About the breed
The Rottweiler is a strong, robust and athletic dog. Medium to large, and with an appearance that does not hide its great power, the Rottweiler inspires enormous admiration among its supporters and an almost mythical fear among those who do not know it. There is no doubt that the very presence of these dogs commands respect and it is easy to be afraid of such a powerful dog. It is not in vain that the breed was chosen to embody the “devil’s dog” in the film series “The Prophecy”.
However, those who have had the opportunity to know the Rottweiler thoroughly know that behind this strong and sometimes terrifying appearance, a properly socialized Rottweiler can be a loyal, loyal and extremely loving friend.
Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is a large and powerful breed from Germany. Known for their strength, their loyalty and their confidence, the Rottweilers were historically used as childcare dogs. Despite their imposing appearance, they are affectionate and devoted companions to their families. With appropriate training and socialization, rottweilers can excel in various roles, including therapeutic work, obedience and protection.
Breed at a Glance
- Origin: Germany
- Size: Large
- Weight: Males (99-130 lbs), Females (88-100 lbs)
- Lifespan: 8-10 years
- Coat Type: Short, dense, and straight
- Colors: Black with tan or mahogany markings
- Temperament: Confident, protective, loyal, and calm
- Grooming Needs: Low to moderate, regular brushing
- Exercise Needs: High; requires daily exercise and mental stimulation
- Best For: Experienced dog owners, active families, or people looking for a loyal, protective companion
The standard of the breed
The Rottweiler is a large dog with a compact build. Its distinguishing feature is a solid black coat with pronounced rust-colored markings. For its size, it is a strong and powerful dog. In addition, it is a very flexible dog that can run and jump with ease.
The height of an adult male is 61 – 68 cm, weight is about 99-120 lbs. The height of an adult female is 56 – 63 cm, weight is about 88-110 lbs.
Exercise requirements
Compassion for the owner
Friendship with strangers
Energy level
Playfulness
With other pets
Characteristics of the breed
Family
A well -educated and socialized rottweiler, raised in a family atmosphere of love and affection, will be affectionate with children like the one who loves it most. However, the characteristics of this animal make him dangerous in certain circumstances, so you should never let a child play with such a powerful dog without supervision. It is very rare that a well -educated rottweiler bites someone in their family, whatever their age, but certainly, a bad reaction of such an animal can have the consequences of a different consideration for a child.
Rottweilers of a quieter nature are curious about other animals and, with good education, get along with cats and other dogs. Especially when they grow with them or when the animal that appeared first in the house is much older.
Physical qualities
The head and structure of the Rottweiler forehead are round and wide. He has a head proportionate to his body. The muzzle is prominent, long and well developed. He has medium -sized eyes. His jaw is very strong, his teeth meet in scissors and are pointed. His lips are black and the inside of the mouth is dark in color. Its black, wide and slightly rounded nose smells very good. Seen aside, they are sometimes tough and sometimes quite cute, with their slight wrinkles on the forehead and their slightly sagged cheeks.
Small, hanging, triangle -shaped, pressed against the head.
Small, chestnuts. The gaze is open, without malice or cowardice.
Massive wide jaws, bite – scissors. The teeth are strong, the lips are black.
The rottweiler has a medium -sized, muscular, athletic and strong body. The chest area is wide and deep. Its body structure is longer compared to its height. The head, the torso and the whole body are proportional. The shoulder line continues in the alignment of the body line. The Rottweiler, very resistant to pain, successfully performs many difficult tasks. The body structures of the females are smaller than those of Rottweilers males.
The rottweiler has a double layer fur. The upper layer of the Rottweiler breed is generally shiny, short, hard, straight, dense and coarse. The external layer is of medium length. The hair of his head, his ears and his legs are shorter than those of his whole body. The length and density of the under-point hair can vary depending on the climate in which the dog lives. The underlaying feathers on the neck and thighs seem to be densest.
The Dog Rottweiler has strong, muscular and firm feet that support its imposing body. Its front and rear legs rest flat on the ground. You can see that the hind legs are slightly longer than the front legs. They have round and curved fingers and hard pads. Their nails are superimposed and black.
Black, with well-defined brands of intense red color on the cheekbones, the muzzle, the throat, the chest and the legs, as well as above the eyes and under the base of the tail. Clear areas should not occupy more than 10 % of the whole body.
Lifespan
Standards & Classifications
FCI
Group 2: Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoids, Mountain and Swiss Bouvier dogs.
Section 2.1 Molossoids, Dogue type.
What to expect when taking care of a Rottweiler
Taking care of a dog involves daily exercise, regular diet, grooming and veterinary care. Expect camaraderie, loyalty and joy, as well as responsibilities such as training, cleaning after them and the supply of a safe environment.
Although Rottweilers are strong and hardy dogs, they have a predisposition to a number of health issues. To know :
- Allergy;
- Hip dysplasia;
- Dysplasia of the elbow joint;
- Aortic stenosis/subaortic stenosis;
- Osteosarcoma – a type of cancer;
- Hypothyroidism ;
- Ganosteitis;
- Volvulus or twisted stomach.
The rottweiler has a short coat which requires brushing once a week and is sufficient.
Every day, you should clean your friend’s eyes on all fours of the deposits, the ears are generally cleaned 2 to 3 times a week or, if necessary, after a walk.
Bat the animal two to three times a year, and cut the claws once every 10 days.
Rottweilers need long walks, exercises and shopping, as well as training and socialization activities. Their need for this activity must be satisfied in order to relax physically and mentally.
To meet the exercise needs of your dog during the day, you must do at least 60 to 90 minutes of activity and 2 to 2.5 kilometers of walks. You should prefer a fresher time for exercises. In hot weather, their body can overheat and get tired.
Rottweilers are better suited to life in houses than in apartments because of their large size and their need for space to move. They need enough space inside and access to a firmly fenced courtyard to exercise and play. In addition, the Rottweilers thrive in environments where they can be active and committed, which makes houses with outdoor space more suited to their well-being.
Character and behavior
The Rottweiler can be both a fierce and ruthless opponent, as well as a best friend or, for example, a nanny for a small child. It all depends on the specific situation and the environment, and also, of course, the people with whom it interacts. This breed is distinguished by a developed intellect, although many people underestimate this quality in them, exclusively developing security and combat skills.
The Rottweiler likes to walk, likes active hobbies, needs training and physical activity, especially given the fact that it tends to gain weight. Especially when he reaches adulthood. These dogs have a strong character with a certain degree of independence and do not perceive unnecessary aggression and baseless punishment from the owner.
Sociality
Relationship with the human family
Attitude towards loneliness
Tendency to bark
Friendship with dogs
Adaptability
City life
Suitable as the first dog
Tolerance for hot temperatures
Tolerance for cold temperatures
Did you know?
- The breed was officially recognized by the AKC in 1931 and is the 8th most popular dog breed out of 194.
- Rottweilers are surprisingly sensitive and can experience feelings of separation.
- In the Middle Ages, some merchants traveled with a Rottweiler who carried gems and money in a purse tied around his neck.
- Rottweilers were one of the first guide dogs.
- A Rottweiler named Stinky was inducted into the Purina Animal Hall of Fame in 2011 for saving the life of a former soldier by supporting him through PTSD.
- The Rottweiler breed was a popular police dog during World War I.
- Rottweilers tend to overeat (just like Labradors) and can become overweight if their food intake is not controlled.
Price and budget
Here’s an overview of Rottweiler prices and estimated annual maintenance costs in different countries.
| Country | Purchase Price (Mini) | Purchase Price (Maxi) | Annual Maintenance (Mini) | Annual Maintenance (Maxi) |
| France | €800 | €2,000 | €1,200 | €2,500 |
| Canada | CAD 1,000 | CAD 3,000 | CAD 1,500 | CAD 2,800 |
| Belgium | €900 | €2,500 | €1,300 | €2,600 |
| Switzerland | CHF 1,200 | CHF 3,000 | CHF 1,500 | CHF 3,000 |
| USA | $1,000 | $4,000 | $1,500 | $3,000 |
| Germany | €800 | €2,500 | €1,000 | €2,000 |
Explanation:
Purchase Price: The cost of acquiring a Rottweiler puppy from a reputable breeder. Prices can vary depending on pedigree, breeder reputation, and location.
- Mini: The low end for a standard Rottweiler.
- Maxi: The high end for a show-quality or champion-bred Rottweiler.
Annual Maintenance Cost: This includes food, veterinary care, grooming, insurance, and other general maintenance expenses.
- Mini: Basic care, assuming there are no major medical issues.
- Maxi: Complete care, including a premium diet, health insurance, and regular vet visits.
These prices can vary greatly depending on factors such as health certifications, training, and the breeder’s specific standards.
History of the breed
The ancestors of this breed could have been the dogs that used the Roman legions to guide and protect their cattle when they crossed the Alps. In the Middle Ages, in Rottweil, Germany, these dogs crossed with local sheepdogs to create the “Rottweiler Metzgerhund”, that is to say the dog Rottweil of the butcher.
Butchers used these dogs to guide and protect their cattle when they wandered from city to city. In the. XIX, the transfer of cattle to Germany was prohibited and the Rottweilers suffered a sharp decline until 1914, when they were reused, this time for the war, where they could demonstrate their physical and mental capacities.