Rottweiler
Large, powerful dogs with a reputation for loyalty and strength are called Rottweilers. They originated in Germany, where they pulled carts and served as herding dogs. They are now well-liked working dogs and family pets.
The idea that Rottweilers are violent dogs is one of the most widespread myths regarding their behavior. This is just untrue. There is no canine breed that is more aggressive than rottweilers. When it comes to kids, they really tend to be quite kind and compassionate. Rottweilers require a lot of socialization while they are young because they are fiercely protective of their families and may become hostile toward strangers if they feel frightened. It’s best to give adoption from rescue groups or shelters top priority when thinking about getting a Rottweiler in order to give a dog a loving home. needing something.
But if you do decide to buy, it’s important to pick a reliable breeder. Make sure the breeder prioritizes the welfare of their pets and adheres to ethical standards by doing in-depth investigation. Reputable Rottweiler breeders give their dogs’ temperament and health top priority, perform the required medical examinations, and provide their puppies a loving home. This proactive strategy discourages unethical breeding techniques and guarantees that you bring home a happy and healthy puppy.
Quick Facts
- Source: Germany
- Size: Generous Breed Team: Performing
- Durability: 8 to 10 years
- Coat: The fur of Rottweilers is short, thick, and double-coated. Typically, they have black coloring with tan highlights.
- Temperament: Rottweilers have a protective, self-assured, and devoted disposition. Because of their strong protecting instinct, they are compassionate and loving toward their family yet remain cautious around outsiders.
- Exercise Requirements: Rottweilers are energetic dogs that need frequent exercise to maintain their physical and mental health. Playtime, cerebral stimulation, and daily walks are good for you.
- Training: Positive, consistent tactics are useful when training Rottweilers. The development of appropriate behavior and etiquette depends heavily on early socialization and obedience training.
- Grooming: Because of their short coats, Rottweilers require little maintenance. Frequent brushing helps control loose hair and maintains the health of the coat.
- Well-being: This breed can be vulnerable to a number of health conditions, including dysplasia of the hips and elbows, cardiac difficulties, and particular malignancies. For their general health, it is essential to provide them with regular veterinarian care and a healthy diet.
- Most often known as “Rotties.”
Pop Culture
- In the 1976 movie “The Omen,” Rottweilers are portrayed as hellhounds. The idea that Rottweilers are vicious, dangerous dogs was strengthened by this movie.
- A Rottweiler serves as the Bueller family’s security dog in the 1986 motion picture “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.”
- In the movie “John Wick,” the character “Graves” had a Rottweiler named Daisy.
Rottweiler Overview
Like the Greek hero Hercules from mythology, the Rottweiler is a powerful, strong dog with a tender heart. The breed, also known as Rotties or Rotts, was developed in Germany and was employed by farmers and butchers to drive cattle and pull carts. The wide chest and strongly muscled body of the Rottie are reflections of that lineage. He has strength and endurance when he moves, but when you look into his eyes, you see pools of warm, dark brown light that reflect an expression that is calm, wise, brave, and vigilant.
A well-bred Rottweiler exudes confidence and composure. He’s never shy or afraid, but he usually keeps his distance from new people. When faced with unfamiliar individuals and circumstances, Rottweilers tend to adopt a “wait-and-see” demeanor. The Rottweiler is a natural guard dog when these qualities come together as they should. Having a calm demeanor who excels in law enforcement, the military, customs work, and serves as a family friend and protector. Rotties can be fierce in their defense of their families since it is in their natural instinct to do so. It’s critical to harness their strength and protectiveness by giving them a regular task to complete, early socialization, and firm, equitable, consistent leadership and training.
If this doesn’t occur, Rottweilers may turn into vicious bullies instead of the amiable watchdogs that are supposed to be. Rottweilers are cautious and not overly aggressive at the same time. They can develop an excessively protective nature if they are not educated and trained appropriately, nor are they deliberately bred for a cool, collected temperament.
That may seem like what you’re after, but a Rottie that can’t Not just the bad guys, but everyone he comes into contact with is at risk from discrimination. You need to be able to lead your Rottweiler in a way that he can respect and trust without getting angry or using physical force. If not, he’ll assume the position of top dog for himself. This is a surefire formula for trouble when dealing with a dog the size and intelligence of a Rottweiler. Contrary to popular belief, Rottweilers are not naturally aggressive or temperamentally flawed. Well-socialized and well-bred Rotties are affectionate, lively, and kind with their families.
If given due respect, they are easy to teach and are wonderful friends. Even though they might be amazing dogs, Rottweilers aren’t suitable for every family. In addition to being committed to socializing and teaching your Rottie, you also need to cope with those who prejudge the breed and don’t comprehend it. Some localities have outlawed the Rottweiler breed due to negative or fatal experiences with the breed or other large breeds. Although it’s unjust to assess a breed as a whole based on the behavior of a select few, if you own a Rottweiler, you will have to cope with this fact. By teaching your Rottweiler to respect and follow people, you may contribute to restoring the breed’s image. Above all, don’t leave your Rottie outside and forget about him. This dog genuinely wants to be with his folks and is devoted to them. If you provide him with the direction and framework he requires, you’ll be rewarded with one of the best friends around the globe.
Rottweiler Highlights
Due to their size and strength, rottweilers need a lot of socializing and training from an early age. Even if you socialize and train your Rottweiler, be prepared for those who are afraid of him to make false accusations about him and his behavior, as well as occasionally unjust presumptions about him.
Depending on the laws in your area, owning a Rottweiler may require you to obtain additional liability insurance due to the widespread prejudice against these dogs and the notion that they can be dangerous. You might even be unable to own a Rottweiler in some places, or you would have to give up any that you already own.
Loved ones at heart, Rottweilers long to spend time with their families. If they are alone themselves for extended periods of time or don’t get enough exercise, they could turn destructive.
Well-bred Rottweilers get along well with youngsters if they are raised with them. But they need to be taught how to behave appropriately with kids. Due of their innate herding nature, rotties may “bump” kids in an attempt to herd them. Toddlers may trip over this “bump” and sustain injuries because of their small size.
Furthermore, some Rottweilers exhibit excessive excitement when playing with children due to their strong prey drive. When your Rottweiler is near children, always keep an eye on him.
If you have an adult Rottweiler, be cautious when introducing new pets, particularly dogs. When it comes to unfamiliar dogs, especially those of the same sex, Rottweilers can be violent. But as long as you’re in charge, your Rottie will most likely to live in harmony with his new friend.
Rottweiler History
Rottweilers are descended from a mastiff-like dog called the Molossus. Driving the cattle that fed them while they ruled the known world, their forefathers marched to Germany alongside the Romans. The large canines crossed paths with local canines during their travels, creating the basis for new breeds.
Southern Germany was one of the regions they traveled through, where the Romans established colonies to benefit from the climate and fertile soil. They constructed villas with red tile roofs. One of the red-tiled villas was discovered by town residents during the excavation of the ancient Roman baths site, more than 600 years later, while they were constructing a new church.
The finding sparked a Das Rote Wil, meaning “the red tile,” is the town’s new name. Over the ages, Rottweilers developed into a thriving cattle market, similar to a Texas cowtown in Germany. The cattle were driven to the town by the offspring of the Roman Molossus dogs so they could be killed. The cattlemen would come home, sell their herd, and then tie their filled purses over the necks of their Rottweilers to protect their cash from thieves. The dogs were also utilized by local butchers to pull carts filled with meat.
Finally, cattle drives were supplanted by rail transportation. The Rottweiler was on the verge of extinction. The only Rottweiler on display at a dog show in Heilbronn, Germany, in 1882 was an unremarkable one. With the founding of the Rottweiler and Leonberger Club in 1901, things started to alter. The first breed standard for Rottweilers was penned. Little has changed since then about the description of the Rottweiler’s appearance and personality. Due to their suitability for the job, Rottweilers were first employed in law enforcement. Over the years, a number of Rottweiler breed groups were established; nevertheless, the Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler Klub (ADRK), established in 1921, was the most resilient. After surviving World War II, the ADRK has carried on promoting superior breeding programs both in Germany and globally.
It is committed to maintaining the Rottweiler’s capacity to work. The first Rottweilers are believed to have arrived in the United States in the late 1920s with a German immigrant. The first litter was born in 1930, and the American Kennel Club registered its first dog in Felsenmeer v. Stina, 1931. The breed had a rise in popularity following World War II. Its main reputation at the time was that of a superior obedience dog. When more than 100,000 Rottweilers were registered with the American Kennel Club in the middle of the 1990s, the breed was at its peak of popularity.
Rottweiler Size
Males normally weigh between 95 and 130 pounds and stand 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder. Typically, females weigh between 85 and 115 pounds and stand 22 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder.
Rottweiler Personality
The perfect Rottweiler is brave, self-assured, and never timid. He doesn’t quickly or carelessly become friends with individuals and instead exhibits a confident aloofness. Instead, he approaches new individuals or circumstances with a wait-and-see mentality. He is loving and frequently follows his family around the house. This dog isn’t very energetic. Although he has an innate drive to defend his family and belongings, he should never act aggressively toward others without justification.
The Rottweiler has a great work ethic and is intelligent and adaptive. There will be some variations between the sexes. Males are silent but alert, continuously scanning their environment for any threats. Women may be more affectionate and are generally simpler to manage. Although quite trainable, both can be obstinate. Rottweilers need strict, constant but not strict punishment. Often, a stern remark will suffice as a correction—but only after you’ve demonstrated your leadership. If not, he might try to intimidate or deceive you.
This dog is not for those who are not confident in their abilities or who do not have the time to teach and care for it. Setting limits and teaching penalties for bad conduct are two essential skills for gaining a Rottweiler’s respect, and they both require patience and time. Well-mannered puppies are inquisitive and lively, eager to interact with humans and accept their embrace. Opt for the middle-of-the-road puppy rather than the one lurking in the corner or abusing his littermates.
Rottweiler Health
Although they are generally healthy, Rottweilers are susceptible to some health issues, just like any other breed. While not every Rottweiler will get any or all of these illnesses, it’s still vital to be informed about them if you’re thinking about adopting one. Find a reputable breeder that can provide you with the health clearances for both of your dog’s parents if you plan to purchase a puppy. A dog’s health clearance indicates that it has undergone testing and been found to be free of a certain ailment.
Hip dysplasia is a hereditary disorder where the hip joint is not sufficiently sized to accommodate the thighbone. While some dogs with hip dysplasia may exhibit pain and lameness on one or both back legs, other dogs may not exhibit any symptoms at all. Arthritis may appear as the dog gets older. The University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHIP) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals both provide X-ray screening for hip dysplasia.
Ask the breeder for documentation that the parents have not had hip dysplasia and are in perfect health if you are purchasing a puppy. Although hip dysplasia is inherited, environmental variables like fast development from a high-calorie diet can exacerbate it. food or wounds from falls or leaping on slick surfaces.
Elbow dysplasia is a congenital deformity affecting the elbow joint. Only x-rays can reveal the dysplasia’s degree of severity. Your veterinarian might advise either medication to manage the pain or surgery to fix the issue.
Sub-aortic and aortic stenosis (AS/SAS): Sometimes Rottweilers have this common cardiac defect. The heart has to work harder to pump blood to the body when the aorta narrows below the aortic valve. Fainting and even unexpected death may result from this illness. Although the route of transmission is unknown at this moment, it is a hereditary disorder. This illness is usually diagnosed by a veterinary cardiologist once a cardiac murmur has been identified.
Osteosarcoma: Large and giant breeds are typically affected. One aggressive type of bone cancer is osteosarcoma. Lameness is the initial symptom of osteosarcoma, although x-rays are required to rule out malignancy in the dog’s condition. Aggressive treatment for osteosarcoma typically entails limb amputation and chemotherapy. Dogs can live for nine months to two years or more with proper care. Fortunately, dogs adjust to life on three legs rather well and do not experience the nausea and hair loss associated with chemotherapy that people do.
Gastritis dilatation-volvulus (GDV), commonly referred to as torsion or bloat: substantial, deep-chested dogs like Rottweilers are susceptible to this potentially fatal illness, particularly if they are fed a single, substantial meal each day, eat quickly, drink a lot of water thereafter, and engage in strenuous exercise right afterward. Some believe that The kind of food and elevated feeder may also play a role in this. It is more prevalent in senior dogs. When the stomach expands due to gas or air and then torsion, it results in gastric dilation. The regular flow of blood back to the heart is hampered, and the dog is unable to vomit or belch to get rid of the extra air in its stomach. The dog has a dip in blood pressure and shock. The dog could die if medical assistance is not given right away. If your dog exhibits signs of bloat, such as a swollen tummy, increased salivation, and retching without vomiting, it may be bloat. In addition, he can be weak, agitated, melancholy, and have a fast heartbeat. It’s crucial to take your dog to the veterinarian as quickly as feasible.
Panosteitis (Pano): Because it typically affects pups about four months of age, this condition is also known as “growing pains.” Lameness appears as the main symptom. Rest is usually enough, but it’s a good idea to get your puppy checked out by a veterinarian if he begins to limp.
Hypothyroidism: This condition results from a thyroid hormone shortage and can manifest as infertility, obesity, lethargy, and low energy. The dog’s skin turns tough and black, and its fur may grow harsh and brittle and start to fall out. Taking a thyroid replacement medication every day can help effectively control hypothyroidism. The dog needs to be on medication for the duration of its life.
Allergies: An allergy is a prevalent condition in canines. Dogs with known food allergies can be treated by removing the offending food from their diet until the source is found. Allergies to bedding, flea powders, dog shampoos, and other substances that come into contact with the dog might result in contact allergies. The method used to treat them is to locate and eliminate the allergy’s source. Airborne allergens like pollen, dust, and mildew are the source of inhalant allergies. The severity of an inhalant allergy determines the right treatment to take. One typical side effect of inhaled allergies is ear infections.
No matter how well-bred your dog is when you first bring them home, you should be ready for any problems that can arise later in life. Pet insurance can be beneficial.
Rottweiler Care
It’s crucial that Rottweilers reside in households with their owners. They may grow bored, disruptive, and hostile if they are left alone in a backyard all the time. Despite their size, Rottweilers are sedentary when indoors. A homebody by nature, a Rottweiler needs a fenced yard to keep out traffic and because he can be violent with other dogs and people who enter his land.
If your dog is determined to escape, an underground electronic fence will not be able to keep him in your yard. Most importantly, it doesn’t stop animals or humans from accessing your land. Post a notice warning visitors and non-family members not to enter your property unless they are accompanied by you. The energy level of the Rottweiler spans the spectrum from sloth to firestorm. To assist you select the ideal puppy for your lifestyle, be sure to let the breeder know what your ideal energy level is. Rottweilers that are moderately active will benefit from a few daily walks lasting ten to twenty minutes each.
They also like to go trekking and play with balls. Rotties with higher levels of energy could require longer workout sessions and more regimented activities. They are excellent candidates for tracking, therapy work, agility and obedience competitions, and their customary job of pulling a cart or wagon due to their intelligence, athleticism, and trainability. Ideal for motorcades! Remember that your Rottweiler gets his best exercise when he is mentally stimulated. He could possess a “Show me why I should do this” mentality and may be obstinate. Your Rottweiler will thank you for being fair, consistent, and firm with his quick learning curve. If you provide your Rottweiler with a regular routine, prevent him from having accidents inside the home, and give him praise when he relieves himself outside, housetraining him shouldn’t be too tough.
Rottweiler Feeding
The recommended daily intake is four to ten cups of premium dry food, split into two meals. Note: Your adult dog’s size, age, build, metabolism, and degree of activity all affect how much food he consumes. Similar to people, each dog is unique, thus their food requirements vary. A dog who is an avid exerciser will obviously require more than a dog that is a couch potato.
The type of dog food you purchase also matters; the higher the quality, the more your dog will benefit from it and the less you’ll need to shake into their bowl. Feed your Rottweiler twice a day instead than just once, and measure his food to keep him in good form. eating out frequently. Give him both the eye and the hands-on tests to determine whether he is overweight if you’re not sure. Look down at him first. A waist need to be seen.
Then lay your hands on his back, fingers splayed downward and thumbs running over his spine. Without applying much pressure, you should be able to feel his ribs but not see them. He needs to eat less and exercise more if you are unable to. See our recommendations for selecting the proper food, feeding your puppy, and feeding your adult dog for more information on feeding your Rottie.
Rottweiler Coat Color And Grooming
The short, coarse double coat of a Rottweiler is straight. The undercoat is mostly found on the neck and thighs, while the outer coat is medium in length and shorter on the head, ears, and legs. Your Rottie’s undercoat thickness varies according to the climate in which he lives. The Rottweiler’s markings range in hue from rust to mahogany, and they are usually black. The spots show up under the tail, on the chest and legs, above the eyes, on the cheeks, and on either side of the muzzle.
On the toes, there are additional tan lines that resemble pencil marks. Use a hard bristle brush once a week to brush your Rottweiler to remove dead hair and spread skin oils. Twice a year, he will shed, so you’ll definitely desire should brush more often throughout that period to control any loose hair. Wash him when necessary. It should be warm enough for you to bathe him outside without needing a coat or long sleeves. It’s too chilly to be outside bathing your Rottweiler if you’re not. At least twice or three times a week, give your Rottie’s teeth a brushing to help get rid of tartar accumulation and bacteria. It’s much better to brush every day to avoid gum disease and foul breath.
When your Rottweiler is still a puppy, start acclimating him to being brushed and checked. Dogs are sensitive when it comes to their feet, so handle his paws often and examine his lips and ears. Make grooming an advantageous a rewarding and gratifying experience that will set the stage for simple veterinary examinations and other handling when he’s an adult.
Rottweiler Children And Other Pets
Generally speaking, Rottweilers enjoy kids, especially if they grow up around them. Because they are so large and powerful, they should be watched closely while around children, especially small ones. Their cattle-driving ancestry makes them inclined to bend and push, and with a gentle prod, they can unintentionally tumble a toddler.
They generally work best in homes with older kids who know how to be polite to dogs. Additionally, you should always keep an eye on your Rottweiler when your kids invite friends over. When children play violently or loudly, Rotties may become agitated and try to stop the action, even though “his” children aren’t in danger. They might also pursue young kids who are on the move. Children should always be taught how to approach and touch pets, and ensure that you watch over any interactions between dogs and small children to avoid any biting or pulling of ears or tails on either side.
Instruct your youngster to never approach a dog that is resting or eating, nor should they attempt to steal the dog’s food away. A dog and a youngster should never be left unattended.
Rottweiler Rescue Groups
Many times, people get rottweilers without fully comprehending what owning one entails. Numerous Rotties are available for adoption or foster care. Many rescues exist that we have not included on our list. You can find a Rottie rescue by getting in touch with the national or local breed clubs if you can’t find one listed for your area.
Club American Rottweiler
At some time in their life, every dog will require veterinary treatment. Make sure you are ready to handle any health difficulties that may arise after you leave the shelter before adopting. Your dog can remain protected with a pet insurance policy.
Rottweiler Breed Organizations
One of the most crucial choices you will make when getting a new dog is finding a trustworthy breeder.Reputable breeders are committed to raising well-adjusted, socialized puppies who will make fantastic lifelong friends. They will provide you with lifetime support, socialize their puppies from an early age, and check their breeding stock for health problems.
However, backyard breeders are less concerned with breeding healthy, well-mannered dogs and more focused on turning a profit. They can fail to check the health of their breeding stock and fail to properly socialize their puppies. Puppies from backyard breeders are therefore more prone to experience behavioral and health problems.
