Breeding suitability guide — Rottweiler
For breeders: which tests, which thresholds, which mating rules apply
1. Core standard for parents
Tests marked “Club standard” are required by Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler-Klub (ADRK) e.V. for breeding approval — they must be on file for every breeding animal. The others are part of the recommended health standard and should be on file as well.
| Test / condition | Scoring scheme | Passing result | Inheritance | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stud frequency (male) | — | max. two bitches per calendar week (Monday to Sunday): max. 40 bitches per calendar year | Unknown | — |
| Fecundity | — | once per calendar year (for 3-8 puppies per litter) | Complex | — |
| Cesarean section | Physical examination | one cesarean section in the bitch's entire lifetime | Complex | — |
| Dental abnormalities | — | normal | Complex | — |
| Elbow Dysplasia (ED) Club standard | X-ray | ED 0–2 | Polygenic | Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler-Klub (ADRK) e.V. |
| Hip dysplasia (HD) | X-ray | HD A–C | Polygenic | CIDD (Univ. PEI) |
| Aortic valve stenosis (AS) | — | normal | Complex | CIDD (Univ. PEI) |
| Polyneuropathy with ocular abnormalities and neuronal vacuolation, RAB3GAP1-related (POANV) Club standard | — | clear or carrier | Autosomal recessive | Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler-Klub (ADRK) e.V. |
2. Mating rules
When one parent has a borderline result, the other parent must meet specific criteria.
Elbow Dysplasia (ED)
See the mating rule in your club's regulation.
Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler-Klub (ADRK) e.V.Polyneuropathy with ocular abnormalities and neuronal vacuolation, RAB3GAP1-related (POANV)
See the mating rule in your club's regulation.
Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler-Klub (ADRK) e.V.3. Recommended additional tests
Sensible additions for line planning.
| Test / condition | Scoring scheme | Passing result | Inheritance | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ectropion / Entropion | — | clear | Complex | CIDD (Univ. PEI) |
| Cataract (HC) | Eye examination | clear | Complex | CIDD (Univ. PEI) |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) (PRA) | — | clear or carrier | Autosomal recessive | CIDD (Univ. PEI) |
| Retinal Dysplasia (RD) | Eye examination | clear | Complex | CIDD (Univ. PEI) |
| Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) | DNA test | clear | X-linked | CIDD (Univ. PEI) |
| Cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR) | Physical examination | — | Complex | Curated by HonestDog |
| Cervical vertebral compressive myelopathy (CVCM) | X-ray | — | Complex | CIDD (Univ. PEI) |
| Demodicosis / Demodectic mange | Skin test | — | Complex | CIDD (Univ. PEI) |
| Congenital deafness (CHSD) | Physical examination | hearing in both ears | Complex | CIDD (Univ. PEI) |
| Neuroaxonal dystrophy (NAD) | X-ray | — | Autosomal recessive | CIDD (Univ. PEI) |
| Familial Nephropathy (FN) | Body-fluid analysis | clear or carrier | Autosomal recessive | CIDD (Univ. PEI) |
| Pancreatitis | Body-fluid analysis | clear | Complex | CIDD (Univ. PEI) |
| Histiocytosis (MH) | Body-fluid analysis | clear | Complex | CIDD (Univ. PEI) |
4. HonestDog verification
- Upload a legible certificate (PDF or photo) per test in the breeder dashboard
- Certificate must show date, examining vet, and FCI/VDH logo
- Certificates older than 36 months are flagged as stale
- We extract the results from each upload using AI and check them for consistency with the dog's profile — the profile tile then shows 'verified'