Rottweiler Dog Breed: Characteristics, Facts, And Names

Rottweiler is considered one of the most intelligent dogs. They are great with families and are very protective and love their families. Rottweilers are also used as service and police dogs.

They are confident and strong. So talented and multitaskers, these are used as family dogs, search and rescue dogs as well. They have an abundant strength and look strong.

Rottweilers are black with dark tan markings on them. Not to mention their ability to protect which makes them known for this attribute.

Rottweiler Breed Overview

Rottweiler Dog Breed Overview

Group: Working Group
Size: Extra large (95-130 pounds)
Lifespan: 8-11 years/td>
Best Suited For: Everyone
Temperament: Obedient, alert, confident, courageous, calm, fearless
Exercise Needs: Moderate to High
Drooling Potential: Moderate
Grooming Needs: Low
Similar Breeds: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Mastiff, Boxer, Bullmastiff

1. Basic Features

The Rottweiler is a sturdy working breed having great strength. It is a powerful dog, black with clearly defined rust markings. They are very calm and courageous but not aggressive.

The outer coat is straight, coarse and dense. It is of medium length and lies flat. The undercoat is usually present on the neck and thighs. The amount of undercoat present is influenced by climatic conditions.

Their undercoat should not show through the outer coat. Not to mention that the coat is shortest on head, ears, and legs, longest on breaching. The Rottweiler is to be exhibited within the natural condition with no trimming.

They make great search and rescue dogs. Rottweilers are also used as herding dogs and due to their herding instincts, they tend to herd younger children.

2. Rottweiler Origin

Rottweiler working

The Rottweiler dates back to the Roman empire where it was used as a herding dog. The dog breed was subsequently named after Rottweil, a town in Germany. They were also known as the “butcher dogs” as they were known to drive the butchers to the market and protect their money pouches.

Rottweilers began to be utilized in the police investigation, for which they were very well suited. However, during the First and Second World Wars, Rottweilers saw service in various roles, including as messenger, ambulance, draught, and guard dogs.

The Rottweiler nearly went extinct in the 1800’s, but today it has come back in popularity and is used as a police dog, a guard dog, a herding dog, and a tracker. They are still used as service dogs.

3. The Personality of Rottweiler

Rottweiler is a strong dog breed. They have well-developed genetic herding and guarding instincts. The Rottweilers are calm and composed. They are courageous and fearless. They are very loving to their families but do not make friends very easily with strangers.

The Rottweilers have a strong desire to protect their families but are not aggressive without a cause.

However, earning a Rottweiler’s respect involves setting boundaries and teaching consequences for inappropriate behavior, both of which take time and patience.

Dangerous behavior can be a result of abuse, lack of training or irresponsible ownership. Rottweilers can be aggressive and dominant at times.

4. Rottweiler Behavior

Rottweiler dog breed behavior

Rottweilers are generally calm and confident. They are not highly excitable. However, they can turn aggressive if ill-treated or not trained properly. The strength of the Rottweiler is a risk factor not to be neglected. They are capable of causing harm.

It is, for this reason, that breed specialists declare that formal training and socialization are essential for all Rottweilers.

However, their behavior can be affected by a number of factors like heredity, training, and socialization.

5. Exercise Requirements

Being an energetic and athletic breed, Rottweilers should exercise on a daily basis. They love to exercise, play and walk especially with their owners.

They require more than an hour of exercise on a daily basis. A Rottweiler can never have enough exercise as they love to stay active.

They can develop behavior problems if their energy is not channelized properly. They can resort to barking, digging and destructive behavior.

6. Diet Needs

A high-quality food is recommended for a Rottweiler. As this is a dog full of energy who likes exercise, a proper diet is a must. A protein-rich diet is a must. A Rottweiler should never be fed foods that contain produced meals, soy, wheat, or corn.

Rottweilers are prone to turning overweight. So keeping a check is a must. More importantly, you should be able to feel and not see the ribs of your Rottweiler. This is a good way to check if your dog is in a good weight.

7. Trainability

Rottweiler trainability

Considered intelligent, Rottweilers train easily. They require training early in their life. They love their owners and in return expect a good amount of time from them as well.

Rottweilers may turn stubborn. So, it is very important that discipline be consistent, fair, and firm, without being rough. Being rough with your dog can cause aggression which can cause a problem.

Rottweilers excel well in many sports and are known to work well with their human partner.

8. Common Health Problems

Considered a healthy breed, any diseases in a Rottweiler are rare. But being a very large breed they are likely to develop hip dysplasia.

Osteochondritis dissecans is another condition which affects the shoulder joints, can also be a problem due to the breed’s rapid growth rate. Time to time x-ray is recommended.

Rottweilers are also prone to obesity.

So, care must be taken that they are not overfed or under-exercised as obesity can cause arthritis, breathing difficulties, diabetes, heart failure, reproductive problems, skin disease, reduced resistance to disease and overheating which may be caused by the thick jacket of fat below the skin.

9. Who should Adopt a Rottweiler?

Rottweilers are great for families. They are very affectionate and protective but may not like young children.

Also, families who are willing to give time to their dog should adopt a Rottweiler as they need quite an amount of physical activity. They have a tendency to herd younger children. Moreover, Rottweilers are great service dogs also.

They can also be adopted by owners who are working on a farm. This breed needs exercise and physical activity.

In a nutshell, it is a great dog to adopt. Calm but courageous, Rottweilers are sure to love you.

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