- Breed name: ROTTWEILER
- Original breed name: Rottweiler
- AKC most popular dogs list: 15
- FCI Classification: Group II – Pinschers, Schnauzers, Molossians and Swiss Shepherd Dogs
- Origin: Germany
- Size: Large dog
- Average life expectancy: 8 – 11 years
Rottweilers are family pets and also serious guardians. They have earned both reputations: they can be fiercely committed to chosen people, and their protective nature makes the Rottweiler valuable in police service and for therapeutic purposes. This breed needs socialization and directing theirs protective instinct from an early age. It is also important to maintain this breed mentally and physically fit to avoid less desirable ways of „releasing energy“. This breed is not for inexperienced owners, because you need experience to properly raise a Rottweiler. If you do this right you will get an extraordinary dog for socializing with family and also for protection.
With loyal and with a protective instinct, Rottweilers are often playful and kind to children. However, it can easily happen that they overprotect “their” children from strangers and so undesirable situations could arise. For this reason, early socialization of dogs is desirable. Given this breed size and sheer strength, they will do best if supervised with children and other dogs.
ORIGIN
Rottweilers are considered one of the oldest breeds, although theories about their origin differ. According to dog expert Strebel, the Rottweiler is a typical German dog. On the other hand, it may have originated in Roman times from dogs bred used to fight lions in arenas, mastiffs. The ancestors of today’s Rottweilers are most likely Roman herdsmen, who accompanied Roman soldiers through long marches over alpine mountains, forcing the cattle that was used to feed the soldiers. At least one of these routes took them to southern Germany, where some of these dogs settled with people. In those times, this breed was more appreciated because of its exceptional working abilities, and less because of its quality as a family dog.
The origin of the name Rottweiler comes from the German city of Rottweil, derived from a word used for the red tile of the roofs of Roman baths that were discovered in the 8th century. The literal translation of the name Rottweiler would be “red fairy”.
During World War I, the Rottweiler was given a role in the German army. The number of representatives of the breed continued to grow, and in the thirties Rottweilers began to participate in exhibitions. It’s very interesting that the Rottweiler managed to come from the breed that was on the verge of extinction to the one of the most popular breeds in America.
APPEARANCE
Rottweilers are strong, medium-sized dogs. Males are significantly larger than females, the average weight of males is between 50 – 60 kg and height 61 – 69 cm, while females weigh between 35 – 48 kg, height 56 – 63 cm. The head in males and females differ only in size, not in shape. It is typically strong and wide, with small triangle-shaped ears, set high and lowered, with a nicely developed forehead, wrinkled when the dog is alert. Their eyes are almond-shaped, dark brown in color, with a calm look. The muzzle is medium length, with extremely strong teeth. The neck is muscular, and the body is full, with a straight back and a wide chest. Their tail is naturally long and strong, carried horizontally. The tail is in most cases docked on the first or second vertebra.
Their hair is short, compact, and a little longer on the face, hind paws and tail. Its mostly black, but the lower part of the muzzle, chest and paws are always lighter brown – almost orange. The undercoat should never be seen under the coat. Their average life expectancy is between 8 and 11 years.
CHARACTER
The Rottweiler is basically a balanced, confident and brave dog. They become attached to the family, ie the owner, very quickly and are ready to do everything to protect them. This dog is a fearless and efficient guard dog, who never barks for no reason. He needs freedom and can’t stand being tied up for too long. He can be very disciplined, but training and authority are needed from the very young age.
They are quite reserved and distrustful of strangers. They are highly intelligent dogs and their ability to learn is very pronounced. To keep this dog as a pet, an authoritative owner and consistent training are necessary. From an early age, the dog should be socialized and taught the boundaries he must not cross. Rottweiler females are more loyal and attached to the owner, so they are easier to train.
HEALTH AND CARE
Rottweilers are a relatively healthy breed. They require daily physical and mental activity. They enjoy cold temperatures and can suffer from heat stroke when it is too hot outside. They can live outside, but in the puppyhood they need to be in the house with their human family, in order to socialize and connect with people in the right way.
Common health problems are coronary artery disease, hip and knee dysplasia, osteosarcoma, gastric torsion and cancer.
This breed is very energetic and needs a lot of daily activity and movement. Otherwise, they are prone to obesity which can cause a number of diseases. They adapt well to the living conditions in the apartment with regular walks. The rottweiler will enjoy the yard, but it must not be without human company because he will suffer if he is left alone for long periods of time.
Rottweilers do not require much grooming. It is enough to thoroughly brush them once a week to remove dead hair.
STATISTICS
- Energy level: Medium.
- Playfulness level: Medium.
- Attitude towards other dogs: Not very playful.
- Relationship to other pets: Distrustful.
- Attitude towards strangers: Distrustful.
- Ease of training: Moderately easy to train.
- Protection: Very protective.
- Required maintenance: Minimal maintenance.
- Cold tolerance: Medium tolerance.
- Heat tolerance: Poor tolerance.