Rottweiler Dogs
Although the exact origin of Rottweiler dogs is unknown, most experts believe the breed to be a descendant of the Italian Mastiff, a breed used as a guard, herder, draughter, messenger, and law enforcement dog. The actual Rottweiler breed was developed in Rottweiler, Germany, thus the name, but by the 19th century, the breed was virtually extinct.
Courtesy: P. MoysuhDue to ongoing demand, breeders revitalized the
Rottweiler in the 20th century. Today, not only is this type of dog extremely popular but special clubs have been established
throughout the world.
In addition to being used to guard and protect, track, herd, and assist
with todays law enforcement efforts, Rottweiler dogs are
also excellent for working in search and rescue, tracking, carting,
obedience competitions, and schutzhund, which is a sport in
Germany used for evaluating a dogs ability to conduct police work.
Living With Rottweiler Dogs
Don't let the Rottie's big size fool you!
Most people immediately think of watch or guard dogs associated with
this breed but along with being protective, Rottweilers are actually
very sweet, loving, affectionate, and extremely devoted to the family.
However, because of the size, strength, and determination of character, an owner should be confident, assertive, and firm while having the ability to remain calm.
Additionally, it is very important to those interested in the breed,
that they acquire their Rottweiler puppy from a breeder that is
responsible and dedicated to perpetuating the most desirable traits of
the Rottweiler.
It would also be essential to provide
training and socialization while still a puppy, which makes handling
this breed easier.
The nice thing about owning this breed of dog is the unique balance of
gentleness and fierce loyalty. Because the Rottie is so protective
of its owner and family members, the dog seems impervious to pain and
will fight to the death to keep people it loves, safe.
The breed is
also highly intelligent and eager to please, which is why Rottweiler
dogs are still commonly used by law enforcement, as well as search
and rescue. Overall, the reliable temperament of the breed makes it an
excellent consideration.
Physical Stats of the Rottie
There are actually two types of Rottweiler breeds to include American
and German. Experts state the American variety is taller,
leggier, and has a blockier type head while the German variety is
shorter, stockier, and boasts a larger size head.
While there
might be slight variations in appearance, all Rottweiler dogs are large,
powerful, and muscular with a distinct broad head. The
only real difference is that the American variety is bred in the United
States while the German variety is bred in Germany.
This dog breed has several distinct features to include a well-developed
muzzle, black lips, dark, almond-sized eyes, and triangular shaped
ears. Usually, the back declaws are removed and the tail docked.
Additionally, while most dogs have deep brown eyes, some have blue eyes
or one blue and one brown eye.
While unique, anything other than two brown eyes would be considered a defect for
showing and breeding purposes.
Males typically stand 24 to 27 inches tall while females measure between
22 and 25 inches. Weight goes from 85 to 130 pounds on average with
females being on the lower end.
Courtesy: PixabayRottweiler Coat Care
Rottweiler dogs have short, thick, hard, glossy coats. In most cases,
the coat is black with markings on the cheeks, muzzle, legs, and paws of
rust or mahogany.
However, some Rottweiler dogs have brown markings, which are considered a
defect due to the hair gene having a deficiency that alters the
richness of marking color.
This type of dog does shed although regular brushing with an ionic boar brush would reduce the amount of dead hair and dander from collecting around the house plus give the coat a nice shine.
Other than daily brushing, grooming would also include attention to teeth, nails, ears and the occasional baths.
NOTE: All dogs accumulate dead hair even if they don't shed. Using a grooming tool
such as
the FurMinator is another good way to remove the dead hair that doesn't fall out on its own.
Health Notes
Overall, the Rottweiler is considered healthy although the breed is pre-disposed to:
- CCL (cranial cruciate ligament) damage to the stifle joint in the knee
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) which can lead to blindness
- Entropion - inward rolling of one or both eyelids
- Cataracts
Other issues include chronic snoring, which is more of an
annoyance than anything else. Obesity can be an issue with age unless food is monitored.
Lifespan of the breed with good care and veterinary oversight is between 8 and 12 years. This is on par with the majority of large dogs.
Activity Level of the Breed?
Rottweiler dogs are in a working class, which means they require ongoing
exercise, playtime, and even work. In fact, this breed not only
enjoys physical challenge but actually thrives on it.
Although the Rottie loves a long daily walk, it also makes a perfect
jogging
partner and because of being so protective, this type of dog would be a
great choice for people who like running off the beaten path.
This breed also loves fetching and swimming.
Ideal Living Space
Because the Rottie needs consistent exercise for mental stimulation,
promotion of good health, and as a means of preventing problems of
obesity, the ideal setting would be one that has room for him to run and
play outside.
While he does well outdoors with proper shelter and water, the Rottweiler also does well indoors as long as long as regular
exercise is provided. In fact, many Rottweilers do amazingly well living in an apartment setting.
How Are Rottweilers With Children?
Sadly, the Rottweiler dog breed has been given a bad rap. Many people
believe the breed to be aggressive with children, but nothing could be
further
from the truth. This dog breed is excellent with children of all ages
to include babies.
The key is to provide the dog obedience training and
socialization while still young and to teach kids the appropriate way of
treating dogs. With children, the Rottweilers docile and sweetness
comes out. In addition to being great around kids, this breed also
loves other pets when introduced while young.
That being said, unforeseen situations can occur even with the most
reliable breeds and it is always the best policy to have an adult
supervise
interactions between children and pets no matter what the breed.
Seniors or Less Active
The only reason a Rottweiler would not be recommended for elderly or sedentary families has to do with exercise needs.
However, if any of these
persons were experienced dog owners and had someone confident to walk
the dog, this would make a great companion and guard dog for people of
any age.
Book Recommendation
Described as a great book by many who have found it to be an accurate source of useful information about this awesome dog breed. Many topics including: History and characteristics of the Rottie, finding a puppy, socialization, training, grooming, nutrition, caring for your pet and much more. Photos too.
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