The Breed Suitability Test (BST) is an evaluation of a dog's temperament, character and working ability. It is designed to select those Rottweilers that are worthy of being bred and is modeled after the standards of the ADRK's breed test, the Zuchttauglichkeitsprufung (Ztp).

The dog's conformation (physical attributes as they compare to the breed standard) must be judged of breeding quality and free of disqualifying faults. The dog must have a valid hip certification number and have a tattoo for identification. Once the conformation and soundness qualifications have been met, the dog's temperament is tested.

This test includes a gun sureness test, a protection test, and a test to insure that the dog is stable around the public. The United States Rottweiler Club strongly believes that these tests are vital to maintain the Rottweiler in type and temperament and should be the cornerstone of any breeding program.

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VWR note:  Currently in the United States, only the USRC (United States Rottweiler Club) and the ARV (American Rottweiler Verein) require a BST of their members dogs who are used for breeding.  The ARC (Amercian Rottweiler Club) does not require any testing of members dogs.

BST Poll
Poll ended 11/24/2001 - out of 125 votes received:

Comments offered by voters:

1. Rottweilers are a magnificent animal and should be kept as a pure wholesome breed! (Vote yes)
2. ONE THING THAT MOST PEOPLE DON'T UNDERSTAND IS THAT THESE DOGS ARE WORKING DOGS. THEY LOVE TO WORK FOR THERE OWNERS. THERE SHOULD BE MORE TESTING DONE TO ENSURE THAT ALL DOG BREEDS ARE SUITABLE TO BREED.  THIS COUNTRY HAS ABSOLUTELY TOO MANY UNWANTED PETS.  MOST ARE DOGS THAT WERE BEAUTIFUL PUPS BUT THEY CAN'T HANDLE THEM WHEN THEY GET OLDER OR THEY JUST GET TO BIG.  MOST PEOPLE CAN'T HANDLE A ROTT, SO THEY JUST GET RID OF THEM.  ROTTS ARE GREAT.
3. Owners of Rottweilers should be educated and breeders should concentrate not only on hip & elbow conformation, but temperament should be just as high of priority. I have my Rottweilers OFA'd but I have just found out today my pick of the litter female has poor conformation of her left hip. I would like to see OFA work more with the Penn Hip testing to have a more accurate picture of the hips. Love my Rottweilers!
4. Owners of Rottweilers should be educated, and responsible and should train and socialize their dogs, and should leave breeding to educated and experienced breeders who are familiar with the breed standards and have their breeding stock OFA'd, and breed to improve the breed
5. I unfortunately get to see the effects of bad breeding. I work at an emergency practice in Florida. I not only think each breeding dog should be deemed suitable - but I also think the owner's need to be deemed suitable.