Rottweiler

Rottweiler

General

The Rottweiler has a muscular, massive, powerful body. The head is broad with a rounded forehead. The muzzle is well-developed. The teeth meet in a scissors bite. The wide nose is black. The lips are black and inside the mouth dark. The medium sized eyes are dark and almond-shaped. Some Rottweilers have been known to have blue eyes or one blue and one brown eye. This trait is not recognized in the show world and does not meet the breeds written standard. The ears are triangular, carried forward. The tail is customarily docked. Note: docking tails is illegal in most parts of Europe. Rear dewclaws are often removed. The chest is broad and deep. The coat is short, hard and thick. It is black with rust to mahogany markings on the cheeks and muzzle, paws and legs. A red color with brown markings also exists. There is a deficiency in the hair gene making the coloring a lighter red. 

Origin :  The Rottweiler is probably descended from the Italian Mastiff, which accompanied the herds that the Romans brought with them when they invaded Europe. During the Middle Ages, it was used as a herder, as a guard, messenger dog, draught dog, and for police work. It was bred in the German town of Rottweiler in Wurttemberg. Practically extinct in the 1800's, the breed population began a comeback in the early twentieth century due to the efforts of enthusiastic breeders centered in Stuttgart. In Germany on January 13th 1907, the DRK (Deutscher Rottweiler-Klub (German Rottweiler Club) was established. Shortly after on April 27, 1907, the SDRK - Süddeutscher Rottweiler-Klub (South German Rottweiler Club) was formed, which later became the IRK (International Rottweiler Club). The Rottweiler standard was then set. The breed was first recognized by the AKC in 1931. Some of the Rottweiler's talents include: tracking, herding, watchdog, guarding, search and rescue, guide dogs for the blind, police work, carting, competitive obedience, and schutzhund.

 

Temperament : The Rottie is powerful, calm, trainable, courageous, and devoted to their owner and family. Loyal and protective, they will defend their family fiercely if needed, seemingly immune to pain. Serious, even-tempered, brave, confident and courageous, this breed needs an owner who is strong minded, calm, but firm and able to handle their massive size. A docile, natural guard dog with a laid-back, reliable temperament. They are highly intelligent and have proven their worth beyond question in police, military, and customs work over many centuries and can be trained for competitive obedience. Because of their size, training should begin when the dog is a small puppy. This breed needs a lot of leadership and socialization. The objective in training this dog is to achieve a pack leader status. It is a natural instinct for a dog to have an order in their pack. When we humans live with dogs, we become their pack.  When the Rottweiler receives consistent leadership and is trained, it will be a good playmate for the children. It will accept cats, other dogs, and other household pets, as long as the dog has been socialized well and have owners who assert their authority over the dog. Friends and relatives of the family are normally enthusiastically welcomed. Strangers to whom the dog senses bad intentions from can get no further than the sidewalk. 

  

Height & Weight :

Height: 24-27 inches (61-69 cm.) Bitches 22-25 inches (56-63 cm)
Weight: Dogs 95-130 pounds (43-59 kg.) Bitches 85-115 pounds (38-52 kg.) 

Health Problems :  This breed is susceptible to ACL damage. Prone to hip dysplasia. Also prone to entropion (narrowing of the slit between the eyelids). Tends to snore. Can overeat easily.

Exercise : The Rottweiler needs plenty of exercise. You can't give these robust dogs too much work or exercise; they thrive on it. They need to be taken on a daily walk or jog. Running in the woods and in open country makes them very happy and they have no desire to wander from you. Swimming or running beside a bicycle are perfect activities for this dog and it also loves retrieving a ball. 

Life Expectancy : About 10-12 years. 

Litter Size  : Large litters, often can have 10 - 12 puppies.