RCT QUARTLY
Starting a Rottweiler Family
THE
FOUNDATION BITCH
It is no secret that I have always believed that the bitch is the cornerstone and king pin of a family line.
No kennel or line is stronger than its bitches.
I have a friend who says she will make sure that carved into my headstone are the words………..
“She said, start with a line bred bitch.”
The Voneiffel foundation bitch was the result of a half brother / half sister mating. Her name was Androssen Franca aka Natalie. She was not a champion, she never won a challenge but she was strong on Rottweiler type.
When a breeder is beginning a line, the foundation bitch may have a few minor faults but she must fit the standard and be true Rottweiler type. She should “look” like her pedigree then you have something to build on and she should be “sturdy.” The standard says “neither leggy orweedy” (great choice of words) powerful, abundant strength, compact. It is my preference for the bitch to have these attributes “in spades” if you are to use her as your foundation bitch.
The other essential is “knowledge of the breed”. That means faults and virtues of the line you are going into. Research the dogs in the pedigree as far back as you can and as Ger O’Shea says “just ask”. You may be wanting to start a “new and different” family line but you cannot do it without the help of breeders who have gone before you. Not every dog in the pedigree will be a champion. It is just as important to follow up on the ones who have no letters in front of their names as it is to count the number of champions in the pedigree.
CELINE vom schwaiger Rathaus
ADRK KLUBSIEGERIN 2016
Owned by: Schwaiger Rathaus Kennel