do the lines originate from?
The dogs I have seen that have really appealled to me have quite chunky wide smiley heads and are lean and muscular rather than much broader body shapes.  Is the body type down to genetics or just overfeeding?   Any guidance on this would be much appreciated.

Different countries have slightly different looking dogs therefore by introducing them in to your lines you should get some of the features and physical appearances of that - the size, head shape, temperament etc is all down to the dogs used in the mating however of course as seen on TV last night many people over feed rotts rather than having them lean and muscular :D

In America the dogs are a different size and shape to those in Germany for instance - I personally prefer dogs that are taller and well proportioned (with large heads) to those that are shorter and more compact therefore my lines tend to be like this however in my last litter I had dogs that were a bit shorter than say the pup I kept but still not as small as many you see - not sure how my current litter will turn out as really you don't know what you have until you have them if you get where I am coming from...my lad is a spitting image of his daddy which is just what I wanted however some of the lads in the same litter look more like mum....some dont seem to look like them at all but still great looking dogs LOL

Generally speaking it is all down to the breeding but human intervention and cakes can alter things :D

thanks for the information enfielrotts.  You described what your dogs are like and I had a wee look on your site but what part of the world influences your dogs lines (European or American) and does anyone have links of american lines that can be compared with links of european lines.  the reason for all of the questions is that I'm in the early stages of thinking about another breed of dog.  I have a staffy and want another one but my current dog has a fascination for rotties and adores them so I'm doing a bit of research into whether they would be a dog that would suit my life.  I know what sort of dog I like but would like a bit of info about the types of dogs out their and their genetic origins.  thanks

Hi, I have been in rotts for a number of years, and particularally enjoy looking at pedigrees. Generally speaking dogs that have more so called 'european lines' behind them tend to very workable. Therefore they need more stimulation both mentally and physically. My first rott was fully german, although bred in this country. He needed alot more mental stimulation than any of my subsequent dogs. All of which have been 'english' for a minimum of four generations.

I think you are doing the right thing by trying to compare lines. But maybe you could talk to some breeders that are interested in european and american lines. Contact the Rot' Club or the Midland Rott' Club for some more information.

Just remember that rotts need plenty of stimulation, and time spent training, so can take up quite a bit of your personal time in the early stages. I hope that you come to the right decision, and if you do get a rotty, you'll have a friend for life.

Good for you taking the time to research the breed, as already said some can be more demanding in the way or working than others so it is important to get the sort of dog that would suit your life. 

My dogs are mostly English lines and also Irish lines, they are very laid back soft dogs that are eager to learn and very good with other dogs, people and children.  I have found the German lines to be more highly strung and selective about what dogs they like, they are quite strong minded and normally need a lot of training and working to keep their minds active.  All rotts enjoy training and like to be worked as it is what they were bred for however like you say, certain lines alter the need or want to slightly.

I do not personally know of any American bred dogs so can not comment on their temperament however I know many English / Irish lines and have found them to be wonderful, friendly, eager, loyal dogs.

I would suggest that you pop along to a show to see a few rotts, have a look to see what you like in the ring and you can then locate the breeder by the number and go have a chat with them - find out what the lines are and meet the dogs, this way you will get a better understanding of the sort of dog you will be best suited to.

Where do you live and I can let you know when the next show will be that is closest to you :D

Stimulation.... I watched its me of the do one night and they had that bubble machine so I went off to toys R Ust to get Breeze one and my sad little Rottie was scared of the bubbles. She is also scared of noise and traffic, if a bus goes  past, she will drag me off in the other direction. Kids cross the street when the see her even though she is the friendliest dog on the planet, but she is a big baby. Any hints as fellow rottie owners?

PS: she is 11 months old now

I live in dundee (east coast of Scotland) and would love to see some rotties in action near me.  there is usually a show in Camperdown park in the summer which I go to but have previously only been to see the staffs - its time to broaden my horizons.  If theres any shows near to me I'd be grateful to hear about them.  thanks