Rottweiler Complete Breed Information

Rottweiler Complete Breed Information

Rottweilers are intelligent, hardworking dogs that can be loving and dedicated family companions with proper positive reinforcement training. A Rottweiler could be the ideal dog for you if you want a protective family dog that is also loyal and affectionate.

Rottweilers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States and for a good reason. Their name comes from the German word Rottweiler Metzgerhund, which translates to "Rottweil butchers' dogs," referring to their previous life as working dogs in Rottweil, Germany. They've served in various roles, including police dogs, guide dogs, and search-and-rescue dogs. 

Weight

• Male: 90-135 lbs
• Female: 80-100 lbs

Height

• Male: 24-27 Inches
• Female: 22-25 inches

 Life Span

• 10-12 Years

 Appearance

Rottweiler pups are adorable and energetic, and they grow up to be stunning adults. These powerful dogs have big heads, broad bodies, and hefty bones, standing 22–27 inches at the shoulder and weighing 80–135 pounds. Their glossy, low-maintenance medium-length coat is black with rust marks on his face, chest, and legs. Rottweilers are taller than tall, big canines, with petite females standing 22 inches tall and giant males 27 inches tall. Weights range from 80 pounds to 120 pounds.

Rottweilers have large skulls and are blocky canines. Ears are close to the head and drop down somewhat. Their muzzles are square and robust, but due to loose lips, rottweilers can be a touch drooly (lips). 

Rottweilers should have a black coat with tan tips, and the ideal coat is short, thick, and rough. A "fluffy" puppy may sometimes appear in a litter, but such a coat is rejected in the breed ring. Tails are docked to a minimum of one to two vertebrae.

Like other big breeds, Rottweilers can take a long time to mature. Although adult height is generally determined by one year of age, many Rottweilers do not attain total adult growth until two or three years old. These dogs will expand their chests and become the enormous dogs we expect with age.

Since ancient Rome, Rottweilers have been used as working dogs. However, they can now have a more cuddly demeanor and make wonderful family pets. Although Rottweiler pups have long, curled tails, adults frequently have nothing but nubs on their backsides. However, tail docking is a contentious technique. Proponents believe that docking a dog's tail prevents them from getting harmed at work; however, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, this argument lacks solid scientific backing. The surgery is frequently performed only for cosmetic reasons. Docking your dog may be an unpleasant experience for him!

 Temperament

Rottweilers have large brains to match their large heads, and their high intellect means they like being busy with activities and are excellent learning companions. Those who bring a Rottweiler home should be seasoned dog owners. They are devoted to giving regular learning opportunities and mental stimulation to keep their dog healthy and happy. Rottweilers, like all dog breeds, benefit from continuous positive reinforcement training.

The perfect Rottweiler is calm, self-assured, brave, and never timid. He has a self-assured aloofness about him, and he doesn't make friends with anyone haphazardly. When it comes to new individuals or circumstances, he prefers to wait and see. He is devoted to his family and frequently follows them around the house. This is not a hyperactive dog. He has a natural urge to defend his family and possessions, but he should never use force against individuals who aren't threatening him. The Rottweiler has a strong work ethic and is intelligent and adaptive.

 There will be some distinctions between the sexes. Males are silent yet vigilant, continually scanning their environment for any dangers. Females are simpler to manage and maybe more loving than men. Both are highly trainable, but they may be obstinate.

 Rottweilers demand robust and regular training that isn't cruel. A harsh remark can frequently suffice as a rebuke, but only if your authority has been firmly established. If you don't cooperate, he could try to intimidate or bluff you. This is not a dog for individuals who aren't confident in themselves or don't have the time to dedicate to training and supervision. Setting limits and establishing consequences for incorrect conduct need time and patience to earn Rottweiler's respect.

Various variables influence temperament, including inheritance, training, and socialization. Puppies with good temperaments are interested and active, and they like approaching people and being held. Choose a puppy amid the pack, rather than one who is abusing his littermates or cowering in the corner.

Always meet at least one of the parents — the mother is generally the available one — to check that they have pleasant personalities. Meeting the parents' siblings or other relatives can also help you assess what a puppy will be like as an adult.

Rotties, like other dogs, benefit from early socialization, which includes exposure to a variety of people, sights, noises, and activities. Your Rottweiler puppy will grow into a well-rounded dog if they are socialized. Enrolling him in puppy kindergarten is a fantastic place to start. Regularly inviting guests over and taking him to crowded parks, dog-friendly businesses, and strolls to meet neighbors can all help him improve his social skills.

Living Conditions

Rottweilers must reside in the same house as their owners. They can grow bored, disruptive, and aggressive if left alone in the backyard all day. Rottweilers, despite their size, are sedentary inside.

A Rottweiler is a homebody, but he needs a fenced yard not just to keep him safe from traffic but also because he may be violent against other dogs and strangers. If your Rottweiler truly wants to go out, an underground electrical fence won't keep him in your yard. It also does not prevent humans or other animals from entering your property. Place a notice on your property warning outsiders and non-family members not to enter without your permission.

The energy level of a Rottweiler may range from couch potato to tornado. Ensure the breeder what sort of energy level you want so she can assist you in selecting the right puppy for your needs. Rottweilers who are somewhat active will benefit from a couple of daily 10- to 20-minute walks.

They also like trekking and playing with balls. Rottweilers with higher energy levels may require longer exercise sessions and more organized exercises. Their agility, intelligence, and trainability make them ideal for agility and obedience competitions, as well as tracking, therapeutic work, and their traditional duty of pulling a cart or wagon.

Care

Because of Rottweiler's willingness to learn, training is quite simple, especially when positive reinforcement is used. Rottweilers are a low-maintenance breed for grooming; they require weekly brushing and a wash every few weeks. Except for a twice-yearly shedding season when that black and tan hair appears everywhere, they don't shed much during the year. Brush your dog's teeth and trim his nails regularly, in addition to keeping up with their seasonal shedding.

Health

Rottweilers are usually healthy dogs, although susceptible to specific health issues, just like any other breed. Although not all Rotties will contract any or all of these illnesses, it's essential to be aware of them if you're thinking about getting one.

All dogs, like all people, are susceptible to hereditary health issues. Any breeder who does not give a health guarantee on pups, who claims that the breed is 100 percent healthy and has no known issues, or who claims that her puppies are kept separate from the rest of the home for health reasons should be avoided at all costs.

\A good breeder will be forthright and honest about the breed's health issues and the frequency they arise in her lines. The Rottweiler is susceptible to a variety of health issues. Here's a quick summary of a few conditions to be aware of.

 Hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition in which the head of the femur does not fit properly into the hip socket. Rottweilers are one of the breeds most afflicted. The severity of this disease varies from moderate to severe. Severe instances are excruciatingly painful and may need surgery to resolve. The dog would most certainly acquire arthritis after surgery as he gets older. This breed is prone to elbow dysplasia and knee and shoulder osteochondrosis.

 Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, eyelid abnormalities, and other visual and eye issues can occur in Rottweilers.

Cardiomyopathy and subaortic stenosis (SAS), a constriction of the aorta that transports blood out from the heart, are two cardiac issues that Rottweilers can acquire. This generally manifests itself as a bit of heart murmur, although murmurs can even occur in pups that do not have cardiac issues as adults. SAS may cause sudden death in dogs, even when they are young, so have your dog's heart examined regularly.

 Other diseases that Rottweilers are prone to include von Willebrand's disease (a hereditary blood clotting disorder), hypothyroidism, Addison's disease (an adrenal gland illness), gastroenteritis, folliculitis, and, unfortunately, a high risk of cancer.

 Not all of these diseases can be detected in a developing puppy. It can be challenging to predict whether an animal will be free of them in the future, so you should seek out a reputable breeder dedicated to raising the healthiest dogs possible. They should show independent proof that the dog's parents (and grandparents, etc.) have been tested for these abnormalities and deemed fit for breeding. Health registries have a role in this.

History

The Rottweiler is said to have descended from the Mastiff, and its origins may be traced back to ancient Rome.

Rottweilers were herder dogs who pulled carts and herded sheep. They were named after Rottweil, Germany, where they operated as livestock dogs and police dogs. Rottweilers were taught for various occupations due to their strength; for example, they assisted butchers by transporting meat and were employed as guard dogs.

Due to its hardworking character, the breed began to acquire popularity in the United States around the twentieth century. The American Kennel Club recognized it in the 1930s, and it now ranks eighth on the AKC's list of most popular dog breeds.

Final Thoughts

You could consider getting a Rottweiler if you have a spacious home with a garden and enough space for a huge dog.

 Rottweilers are typically huge softies at heart, becoming loyal and loving family dogs who get along well with children and other pets despite their intimidating appearance. If your family is active and enjoys going on walks or hikes, a Rottweiler is a dog for you. Rottweilers can easily train and adapt to various dog activities, including agility, obedience, and even flyball.

Although Rottweilers have a short coat, they have a double coat and shed considerably throughout the year. Allergy sufferers in your family may be in difficulty due to this.

If you decide to adopt a Rottweiler, make sure you ask the breeder to show you the puppy's parents' health certificates, as these dogs are prone to various congenital illnesses.