Chapter 3.65
ANIMAL CONTROL
Sections:
3.65.030 Disturbances and harassment.
3.65.050 Duty of owner to destroy marauding dog or remove from the property.
3.65.060 Directing dog with malicious intent.
3.65.080 Use of dog in illegal activity.
3.65.110 Identification and registration.
3.65.140 Enforcement of civil infractions.
3.65.160 Appendix A – American Kennel Club.
3.65.170 Appendix A – United Kennel Club.
3.65.010 Definitions.
(1) A dog “running at large” means any dog found within the boundaries of the Tulalip Indian Reservation on public property or on the property of persons other than the person owning or keeping the dog unless the dog is accompanied by some person exercising control thereof through the use of a leash or chain not more than six feet in length.
(2) “Animal control authority” means any Tribal Police Officer or any other person or organization so designated by the Tulalip Tribal Board of Directors or by the Chief of the Tribal Police to perform the functions of this chapter. It shall also include any Forestry Department Officer. Animal shelter and destruction services shall be performed in accordance with the agreement between the City of Everett and the Tulalip Tribes, effective January 1, 2007, through December 31, 2010.
(3) A “stray dog” is a dog with no owner’s identification upon it and whose owner cannot be ascertained upon reasonable inquiry.
(4) A “vicious dog” means any dog which:
(a) Unprovoked, inflicts bites on a human or a domestic animal, either on public or private property; or
(b) Unprovoked, chases or approaches a person or domestic animal upon the street, sidewalks, or any public or private property in a menacing fashion or apparent attitude of attack; or
(c) Has a known propensity, tendency or disposition to make unprovoked attacks on persons or animals, causing injury, or otherwise threatening the safety of humans or domestic animals on any public or private property; or
(d) Which is partly or wholly of any of the “Pit Bull dog” or “Rottweiler” breeds, which are deemed and declared inherently dangerous by this chapter.
(5) “Proper enclosure” is a securely confining, locked pen, kennel, or structure upon the premises of the owner of a dog. Confinement shall be accomplished by means of a substantial fence or similar enclosure, set back at least 10 feet from property lines, sidewalks, and streets, and of sufficient strength and height to prevent the dog being confined from escaping therefrom, and shall be locked and secured to prevent entry of children and other dogs. If the pen or structure has no bottom secured to the sides, the sides must be embedded into the ground no less than one foot. The pen or enclosure shall be structurally sound and maintained in good repair, shall have a top, or similar structure, to prevent a dog from escaping and shall also provide protection from the elements for the dog.
(6) “Owner” means any person, firm, corporation, organization, or department possessing, harboring, keeping, having an interest in, or having control or custody of an animal.
(7) “Pit Bull dog” or “Rottweiler dog” shall mean any dog which exhibits those distinguishing characteristics which:
(a) Substantially conform to the standards established by the American Kennel Club for American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, or Rottweilers; or
(b) Substantially conform to the standards established by the United Kennel Club for American Pit Bull Terriers or Rottweilers.
The standards of the American Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club are referred to in TTC 3.65.160 and 3.65.170 (Appendix A). Technical deficiencies in the dog’s conformance to the standards set by the American Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club shall not be construed to indicate that the subject dog is not a “Pit Bull dog” or “Rottweiler dog” under this chapter. [Ord. 113 § 1, 4-6-2007 (Res. 2007-100); Ord. 113 § 1, 6-8-2001 (Res. 2001-203)].
3.65.020 Running at large.
(1) Limitations. No person owning or having control or custody of any dog shall allow such dog to run at large within the boundaries of the Tulalip Indian Reservation.
(2) Seizure. Any dog found running at large shall be subject to seizure by the animal control authority.
(a) Owners of animals/dogs seized and held will be responsible for daily holding fees. No animals will be released unless the fee is paid in full. Animals will be held at either the Tulalip Tribal Police Department or the Everett animal control shelter.
(3) Stray Dogs. The animal control authority shall seize stray dogs, of undetermined ownership, and dispose of such dogs through adoption or destruction of such dogs.
(4) Animal Control Authority Unable to Safely Seize. Any dog of fierce, dangerous or vicious propensities found running at large that cannot be safely seized may be destroyed by the animal control authority. [Ord. 113 § 2, 4-6-2007 (Res. 2007-100); Ord. 113 § 2, 6-8-2001 (Res. 2001-203)].
3.65.030 Disturbances and harassment.
(1) Frequent Howling and Barking. No person shall own, keep or harbor any dog within the boundaries of the Tulalip Indian Reservation which by loud, continued or frequent howling, yelping, barking, or making of other noises that annoy, disturb, or endanger the health, welfare, or repose of any person or neighbor.
(2) Chasing Vehicles. No person shall permit, suffer, or allow a dog to chase, run after or jump at motorized or other vehicles lawfully using public streets, avenues, alleys, and ways within the Tulalip Indian Reservation.
(3) Jumping and Barking at Pedestrians. No person shall keep, harbor, permit, or allow a dog that frequently or habitually snarls or growls at or snaps or jumps upon or threatens persons lawfully upon the public sidewalks, streets, alleys, or public places within the Tulalip Indian Reservation.
(4) Harassing Livestock and Domestic Animals. No person shall permit or allow a dog to chase, bite, or injure any livestock or other domestic animal or game animal on the Tulalip Indian Reservation. It shall be the duty of the owner of such dog, upon notification of that fact by the owner of such livestock or other domestic animal or by an animal control authority, to keep such dog in a proper enclosure. [Ord. 113 § 3, 4-6-2007 (Res. 2007-100); Ord. 113 § 3, 6-8-2001 (Res. 2001-203)].
3.65.040 Vicious dogs.
(1) Requirement of Physical Restraint. No person shall keep, own or possess within the boundaries of the Tulalip Indian Reservation any vicious dog unless muzzled and restrained by a substantial chain or leash and under the physical restraint of a responsible person or confined in a proper enclosure, as defined in TTC 3.65.010(5), in such a way as to prevent it from biting any human being, livestock, domestic animal, or game animal; nor permit such dog to run at large at any time.
(2) Right to Destroy. Any person shall have the right to destroy immediately any dog engaged in the process of injuring or harassing livestock or other domestic or game animals or threatening or inflicting harm to any person, or inflicting serious harm to personal or Tribal property.
(3) Registration, Identification, and Insurance of Vicious Dog. It is unlawful for an owner to have a vicious dog on the Reservation without a certificate of registration issued under this section. The animal control authority shall issue a certificate of registration to the owner of a vicious dog if the owner presents to the authority sufficient evidence of:
(a) A proper enclosure, as defined in TTC 3.65.010(5), to confine a vicious dog and the posting of the premises with a clearly visible warning sign that there is a vicious dog on the property. In addition, the owner shall conspicuously display a sign with a warning symbol that warns children of the presence of a vicious dog; and
(b) A surety bond issued by a surety insurer in a form acceptable to the animal control authority in the sum of at least $50,000 payable to any person injured by the vicious dog; or
(c) A policy insurance, such as homeowners insurance, in the amount of at least $50,000 insuring the owner for any personal injuries inflicted by the vicious dog.
(4) Declaration of Vicious Dog. An animal control authority shall identify and classify potentially vicious dogs. The animal control authority may find and declare a dog vicious if the animal control authority has probable cause to believe that the dog falls within the definition set forth in TTC 3.65.010(4). Probable cause may be based upon:
(a) The written complaint of a person who is willing to testify that he or she witnessed the dog acting in a manner that causes it to fall within the definition of “vicious dog”; or
(b) Dog bite reports filed with an animal control authority; or
(c) Actions of the dog witnessed by any animal control authority.
(5) Written Notice. Upon the animal control authority’s determination that probable cause exists to believe that a dog is vicious, the animal control authority may, if practicable, issue a written notice to the owner of the dog. The notice, if written, shall contain the following:
(a) The name and address of the owner of the dog; and
(b) A brief description and/or breed of the dog; and
(c) A brief statement of why the dog has been found to be a vicious dog; and
(d) The requirements for restraint of the dog, as determined by subsection (1) of this section, and that these requirements must be complied with within 48 hours; and
(e) A statement that, if the requirements are not timely met, the animal control authority has the authority to issue a civil infraction or report such noncompliance to the Tribes’ prosecution office, which has the authority to initiate civil penalties under Chapter 3.70 TTC, Civil Infractions; and
Written notice shall be served in person to owner of dog(s) by the animal control authority.
(6) Right of Owner. The owner of a dog(s) declared vicious may request a hearing before the Tulalip Tribal Court for a hearing to prove that no probable cause exists for the dog(s) to be declared vicious. Owner must comply with subsection (3)(a) of this section until the matter can be heard, and/or the Judge makes a determination, by hearing or otherwise, that the dog is not vicious. The owner of the dog must request a hearing within 10 days of notice.
(7) Violation. Any dog that has previously been found to be a vicious dog, under this chapter, is in violation of this chapter if:
(a) The dog is not validly registered under subsection (3) of this section; or
(b) The owner does not secure and maintain liability insurance coverage required under subsection (3)(b) or (c) of this section; or
(c) The dog is not maintained in the proper enclosure under subsection (3)(a) of this section; or
(d) The dog is outside of the dwelling of the owner or outside of the proper enclosure and not under the physical restraint of a responsible person; or
(e) The dog attacks and inflicts harm on any person, livestock, game, or domestic animal.
(8) Enforcement. Any owner who keeps his/her dog in violation will be subject to:
(a) Immediate confiscation and destruction of the dog by an animal control authority.
(b) A civil penalty as assessed under TTC 3.65.150. [Ord. 113 § 4, 4-6-2007 (Res. 2007-100); Ord. 113 § 4, 6-8-2001 (Res. 2001-203)].
3.65.050 Duty of owner to destroy marauding dog or remove from the property.
It shall be the duty of any person owning or keeping any dog or dogs which shall be found killing any livestock or other domestic animal or game animal to kill such dog or dogs, or remove such dogs from within the exterior boundaries of the Tulalip Reservation, within 48 hours after being notified of that fact by the owner of such livestock or domestic animal or by an animal control authority. If such owner or keeper of a dog or dogs shall fail or neglect to comply with the provisions of this section, it shall be lawful for an animal control authority to kill such dog or dogs or for the owner of such livestock or domestic animal to kill such dog or dogs if found running at large. [Ord. 113 § 5, 4-6-2007 (Res. 2007-100); Ord. 113 § 5, 6-8-2001 (Res. 2001-203)].
3.65.060 Directing dog with malicious intent.
No person shall direct, cause, encourage, allow, or otherwise aid or assist any dog to threaten, charge at, intimidate, bite, harass, menace, or attack any person within the Tulalip Indian Reservation. [Ord. 113 § 6, 4-6-2007 (Res. 2007-100); Ord. 113 § 6, 6-8-2001 (Res. 2001-203)].
3.65.070 Cruelty to animals.
(1) It shall be unlawful to purposely or knowingly:
(a) Torture, torment, mutilate, cruelly beat or kill, or seriously overwork an animal; or
(b) Fail to provide necessary food, drink, air, light, space, shelter, or care for an animal in one’s custody; or
(c) Abandon or leave an animal unattended with no intent to return; or
(d) Transport or confine an animal in a cruel manner; or
(e) Kill, injure, or administer poison to an animal without cause to do so; or
(f) Cause one mammal to fight with another.
(2) Right to Intervene. An animal control authority shall have the power to intervene to prevent the perpetration of any above act of cruelty upon any animal and may seize the animal for its safety until conditions are again safe for the animal.
(3) Veterinary and Scientific Research Exempt. It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the conduct of the actor toward the animal was an accepted veterinary practice or directly related to a bona fide experimentation for scientific research; provided, that if the animal is to be destroyed, the manner employed will not be unnecessarily cruel unless directly necessary to the veterinary purpose or scientific research involved. [Ord. 113 § 7, 4-6-2007 (Res. 2007-100); Ord. 113 § 7, 6-8-2001 (Res. 2001-203)].
3.65.080 Use of dog in illegal activity.
No person shall keep, maintain, control, or retain any dog in conjunction with or for the purpose, whether in whole or in part, of aiding, abetting, or conducting any illegal activity or committing any crime within the Tulalip Indian Reservation. [Ord. 113 § 8, 4-6-2007 (Res. 2007-100); Ord. 113 § 8, 6-8-2001 (Res. 2001-203)].
3.65.090 Liability of owners.
Every person owning or keeping a dog shall be liable in damages for any injury committed by such dog and it shall not be necessary in any action brought therefor to allege or prove that such dog was of a vicious or mischievous disposition or that the owner or keeper thereof knew that it was vicious or mischievous. However, proof of provocation of an attack by any injured person shall be a complete defense to any action for damages. [Ord. 113 § 9, 4-6-2007 (Res. 2007-100); Ord. 113 § 9, 6-8-2001 (Res. 2001-203)].
3.65.100 Abandonment.
It shall be unlawful for any person to abandon any dog within the boundaries of the Tulalip Indian Reservation or for any owner or keeper of a dog to neglect to furnish adequate food or care for said dog. [Ord. 113 § 10, 4-6-2007 (Res. 2007-100); Ord. 113 § 10, 6-8-2001 (Res. 2001-203)].
3.65.110 Identification and registration.
Any dog found or kept within the boundaries of the Tulalip Indian Reservation must be registered and have an identification tag issued by the animal control authority attached to the dog’s collar. [Ord. 113 § 11, 4-6-2007 (Res. 2007-100); Ord. 113 § 11, 6-8-2001 (Res. 2001-203)].
3.65.120 Puppy litters.
Owners of vicious dogs who have litters are required to give the Tulalip animal authority contact information for individuals who receive puppies from these puppy litters. [Ord. 113 § 12, 4-6-2007 (Res. 2007-100)].
3.65.130 Civil infractions.
It shall be a civil infraction for any person to do any act the performance of which is in violation of or is prohibited under this chapter or to fail to do any act the performance of which is required under this chapter. [Ord. 113 § 13, 4-6-2007 (Res. 2007-100); Ord. 113 § 12, 6-8-2001 (Res. 2001-203)].
3.65.140 Enforcement of civil infractions.
The Tribal Court has the authority to hear and determine, pursuant to Chapter 3.70 TTC, civil infractions that are committed or established within the Tulalip Tribal jurisdiction in violation of this chapter. The Tribes, animal control authority, or prosecution office may issue civil infractions to dog or animal owners in violation of this chapter. All procedural and notice requirements shall be governed by the procedures established under Chapter 3.70 TTC.
Civil infraction violations will include, but are not limited to:
(1) Failure to restrain an animal upon written notice of vicious dog.
(2) Failure to meet vicious dog requirements.
(3) Any offense defined by this chapter. [Ord. 113 § 14, 4-6-2007 (Res. 2007-100)].
3.65.150 Civil penalties.
Penalties assessed for violations of this chapter, under Chapter 3.70 TTC, are to be regarded as civil and remedial in nature and in part to compensate the agencies of the Tribes and its subdivisions for cost of maintaining a safe and productive society within the Tulalip Tribal jurisdiction.
(1) Monetary Penalties – Restitution. A person found to have committed a civil infraction shall be assessed a monetary penalty which shall reflect value or cost of damage, restitution, enforcement, disposition, and adjudication. [Ord. 113 § 15, 4-6-2007 (Res. 2007-100)].
3.65.160 Appendix A – American Kennel Club.
(1) Rottweiler.
(a) General Appearance. The ideal Rottweiler is a medium large, robust and powerful dog, black with clearly defined rust markings. His compact and substantial build denotes great strength, agility and endurance. Dogs are characteristically more massive throughout with larger frame and heavier bone than bitches. Bitches are distinctly feminine, but without weakness of substance or structure.
(b) Size, Proportion, Substance. Dogs – 24 inches to 27 inches. Bitches – 22 inches to 25 inches, with preferred size being mid-range of each sex. Correct proportion is of primary importance, as long as size is within the standard’s range. The length of body, from prosternum to the rearmost projection of the rump, is slightly longer than the height of the dog at the withers, the most desirable proportion of the height to length being nine to 10. The Rottweiler is neither coarse nor shelly. Depth of chest is approximately 50 percent of the height of the dog. His bone and muscle mass must be sufficient to balance his frame, giving a compact and very powerful appearance. Serious Faults – Lack of proportion, undersized, oversized, reversal of sex characteristics (bitchy dogs, doggy bitches).
(c) Head. Of medium length, broad between the ears; forehead line seen in profile is moderately arched; zygomatic arch and stop well-developed with strong broad upper and lower jaws. The desired ratio of backskull to muzzle is three to two. Forehead is preferred dry; however, some wrinkling may occur when dog is alert. Expression is noble, alert, and self-assured. Eyes of medium size, almond-shaped with well-fitting lids, moderately deep-set, neither protruding nor receding. The desired color is a uniform dark brown. Serious Faults – Yellow (bird of prey) eyes, eyes of different color or size, hairless eye rim. Disqualification – Entropion. Ectropion. Ears of medium size, pendant, triangular in shape; when carried alertly the ears are level with the top of the skull and appear to broaden it. Ears are to be set well apart, hanging forward with the inner edge lying tightly against the head and terminating at approximately mid-cheek. Serious Faults – Improper carriage (creased, folded or held away from cheek/head). Muzzle – Bridge is straight, broad at base with slight tapering towards tip. The end of the muzzle is broad with well-developed chin. Nose is broad rather than round and always black. Lips – Always black; corners closed; inner mouth pigment is preferred dark. Serious Faults – Total lack of mouth pigment (pink mouth). Bite and Dentition – Teeth 42 in number (20 upper, 22 lower), strong, correctly placed, meeting in a scissors bite – lower incisors touching inside of upper incisors. Serious Faults – Level bite; any missing tooth. Disqualifications – Overshot, undershot (when incisors do not touch or mesh); wry mouth; two or more missing teeth.
(d) Neck, Topline, Body. Neck – Powerful, well-muscled, moderately long, slightly arched and without loose skin. Topline – The back is firm and level, extending in a straight line from behind the withers to the croup. The back remains horizontal to the ground while the dog is moving or standing. Body – The chest is roomy, broad and deep, reaching to elbow, with well-pronounced forechest and well-sprung, oval ribs. Back is straight and strong. Loin is short, deep and well-muscled. Croup is broad, of medium length and only slightly sloping. Underline of a mature Rottweiler has a slight tuck-up. Males must have two normal testicles properly descended into the scrotum. Disqualification – Unilateral cryptorchid or cryptorchid males. Tail – Tail docked short, close to body, leaving one or two tail vertebrae. The set of the tail is more important than length. Properly set, it gives an impression of elongation of topline; carried slightly above horizontal when the dog is excited or moving.
(e) Forequarters. Shoulder blade is long and well laid back. Upper arm equal in length to shoulder blade, set so elbows are well under body. Distance from withers to elbow and elbow to ground is equal. Legs are strongly developed with straight, heavy bone, not set close together. Pasterns are strong, springy and almost perpendicular to the ground. Feet are round, compact with well-arched toes, turning neither in nor out. Pads are thick and hard. Nails short, strong and black. Dewclaws may be removed.
(f) Hindquarters. Angulation of hindquarters balances that of forequarters. Upper thigh is fairly long, very broad and well-muscled. Stifle joint is well-turned. Lower thigh is long, broad and powerful, with extensive muscling leading into a strong hock joint. Rear pasterns are nearly perpendicular to the ground. Viewed from the rear, hind legs are straight, strong and wide enough apart to fit with a properly built body. Feet are somewhat longer than the front feet, turning neither in nor out, equally compact with well-arched toes. Pads are thick and hard. Nails short, strong, and black. Dewclaws must be removed.
(g) Coat. Outer coat is straight, coarse, dense, of medium length and lying flat. Undercoat should be present on neck and thighs, but the amount is influenced by climatic conditions. Undercoat should not show through outer coat. The coat is shortest on head, ears and legs, longest on breeching. The Rottweiler is to be exhibited in the natural condition with no trimming. Fault – Wavy coat. Serious Faults – Open, excessively short, or curly coat; total lack of undercoat; any trimming that alters the length of the natural coat. Disqualification – Long coat.
(h) Color. Always black with rust to mahogany markings. The demarcation between black and rust is to be clearly defined. The markings should be located as follows: a spot over each eye; on cheeks; as a strip around each side of muzzle, but not on the bridge of the nose; on throat; triangular mark on both sides of prosternum; on forelegs from carpus downward to the toes; on inside of rear legs showing down the front of the stifle and broadening out to front of rear legs from hock to toes, but not completely eliminating black from rear of pasterns; under tail; black penciling on toes. The undercoat is gray, tan, or black. Quantity and location of rust markings is important and should not exceed 10 percent of body color. Serious Faults – Straw-colored, excessive, insufficient or sooty markings; rust marking other than described above; white marking any place on dog (a few rust or white hairs do not constitute a marking). Disqualifications – Any base color other than black; absence of all markings.
(i) Gait. The Rottweiler is a trotter. His movement should be balanced, harmonious, sure, powerful and unhindered, with strong forereach and a powerful rear drive. The motion is effortless, efficient, and ground covering. Front and rear legs are thrown neither in nor out, as the imprint of hind feet should touch that of forefeet. In a trot the forequarters and hindquarters are mutually coordinated while the back remains level, firm and relatively motionless. As speed increases the legs will converge under body towards a centerline.
(j) Temperament. The Rottweiler is basically a calm, confident and courageous dog with a self-assured aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships. A Rottweiler is self-confident and responds quietly and with a wait-and-see attitude to influences in his environment. He has an inherent desire to protect home and family, and is an intelligent dog of extreme hardness and adaptability with a strong willingness to work, making him especially suited as a companion, guardian and general all-purpose dog. The behavior of the Rottweiler in the show ring should be controlled, willing and adaptable, trained to submit to examination of mouth, testicles, etc. An aloof or reserved dog should not be penalized, as this reflects the accepted character of the breed. An aggressive or belligerent attitude towards other dogs should not be faulted. A judge shall excuse from the ring any shy Rottweiler. A dog shall be judged fundamentally shy if, refusing to stand for examination, it shrinks away from the judge. A dog that in the opinion of the judge menaces or threatens him/her, or exhibits any sign that it may not be safely approached or examined by the judge in the normal manner, shall be excused from the ring. A dog that in the opinion of the judge attacks any person in the ring shall be disqualified.
(2) Summary.
(a) Faults. The foregoing is a description of the ideal Rottweiler. Any structural fault that detracts from the above-described working dog must be penalized to the extent of the deviation. Disqualifications: Entropion, ectropion. Overshot, undershot (when incisors do not touch or mesh); wry mouth; two or more missing teeth. Unilateral cryptorchid or cryptorchid males. Long coat. Any base color other than black; absence of all markings. A dog that in the opinion of the judge attacks any person in the ring. Approved May 8, 1990. Effective June 28, 1990. [Ord. 113 Appx. A, 4-6-2007 (Res. 2007-100); Ord. 113 Appx. A, 6-8-2001 (Res. 2001-203)].
3.65.170 Appendix A – United Kennel Club.
(1) American Pit Bull Terrier.
(a) History. Sometime during the nineteenth century, dog fanciers in England, Ireland, and Scotland began to experiment with crosses between Bulldogs and Terriers, looking for a dog that combined the gameness of the Terrier with the strength and athleticism of the Bulldog. The result was a dog that embodied all of the virtues attributed to great warriors: strength, indomitable courage, and gentleness with loved ones. Immigrants brought these Bull and Terrier crosses to the United States. The American Pit Bull Terrier’s many talents did not go unnoticed by farmers and ranchers who used their APBTs for protection, as catch dogs for semi-wild cattle and hogs, to hunt, to drive livestock, and as family companions. Today, the American Pit Bull Terrier continues to demonstrate its versatility, competing successfully in obedience, tracking, agility, protection, and weight pulls, as well as conformation. The United Kennel Club was the first registry to recognize the American Pit Bull Terrier. U.K.C. founder C. Z. Bennett assigned U.K.C. Registration No. 1 to his own APBT, Bennett’s Ring, in 1898.
(b) General Appearance. The American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized, solidly built, short-coated dog with smooth, well-defined musculature. This breed is both powerful and athletic. The body is just slightly longer than tall, but bitches may be somewhat longer in body than dogs. The length of the front leg (measured from point of elbow to the ground) is approximately equal to one-half of the dog’s height at the withers. The head is of medium length, with a broad, flat skull, and a wide, deep muzzle. Ears are small to medium in size, high-set, and may be natural or cropped. The relatively short tail is set low, thick at the base and tapers to a point. The American Pit Bull Terrier comes in all colors and color patterns. This breed combines strength and athleticism with grace and agility and should never appear bulky or muscle-bound or fine-boned and rangy.
(c) Characteristics. The essential characteristics of the American Pit Bull Terrier are strength, confidence, and zest for life. This breed is eager to please and brimming over with enthusiasm. APBTs make excellent family companions and have always been noted for their love of children.
Because most APBTs exhibit some level of dog aggression and because of its powerful physique, the APBT requires an owner who will carefully socialize and obedience train the dog. The breed’s natural agility makes it one of the most capable canine climbers, so good fencing is a must for this breed. The APBT is not the best choice for a guard dog since they are extremely friendly, even with strangers. Aggressive behavior toward humans is uncharacteristic of the breed and highly undesirable. This breed does very well in performance events because of its high level of intelligence and its willingness to work. The American Pit Bull Terrier has always been capable of doing a wide variety of jobs, so exaggerations or faults should be penalized in proportion to how much they interfere with the dog’s versatility.
(d) Head. The APBT head is unique and a key element of breed type. It is large and broad, giving the impression of great power, but it is not disproportionate to the size of the body. Viewed from the front, the head is shaped like a broad, blunt wedge. When viewed from the side, the skull and muzzle are parallel to one another and joined by a well-defined, moderately deep stop. Supraorbital arches over the eyes are well-defined but not pronounced. The head is well-chiseled, blending strength, elegance, and character.
(e) Skull. The skull is large, flat or slightly rounded, deep, and broad between the ears. Viewed from the top, the skull tapers just slightly toward the stop. There is a deep median furrow that diminishes in depth from the stop to the occiput. Cheek muscles are prominent but free of wrinkles. When the dog is concentrating, wrinkles form on the forehead, which give the APBT his unique expression.
(f) Muzzle. The muzzle is broad and deep with a very slight taper from the stop to the nose, and a slight falling away under the eyes. The length of muzzle is shorter than the length of skull, with a ratio of approximately two to three. The topline of the muzzle is straight. The lower jaw is well-developed, wide and deep. Lips are clean and tight. Faults: Snipey muzzle; flews; weak lower jaw.
(g) Teeth. The American Pit Bull Terrier has a complete set of evenly spaced, white teeth meeting in a scissors bite. Fault: Level bite. Serious Faults: Undershot or overshot bite; wry mouth; missing teeth (this does not apply to teeth that have been lost or removed by a veterinarian).
(h) Nose. The nose is large with wide, open nostrils. The nose may be any color.
(i) Eyes. Eyes are medium size, round- to almond-shaped, and set well apart and low on the skull. All colors are equally acceptable except blue, which is a serious fault. Haw should not be visible. Serious Faults: Bulging eyes; both eyes not matched in color; blue eyes.
(j) Ears. Ears are high-set and may be natural or cropped without preference. If natural, semi-prick or rose are preferred. Prick or flat, wide ears are not desired.
(k) Neck. The neck is of moderate length and muscular. There is a slight arch at the crest. The neck widens gradually from where it joins the skull to where it blends into well laid-back shoulders. The skin on the neck is tight and without dewlap. Faults: Neck too short and thick; thin or weak neck; ewe neck; dewlap.
(l) Forequarters. The shoulder blades are long, wide, muscular, and well laid back. The upper arm is roughly equal in length to the shoulder blade and joins it at an apparent right angle.
The forelegs are strong and muscular. The elbows are set close to the body. Viewed from the front, the forelegs are set moderately wide apart and perpendicular to the ground. The pasterns are short, powerful, straight, and flexible. When viewed in profile, the pasterns are nearly erect.
(i) Faults. Upright or loaded shoulders; elbows turned outward or tied-in; down at the pasterns; front legs bowed; wrists knuckled over; toeing in or out.
(m) Body. The chest is deep, well filled in, and moderately wide with ample room for heart and lungs, but the chest should never be wider than it is deep. The forechest does not extend much beyond the point of shoulder. The ribs extend well back and are well-sprung from the spine, then flattening to form a deep body extending to the elbows. The back is strong and firm. The topline inclines very slightly downward from the withers to a broad, muscular, level back. The loin is short, muscular and slightly arched to the top of the croup, but narrower than the rib cage and with a moderate tuck-up. The croup is slightly sloping downward.
(n) Hindquarters. The hindquarters are strong, muscular, and moderately broad. The rump is well filled in on each side of the tail and deep from the pelvis to the crotch. The bone, angulation, and musculature of the hindquarters are in balance with the forequarters. The thighs are well-developed with thick, easily discerned muscles. Viewed from the side, the hock joint is well-bent and the rear pasterns are well let down and perpendicular to the ground. Viewed from the rear, the rear pasterns are straight and parallel to one another. Faults: Narrow hindquarters; hindquarters shallow from pelvis to crotch; lack of muscle; straight or over angulated stifle joint; cow hocks; sickle hocks; bowed legs.
(o) Feet. The feet are round, proportionate to the size of the dog, well-arched, and tight. Pads are hard, tough, and well-cushioned. Dewclaws may be removed. Fault: Splayed feet.
(p) Tail. The tail is set on as a natural extension of the topline, and tapers to a point. When the dog is relaxed, the tail is carried low and extends approximately to the hock. When the dog is moving, the tail is carried level with the backline. When the dog is excited, the tail may be carried in a raised, upright position (challenge tail), but never curled over the back (gay tail).
(i) Fault. Long tail (tail tip passes beyond point of hock). Serious faults: Gay tail (not to be confused with challenge tail); kinked tail. Disqualification: Bobbed tail.
(q) Coat. The coat is glossy and smooth, close, and moderately stiff to the touch. Faults: Curly, wavy, or sparse coat. Disqualification: Long coat.
(r) Color. Any color, color pattern, or combination of colors is acceptable.
(s) Height and Weight. The American Pit Bull Terrier must be both powerful and agile so actual weight and height are less important than the correct proportion of weight to height. Desirable weight for a mature male in good condition is between 35 and 60 pounds. Desirable weight for a mature female in good condition is between 30 and 50 pounds. Dogs over these weights are not to be penalized unless they are disproportionately massive or rangy.
(t) Gait. The American Pit Bull Terrier moves with a jaunty, confident attitude, conveying the impression that he expects any minute to see something new and exciting. When trotting, the gait is effortless, smooth, powerful, and well-coordinated, showing good reach in front and drive behind. When moving, the backline remains level with only a slight flexing to indicate suppleness. Viewed from any position, legs turn neither in nor out, nor do feet cross or interfere with each other. As speed increases, feet tend to converge toward center line of balance. Faults: Legs not moving on the same plane; legs over reaching; legs crossing over in front or rear; rear legs moving too close or touching; rolling; pacing; paddling; sidewinding; hackney action; pounding.
(u) Disqualifications. Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Unilateral or bilateral deafness. Bobbed tail. Albinism.
(v) Note. Although some level of dog aggression is characteristic of this breed, handlers will be expected to comply with U.K.C. policy regarding dog temperament at U.K.C. events.
(2) Rottweiler.
(a) History. The Rottweiler was known as the “butcher dog of Rottweil,” a title earned by driving cattle to market over the Alps in the Roman times. The breed was developed from the mastiff type of dog used for herding and guarding. In recent years the breed’s popularity has increased in America as the dogs are being used for police work, tracking, obedience competition and as a brave family pet. The Rottweiler was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1950.
(b) General Appearance. The Rottweiler is an above average-size dog. It is black with brown markings; with small pendant ears and a short cropped tail. It is a powerfully built dog, giving the impression of strength, courage and agility.
(c) Characteristics. Brave, powerful, faithful and a good guard dog. Strong willed.
(d) Head and Skull. The head is of medium length. Between the ears the skull is broad. Viewed from the side the forehead line is moderately arched. The skin on the head should not be loose although it is allowed to form moderate wrinkles when the dog is attentive. The muzzle is fairly deep; with a level topline. The length of the muzzle is not longer than the length from stop to occiput; the desired ratio of backskull to muzzle is three to two. The flews are black and firm; they fall gradually away and towards the corners of the mouth, which do not protrude excessively. Serious Fault: Total lack of mouth pigment.
(e) Eyes. The almond-shaped eyes are medium-sized and moderately deep-set. They are dark brown in color. The eyelids are well-fitting. Serious Faults: Yellow eyes. Eyes of different color or size. Hairless eye rim.
(f) Ears. The medium-sized ears are triangular pendants, set high and wide apart on the head, lying flat with the inner edge against the head; ending at about mid-cheek.
(g) Teeth. A full complement of strong, white teeth meet in a scissors bite. The incisors of the lower jaw must touch the inner surface of the upper incisors.
(i) Serious Faults. Even bite. One missing tooth.
(h) Nose. The nose is broad and black in color.
(i) Neck. The powerful, well-muscled, moderately long neck is slightly arched and free from throatiness.
(j) Forequarters. The long shoulder blades are well laid back. The upper arm is equal in length to that of the shoulder blade.
(k) Forelegs. The strongly developed, muscular legs have straight, heavy bone. The elbows are set well under the body. The pasterns are strong and springy and set almost perpendicular to the ground.
(l) Body. The chest should be roomy, broad and deep; ribs well-sprung. The depth of the brisket will be about 50 percent of the shoulder height. The back should be straight and strong and not too long. Ratio of shoulder height to length of body is nine to 10. The loins are short, deep and strong; the flanks should not be tucked up. The croup should be slightly sloping and broad. The distance from the withers to the elbow is the same as the distance from the elbow to the ground.
(m) Hindquarters. The angulation of the hindquarters is balanced with that of the forequarters.
(n) Hind Legs. When viewed from the rear, the hind legs are straight and wide enough to accommodate the body width. The well-muscled, fairly long upper thigh is very broad. The lower thigh is also well-muscled and is long, broad and powerful. The stifles are well-bent. The angular hocks are without exaggeration and completely vertical. The rear pasterns are nearly perpendicular to the ground.
(o) Feet. The feet are strong, round and compact, with well-arched toes. The hind feet are somewhat longer than the front. The pads are hard and thick. The toenails are short, strong and black. Front dewclaws may be removed; rear dewclaws are removed.
(p) Tail. The tail is docked at the first or second vertebra. It is carried horizontally, giving the impression that it is an extension of the topline. It may be carried slightly above the topline when the dog is excited.
(q) Height. Height should always be considered in relation to the general appearance of the dog and within the accepted range. Measured at the withers, adult males are 24 inches to 27 inches; adult females are 22 inches to 25 inches. The preferred size is mid-range.
(r) Coat. Consists of a top coat and undercoat. The outer coat should be of medium length, coarse and flat. The undercoat, which is essential on the neck and thighs, should not show through the outer coat. The hair may be a little longer on breechings. It is shortest on the head, ears and legs.
(s) Color. The Rottweiler is black with clearly defined markings on the cheeks, muzzle, chest, and legs as well as over both eyes and the area beneath the tail. The markings range in color from a rich tan to mahogany brown and do not exceed 10 percent of the total body color. The undercoat may be gray, tan or black. Serious Faults: Straw-colored. White markings anywhere on the dog. Disqualification: Albinism.
(t) Gait. The Rottweiler’s natural gait is a trot. Movement conveys an impression of suppleness, endurance and purpose. The back remains firm and stable; there is a powerful hind thrust and good stride. Movement should be unrestricted, harmonious and positive. As speed increases, the dog single tracks.
(u) Disqualification. Extreme viciousness or shyness. Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Entropionism. Ectropionism. Two or more missing teeth. Overshot. Undershot. Wry mouth. Base color other than black. Absence of all markings. Albinism. Long coat. [Ord. 113 Appx. A, 4-6-2007 (Res. 2007-100); Ord. 113 Appx. A, 6-8-2001 (Res. 2001-203)].