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 photos
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Physical characteristics
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 45 – 55 kg. The height of an adult female is 56 – 63 cm, weight is about 40 – 50 kg.
Distinctive features
- Head: The skull is rather broad of medium size, the forehead is prominent, the cheekbones are well developed. The bridge of the nose is straight, wide, the lobe is black with large nostrils.
- Jaws: Massive wide jaws, bite – scissors. The teeth are strong, the lips are black.
- Ears: Small, hanging, triangle-shaped, pressed against the head.
- Eyes: Small, brown. The gaze is open, without malice or cowardice.
- Torso: The neck is muscular, not very long. Wide chest, strong back, the abdomen is turned up. The tail is not very long, wide at the base, tapering towards the end. The purchase is optional.
- Legs: The front legs are straight and set well apart. The hind legs are longer than the front ones, powerful, with well-developed muscles.
- Coat: The length is medium, regular, pressed against the body. The color is black, with a red tan. It is located in the eyes, cheekbones, throat, chest and legs. If there is a white spot on the chest, this is considered a breed marriage.
Character and behavior
The Rottweiler can be both a fierce and ruthless adversary, as well as a best friend or, for example, a nanny for a small child. It all depends on the specific situation and environment, and also, of course, the people he interacts with. This breed is distinguished by a developed intellect, although many people underestimate this quality in them, developing exclusively security and combat skills.
The Rottweiler likes to walk, likes active hobbies, needs training and physical activity, especially considering the fact that he 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.
With the children
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 them the most. However, the characteristics of this animal make it dangerous in certain circumstances, so you should never let a child play with such a powerful dog without supervision. It is very rare for a well-behaved Rottweiler to bite someone in his family, regardless of age, but certainly, a bad reaction from such an animal can have the consequences of a different consideration for a child.
With other animals
Rottweilers of a calmer nature are curious about other animals and, with a good education, get along with cats and other dogs. Especially when they grow up with them or when the animal that first appeared in the house is much older.
Health
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.
Life expectancy
It is generally a relatively healthy dog, with a life expectancy of approximately 8 – 10 years.
Care
The Rottweiler has a short coat that requires brushing once a week and is sufficient. Every day you need to clean the eyes of your four-legged friend from deposits, the ears are usually cleaned 2-3 times a week or, if necessary, after a walk.
Bathe the animal two to three times a year, and cut the claws once every 10 days.
Feeding A Rottweiler : Adults And Puppies
Exercise
Exercise will be one of the pillars of rottweiler care. We are talking about a dog who likes to exercise and practice all kinds of activities, so it will be ideal to think of different sports for dogs. His intelligence also allows us to work on more complex activities such as agility. It is very important to respond to your needs correctly to prevent problems such as anxiety or stress.
These dogs love to run through the woods and in the open country, although they do not like to go far from their owners. An adult will need more than two hours of daily exercise.
Fun facts
- 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.
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.