The Rottweiler is highly prized dog for its ability to act as police dog, service dog and therapy dog. The dog is extremely affectionate and dedicated towards its family members. It has inherent trait of protectiveness towards its loved ones. Like all guard dogs, Rottweiler too needs constant training to help her to make differentiate between evil people and good people. Early socialization ensures the dog wouldn’t become overly protective. This breed is tough, resilient and needs ample amount of exercise on daily basis to avoid it finding unfavorable ways to outlet its energy in home. The dog belongs to Germany and was primarily used to drive cattle to market place. Its deep chest and muscular body are the proof of its herding heritage. Rottweiler is definitely not the dog for everyone. You need to be dedicated towards its training and socialization in order to ensure you have harmless dog inside home. Because of bad or tragic experiences with this breed, many countries or cities have banned this dog from domesticating. Though, it is not fair to judge the entire breed by few dogs. If you give proper guidance and training, they prove to be the best companions to humans.
Rottweiler Origin
The Rottweiler belongs to the period of Roman Empire. It is a descendant of roman Molossus (mastiff-type dog) that was bestowed with intelligence, strength and unwavering guarding instincts. In quest to conquer Europe, roman soldiers travelled to various places with guard dogs. Molossus cross mated with native dog and new breed was developed. One of the breed was developed in Rottweil, Germany. As Rottweil was known for its favorable weather and fertile soil so Romans settled there and used the newly discovered breed called Rottweiler to herd cattle. Eventually they also used the breed for guarding their properties and themselves.
Rottweiler Characteristics & Facts For Kids
- The breed belongs to Germany and is a herding and guard dog
- The dog is protective, loyal, good natured, courageous and independent
- The life expectancy of this breed is 8-11 years
- The height of the dog is 61-69 cm
- The weight of the dog is 43-59 kg
- The dog comes in black-mahogany, black-tan and black-rust colors
- The average price of this dog is $1200 - $2000 USD
- The dog tends to be active indoor so an average sized yard is suitable for it
- The dog doesn’t bark unnecessarily
- It is not a suitable breed for kids. It tends to have low patience towards rough play
- It is possessive in nature and tends to be dominant with other breeds of dogs
- This breed is not hypoallergenic
- The dog sheds moderately and need infrequent grooming
- The dog requires consistent and firm training.
Appearance
The Rottweiler is a powerful dog with muscular body and broad chest. It has wide head that is slightly round and blunt muzzle. The ears of the dog are flat and pendant shape and nose is well developed with wide nostril. The back of the dog should be straight. Teeth should meet in scissor bite with strong jaw. The eyes of the dog are almond shape and dark brown in color. Tail should be docked to 2/3rd level and dewclaws should be removed.
Size and Weight
The ideal of male breed is 24 to 27 inches and female is 22 to 25 inches tall. The male breed should weight around 115 pounds and female breed should weigh around 100 pounds.
Coat and Color
The dog has outer coat and inner coat. The outer coat is of medium length, smooth and coarse to touch. The inner coat should be dense and soft. Inner coat is present in thighs and neck regions. The thickness of inner coat depends upon the kind of weather, the dog living in. It comes in black-mahogany, black-tan and black-rust colors.
Grooming
The dog sheds moderately. Heavy shedding is done at the time of seasonal change. During the period of heavy shedding, their coat should be brushed daily to avoid loose hairs. At other time, they should be brushed weekly. The dog doesn’t contain doggy’s odor. Bath it few times a year. Other grooming needs like brushing its teeth, cleaning its ears and trimming its nails is similar to other breeds of dogs.
Temperament
- Personality - The Rottweiler is known as vicious dogs because of few incidents happened to mankind. But this is not true. They are immensely affectionate towards their own family and are highly protective towards them. Their caring nature shouldn’t be described as cruelty. A well trained and socialized Rottweiler makes great asset to family. This dog will not get along with anyone except its family. They are incredibly loyal and dignified companions.
- Behavior - Rottweiler is intelligent minded and will use its brain wherever possible. It is important to teach the dog its place in pack so that it knows to whom to look for leadership. The dog will not get along with stray animals but it will consider family animals as a part of park. Similar is the case with kids. It is highly disciplined in nature which makes it a good military or police dog. The dog loves to chew out of boredom. Provide it with interesting toys to occupy its mind.
- Activities Requirements - This breed is big enough to thrive in apartment. A yard is perfect place for it. Rotties should be given opportunity to walk, run and romp to maintain its happiness and level temperament. Rotties may not be the best athletic dogs but they love exercise which involves usage of their brain. Make your dog walk with backpack so that they feel they are working something productive.
- Trainability - The dog is highly trainable but it has mind of its own. You need to establish leadership in dog’s mind. Be consistent and stiff in providing them training. Expose your dog to numerous people and animals so that they remain calm headed when encountering new face.
Feeding
Puppies should be given four bowls of food. As they become mature they should be given two times meal. Top quality food should be given so that it achieves its optimum health. Fresh water should be kept alongside the dog’s food. Along with meat, fruits should also be given.
Lifespan
The breed lives around 8 to 11 years of age.
Health Issues
The breed is not hypoallergenic in nature. It can suffer from cranial cruciate ligament injury, paneosteitis, elbow and hip dysplasia, iris cysts and Von Willebrand disease.
Habitat
The dog requires space to thrive. It can live in any kind of climate.
Pet Names
- Hero
- Bolt
- Excel
- Bear
- Bane
Things To Consider Before Buying
Pros
- The dog makes excellent guard dog. It is naturally protective towards its owner and loved ones
- The dog is attentive and alert in nature. It makes vigilant guard dog
- A well trained rotties makes excellent therapy dog
- It is highly valued as police dog.
Cons
- This breed is not hypoallergenic
- It is not friendly towards animals
- The dog is listed among the dangerous breeds of dogs in the world. You need to properly train this breed so it becomes harmless for others
- Owning this dog increases your liability. You will be held liable if your dog does nuisance. You are also required to take insurance before owning this breed.
