Are you planning to adopt a Rottie puppy anytime soon? Are you unsure about your decision? If yes, then you have come to the right place.
The
Rottweiler has been consistently placed among the top 10 most popular dog
breeds since being recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1931. It is worth
noting that more than 100,000 Rottweilers were registered with the AKC by the
mid-1990s. And, the Rottweiler has risen to become one of the most popular dog
breeds in the United States in recent years.
This
article will provide you with ample Rottweiler dog breed information, from
temperament to common diseases. So, buckle down, and keep reading to learn more
about the breed's personality qualities, appearance, history, grooming
requirements, and more.
Rottweiler History
The
history of Rottweilers is essential to get more idea about their personality,
traits, and needs. It is noteworthy that the official record of the Rottweiler
can be traced back to 1901 when the International Leonberger and Rottweiler
Club in Germany produced the first standard Rottweiler.
Although
the exact origin of the Rottweiler is unknown, it is believed that the breed
originated from the Mastiff and that its ancestors date back to ancient Rome.
The lineage can be traced back to the Roman Molosser as a dog used to bring
back livestock.
Some also
believe them to be descended from guide dogs (cattle guide dogs) left by the
Roman legions in Rottweil, a German town after the Romans left Rottweil in the
2nd century AD. The breed later developed in Rottweil, where it worked as a shepherd
dog. They were initially bred as lead dogs, driving cattle, or transporting
meat to market by pulling wagons for farmers and butchers.
Furthermore,
at one time, the breed was called the Rottweiler Metzgerhund, which roughly
means "Rottweil butcher's dog."
Interestingly,
Rottweilers are associated with butcher dogs because this breed was used as a
draft butcher dog when cattle breeding was outlawed by law.
However,
during World War I, the Rottweiler proved to be an intelligent police and guard
dog. Also, as grazing became non-economical over the years, the Rottweiler
gained its popularity as one of the watchdog breeds.
Whatever
the history be, it is sure that Rottweiler has been a natural guard dog since
ancient times, and this ability endows the adult Rottweiler with other
outstanding qualities.
Rottweiler Appearance
The
Rottweiler is a working dog breed with a reputation for intelligence and
confidence. Rottweilers are a massive dog breed that stands out owing to their
sturdy form and powerful growth. They are widely believed to be one of the
world's largest dog breeds. Rottweilers have unique personalities just like
people do, so it is pretty challenging to predict the exact appearance.
Nevertheless,
they are usually similar, and with his huge head, firmly muscled frame, and
distinctly attractive black-and-tan coloring, the Rottweiler is one of the most
distinguishable breeds. Please note that the tan marks appear over the eyes, on
the cheeks, on each side of the muzzle, on the chest and legs, and beneath the
tail. There are also tan lines that seem like pencil marks on the toes.
Now
talking about the coat, the Rottweilers have a short, straight, coarse double
coat. The outer coat is medium in length shorter on the head, ears, and legs.
And the undercoat is primarily located on the neck and thighs. Furthermore, as
compared to other breeds, Rotties are considered mild shedders. So, they can be
an excellent option for people who suffer from dog allergies.
The face
of a rottweiler is easily identifiable. The ears are close to the head and
dangle down a little. The muzzles are square and strong.
Moreover,
Rottweilers are big and powerful dogs that can weigh up to 135 pounds, most of
which are muscular. Rottweilers are slightly taller than other dogs. Males are
approximately 24 to 27 inches tall and weigh 95 to 130 pounds at the shoulder.
Females are about 22 to 25 inches tall and weigh 85 to 115 pounds at the
shoulder. Don't be surprised because given that the Rottweiler is a working dog
breed that originated in Germany, its size and weight are not unusual.
In short,
these working dogs look royal, sturdy, and dangerous, all at the same time.
Rottweiler Living Needs & Care
It is your
duty as pet parents that you take proper care of your dog and fulfill all their
living needs. It would be best if you remembered that a dog, be it an adult dog
or a puppy, is dependent on you for everything, so better be caring.
It is
critical for Rottweilers to reside in the home with their owners, where they
can properly socialize. They can become bored, disruptive, and violent if they
are left alone in a backyard or in an environment with little human
interaction. It will also become highly challenging for you to control such a
massive dog.
Moreover,
it is best to keep your Rottie in a fenced yard where he can be safe from the
traffic. The fence is also necessary because Rottweiler is aggressive towards
new people or other animals. Hence, if you want to care about him and your
family and want to curb his aggressive nature, a fenced yard should be your priority.
Furthermore,
regular exercise or a long walk is critical to keep your Rottweiler healthy,
fit, and cheered up.
If you aren't
still sure about what your pooch's living needs are or what care regime you
should follow, look at the following points-
1. Make
sure to give a consistent diet to your Rottie and avoid giving Human food
without consulting the breeder or vet.
2. Take care
of your Rottweiler puppy as you would of your own child.
3. Make
sure to get him vaccinated timely.
4. Ensure
that all the escape routes are properly locked.
5. Don't
keep items like iron, remote, or grill in the open or on the ground.
6. Fix
frequent consultations with the vet.
7. Make
sure to clean his ears twice a week.
8. Buy a
sturdy leash and harness as rottweilers can exhibit extraordinary
strength.
9. Brush
his coat once a week.
10. Keep a
close eye on the development of ticks or any other parasites and get proper
medication if you find issues.
11. Take
him out on walks regularly at the same time. It will help him stay fit and also
maintain a routine.
Rottweiler Health
Rottweilers
are typically healthy dogs, although they are susceptible to specific health
issues, just like any other breed. There are quite a few health issues that
your adult Rottie can have. Not all Rotties will contract any or all of these
diseases, but it is important to be informed.
Check out
the following list, which covers some of the most common dog diseases and
associated symptoms that your dog may experience.
Osteosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
is a severe bone cancer that primarily affects large dogs. Osteosarcomas are
tumors that develop when the cells that make and break down bone generate
abnormally. The long bones, usually arms and legs, are the ones that get the
most damage.
Lameness
or a noticeable swelling may be seen if your dog has osteosarcoma of the limb.
Moreover, your dog may become more lethargic because of the pain caused by the
tumor on the bone. It may also lose appetite and be hesitant to exercise or
play.
Osteosarcoma
is usually treated severely with limb amputation and chemotherapy. Dogs can
survive up to 2 years after the treatment.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip
dysplasia is an irregular formation of the hip socket that can lead to lameness
and arthritis of the joints in its more severe form. Reduced activity,
decreased range of motion, difficulty jumping, running, or climbing stairs,
lameness in the hind end, and loss of thigh muscle mass are just a few of the
signs.
Elbow Dysplasia
It is a
hereditary issue wherein the elbow joint gets formed abnormally. Symptoms are
similar to hip dysplasia.
Subaortic Stenosis
It is a
heart condition in which the aortic valve narrows. The heart becomes overworked
as the heart struggles to pump blood via the restricted aperture. Lethargy,
exercise intolerance, and a Systolic heart murmur are some of the symptoms.
In short,
Like all other dogs, Rottweilers are susceptible to bacterial and viral
infections such as parvovirus, rabies, and canine distemper. Other health
problems reported in Rottweilers include von Willebrand disease, autoimmune
hemolytic anemia, dementia, urinary tract infections, and kidney
disease.
Nutrition/Food/Diet
The amount
of food your adult dog consumes is influenced by its size, age, build,
metabolism, and degree of activity. Nonetheless, it is recommended that you
feed 4 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food every day, divided into two meals
(depending on the above-mentioned factors).
Please
keep in mind that puppies require smaller portion sizes but more daily servings
than an adult. Additionally, Adult Rottweilers require a diet that contains 22
to 26 percent protein from complete proteins like chicken, turkey, lamb, or
herring.
Confused?
Don't worry because If you cannot decide on how much food you should give to an
adult dog, follow this method-
4.25 cups
for the first 80 pounds of your Rottie's weight and ½ cup for the next 15
pounds. For example- if your dog is 115 pounds, you should give him 5.5 cups of
food.
You can
feed any dog food, whether commercially produced or cooked at home but make
sure it is safe and healthy. Also, there should always be clean, fresh water
available.
Treats can
be a helpful training aid, but feeding too much might lead to obesity.
Furthermore, certain Rotties are prone to becoming overweight, so keep an eye
on your dog's calorie intake and weight. So, if you want the best for your dog,
talk with your veterinarian and establish a diet plan.
To
recapitulate, Rottweiler puppies perform well when fed adult food in proper
proportions.
Rottweiler Grooming
Rottweilers need to be groomed on a regular basis. Your Rottie can be bathed every two to eight weeks. Please keep in mind that the time between bath sessions will vary depending on your dog's lifestyle and level of activity.
To remove
dog hair and spread skin oils properly, brush your Rottie once a week with a
hard bristle brush. Furthermore, he sheds twice a year, so brushing more
regularly during that period is recommended to keep the loose fur under
control.
Although brushing their teeth twice or thrice a week should be enough to prevent tartar buildup and bacteria, it is best to brush their teeth regularly. Daily brushing is even better if you want to avoid gum disease and bad breath. Moreover, it is crucial if you allow your pet to lick you and your family members.
It would be best if you also handled his paws regularly, as dogs are sensitive to their feet. For nail clipping, you can use a grinding tool.
Lastly,
you must make grooming a pleasurable experience for him, full of praise and
prizes. It will help you lay a smart framework for smooth veterinarian checks
and other interactions when he's older.
Rottweiler Exercise
To keep
their bodies and minds in form, Rotties require at least two 10- to 20-minute
walks per day, as well as mental stimulation in the form of training and puzzle
toys. Even five minutes in the backyard practicing obedience skills will offer
Rottie a sense of success.
Whether
it's obedience training, competitive protection work, agility, carting, therapy
dog work, or herding, Rotties thrive when they have a job to accomplish. Hence,
as an enthusiastic puppy's parents, it is best to give them challenges, take
them out on a walk and introduce new toys frequently.
Rottweiler Training
Rottweilers,
as previously stated, are frequently seen as one of the most dangerous dogs,
but with proper training, they can also be one of the most loyal and
affectionate breeds.
Additionally,
because Rottweilers are one of the giant dog breeds, it is critical to train
them so that the dog size does not overwhelm you. Moreover, because they can
cause major damage, they require continual training and socialization by
skilled pet parents.
Rottweiler
dog training should begin at a young age. To mature into well-mannered adults,
these dogs require puppy socialization, regular guidance, and basic to rigorous
training sessions. If you wait until he's six months old to start training him,
you'll end up with an obnoxious and big dog. Hence, it is best to enroll him in
puppy kindergarten class by the time he's 10 to 12 weeks old.
You will
not face many issues while training them as they are an uncomplicated dog breed
to teach at home because of their docile disposition and extraordinary brain.
Moreover, your Rottie dog will adapt easily to a systematic training regimen
because it is a smart dog.
Rottweilers
enjoy working and competing in a lot of dog sports, from ball throw to lifting
weights.
In a
nutshell, the Rottweiler puppy can be trained easily by a dog trainer compared
to several local dogs. All you need to do is set a plan and consult rottweiler
breed clubs for expert inputs if you want to do it on your own.
Rottweiler Temperament
Rottweilers
are a powerful dog breed with a strong natural instinct for herding and
guarding.
The
temperament of the Rottweiler may be an excellent fit for you if you're seeking
a confident dog who will become a loving member of your family. On the other
hand, when in the wrong hands, the Rottweiler's fearless nature can lead to
undesirable behaviors and hostility toward other dogs.
Rottweilers
are wary dogs who are sometimes misunderstood as being aggressive or mean. Although they are frequently
regarded as one of the most dangerous canines, they often have a wait and see
attitude and can be one of the most loyal and affectionate breeds with proper
training.
In
general, the Rottweiler is a quiet dog with an aloof demeanor but is watchful.
Contrary to popular assumption, Rottweiler is a clever, calm, and not too
aggressive dog breed. They are intelligent, highly trainable, and eager to
please but can be stubborn as compared to other pets. So, when these traits are
combined in the right way, the Rottweiler becomes a natural watchdog with a
friendly demeanor. Furthermore, this dog excels in police, military, and
customs work and as a family buddy and guardian.
However,
they are territorial and will not allow strangers onto their land or into their
homes unless their owner invites them. If the owner isn't around, some
Rottweilers will refuse to let individuals in, which can be a problem.
Furthermore,
the Rottweiler is an excellent breed for children, as it will both defend and
babysit the child. If you have a baby in the house, we strongly advise you to
get a Rottweiler puppy. It will protect your baby and you at the cost of its
life. They are great family members as well as home watchdogs.
A
properly-socialized Rottweiler also gets along well with people and other dogs,
but the males of the breed can be dominating and aggressive. Furthermore, if
not properly socialized, some Rottweilers can be violent against dogs of the
same sex and will often seek to attack them.
However,
when socialized from a young age, the Rottweiler will accept friends and family
with affection and be tolerant of other cats and dogs. Because the Rottweiler
was designed to be a working dog, it will thrive in a family that enjoys
outside activities such as walking and hiking.
In a
nutshell, a well-trained Rottweiler dog has an instinctive drive to protect his
home and family, is highly adaptable, and has a strong desire to work, making
him an excellent companion, guardian, and multipurpose dog.
Rottweiler Fun Facts
We have
listed down some fun facts about these muscular working dogs, and we bet that
you might not have heard about them. Check out the following facts-
1. They
were initially used for herding in the Roman Empire.
2. They
are named after a German town called Rottweil during the Roman legions.
3. Allgemeiner
Deutscher Rottweiler-Klub (ADRK) was founded in 1917, is the oldest Rottweiler
club. It is headquartered in Minden, Germany.
4. Rottweiler
dog breed was used as a rescue dog in New York after 9/11.
5. Once
upon a time, they were on the verge of extinction. It was during the
mid-nineteenth century when railroads and highways were being developed to make
it easier to transport herds. As a result, the relevance of rottweilers as herd
dogs starts to decline.
6. They
have been immortalized in fiction by the character of a rottweiler named carl
in a book series called Good Dog Carl.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are
a lot of doubts and questions related to these magnificent guard dogs. That is
why we have answered the most popular questions here; in brief, have a look-
Is a Rottweiler a good family dog?
Yes, if
socialized and trained properly, these working dogs can be good family
companions.
What two dogs make a Rottweiler?
German
Rottweilers and American Rottweilers are the two breeds of Rottweilers.
Although German Rottweilers are slightly larger than American Rottweilers, they
are mostly German in origin. Even though they are officially the same breed,
German Rottweilers appear and act differently than their American counterparts.
Which Rottweiler breed is best?
American
Rottweiler is a little better than German Rottweiler due to personality traits
such as friendliness and high trainability.
Are Rottweilers easy to train?
Yes, if
you have prior experience, you will not face many problems in training them.
Conclusion
Adopting a
Rottweiler puppy is certainly the best decision you can make. These pups are
friendly dogs that can also serve as police dog breeds.
There are
many rottweiler breeders, but not all are good. So, remember to adopt or buy
from a reputable breeder if you want a healthier dog.
Now that
you know all the necessary information about the Rottweiler dog breed, make a
decision and adopt one soon!
