ZTP and Körung: how the ADRK selects breeding dogs

When reading the pedigree or profile of a German-line Rottweiler, two terms often appear: ZTP and Körung. They are the two tests the ADRK, the German breed club, uses to decide which dogs may be bred and which stand out above the rest.

What the ZTP is

ZTP stands for Zuchttauglichkeitsprüfung, the breeding suitability test. In Germany no Rottweiler may be bred within the ADRK without passing it. It is a minimum filter: it does not reward the best dog, but excludes those that do not meet the breed’s requirements.

Before entering, the dog must have reached the minimum age, have official hip and elbow dysplasia results and have passed the companion dog test (BH). On the day of the test a judge assesses three areas:

• Conformation: height, weight, proportions, full dentition, eyes, pigmentation and overall type according to the standard.
• Character: reaction to strangers, noises and new situations, including a gunshot test.
• Protection: response to a threat simulated by a helper, to check confidence and courage.

If the dog passes all three parts it is approved for breeding. If it fails, it may repeat the test once more after some time.

What the Körung is

The Körung is the higher breeding selection. While the ZTP is compulsory, the Körung is voluntary and much more demanding: it recognises dogs that, besides meeting the standard, excel in health, character, work and conformation.

To enter, the dog must, among other requirements, have passed the ZTP, hold a working title, have good hip and elbow results and a high show rating. Approved dogs receive the title gekört for a limited period.

At the end of that period the dog may be presented again. That second assessment takes its offspring into account, and if it passes it obtains the Körung bis EZA, meaning until the end of its breeding age. It is one of the most valued distinctions in the breed.

Why they matter when choosing a puppy

A puppy from ZTP-approved parents comes from dogs whose character, health and conformation have been checked by an independent judge. If any parent or grandparent is also gekört, the selection has been stricter still.

No test guarantees how a particular dog will turn out, but they greatly reduce the risks. That is why at Batanen we place so much weight on these tests when choosing our breeding dogs and external studs.