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RottweilerRott ~ Rottie

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Canis lupus familiarisPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy Justin Brough

    With a history dating back to the Roman Empire , the Rottweiler has been used as a herding dog, guard dog, war dog, and in more modern times as a police dog.

    The Rottweiler is a highly protective breed that will go to great lengths to defend its family. With proper training and socializations the Rottweiler is calm, loyal and loving. They can also get along with other pets if introduced with them while young, This breed does well in obedience and tracking. When selecting a Rottweiler, look for hip and elbow dysplasia, heart disease, and Von Willebrand's disease.

Common Name(s)     Rottweiler, Rott, Rottie

Breed Type     A working breed, the Rottweiler is a large, protective dog that has been subject to breed bans in some areas. The Rottweiler has served as a herder, assistant to merchants, and war dog.

Background     The Rottweiler's history goes back to the Roman Empire. Thought to be a descendent of the Italian Mastiff, the breed was developed in Rottweil, Germany. The Rottweiler nearly became extinct in the late 1800s, but was revived due to increased demand for police dogs in World War I.
    Some make distinctions between the American Rottweiler and the German Rottweiler. The German is said to be shorter and more solid with a larger head. The AKC makes no such distinction, but those considered German Rottweilers often fall outside the club standards.
    Mutations of the breed include the red Rottweiler, and popular hybrids are the Boxweiler (Boxer and Rottweiler mix) and the English Mastweiler (Mastiff and Rottweiler mix).

Description     Rottweilers are muscular dogs with broad heads and prominent muzzles. Their eyes are dark, their ears triangular, and their noses black. Their short coat is black with brown markings. Males are 24-27 inches tall and weigh 95-130 pounds. Females are 22-25 inches tall and weigh 85-115 pounds.

Care and Feeding     The Rottweiler's diet should consist of lamb, poultry, wheat and dairy. This breed needs puppy food until it is 1  ½ to 2 years old. Regular brushing is all that is necessary to keep your Rottweiler's coat in good shape. Baths should be given only as needed. It is customary to dock the Rottweiler's tail, and to remove rear dewclaws if they exist, at 1-3 days of age.
    Annual checkups are advisable. Vaccinations should be given on the following schedule:

• 6-8 weeks: Distemper, Leptospirosis, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvo, and Corona virus (DHLPPC)
• 10-12 weeks: Second DHLPPC
• 14-16 weeks: Third DHLPPC and rabies
• Annually: DHLPPC and rabies booster
  

    Rottweilers shed moderately. Regular vacuuming is necessary if kept inside.

Housing Your Dog     Rottweilers do not need a large amount of space indoors. A small yard will be enough for them to get the exercise they need.

Social Behaviors     Properly trained and socialized Rottweilers can be trusted around children, friends and relatives. They can get along with other pets if introduced with them while young.

Handling and Training     Training requires a firm hand, but usually goes well if you let the dog know who is in charge. It is crucial that the trainer be able to handle a large, powerful dog effectively.

Activities     Rottweilers need plenty of exercise. They enjoy daily walks or jogs, swimming, and games of fetch. It is important to take care not to overwork them while young, because this can damage their bones and joints. With adults, take care to avoid overheating in hot weather.

Breeding/Reproduction     When selecting a mate for your Rottweiler, it is important to check for hereditary disorders. Ones to look for include joint dysplasia, heart disease, thyroid problems, and Von Willebrand's disease.

Common Health Problems     Bloat is a concern with Rottweilers. It is important not to overfeed them, and not to exercise them too soon after meals. Extra weight can also contribute to joint problems.

Availability     Rottweilers are easy to find in most areas, but it is important to buy from a reputable breeder. Improper breeding tends to produce puppies with behavior problems. Prices are usually $800 to $1,000 and up.

References "Rottweiler", Dog Breed Info Center, Copyright 1998-2008
Welton, Michelle, "Rottweilers: What's Good About ‘Em? What's Bad About ‘Em?", Copyright 2000-2006, Referenced online, 2008
Cusick, William D., "What to Feed a Rottweiler", Referenced online, 2008
"Rottweiler", Wikipedia, Copyright 2008
"Rottweiler Puppies for Sale", Copyright PuppyFind.com, LLC, Referenced online, 2008

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Some of the coolest comments:
Rottweilers are not scary and dangerous when treated properly. I have a pure bred female rottie who is about 4 years old. She is not in any way aggressive. She thinks she's still a puppy and she thinks she can jump on people and be cute. She does get over excited when people are near and may give a little, painful nip, but she doesn't mean it. We describe her as a leaking tap because she's always drooling. She is also the vacuum because she scoffs up food in a second. They are good pets when treated properly. The Dog Guy 2008-12-17

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