**Rottweiler Organisations, Titles & Terminology Guide**
Understanding Rottweiler pedigrees, working titles, show results and breeding qualifications can be overwhelming for newcomers to the breed. This guide provides an overview of the most common organisations, titles, ratings and terminology you may encounter when researching bloodlines, pedigrees and breeding programs.
**International Rottweiler Organisations**
**ADRK (Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler Klub)**
The ADRK is the official Rottweiler parent club in Germany and is widely regarded as the world’s leading authority on the breed. The ADRK is responsible for maintaining breed standards, breeding regulations, working requirements and breed preservation within Germany.
**VDH (Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen)**
The VDH is Germany’s national canine organisation and oversees all recognised dog breeds. The ADRK operates under the VDH framework. The VDH is comparable to the ANKC in Australia.
**FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale)**
The FCI is the world’s largest international canine federation, representing member countries across Europe, Asia, South America, Africa and many other regions. It maintains internationally recognised breed standards and sanctions International Championships.
**ANKC (Australian National Kennel Council)**
The ANKC is Australia’s national canine governing body responsible for pedigree registrations, conformation shows, obedience trials, performance sports and breeding regulations through its state affiliates including Dogs NSW, Dogs Victoria, Dogs Queensland and others.
**NRCA (National Rottweiler Council of Australia)**
The NRCA serves as Australia’s national Rottweiler breed body and promotes breed preservation, health testing, education and specialty events across the country.
—
**Common Working Titles**
**BH (Begleithund)**
A basic obedience and temperament qualification that demonstrates a dog’s stability, social behaviour and trainability. Often required before pursuing advanced working titles.
**AD (Ausdauerprüfung)**
An endurance test where the dog must complete approximately 20 kilometres while maintaining soundness and fitness.
**IPO / IGP**
International working titles consisting of:
* Tracking
* Obedience
* Protection
These titles are recognised worldwide and are considered the modern evolution of Schutzhund.
**SchH (Schutzhund)**
The traditional German working dog sport evaluating:
* Tracking
* Obedience
* Protection
Levels include:
* SchH I
* SchH II
* SchH III
**ZTP (Zuchttauglichkeitsprüfung)**
A breed suitability test evaluating:
* Temperament
* Character
* Working ability
* Conformation
* Stability
Dogs must pass strict requirements before being approved for breeding under ADRK-style systems.
**Korung (Gekört)**
An advanced breed survey recognising dogs that have met extensive working, health and breed requirements. Considered one of the highest breeding qualifications in the Rottweiler world.
—
**Australian Rottweiler Clubs**
Australia has several state-based Rottweiler clubs that promote responsible ownership, education and breed preservation.
These include:
* Rottweiler Club of New South Wales (RCNSW)
* Northern Districts Rottweiler Club of NSW (NDRCNSW)
* Rottweiler Club of Queensland (RCQLD)
* Rottweiler Club of South Australia (RCSA)
* West Coast Rottweiler Club of Western Australia (WCRCWA)
* Rottweiler Club of Victoria (RCV)
* Rottweiler Club of Tasmania (RCT)
—
**Conformation Ratings Explained**
In ADRK and FCI style shows, dogs receive critiques and ratings rather than simply placing first, second or third.
**VA (Excellent Select)**
The highest rating available and generally awarded only at major Sieger Shows to outstanding examples of the breed.
**V (Vorzüglich / Excellent)**
An excellent representative of the breed standard.
**SG (Sehr Gut / Very Good)**
A very good representative of the breed standard.
**G (Gut / Good)**
A good representative of the breed standard.
**NG (Not Satisfactory)**
Indicates a significant fault or departure from the breed standard.
**VP (Very Promising)**
Used in puppy classes.
**P (Promising)**
Used in puppy classes.
**UP (Under Promising)**
Used in puppy classes.
—
**Conformation Titles**
**Champion (CH)**
Awarded to dogs that have accumulated sufficient championship points under recognised kennel club systems.
**Sieger / Siegerin**
Equivalent to Best Male and Best Female at major German-style specialty events.
**Youth Sieger / Jugend Sieger**
Awarded to outstanding young dogs under the specified age requirements.
**World Sieger (WS)**
Awarded at World Sieger events and recognised internationally.
**FCI International Champion**
One of the most prestigious international conformation titles, requiring wins under multiple judges across multiple countries and compliance with working requirements.
—
**Health Certifications & Testing**
Responsible breeders perform extensive health testing to minimise inherited disease risks.
**Hip Dysplasia**
A developmental condition affecting the hip joints.
Common ratings include:
* HD-A / Excellent
* HD-B / Good
* HD-C / Fair
* HD-D / Mild Dysplasia
* HD-E / Severe Dysplasia
Only dogs with acceptable scores should be considered for breeding.
**Elbow Dysplasia**
Elbow ratings include:
* ED-0 (Normal)
* ED-1 (Minimal)
* ED-2 (Mild)
* ED-3 (Moderate)
* ED-4 (Severe)
**JLPP (Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis & Polyneuropathy)**
A recessive genetic disease found within the breed.
Responsible breeding practices include DNA testing to ensure affected puppies are not produced.
**Cardiac Screening**
Used to identify congenital heart conditions including:
* Aortic stenosis
* Pulmonary stenosis
**Eye Certification**
Screening for inherited eye diseases and abnormalities.
—
**Understanding Pedigree Terminology**
When reading pedigrees, you may encounter common abbreviations and terms such as:
* Sire – Father
* Dam – Mother
* Ancestors – Previous generations
* Kennel Prefix – Breeder’s registered kennel name
* Linebreeding – Concentrating specific bloodlines within a pedigree
* Outcross – Breeding unrelated bloodlines
* Progeny – Offspring
* Whelped – Born
* Breed Survey – Formal breeding evaluation
Pedigrees should always be assessed alongside health testing, temperament, working ability and overall breed quality.
—
**Common German Training Commands**
Many working-line Rottweilers are trained using German commands.
| English | German |
| ————- | ———– |
| Sit | Sitz |
| Down | Platz |
| Stay | Bleib |
| Come | Komm |
| Heel | Fuss |
| Stand | Steh |
| Search | Such |
| Retrieve | Bring |
| Good Dog | So ist brav |
| No | Pfui |
| Out / Release | Aus |
| Attack | Fass |
| Watch | Achtung |
—
**Why These Titles Matter**
Titles, ratings and certifications provide valuable insight into a dog’s:
* Temperament
* Working ability
* Structural quality
* Trainability
* Health status
* Breeding suitability
While titles alone do not guarantee quality, they help demonstrate that a dog has been independently evaluated against recognised standards.
When researching breeders, it is important to consider the complete picture including pedigree, health testing, temperament, working ability and overall breed preservation goals rather than focusing on titles alone.
At Vanaheim Rottweilers, we strongly encourage prospective owners to educate themselves about pedigrees, health certifications and breed qualifications so they can make informed decisions when selecting their future companion.