WALTER HORN
THE IFR PRESIDENT

Walter, could you share some facts about you with us? Where do you live, what did you study, what is your job and something about your family?

I live in the north of the city of Zurich in a village called Eglisau. A village of around 2500 inhabitants located on the Rhine River, only around 20 km below the famous Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen. I first completed a technical apprenticeship, followed by a degree in telecommunications technology and a postgraduate degree in project management at Berkeley University,

California.

In my work I have focused on education systems and in this job, I also lived in Indonesia for 13 years and in Nepal for 6 years. In both countries I was responsible for setting up a national teacher training institution. My salary was financed by the Swiss government. I left for Indonesia in 1984 with my wife Brigitta and two children with my first Rottweiler dog bought from Eduard Merk, Embrach. I've been retired for about 10 years now.

In addition to two male Rottweilers, the family also includes three children and eight grandchildren. I attach great importance to the socialization of my dogs who live with us in the house. Without the great help of my wife, I would not be able to cope with all the work!

Walter, you became the IFR President last year when Dirk resigned. Is it a big change for you to hold the very top position compared to the Vice President position? Can you describe the difference?

Dirk's health-related resignation in mid-2023 was a shock and very surprising for me and the entire board. Dirk's heart and commitment to the Rottweiler dog was very comprehensive and very professional. Sometimes tasks can feel like oversized shoes. However, with the support of the other board members, I took on the job as IFR president. As vice president you can run along and support the president, as president you must lead.

As the IFR President, do you have any goals, missions or visions you have set for yourself?

When we talk about the goals of the IFR, these are clearly regulated in the Constitution, Article 2: The goal of the IFR is to worldwide align the breeding of the Rottweiler with the requirements of human and animal living together, both with respect for that demands proper to modern and future society and yet without loss of the original physical characteristics and

traits of character of the Rottweiler as defined by the FCI breed standard.

If we talk about the main goals in the current term of office, these were set at the Meeting of Delegates 2023:

1) The Board was instructed by the delegates to take all the necessary steps to found an association with one of the IFR Constitution to comply with German law. The founding will take place in Germany on Saturday November 2nd, 2024. Delegates will be invited.

2) The most common diseases in Rottweilers should be statistically recorded where the data allows this. The inventory list should be expanded with the aim of creating transparency regarding diseases.

The term of office for the new board was reduced to one year.

Since when have you owned the Rottweilers and what achievements with them do you value the most?

To date I have managed six male Rottweilers. I bought my first Rottweiler in 1981 from a Swiss breeder I worked with. Over the years I have led various dogs to many competitions at home and abroad. Of course, the World Championships are always something very special. But the exams in cynological clubs, where all breeds are represented, are always something special because maintaining camaraderie is always very important there.

How would you describe the development or evolution of the Rottweiler breed from your point of view as a dog owner? Is everything going in a good direction?

In recent years, the clear trend among Rottweiler dogs involved in sport has been to reduce sharpness, unwanted sharpness. Breeders today place more emphasis on a pronounced play instinct and prey drive. I think that's a good thing.

Talking about the breed, what would you like to change or improve if you have the chance?

I don't see a big problem. However, it is very demanding to breed the Rottweiler dog worldwide as a working dog that is healthy, clean in temperament and conforms to the standard in form. Maintaining this balance and not prioritizing individual elements in breeding requires a lot of experience on the part of the breeder.

Pressure from society in various countries is moving towards measures in the ownership of Rottweilers and other breeds. Where do you think the situation is the most acute and can the IFR help anyhow?

It is true that in various countries the legislature restricts or wants to restrict the keeping of Rottweiler dogs. The IFR has little or no opportunity to influence the legislation of countries. Unfortunately.

What is the situation in Switzerland?

Little Switzerland is divided into 26 cantons, of which 20 are whole cantons and 6 are half cantons. In Switzerland, a canton is a member state, comparable to the German federal states. Dog legislation is a matter for the cantons. Two cantons have a ban on Rottweiler dogs. I cannot list the individual regulations here; that would take half a book. We have something unique in the canton of Solothurn. There, the government council decided to require a permit to keep dogs of certain breeds. And, only purebred dogs of the Bull Terrier, Staffordshire BullTerrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Dobermann, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasileiro breeds, which come from an FCI-recognized breeding with appropriate pedigree documents, are approved. Conversely, this means that all mixed breeds of the breeds listed above, the American Pit Bull Terrier (not an FCI-recognized breed) and the American Bully (defined according to the database as a mixed breed of the American Staffordshire Terrier; not an FCI-recognized breed) are not eligible for approval and therefore may not be kept in the canton of Solothurn.

The IFR IGP and IFH World Championship 2024 will take place in Slovakia. Have you ever been there and are you looking forward to this event? If I say “Slovakia”, what comes in your mind as the first thing?

I've never been to Slovakia, but I'm looking forward to the World Cup in 2024. I'm also happy that I've already qualified as a participant from Switzerland. Well, we'll meet there. I don't have any associations with the name Slovakia, but if I do, ice hockey comes to mind.

Do you have a message for any Rottweiler owners? What do you love about this breed, why are these dogs special to you?

To all Rottweiler owners: Rottweilers are remarkable dogs with a rich history. Rottweilers are fiercely loyal to their families. They have a strong protective instinct and will do whatever it takes to keep their loved ones safe. Their imposing presence alone can deter potential threats. Rottweilers are highly intelligent and eager to learn. With consistent training and positive

reinforcement, they can excel in various tasks. Their versatility makes them great working dogs. Despite their tough exterior, Rottweilers are affectionate and loving with their families. They thrive on human interaction and enjoy being part of the family unit. But remember, that every Rottweiler is an individual, and their temperament can vary based on genetics, upbringing, and socialization. Responsible ownership, proper training, and early socialization are essential for nurturing a well-adjusted Rottweiler.

Thank you very much for the interview, Draha Mašková