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| Photo by: @andyaybar via Twenty20 |
The Rottweiler is an elegant dog, physically and mentally strong but also intelligent and endearing. This breed of dog is not dangerous, mean or predisposed to aggression, it is simply a dog. Well educated and respected, he will be the best companion! It is nevertheless true that his character and size require a certain knowledge of the breed. If you adopt a Rottweiler, you will have to spend enough to meet his needs.
Intense and continuous efforts must be made to socialize the Rottweiler to make it a good companion for the family. The Rottweiler is not suitable for the person who has never had a dog. This intelligent and self-confident dog is prone to gain weight, despite its imposing stature.
Brief background:
The Rottweiler is one of the oldest dog breeds. He accompanied the Roman legionnaires in their military campaigns in Germania, his role being to drive the cattle and guard the outposts. Many dogs were abandoned on the spot, especially in the region of Rottweil – a town in the south of present-day Germany. This is where the breed evolved to become the one we know today. The Rottweiler is considered a member of the mastiff family. Much later, the Rottweiler played a key role in the development of the Doberman pinscher.
Originally, the Rottweiler was used as a working dog and had many functions: it drove cattle to market, pulled carts and guarded farms. Merchants used the Rottweiler to carry money bags that they tied around their necks. Nowadays, the Rottweiler is used as a defense or herding dog.
By the end of the 19th century, the breed was on the verge of extinction as smaller, easier to guard dogs were preferred, and many of the functions previously performed by the Rottweiler were transferred to them. Fortunately, passionate breeders revived the breed, which is now one of the most popular in the United States. A charming series of beautifully illustrated English-language children’s books features a Rottweiler named Carl as the hero, who embarks on a variety of adventures with the family’s baby.
What strikes you at first glance is the impression of strength and toughness that the Rottweiler gives off, and this is true.
The length of the body is slightly longer than the height at the withers. The Rottweiler measures 22 inch at the withers for a small female and up to 27 inch for a large male. Weight varies from 80 to 120 Lbs.
The Rottweiler is a dog with a square stature and a massive head. The somewhat drooping ears are fairly close to the head. The muzzle is broad and strong; the dog will tend to drool if the corners of the mouth are not well closed. Black with tan markings is the only color allowed, and the ideal coat is rather short, dense and a little rough. A litter may occasionally include a puppy with a fluffy coat, but keep in mind that this type of coat is not allowed in dog shows.
As is often the case with large breeds, Rottweilers can take a long time to mature. Many dogs reach their adult size at the age of only 2 or 3 years, although the Rottweiler is often at its adult height at 1 year of age. Over time, the young dog grows in size, his chest develops and he becomes the massive dog that is expected.
Character:
It should never be forgotten that the Rottweiler was developed to be a guard and defense dog. Properly socialized dogs get along well with humans and other dogs, but males in particular can be somewhat aggressive and dominant. Active and intelligent, Rottweilers are self-confident enough to be their own masters; for this reason, they need to be properly guided from the start.
If left alone, the Rottweiler can bark excessively or start digging into the ground, and given its size, it can cause considerable damage. Rottweilers are designed to work, and if they are trained and have a job to do, even keeping a child company, they will flourish. Aggression can be a problem; this dog is quite capable of inflicting significant injuries. The Rottweiler is suitable for an experienced owner who will be able to show firmness and patience.
Daily life:
Despite its imposing stature, the Rottweiler is prone to weight gain. They can easily become obese if they don’t get enough exercise. Coat care is simple: a short weekly session is sufficient in most cases. Some Rottweilers tend to drool a lot, especially large males whose labial corners are not properly closed.
One of the most important things to remember about the Rottweiler is that intense and continuous socialization is required to make it a good family companion. Rottweiler training is essential and should be started at an early age. The courage of the Rottweiler is not in doubt, but it could be misused. This breed is not suitable for the person who has never had a dog. Rottweilers love to work and will happily participate in almost any dog sport or activity, from obedience to herding and weight pulling.
Ideally, Rottweilers should be exposed to other pets, especially dogs, from the start. The same applies to getting him used to living with children. This dog is often very protective of children and should be supervised if it is in the presence of a group of children. Due to the great popularity of the Rottweiler and the mass production, the breed has been affected by certain character and health problems. For this reason, it is essential to deal with a reputable breeder. The Rottweiler has a life expectancy of about 12 years.
