Rottweiler Dog Breed Profile
The Rottweiler is an incredibly tough animal that loves to feel as if it has a job to do. Above anything else, the Rottweiler wants to protect its owners and prove its loyalty. While the Rottweiler can be feared by many people, it is actually a gentle and caring animal when it feels comfortable and loved.
History & Origin
The history of the Rottweiler dates back as far as 73 AD. Used as cattle dogs in Rome and bear hunting in the Middle Ages, the Rottweiler has always been an incredibly strong animal. As the Rottweiler grew in popularity around the work, its knack for training and obedience led it to work many jobs as it moved from country to country.
Appearance
The Rottweiler is a medium to large animal that is incredibly strong. Their alertness to strangers can make them very intimidating and it will use its tough appearance in an attempt to scare strangers away from its beloved family.
Standard colors for the Rottweiler are pretty basic and includes black and mahogany, black and rust, and black and tan. There are no additional colors for the Rottweiler and there are also no markings for the breed.
Temperament
Rottweilers are known to be tough animals, but it is usually only because they are such fierce watchdogs. A Rottweiler will love and be gentle with their family members and friends of the family, but they do not take well to strangers. Owners must be careful to formally introduce their animal to new guests to show the dog there is no threat.
Common behaviors and attitudes for a Rottweiler can change drastically when the dog is alone with friends and when it is in front of people it does not know. In many instances, a dog can be clownish and lovable in front of its owners and very serious and reserved when around strangers.
When the Rottweiler is left alone or chained away from their family, it can begin to lash out, show unpleasant characteristics, and become destructive.
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Size
The Rottweiler is a medium to large size animal. The male Rottweiler will stand between 24 and 27 inches tall and weigh between 85 and 135 pounds. The female Rottweiler will be slightly smaller, standing at 22 to 25 inches tall and weighing between 80 and 100 pounds.
Health
Although the Rottweiler is usually a very healthy dog, it can still develop a number of canine-specific health conditions, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, heart defects, or even cancer. Owners should know the signs and symptoms of these various conditions and diseases to detect a problem as soon as possible.
Rottweilers will also need to make routine visits to the vet each year. These checkups can ensure the dog is on the right track to staying healthy and provide the owner with additional tips to keeping their dog as healthy as possible. A vet can also help the owner ensure the dog has received all the vaccinations and immunizations it will need.
Owners of Rottweilers will also want to discuss the benefits of spaying or neutering their animal with their regular vet.
Care
Rottweilers are not difficult animals to care for, but their desire to protect their family can cause a few problems. Because they are very untrusting of strangers, Rottweilers will need to get used to being around new people as quickly as possible. Putting them in obedience training from the time they are a small puppy can help.
Rottweilers do not like being left alone. They love their owners and feel best when they can see their owner or know that their family is close by. Socialization is also an incredibly important part of ensuring a Rottweiler is prepared for meeting and being around strangers. The more people the dog interacts with, the better it will be when strangers come along.
Feeding
The Rottweiler is a very active dog, so it is crucial it is getting the right food to replace the energy it burns off during the day. Because many dog food brands make breed or size specific formulas, it is easier for owners to ensure their dog is getting the nutrients needed. Owners can also discuss the dietary needs of their Rottweiler with their vet.
It is not uncommon for the dietary needs of a Rottweiler to change as the dog ages. They will usually need to be fed more or more frequently throughout the day while they are still growing. A vet can help create a feeding schedule that fits the unique needs of an owner’s dog.
Rottweilers will also need access to fresh water throughout the day if they want to stay healthy and hydrated.
Grooming
The Rottweiler has a short coat length and will only require occasional grooming. Because they can be active animals who enjoy being outside, they usually find their way into dirt and mud. This might mean a Rottweiler needs to be bathed more than other dogs who enjoy the comfort of inside a home.
Owners of a Rottweiler will also need to periodically check and clean the Rottweiler’s ears for any debris or wax buildup that can lead to an ear infection. To reduce the chances of developing a tooth or gum infection, owners will also want to brush their dog’s teeth regularly. Nails should also be clipped frequently to reduce the risk of cracking.
Children
Even though Rottweilers are incredibly tough animals, they are great with children and other family animals as long as they are properly taken care of. Rottweilers care deeply about their family and will do whatever it needs to ensure their owners are safe, but when a Rottweiler is not properly trained or tied up away from people, it can become dangerous.
Rottweilers should not be part of a family if that family cannot give the dog all the care and attention it needs. While they can make excellent family dogs, it needs to feel like a crucial part of the family to be the fun-loving and happy dog it truly wants to be.