Rottweiler

Quick Facts:
Group Classification: Working Group
Country of Origin: Germany
Date of Origin: Roman era
Weight M: 110 lbs
Height M: 24 to 27 inches
Weight F: 93 lbs
Height F: 22 to 25 inches
Life Expectancy 10-12 years

History

Ancestors of the Rottweiler were used to guard cattle the Romans brought with them as they moved into Europe. The Roman Legions traveled with herds of cattle they used for meat, and they needed the dogs to help them herd the animals. They established a town in southern Germany in 100 AD, which was given the name Rottwil in German. The ability of these dogs to control, herd and guard the animals was recognized by the German people there, and they began to breed the dogs with a native molosser-type dog for these traits. By the Middle Ages, the area around Rottwil was an important cattle region, and the descendants of the Roman cattle dogs thrived. The dogs were even used as draft animals and pulled carts carrying beef to market. Donkeys eventually replaced the dogs as draft animals, and when trains became the chief method of transporting cattle to market at the end of the 19th century, the breed went into decline. By 1900, there was only one female Rottweiler left in the town. With the recognition of Rottweilers as good for police work, the breed began its resurgence, and in 1921, a Rottweiler Club was formed in Germany. The first Rottweiler in the U.S. probably came with a German immigrant in the late 1920s. It was first registered as a breed with the American Kennel Club in 1931.

General Description

Rottweilers are large dogs, slightly longer than they are tall, and have a large frame with a deep, broad chest and heavy muscles. Rottweilers are always black and have clearly defined rust or mahogany markings over their eyes, on the side of their muzzles and on their throats, chests and lower legs. They have a docked tail. The coat of a Rottweiler is short and smooth. It has a broad, even massive skull. There is an undercoat on the neck and thighs. The dogs are powerful and have a lot of stamina.

Temperament

When bred well, the Rottweiler is confident, calm, aloof, and courageous. It is devoted to its owners, but is reserved with strangers and in new situations. If the dog has not been socialized or resulted from good breeding, these traits can be subverted and cause trouble in the long run. The dog's personality can range from affectionate to everyone to a very reserved personality for a one-person dog. They may be aggressive, but this trait tends to vary by individual dog. The innate protectiveness of a Rottweiler can cause problems for families, since the dog may not be able to differentiate from acceptable behaviors from friends and perceived threats from strangers.

Health and Care

The Rottweiler needs a meaty, high-grade food. They require minimal brushing and bathing, since they lose their top and undercoats twice a year. The nails of the dog should be trimmed every two weeks. Rottweilers should not be left alone with unfamiliar people in the home due to their strong protective instincts. Rottweilers must be introduced slowly to new visitors. Rottweilers need to be walked or run twice a day, at least for 20 minutes each time. It is an active dog and needs a large outdoor play area. If the dog gets bored and doesn’t have enough activity, it could become destructive. The dogs have a tendency to hip and elbow dysplasia and bone and cartilage problems. They could also suffer from eye problems or spinal disease. They are susceptible to bloating. Rottweilers are somewhat risky in terms of health and they have developed rather short life spans, with many becoming crippled from joint and bone diseases or dying of cancer or heart disease at relatively young ages.

Interesting Facts

Rottweilers are banned in some areas. Many homeowner insurance policies will not cover the dogs, and neighbors may be leery of having them in the area. The legal ramifications of owning a dog that appears intimidating and has been bred to be a guard dog should be considered. The Rottweiler was the dog breed most often named in fatal human attacks in the U.S. in 2000, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Pets4You offers listings of Rottweiler breeders with puppies for sale.