The Rottweiler is a large and powerful dog with an impressive exterior that evokes respect and awe. For centuries, representatives of this breed have lived side by side with humans, being excellent watchmen and guards. Harsh conditions of detention hardened their fighting character and formed excellent physical characteristics.
Origin of the breed
According to legend, the ancestors of Rottweilers — dogs of the Roman Legionnaires, protecting people and driving cattle. The animals bore some resemblance to Neapolitan mastiffs.
Rottweilers were bred to help farmers and were intended to protect livestock. They got their name from the German city of Rottweil, located in the Rhine valley. Cattle fairs were held there. Subsequently, brave and smart animals were attracted to the police service, used as guides and rescuers.
Officially, the breed standard was approved in the early 20s of the XX century, at the same time the German Rottweiler club was formed. The courage and power of these dogs were appreciated by dog handlers, and the breed became widespread.
Description of the breed
The Rottweiler has a balanced Constitution. The body is compact, proportional to the limbs. The average weight of dogs is 42-50 kg, height 61-68 cm — in males, 56-63 cm — in females.
Description of the breed:
- The limbs are broad, straight, with a strong base. Pasterns are well developed.
- Head of medium length, occipital protuberance developed, but not protruding.
- The neck is strong and muscular. Advanced croup, of medium length. Back straight, strong.
- The muzzle is slightly narrowed, ending in a broad lobe. The nostrils are round and dilated. The outline of the eyes, lips, and earlobe is black. Cheekbones are clearly defined, highlighted by color.
- Strong jaws. The bite is scissor-like.
- Ears are wide-set, medium-sized, triangular, cropped. Uncooped hang down to the middle of the cheekbones.
- The tail is straight, thick, docked.
Black with tan markings is the only acceptable color. Symmetrical red spots can be located on the paws, stomach, throat, cheekbones, white — a disadvantage of the breed.
The coat is coarse, hard, even, and of medium length. On the thighs, the hair hangs down more. The undercoat is inconspicuous, thick and dense. Thanks to this “fur coat” in any frost, the Rottweiler will feel comfortable.
The Rottweiler is a smart, serious and disciplined dog. The presence of outstanding physical data allows him to feel confident even in a difficult situation. Representatives of this breed adapt well to the human environment, because from time immemorial they have lived among people and helped them. They easily fit into the life rhythm of the owner, feeling his emotional mood.
A well-bred, socialized dog will not show causeless aggression, but is ready to protect the territory entrusted to it and family members all day long, even at the cost of its own life. Thanks to his innate intelligence, he is able to distinguish the true danger from the everyday situation and make the right decision. Sincerely attached to the owner, the Rottweiler is bored and worried alone.
With children, the dog gets along well, but you should not leave it alone with the kids. Being very strong and temperamental by nature, the dog can accidentally push the child, thereby causing him harm. As a nanny, a Rottweiler is definitely not suitable.
It lends itself well to training, but it is not recommended to start it for an inexperienced dog breeder. It is advisable to resort to the help of an instructor. Due to illiterate training or lack of it, the dog can grow aggressive and pose a danger to others. In any case, the use of a muzzle on the street is necessary.
Rottweilers often bite people, second only to the German shepherd. The pressure of the jaws of these strongmen reaches 22 atmospheres.
Health, typical diseases
Rottweilers have an enviable endurance and strong immunity, but this does not mean that they are insured against various serious diseases. Often representatives of the breed are diagnosed with hip dysplasia. Pathology can be prevented if the puppies are not subjected to increased physical activity, do not allow them to go down stairs and jump on their own.
Among hereditary diseases, veterinarians distinguish epilepsy, so when purchasing a Rottweiler puppy, you should definitely ask about its pedigree.
Subject to such pathologies as:
- flatulence (bloating);
- diabetes mellitus;
- gonarthrosis (rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament);
- entropion (inversion, eversion of the eyelid);
- dysplasia, retinal atrophy;
- skin pathologies (dermatitis, eczema, dermatosis);
- metabolic disorders.
Less common in representatives of the breed are:
- stenosis of the aorta;
- hypotrichosis is congenital;
- atlantoaxial instability.
Rottweilers live on average from 8 to 10 years, they do not belong to the category of centenarians. But with good care, they can last up to 13.
How to choose a puppy
Purchasing a puppy is not difficult, as Rottweilers are very popular. However, you need to be aware: making a purchase on an ad on the Internet or on the market, you can get a sick dog with an unstable mind. In the future, there will be a lot of problems with such a pet. That is why you should buy a puppy in a kennel with a good reputation. Savings are inappropriate in this case.
The cost of a small Rottweiler depends on the class:
- Pet. Price — 12000-18000 rubles. Dogs are not intended to participate in exhibitions, as they have some deviations from the breed standard. However, this does not affect their working qualities. Such a dog will be a reliable guard and companion.
- Brid. Starting price — from 20,000 rubles. Puppies from titled parents, winners of various exhibitions can cost from 60,000 to 90,000. Intended for breeding.
- Show. Puppies with excellent characteristics cost 150 thousand rubles or more. These are future Champions and excellent producers.
The Rottweiler is a specific breed. Even if you really like the way it looks on the outside, consider whether to get this dog. It is ideal for those who lead an active lifestyle, athletes, as well as families of several people. It is not necessary to start a Rottweiler for pensioners, women or weak-willed people who are not able to establish leadership over a very smart dog.
Special conditions are not required for the Rottweiler. It is desirable to keep it in the apartment, placing the bed away from heating devices and drafts. During the day, it can move freely around the fenced yard. At the same time, it should be taken into account that due to the dense thick undercoat, representatives of this breed do not tolerate heat and dampness, so a shed and a booth should be equipped in the yard.
The dog should be walked twice a day for at least 15 minutes. Ideally, the duration of being on the street, accompanied by physical activity, is at least an hour. The dog should be able to run without a leash, respectively, places are chosen deserted — a field, a forest lawn. Mobility and activity are very important for a Rottweiler. This disciplines and serves as a prevention of obesity.
You should regularly take care of the coat. It is enough to brush the dead hair 1-2 times a week. Excessive molting does not threaten representatives of this breed, but they will still have to be scratched more often, preferably every day. The earlier the pet is trained to these manipulations, the more calmly it tolerates them. If you do not scratch the dog, the coat will look untidy, dandruff may appear.
Often you do not need to bathe the dog, just once every six months. Water procedures are arranged in the event that the dog got dirty on a walk.
The ears and eyes are examined weekly, and the claws are trimmed as necessary. Do not neglect routine examinations at the veterinarian, vaccinations.
For the full development and maintenance of good physical shape, a pet needs a high – quality diet. It is advisable to give preference to dry food from well-known manufacturers. You should not save on quality.
Pros and cons of the breed
Rottweilers have many positive qualities. Having a developed intellect and a balanced psyche (provided proper upbringing), they are excellent bodyguards and watchmen. They will not bother the owner, feeling his bad mood, and will find something to do. Singling out a leader, loyal to all family members. They don’t cause any trouble in the content.
The breed also has disadvantages that are taken into account in order to avoid undesirable consequences. Their character is independent and resolute, so they obey only strong people who deserve their respect. They are dangerous dogs, and the owner has a huge responsibility for raising a pet.
Having large dimensions, they create some problems in the content, which means that people with a large living space should start them. With them, you need to walk a lot and provide physical activity — running, swimming, agility, etc.
Finally, Rottweilers do not tolerate hot weather, can sometimes snore and cough in their sleep, and drool. However, Rottweiler breeders claim that, despite its shortcomings, it is a wonderful breed. You can’t imagine a more reliable security guard and loyal friend!
Hi, my name is Mike Fletcher. I am 36 years old and I’m a veterinarian at a veterinary clinic in Granby Colorado. And this is my blog about Pets. I hope I can answer your questions here.