Large
10 Years
60 Kg
Working Dogs
Alert, Courageous, Intelligent
The Rottweiler is a large, robust and powerful breed of dog that belongs to the Working group. It is distinctively characterized by a jet black coat with clearly defined tan or mahogany markings on the legs, chest, under tail, neck, cheeks, muzzle, and over the eyes and sports a grey, fawn or black undercoat. This above average size breed has a broad head, well-boned and muscled cheeks, fairly deep muzzle with a black nose and large nostrils. It has medium-sized almond-shaped eyes that are dark brown in colour with close fitting eyelids, highly set pendant ears that lies flat and close to the cheeks, teeth that forms a complete scissor bite and a strong, very muscular neck that proudly carries the broad head. The body features a broad and deep chest, strong and straight back with a slightly longer than tall profile supported by straight and muscular front legs and broad, strongly muscled back legs. The legs are supported by round and compact feet with very hard pads that help cushion the Rottweiler from the ground. The tail is usually docked at first joint and is carried horizontally. The Rottweiler has a coarse and flat topcoat with an undercoat that is essential on the neck and thighs, with slightly longer hair on the back of the forelegs and breechings. The Rottweiler comes in black with clearly defined rich tan to mahogany markings.
All dog breeds have different levels of intellect. Some dog breeds; working dogs in particular, are very independent thinkers and have been evolved to be very intelligent. Typically, a highly intelligent dog does well in obedience training and other activities. A highly intelligent dog can be very demanding and do require lots of physical and mental stimulation. If you’re looking for a relatively laid-back dog, that doesn’t require lots of mental and physical stimulation, then you must fully understand the level of intelligence of your dog breed of choice.
Before committing to a certain dog breed, you must fully understand their intellect levels and their specific levels of energy. To keep your dog well-balanced and happy, their needs must be met and maintained.
All dog breeds have different needs when it comes to the level of exercise they require. For the high energy dogs; which are your typical working dogs, they have a lot of energy and require lots of daily exercise along with plenty of mental stimulation. A highly energetic dog breed would suit an individual or family that is equally as active and loves the outdoors. There are also breeds that have relatively low exercise needs, such as toy dog breeds. Although they require daily exercise and mental stimulation, they’re just as happy chilling at home with their loved ones. This type of dog breed would suit an individual or family that prefers the peace and quiet and relaxation.
Before deciding on your chosen dog breed, Mypetzilla recommends that you research the exercise needs and whether you’re well equipped before committing to buying or adopting a particular dog breed.
There are several dog breeds that are known and potentially predisposed to developing health related conditions. Sensible breeding can help prevent the onset of health related conditions and this should always be taken into condition when researching your dog breed of choice. Before committing to a dog, you should speak to the breeder about any health related conditions that may affect the dog you’re looking to buy or adopt. You can also request to see any test results from genetic testing.
There are many dog breeds that tolerate children really well and are not affected by the constant noise and need for play-time. However, there are some dog breeds that don’t do very well with children and can become frustrated and snappy. That being said, all children should be shown how to handle and care for a dog in their home and should always be supervised when playing. As much as a dog can become annoyed and snappy with a younger child, the child can also become less tolerant and misbehaved towards the dog.
Mypetzilla recommends that you always supervise play-time between your children and dog. Children need to respect the boundaries and feeding time for the dog and likewise for the child. We also strongly advise that play-time doesn’t get out of control and too rough which can cause injury to both child and dog.
There are lots of dog breeds that are well suited to living in an apartment. It’s worthwhile noting that you need to check that you’re allowed dogs in your building before committing to bringing one home. If you do decide to own a dog and are living in an apartment, then you must make sure that they have plenty of room to roam around and frequent walks outside to prevent them from becoming bored and depressed.
Mypetzilla recommends that you check as to whether you’re allowed dogs in your apartment building and to fully ensure your apartment is dog proof before committing fully to bringing a dog home.
All dog breeds shed to some extent, some more than others. With this, all potential dog owners should be aware of this, as it will be a matter of putting up with some hair or lots of hair being left around the house. Depending on the dog breed, there are certain times during the year where some dog breeds shed the most and this is typically around spring and autumn. However, there are some dog breeds that shed all year round.
If you’re very house-proud, they you may want to choose a dog breed that sheds very little. Mypetzilla strongly recommends that you fully research your dog breed of choice and their shedding levels before committing.
All dog breeds require different levels of grooming. Some dog breeds are easier to maintain than others and only require a weekly brush to help keep their coat in good condition. There are some dog breeds that require regular trips to the grooming parlour and this can come at a huge cost. Either way, all dog breeds require their coat and nails to be maintained and cared for.
Mypetzilla strongly advices that potential owners research the grooming needs and associated costs with their desired dog breed before fully committing.
Barking is a necessity for your dog to communicate. However, it can also be a nuisance to yourself and fellow neighbours if it’s not kept under control. If you live in an apartment, then you’re better off choosing a dog breed that doesn’t bark as much. If you live further out and far from civilisation, then it’s worthwhile looking into a dog breed that does bark and will bark to alert you of any other company on your property.
Mypetzilla advices that you research the behaviours of your dog breed of choice and whether this would work for you and your family. It’s worth noting that dogs can be trained to bark less and this will take a lot of effort and training from the owner.
Majority dog breeds form very close relationships with their owners and as a result can become very stressed when left alone for a period of time. If a dog is suffering with separation anxiety then they’re very likely to become destructive around the home as a way of dealing with their anxieties. Dog breeds that do form strong bonds with their owners are better accustomed to a household where one member of the family remains home, whilst the others are out, this is to help avoid further anxieties and destructive behaviours.
Mypetzilla recommends that all potential owners research their dog breed of choice on their bonding abilities and how well-adjusted they are to being left alone at home. It’s also worth noting that you should never leave your dog for longer than 4 hours alone at home.
There are certain dogs breeds that have very high intellect and therefore easier to train than other dog breeds. There is also a downside to this; as fast as they learn the new trick or command, they can easily pick up bad habits just as quick. Other dog breeds that don’t rank as high on the intellect scale require patience and plenty of reward treats from their owners during training.
Before committing to a certain dog breed, Mypetzilla advices you to fully research your dog breed of choice and their level of training needs.
All dog breeds have different energy levels. The working dog breed has one of the highest energy levels in comparison to the low-energy dog’s breeds such as the Toy dog breed group. To keep a dog truly happy, healthy and well-balanced, their energy levels must be met.
High-energy dog breeds need lots of exercise and mental stimulation. High energy dog breeds would suit an active family or person. Dog breeds that are considered as low-energy, love to spend the majority of their time relaxing and sleeping in their favourite, comfy spot. A low-energy dog breed would suit an individual that equally loves the quiet life and relaxing lifestyle. Of course, low-energy dogs still need their daily walks and mental stimulation, just not as much as a high-energy dog breed.
Mypetzilla recommends that potential owner research fully on the type of dog breed that would suit their existing lifestyle and to also take into consideration the dog breeds energy levels and exercise requirements.
Before you decide on what dog breed would be suitable for you and your family, you must consider whether they’re a friendly dog breed and if you already have other pets within the household. For homes that already have dogs and other domestic pets, then it’s wise to choose a dog breed that has a friendly personality and temperament.
There are some dog breeds that mix well with other dog breeds and there are others that don’t suit one another and this could potentially cause issues later on down the line.
Another important point to consider is whether the dog breed of choice is friendly towards people and children.
Mypetzilla recommends to research fully on the right dog breed for your family and to also consider their temperament and characteristics.
The Rottweiler is an ancient breed and its origin can be traced back as early as the Roman Empire. It is believed to have evolved from the Mastiff or the German shepherd and was extensively used by the Roman legions to drive and guard cattle herds that travelled with the army. The Roman troops marched long distances and some of them eventually settled with their dogs in Württemberg on the small market town of what was to become Rottweil. In addition to driving cattle, the dog also became an effective guard dog, protecting the cattle sale profits and pulling carts and wagons. The Rottweiler was known at that time as the “metzgerhund” or “butcher dog” and was an essential contributor to Rottweil’s economy until the middle of the 19th century when cattle driving was outlawed and the use for the dogs gradually declined. Since the Rottweiler was no longer needed, the breed’s population started to suffer and was almost lost at one time. In the early part of the 1900s, breed enthusiasts started a breeding program and formed a club to save the breed. A breed standard was established, although the club did not last long. The Rottweiler was broadly used during the First World War as an able police and guard dog. It was exhibited in Britain at Crufts in 1936 and was officially registered as a separate breed in 1966. Today, the Rottweiler is an effective police- and military dog besides being an adorable family companion.
A well-trained and properly socialized Rottweiler is a reliable, alert dog and a loving companion. Destructive and aggressive Rottweilers are a result of poor training and mishandling, which can even pose a serious threat if allowed to run at large. In general, the Rottweiler is a confident and territorial breed which makes an excellent candidate as a guard dog. es not bark excessively; in fact, male Rottweilers are silent watchers who notice everything that is happening around them but are often quite stoic. Females on the other hand can become excessive barkers especially when protecting their territory. This breed is reserved of strangers and may only become aggressive when threatened.
Training should be in a firm, fair and consistent manner as the Rottweiler can have a tendency to be strong-willed. The smooth, glossy coat is quite easy to maintain.
Occasional brushing with a firm bristle brush and bathing when needed is sufficient. The Rottweiler is considered an average shedder.
The Rottweiler is a hardy breed that can live between 10 to 12 years if properly maintained and cared for. However, there are potential health issues that may affect the breed including canine hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, subvalvular aortic stenosis, and osteosarcoma. Other medical conditions that have been known to relatively affect the Rottweiler include hypothyroidism, gastric torsion or bloat and allergies.
The ideal base diet for this breed would consist of lamb, poultry, dairy products, and wheat. As much as possible, fish, beef, corn, soy or white rice should be avoided.
It needs to be exercised on a daily basis to prevent the onset of unsocial and destructive behaviours. Daily long walks, a session of mental or physical game, or a free play in a well-secured and open space are suitable workouts. It should have a decent amount of time playing with the family which works best in stimulating the breed’s mentality. It is not suited to live in hot climates and may have the tendency to suffer heatstroke. It will do fine in an apartment dwelling provided that it is exercised daily. It is relatively inactive indoors and will do best in a house with at least a small, well-secured yard.
Although it has strong traits, including over-protective and stubborn, it is generally fond of children, very devoted and is a quick learner that is always eager to please its master and responds readily to a clear and compassionate handler. It is a playful breed that requires constant attention. It will result to destructive behaviour when it is ignored or neglected. Proper and early socialization is the key to co-existing peacefully with other pets and may become aggressive with other dogs.
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