Vital Stats:
Colour: Black with distinctive tan markings over cheeks, muzzle, chest and legs as well as over both eyes
Coat: straight, coarse and of medium length. Rottweilers are double coated and tend to "blow out" their undercoats twice a year.
Size: Medium-large, Males range from 95-135 lbs, Females tend to be smaller from 80-110 lbs
Types: American Rottweilers tend to be taller and slimmer through face and body whereas German Rottweilers tend to be shorter, stockier and more muscular.
History:
It is thought that the ancestors of this breed (a mastiff type dog) originated in the Roman Empire and that many of them accompanied the Roman army over the Alps as the loyal protector and drover of cattle that were used as the army's food source.
According to historians, the next appearance of this mastiff type dog was in the beautiful little town of Rottweil nestled in the southern mountainous region of Germany, where the Roman armies had left them as they continued their travels.
The Rottweiler was used by farmers to pull carts in their daily milk deliveries, as well as to help herd the cattle. Butchers used these dogs to guard their down-stairs shops during times of rest and to carry pouches of money to the banks.
The Rottweiler then grew in popularity with law enforcement agencies and eventually as guard dogs in domestic settings.
Rottweilers today excel in such sports as herding, Schutzhund, carting, agility and flyball. They are also proving to be outstanding therapy dogs and recognized as excellent service dogs for the physically challenged.
The exceptional characteristics and versatility of the Rottweiler has made it the 2nd most popular breed in America for the past two years.
The Rottweiler dog is loyal, intelligent and desires to please. They are often described by owners as 'characters', 'gentle bears' and display a fun-loving sense of humor. However they are a working dog and as such are happiest when they are busy or working on a task.
Rottweilers can also be aloof and stubborn at times. They are known to be extremely protective of their owners' possessions and property, which is why they are often used as guard dogs.
If a Rottweiler is not well-socialized and trained properly in obedience, they can become a bully and this can lead to other behavioral problems.
Health Concerns:
Hip and/or Elbow Dysplasia - a malformation of the hip and/or elbow joint which can cause serious problems for the dog and expense for the owner. Both are thought to be hereditary which is why you should ask the breeder about the history of your Rottweiler.
Bloat - stomach swells from gas, fluid or both. It becomes serious when the stomach distends and then flips over, causing torsion. This is caused by over-eating, drinking large amounts of water after eating, and/or vigorous exercise after a meal.
Help prevent bloat by feeding several small meals a day, crating the dog for several hours after eating, and monitoring water intake.
Cancer - becoming more common in Rottweilers, with bone cancer the most common type. Investigate any suspicious lumps, moles, sores or unexplained lameness IMMEDIATELY.
Heart Diseases- most common is the is sub-aortic stenosis which can be mild or result in sudden death.
Where To Find A Rottweiler/Rottweiler Puppy:
1) A Reputable Breeder: A reputable breeder will be happy to answer any questions you have about the Rottweiler line and health. They will NOT push you into buying their dogs, but will probably be more concerned to see if YOU are suitable for THEIR puppies.
They will, if possible, allow you to meet the parents and spend some time with the puppy of your choice before deciding to buy.
2) A Rottweiler Rescue: Most, if not all, Rottweiler rescues screen the rottis that they take in to make sure they are trainable and will adjust well in normal domestic settings.
A Rottweiler rescue is an excellent place to find an older Rottweiler if training a rottweiler puppy is not your preference.
This is also a chance to make a difference in the life of a Rottweiler who has probably been mistreated and abused through no fault of it's own!
If you are interested in learning more facts about Rottweilers or training
Rottweilers are actually very social dogs. They need human companionship and can live indoors or out. They are also very good with children. Rottweilers have a natural herding instinct that may prevent small children from wandering off. If worked with and introduced early, rottweilers will get along with other dogs and pets. Males tend to be more territorial, especially with other males. However, training and care will help ease the tension and allow the dogs and pets to bond.
They are not naturally aggressive towards humans or other animals unless left alone to their own devices or trained improperly. Rottweilers are often mistreated, which causes the stereotypical viscous behavior. Proper training, handling, and breeding creates rottweilers that are anything but aggressive. They are; however, protective and make great guard dogs. They can be trained to attack intruders on command or simply growl a warning. It's really all the training.
PHYSIQUE
Rottweilers physically mature slowly. The dog's ribs should be felt easily, but should not stick out too much. Many owners tend to over feed their rottweiler to make it fill out quicker, but this does not help. Rottweilers do not completely fill out until they are at least three years old and may not finish until they are around five.
If you have gazed upon an adorable litter of roly-poly Rottweiler puppies, you may have been more than a little tempted to take one home with you. But do Rottweiler puppies make good pets? The answer is that it depends upon the type of dog that you are looking for. Contrary to their appearance and their reputation, Rottweilers can make delightful family pets for many because they tend to be friendly and almost clownish in temperament. However, a Rottweiler that is not properly trained and socialized can become an aggressive dog, which will lead to many problems for the owner. Therefore, it is important to educate yourself about the appropriate training methods that will work with this dog breed and be prepared to spend some time teaching your dog proper behavior.
Establishing the Alpha-Dog
Dogs are pack animals, which means that they are used to living a traveling with groups of their own kind. When you bring a Rottweiler puppy into your home, he will see you and your family as his new pack. The first step in training your dog will be to establish the alpha-dog – or leader – of this pack. The leader may be you and it may be your Rottweiler puppy, but your life will go infinitely easier if it is indeed you! To establish yourself as your puppy’s alpha-dog, there are a few steps that you can take.
First, always eat before your puppy does, since the leader of the pack always eats before allowing the others to enjoy a meal. Never let your dog go through a doorway ahead of you – alpha-dogs always get to go first. If your dog is lying in your path, make him move out of the way instead of going around him. By using these principles consistently, your Rottweiler puppy will get the idea that you are his new leader and will be much more likely to obey and respect you as the training sessions continue. Keep in mind that your Rottweiler puppy is intelligent and stubborn, so the rules of the house may need to be enforced consistently a number of times before your dog may actually succumb to them.
Proper Socialization
Rottweiler puppies are territorial by nature, so socialization will become another essential tool in ensuring that your dog is friendly and not aggressive. Socialization can be done by exposing your pet to people and other animals as frequently as possible so that he can learn proper behavior when he is around them. The earlier in your dog’s life that you begin this socialization process, the friendlier your dog will probably be. One trait that is a problem for many Rottweiler puppies is the instinctual desire to mouth objects. This can easily turn to aggressive biting if the behavior is not nipped in the bud. To prevent biting problems, never try to take an item out of your dog’s mouth. Instead, make him drop a toy for you. Never allow your puppy to play with his mouth, since this may lead to more aggressive mouthing later on.
With the proper preparation and training a Rottweiler puppy can grow into an adult dog that will bring his family companionship for many years to come. Enjoy your ROTTWEILER~!
Vital Stats:
Colour: Black with distinctive tan markings over cheeks, muzzle, chest and legs as well as over both eyes
Coat: straight, coarse and of medium length. Rottweilers are double coated and tend to "blow out" their undercoats twice a year.
Size: Medium-large, Males range from 95-135 lbs, Females tend to be smaller from 80-110 lbs
Types: American Rottweilers tend to be taller and slimmer through face and body whereas German Rottweilers tend to be shorter, stockier and more muscular.
History:
It is thought that the ancestors of this breed (a mastiff type dog) originated in the Roman Empire and that many of them accompanied the Roman army over the Alps as the loyal protector and drover of cattle that were used as the army's food source.
According to historians, the next appearance of this mastiff type dog was in the beautiful little town of Rottweil nestled in the southern mountainous region of Germany, where the Roman armies had left them as they continued their travels.
The Rottweiler was used by farmers to pull carts in their daily milk deliveries, as well as to help herd the cattle. Butchers used these dogs to guard their down-stairs shops during times of rest and to carry pouches of money to the banks.
The Rottweiler then grew in popularity with law enforcement agencies and eventually as guard dogs in domestic settings.
Rottweilers today excel in such sports as herding, Schutzhund, carting, agility and flyball. They are also proving to be outstanding therapy dogs and recognized as excellent service dogs for the physically challenged.
The exceptional characteristics and versatility of the Rottweiler has made it the 2nd most popular breed in America for the past two years.
The Rottweiler dog is loyal, intelligent and desires to please. They are often described by owners as 'characters', 'gentle bears' and display a fun-loving sense of humor. However they are a working dog and as such are happiest when they are busy or working on a task.
Rottweilers can also be aloof and stubborn at times. They are known to be extremely protective of their owners' possessions and property, which is why they are often used as guard dogs.
If a Rottweiler is not well-socialized and trained properly in obedience, they can become a bully and this can lead to other behavioral problems.
Health Concerns:
Hip and/or Elbow Dysplasia - a malformation of the hip and/or elbow joint which can cause serious problems for the dog and expense for the owner. Both are thought to be hereditary which is why you should ask the breeder about the history of your Rottweiler.
Bloat - stomach swells from gas, fluid or both. It becomes serious when the stomach distends and then flips over, causing torsion. This is caused by over-eating, drinking large amounts of water after eating, and/or vigorous exercise after a meal.
Help prevent bloat by feeding several small meals a day, crating the dog for several hours after eating, and monitoring water intake.
Cancer - becoming more common in Rottweilers, with bone cancer the most common type. Investigate any suspicious lumps, moles, sores or unexplained lameness IMMEDIATELY.
Heart Diseases- most common is the is sub-aortic stenosis which can be mild or result in sudden death.
Where To Find A Rottweiler/Rottweiler Puppy:
1) A Reputable Breeder: A reputable breeder will be happy to answer any questions you have about the Rottweiler line and health. They will NOT push you into buying their dogs, but will probably be more concerned to see if YOU are suitable for THEIR puppies.
They will, if possible, allow you to meet the parents and spend some time with the puppy of your choice before deciding to buy.
2) A Rottweiler Rescue: Most, if not all, Rottweiler rescues screen the rottis that they take in to make sure they are trainable and will adjust well in normal domestic settings.
A Rottweiler rescue is an excellent place to find an older Rottweiler if training a rottweiler puppy is not your preference.
This is also a chance to make a difference in the life of a Rottweiler who has probably been mistreated and abused through no fault of it's own!
