Understanding Eye Certificates
The Rottweiler standard states that the eyes should be almond shaped, dark brown in colour with close fitting eyelids. Rottweilers with yellow eyes, eyes of different colour or with eyelids turned inwards or outwards should not be bred with.
Acceptable Scores:
The NRC(A) requires that all breeding dogs must have their eyes checked by a specialist or vet and have a certificate that clears them of any disqualifying faults. The ANKC does not require Rottweilers to hold an eye certificate.
Rottweilers are Prone to the Following Eye Conditions:
Entropion: Entropion is a genetic condition in which a portion of the eyelid is inverted or folded inward. This can cause an eyelash or hair to irritate and scratch the surface of the eye, leading to corneal ulceration or perforation. It can also cause dark-coloured scar tissue to build up over the wound. These factors may cause a decrease or loss of vision.
(Source: PetMD, Abnormal Eyelid in Dogs, http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/eyes/c_multi_entropion)
Ectropion: Ectropion is a condition which describes the margin of the eyelid rolling outward, resulting in exposure of the palpebral conjunctiva (the portion of tissue that lines the inner lids). Exposure and poor tear distribution may predispose the dog to sight-threatening corneal disease.
(Source: PetMD, Lower eyelid droop in dogs, http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/eyes/c_dg_ectropion)
Helpful Tips:
It is recommended that when buying a Rottweiler puppy that the parents hold eye certificates stating that they have eyes of similar colour with no signs of either ectropion or entropion. This will reduce the risk that your puppy will develop eye diseases throughout their life.
Rottweilers Should Not be Bred With if They Have The Following Traits:
Yellow eyes
Eyes of a different colour
Eyelids turned inwards (entropion)
Eyelids turned outwards (ectropion)