James,
what a nice-looking gentleman! Nice job. I do NOT find the backdrop distracting. In fact, if properly laid out, I find that the folds lead the eye to the subject.

I might increase contrast just a bit. Rotties are black not charcoal and it's OK to show that. Sometimes we tend to want to decrease contrast in an effort to increase coat texture. A little more black would work better for me.

I have an affinity for those white chins. And kind eyes.

Nice job.

Jim