Sustaining the legacy bestowed by its ancestors, the Mastiff breed of the Roman army, Rottweilers, are also widely known for their strength and robustness. Romans developed the progenitors of the present-day Rottweiler breed by using different Mastiff breeds as the breeding stock.
The Roman drovers got the name “Rottweiler” when they became watchdogs in the cattle town of Rottweil. They were also popularly known as “Butcher’s Dog of Rottweil.”
After the 1800s, Rottweiler dogs expanded their services from protecting livestock to becoming police dogs. Soon they gained a reputation for conducting essential duties and assignments.
Due to their title, ‘all-around blue-collar dogs,’ Rottweiler dogs were one of the first choices for guiding the visually impaired as their protectors.
Nowadays, Rottweilers serve best as search and rescue dogs. Their tenacity and hardiness are the qualities highly demanded in times of emergency.
This powerful dog breed comes in black with reddish-brown patches and is much more than its highly regarded agility.
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Rottweiler Characteristics
A standard Rottweiler is black with rust markings, and they fall under the category of medium-large dogs. Their muscular build and ruggedness ensure to characterize competency and endurable strength.
Female Rottweiler dogs are naturally feminine, but they are similar strength-wise. They do not have wider frames like male dogs and tend to have fewer heavy bones.
A female Rottweiler ranges from 22 inches to 25 inches, while male dogs vary from 24 inches to 27 inches.
Their almond-shaped medium-brown eyes emit warmth and amity contrary to their incredible physical strength. They also have a broad muzzle with a straight bridge and a well-rounded chin.
Their dense, medium-length outer coat lies flat and straight. The undercoat is found on the neck and thighs and is hardly visible. Male Rottweiler dogs usually have a weight range of 95 to 130 pounds, while female ones vary from 85 to 115 pounds. Their life span ranges from 8 to 11 years.
Rottweiler dogs are usually defined by their brawniness, but one typical trait is their aloofness. Rottweiler dogs are courageous and calm, but they are not open to strangers.
They take time to get familiar with new surroundings, and people do not qualify as lively and high-spirited dogs, but they may sometimes be affectionate to their owners.
They are very protective of their families and properties and tend to have a strong desire for diligence. Usually get along well with other pets, but they may take time to be warm towards other dogs of the same sex.
Male Rottweiler dogs are alert and serious. They fulfil all the requirements for a watchdog. Females, however, tend to be more soft and easygoing. Rottweiler dogs are quiet and confident, but their temperament may be influenced by socialization, training, and hereditary factors.
They are intelligent dogs with high adaptability, making good guardians and companions,also tend to bark or howl, which comes from their unwelcome attitude towards strangers. They often regard strangers as a threat and do not trust people easily. It takes time for them to familiarize themselves with new people.
Rottweilers Health
In any Rottweiler, information, including the health conditions they are susceptible to is indispensable. Breeders must have the breeds tested for heart diseases, eye conditions, hip dysplasia, and cancer. Cancer is quite existent in dogs, so early vaccination can help prevent cancer and increase their longevity.
Some recommended health tests include Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, and Cardiac Exam. These can help identify any early signs of diseases, and appropriate measures can be taken before they get too severe.
Breeders should provide health clearances to anyone willing to adopt a Rottweiler. It is also essential to be well-informed about the genealogy of the dog. There are many hereditary diseases that may be passed down from the sire and the dam.
Apart from the health conditions mentioned above, Hypothyroidism is also quite common. Hypothyroidism is a thyroid deficiency condition that may cause obesity, weak-mindedness, and lethargy. Any thyroid replacement pill may help to alleviate hypothyroidism symptoms, but it cannot be cured completely.
Another life-threatening condition that is worth mentioning is Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV). GDV is a condition where gas or air is stuck inside the stomach, which impedes blood from traveling back to the heart. Consequently, the blood pressure drops, and the dog may go into shock or even die in extreme cases. It usually affects deep-chested
dogs like Rottweilers. It occurs after they have a large meal or drink too much water right after exercise. Other standard and less severe problems the dogs face may include allergies to certain foods and cosmetics.
Rottweilers Grooming
Rottweiler dogs have a coarse, medium-length outer coating that requires minimal grooming. They need bathing regularly, and weekly brushing is optimal. They shed extensively during spring and fall, but throughout the year, they shed moderately.
Minimal shedding also helps to keep the house clean and tidy. Rottweiler dogs must have their nails trimmed on a weekly basis. Dremel, a grinding tool, is beneficial to cut their nails. Maintaining dental hygiene is equally important.
Brushing their teeth two to three times a week is mandatory to avoid dental issues. It is essential to make grooming a positive experience for the dogs so that they are easy to handle during veterinary exams.
Exercise & Training tips for your Rottweiler
Rottweiler dogs are highly trainable, but it is vital to ensure early socialization from puppyhood since they can be obstinate. Proper assertiveness is required when it comes to training them. If they are left alone or inactive for a while, they may become aggressive and dangerous. Well-bred Rottweiler dogs are not much of a threat for families with children.
However, they must be supervised if they happen to be around children often. When introduced to new dogs, they tend to be hostile, so the owners must socialize their Rottweiler dogs with other dogs. With proper positive reinforcement training, Rottweiler dogs can learn to be congenial.
Rottweiler dogs are one of the most athletic dogs. They like to be a part of physical activities such as sports, swimming, or trotting. Since they are muscular and well-built, it goes without saying that exercise is a significant part of their daily regimen.
Needless to say, they are the perfect choice for canine activities. Their hard-working attitude and strong will make them great service dogs. From herding to tracking, they are excellent in all types of physical activities.
They have a high energy level, so they also tend to have high energy needs. Highly active Rottweiler dogs tend to require more prolonged exercise durations. Their strength and high intellect enable them to win agility and obedience competitions. A couple of 10-20 minutes of walks or playtimes at the park throughout the day is strongly recommended.
Puppy socialization, leadership, and suitable basic training classes from an early age help raise a well-mannered and obedient Rottweiler.
Though they may be aloof, they do not prefer staying isolated from people and life experiences. They are highly intelligent dogs, and Rottweiler owners can raise good guardian dogs with firm discipline.
Since Rottweiler dogs can be stubborn, roughhousing is not a preferable option to consider. They have a potential for playfulness, and they love playing with the people they are familiar with. They have a strong zest to learn new things and please their owners from an early age.
Nutrition & Feeding for Rottweiler
Like most dog breeds, Rottweiler dogs do well with high-quality dog foods. Their food can be prepared at home with a certified veterinarian’s approval.
Commercially manufactured food brands may also be a good choice. A veterinarian can help to provide the appropriate diet charts based on the dog’s age, weight, and height. Rottweiler dogs tend to be prone to obesity.
It is essential to keep track of their meals throughout the day as they tend to eat immeasurably. Obesity will make them lethargic and sluggish. So, it is vital to keep the dogs from gaining too much weight. One common cause of obesity may be giving too many treats while training.
While treats are an essential aspect of training, they must be provided to the dogs in limited amounts to avoid making them overweight.
Daily intake of 4 to 10 cups of high-quality dog food separated into two meals is recommended for the whole day. Active dogs like Rottweilers require high-energy foods. Ensuring that their diet contains all the nutrition they need is indispensable.
Furthermore, it is also essential to learn which human foods are safe for them to consume. Often dogs have a sensitive digestive system that may be adversely affected by some indigestible human foods. Clean, fresh water must be available too.
Conclusion
These powerful Mastiff dogs are genuinely one of the best family dogs. They may be aloof, but they are deeply affectionate towards their families. They make great guardian dogs who ensure their owners can peacefully sleep at night in the comfort of their homes without fear. These intelligent and obedient dogs also make good companions. From protecting their loved ones to playing with them, Rottweilers sure know how to play the dual role.
