Choosing a Show Puppy
Copied from the Colonial Rottweiler Club newsletter (author and date unknown)

I have found the best time to pick a puppy is between the ages of 7/8 weeks. As usually the puppy will go back to what it was at that age when mature. Of course bites can go off and teeth may be missing, conformation, however, will usually return.

First of all check the puppies bite, a slightly overshot mouth is usually nothing to worry about, but never pick the pup with a tight scissors bite or an even or undershot bite - correct scissors bite of course is preferred.

Watch the puppies move, look for balance and topline, also clean coming and going and side gait. If a puppy moves properly it is put together properly, as bone structure does not change. Look for shoulder angulations and rear angulations - they should match. If a puppy has a really good front and not so good rear or vice versa you will end up with a two piece dog. The back should be straight without a dip and the croup should not be overly steep. Toes should be short an not splayed, front legs should be straight when the pup is picked up in front and placed down again - legs should turn neither east or west and elbows should be close to the body. The same goes for the rear end, it should be straight - neither wide or narrow and the feet should not turn in or out. A long puppy will be a long dog.

Markings should be clear and not smudgy, often color deepens with age, but the pup should not be yellow or orange, and be sure to check for double chest markings or even 3 markings - look for the bow tie on the chest. The tips of the tan hairs will often tell you what color the mahogany will be.

Look at the ear set when the pup is alert - it should be an extension of its head. Large ears will never be small. Look at the eye shape and the tightness of the lids. Check the eye color by looking at the eyes in sunlight - the eyes will look blue or dark in normal light, but in sunlight if they are light it will show up.

Showmanship plays a bit part in a show dog, so look for the 'up' puppy and not the 'dud'. The 'dud' may be the best pup and may be the good producer, but not matter how good the puppy is, if it is a 'dud' it will not win in the breed ring. Often dogs with good showmanship are the top winners as they have that 'here I am' attitude, yet the more correct dog who is a 'dud' never wins.

Look at the overall puppy, that is what it will look like as a mature dog - only in miniature. Remember, bone structure does not change, so I stress movement and overall balance, and, of course, a sound temperament.