Last Updated on March 22, 2021 by Dogs Vets
The Rottweiler is a domestic dog breed that is considered medium to large or tall. The dogs were known in German as Rottweiler Metzgerhund, meaning Rottweil Butcher Dogs, as they mainly herded livestock and took carts loaded with meat to market.
This lasted until the mid-19th century when railroads replaced driving. Although Rottweilers are still used for herding livestock in many parts of the world, they are now also used as search and rescue dogs, guard dogs, and police dogs.
Rottweiler History
According to the FCI standard, the Rottweiler is considered one of the oldest dog breeds. Its origin dates back to the Roman times. These dogs were kept as shepherd or driving dogs. They marched with the Roman legions across the Alps, protecting people and driving their cattle. In the Rottweil region, these dogs met and mixed with the native dogs in a natural crossbreeding.
The main task of the Rottweilers was now to drive and guard the cattle herds and defend their masters and their property. This breed got its name from the old free city of Rottweil and was known as the “Rottweiler Butcher Dog”. Butchers bred this type of dog only for performance and usefulness. In due course, it developed into a first-class guard and driving dog that could also be used as a draft dog.
In the run-up to World War I, there was a great demand for police dogs, which led to a revival of interest in the Rottweiler. During World War I and World War II, Rottweilers were used in a variety of roles, including messenger, ambulance, draft, and guard dogs.
In 1931, the Rottweiler was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club. In 1936, Rottweilers were exhibited in Great Britain at Crufts. In 1966, a separate registry was opened for the breed.
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In fact, the popularity of the Rottweiler reached an all-time high in the mid-1990s, as it was the most registered dog by the American Kennel Club. In 2017, the American Kennel Club ranked the Rottweiler as the eighth most popular purebred dog in the United States.
About the Rottweiler
A male Rottweiler stands between 24 and 27 muscular inches at the shoulder; females come in slightly smaller and lighter. The glistening, short black coat with elegant rust markings adds to the image of imposing strength. A muscular hindquarter drives the Rottie’s effortless trotting gait.
A well-bred and properly raised Rottie will be calm and confident, bold but not overly aggressive. The aloof demeanor these first-class guardians give outsiders belies the playfulness and downright silliness that endear Rotties to their loved ones. (No one told the Rottie he’s not a toy breed, so he can lay on your lap for a cuddle). Early training and socialization will use a Rottie’s territorial instincts in a positive way.
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Rottweiler Description and Diagram – Anatomy of the Rottweiler
How much does a Rottweiler puppy cost?
Eight-week-old Rottweiler puppies will generally have a selling price in the range of $1,500 to $2,500. Expect to pay a few hundred or more for a quality training course due to the training requirements. Also do expect to spend at least $300 annually on pet health insurance.
According to NextDayPets, the mid-range and average Rottweiler prices are $1,025 USD. For a Rottweiler with superior pedigree, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2,500 to $8,000 or more, all depending on the type of breed.
Rottweiler – Head
The skull of a rottweiler is of medium length and relatively broad between the ears. The forehead line is moderately arched when viewed from the side, the occiput being well developed without being prominent. The stop is relatively very strong. Frontal groove is not too deep.
Rottweiler nose well developed, broader than round, with relatively large nostrils and always black. The muzzle should appear neither elongated nor shortened in relation to the cranial region. The ratio between the length of the muzzle and the length of the skull is about 1 to 1.5. The bridge of the nose is straight, broad at the base and moderately tapered.
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The lips are black and tight fitting, with the corner of the mouth not visible. The gums should be black or as dark as possible. Both the upper and lower jaws are strong and broad. According to the FCI standard, Rottweilers should have a strong and complete set of teeth (42 teeth) with a scissor bite, the upper incisors closely overlapping the lower incisors. The zygomatic arches should be pronounced (but not exaggerated).
Upper and lower jaws strong and broad. Strong, complete dentition (42 teeth) with scissor bite, the upper incisors overlapping the lower incisors.
Neck
Neck strong, of reasonable length, muscular, slightly arched, clean, free from sore throat, without excessive dewlap.
Body
The back is straight, strong and firm. The loins are short, strong and deep. The croup is broad, of medium length and slightly rounded, neither flat nor sloping. The chest is capacious, broad and deep (approximately 50% of the shoulder height) with a well developed forechest and well sprung ribs. The flanks are not tucked up.
Tail
The FCI 2018 Standard stated that: In natural condition, strong, level in extension of the topline; while paying attention, when excited or moving, you can carry it upward in a slight curve; slightly it can hang. While positioned along the leg, the tail reaches approximately to the hocks or is slightly longer.
Historically, the tail was traditionally docked at the first or second joint. Docking is now prohibited in most countries, and this is reflected in the FCI country of origin breed standard.
Although once “preferred” in early standards, the 2018 FCI standard was amended to classify the natural bob tail (also known as “stumpy”) as a “disqualifying fault” along with “kink tail, ring tail with severe lateral deviation”.
Limbs
Viewed from the front, the forelegs are straight and not placed close to each other. The forearm, seen from the side, is straight and vertical. The slope of the shoulder blade is approximately 45 degrees. The shoulders are well relaxed. The upper arm is close to the body.
Forearm is strongly developed and muscular. Pasterns are slightly springy, strong but not steep. Forefeet are round, firm and well arched, pads hard, nails short, black and strong.
Rottweiler – Gait
According to the known FCI standard:
The Rottweiler is a trotting dog. When the dog moves, the back remains firm and relatively stable. Movement harmonious, steady full of energy and unrestricted, with good stride. “Slow action at the trot,” however, is considered a “serious fault.”
According to the American Kennel Council, the traditional gait of a Rottweiler is a trot. Therefore, the Rottweiler is a trotter. Trotting in this breed is by no means a fault and is required.
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This movement comes naturally to the Rottweiler and should appear as such; Any deviation may result in disqualification in the show ring. While walking, the Rottweiler’s legs should move straight in front and back.
As with the straight movement of the legs, the path on which the Rottweiler moves should also be straight. The Rottweiler’s gait is all about balance and effectiveness, as the breed is still used as a herder today.
Coat
The coat consists of an outer coat and a base coat. The outer coat is medium length, coarse, dense and flat. The undercoat should be present on the neck and thighs. The undercoat should not be visible through the outer coat. Rottweilers living in hot climates may have acclimated and may lack the undercoat. Rottweiler coats are generally low maintenance, although they are heavily shed before their season (female) or seasonally (male).
According to the American Kennel Club breed standards, a Rottweiler’s coat is short and straight. A long or wavy coat is considered a fault by the AKC.
Rottweiler Color and markings
The color and markings of a Rottweiler are very distinct. According to the FCI standard, a Rottweiler is always “black with clearly defined markings of a strong tan on the cheeks, muzzle, neck, chest and legs, as well as over both eyes and under the base of the tail.”
Rottweiler Size
Technically a “medium/large” breed, according to the FCI standard, the Rottweiler stands 61-69 cm (24-27 in) at the withers for males, 56-63 cm (22-25 in) for females, and weight must be between 50 and 60 kg (110 and 132 lbs) for males and 35 and 48 kg (77 and 105 lbs) for females. Weight must be relative to height.
Rottweiler Diet
The Rottweiler should do well on a high quality dog food, whether commercially produced or homemade, under the supervision and approval of your veterinarian. Any diet should be appropriate for the dog’s age (puppy, adult or senior). Some dogs tend to become overweight. Therefore, pay attention to your dog’s calorie consumption and weight.
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Treats can be an important aid in training, but too many can lead to obesity. Learn which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not. Check with your veterinarian if you have concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
Rottweiler Grooming
The Rottweiler has a straight, coarse, medium-length outer coat that lies flat. The undercoat is on the neck and thighs. He should be brushed weekly and bathed regularly. He sheds very moderately most of the year, although he sheds more heavily twice a year, usually in the spring and fall. His teeth should be brushed weekly and his nails trimmed. Using an abrasive tool such as a Dremel is especially effective in trimming the nails.
Exercise
Rottweilers love to swim, walk and trot, especially with their people. The breed is muscular and athletic and should have the opportunity to exercise daily. When there are jobs to be done, Rottweilers learn to cart easily and are excellent workers in herding, tracking and obedience. There are no limits to the dog activities that the Rottweiler can learn. Being overweight is not good for any dog, and exercise can help keep your Rottweiler fit and healthy.
Rottweiler’s Training
The Rottweiler needs to be trained early in life. Leadership, puppy socialization, basic training classes, and living in the owner’s home are key to raising a well-mannered Rottweiler. Rottweilers are “people dogs” that are not well isolated from people and life experiences. Regardless of breed, dogs must live in this world with strange animals and people.
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One expert on the breed notes, “As a Rottweiler owner, I am responsible for investing time, energy, and money to give my dog the opportunity to learn every day.” The breed is intelligent, very trainable and eager to please, although some can be stubborn. It is very important that discipline be consistent, fair and firm without being rough. Roughhousing with the Rottweiler can lead to aggression and should be avoided. Rottweilers excel in many dog sports, and the breed works with a human partner in many functional roles.
Rottweiler’s Media portrayal
The portrayal of Rottweilers as vicious or viciously aggressive dogs in several fictional movies and television series, particularly Omen, as well as sensational press coverage, have created a negative image of the breed.
Some movies and television shows, such as Lethal Weapon 3, the 1998 movie Half Baked, and the hit HBO show Entourage, have portrayed Rottweilers in a positive light. They are also featured in the children’s book series Good Dog, Carl by Alexandra Day.
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In an event widely publicized by the media, a two-year-old British Rottweiler named Jake owned by Liz Maxted-Bluck was recognized by the RSPCA for his bravery. The dog was walking with his owner when they heard screaming.
The Rottweiler Dog, by the name of Jake, was chasing away a man when he harassed a woman in Hearsall Common, Coventry, in July 2009. He located the attacker and his victim in thick brush, chased the attacker away, led his owner to the scene and guarded the victim until police arrived.
The assailant was convicted of aggravated sexual assault and sentenced to four years in prison. Jake was nominated for the bravery award and medallion by police after the incident. Det. Con Clive Leftwich of Coventry Police Station said, “From our perspective, Jake the Rottweiler prevented a serious sexual assault from getting any worse.
Rottweilers Rescue Groups
Rottweilers are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many Rotties in need of adoption and or fostering. There are a number of rescues that we have not listed. If you don’t see a rescue listed for your area, contact the national breed club or a local breed club and they can point you toward a Rottie rescue.
A word of warning and Advise:
Beware of puppy mills. Never buy any dog if you suspect it came from a puppy mill.
No parents
They might tell you the dog has n parent. If the breeder won’t let you meet the pet parents, you should walk away. Not meeting the parents is like buying a car without knowing the make. Don’t. For all you know, these people didn’t even breed the puppy, but are selling it second hand for unknown purposes.
People also ask
Is a Rottweiler a good family dog?
Rottweilers are people loving dogs, they are loyal to their families. They tend to follow their favorite person from room to room so they are always in sight. They are good with children and other dogs, but should still be supervised.
Do Rottweilers like to cuddle?
Yes. Rottweilers love to cuddle, but not all of them. Some Rottweilers love to cuddle, others do not. A healthy and well-trained Rottie will most likely enjoy at least some cuddle time!
Does a Rottweiler make a good first dog?
While Rottweilers are not usually recommended for first-time dog owners due to their size and risk of hurting someone, they can still be great for a first-time owner provided you do a lot of homework. To have a good dog, it’s important to know how to raise a Rottweiler properly.
Bott Rersweiler bark a lot
Rottweilers don’t bark much. They are quiet, calm dogs. Rottweilers are not a vocal breed; In fact, many owners rarely hear their Rottweiler bark. They will bark when there is a reason to bark, but generally respond quietly to their surroundings.
Are Rottweilers smart?
Rottweilers are intelligent and easily trainable if you are firm and consistent. Rottweilers will test you to see if you really mean what you say. Be specific about what you ask and don’t leave gaps for them to exploit. Rottweilers need a few 10- to 20-minute walks or playtimes each day.
How long does it take for a Rottweiler to get pregnant?
Your Rottweiler can get pregnant for approximately 63 days.
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Fact Check
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Reference: Wikipedia
