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Rottweiler Breed Profile
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The Rottweiler fought alongside the Romans in battle. Though it was world renowned for its guarding abilities, this dog was also excellent in driving cattle and herding flocks.
'Rottie' |
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Dog
Breed Profile  |
Germany
First used as a war dog then as a herding dog.
Working
Bitch 53-63cm., Dog 61-69cm.
Bitch 38-52kg., Dog 43-59kg.
10-12 years
This dog needs a large amount of daily exercise. They love to run, play, retrieve and accompany their owners jogging and cycling. They need a large, well fenced garden in which to run around and let off steam as well as perhaps to satisfy their instinct to watch over their family.
This dog has a serious appetite! Many people assume that the Rottweiler will eat the same quantities as other large dogs such as the German Shepherd. Rottweilers can be twice the weight of a German Shepherd so need more protein, vitamins and minerals. This dog can become obese due to feeding too many treats and through lack of exercise. Feed twice daily and adhere strictly to the recommended quantities.
Like many of the large breed dogs, the Rottweiler is prone to hip dysplasia. This can be avoided by only choosing puppies from breeders that have had their stock hip-scored. Rottweilers can be susceptible to dental problems.
The overall appearance of this dog is one of power and strength. The head is of medium length, wide between the ears and a slightly arched forehead. The eyes are dark brown and the ears are small and pendent. The muzzle is strong with its extremely powerful jaws and teeth. The face wrinkles as the dog pants. The neck is muscular going down to a powerful body with well sprung ribs and a strong, straight back. The legs are sturdy and the thighs are well muscled. The tail is short and thick but is often docked. The coat is thick, dense and coarse. The coat colour is black with defined tan markings. All in all, the Rottweiler displays all the signs of an excellent guarding and working dog.
Rottweiler K9 Obedience Dog Breed Summary:
The Rottweiler has become very popular especially in cities where street crime is on the increase. Unfortunately many Rottweiler owners have no knowledge of the breed's requirements and even less knowledge of dog training.
The inevitable happens as an untrained, angry Rottweiler bites through instinct if not socialised and cared for correctly. When this dog bites they inflict serious damage often resulting in loss of human life. Due to several such incidents, the Rottweiler has received a bad press and is often referred to as a ‘killer dog'. It is true that the Rottweiler has the ability to live up to its reputation, but the majority of these dogs are healthy, well-balanced, loyal and devoted family pets, though this dog is NOT for novice dog owners.
The Rottweiler needs an owner that can control the dog with fair but firm handling. This can only be achieved through early socialising and intensive dog obedience training. Once the Rottweiler understands the rules and has respect for its owner they are the most wonderful of all family pets.
Even after reaching a good level of dog obedience, this dog should never be left unsupervised with children. We know of many Rottweilers which adore their family's children and which are often left with them alone in the garden, and those we have met are incredibly protective of them, but due to their sheer size and weight, one accidental step on a child can inflict severe injury, and if the child screams which is a common reaction, a nervous or unbalanced Rottie may react with self-protective instincts and may bite a child in such circumstances.
It is rare, and these dogs are extremely loving and protective of the household children, but the fact is a dog of this size is so potentially dangerous, no matter how docile his manner, that it would simply be madness to leave young children alone without supervision around this animal. If such a situation happens regularly in your home, consider building a nice run or kennel for the dog, so it can alert you to strangers, but so it can't physically come close to the youngsters, as accidents do happen, and the results can be fatal.
Generally this dog barely tolerates other pets, though there are often exceptions. Their intrepid guarding instincts make them fiercely territorial so ‘woe betide' any visitor that enters unannounced. They must be constrained whilst travelling in the car, either in a crate or secure in the back. If this dog even thinks that a passing pedestrian is a threat they will leap around, growling menacingly in an attempt to protect their master.
They do not like to be left in kennels as they have strong protective feelings for their family and hate to be without them. In general, they do not like to be in centrally heated homes but prefer to be outdoors in a kennel, though they are much more adaptable to situational changes than many other similar breeds. If they feel close to their owner, they will pretty much put up with whatever they need to in order to remain close and watchful over their human family.
As the dog's owner you are accountable for its actions and must never place the dog in any situation where it might turn angry and threatening. An angry Rottweiler is a fearsome sight and members of the public are protected in law against being intimidated by an uncontrollable or even seemingly uncontrollable dog.
They are high maintenance animals and all these points should be considered before deciding on this breed. Any potential owner of this dog should be well versed on training methods and be able to form a unit with the dog to gain its confidence and respect from the second you take it home. |
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