05/08/2019
The American Kennel Club recognizes the existence of 178 different dog breeds in the world today. Without question, one of the most intimidating and powerful dog breeds is the Rottweiler. The Rottweiler is immediately identifiable by its thick, muscular frame and jet-black coat. More is known about the Rottweiler’s existence in human society throughout the past two-thousand years than is known about its origins.
Traces to Antiquity
It is a commonly held belief that the Rottweiler breed traces its origins back to the formation and growth of the Roman Empire. During the expansion of the Roman Empire, the massive armies of the Roman Legion required large, mobile food sources. As the armies of Rome marched across Europe, a dog breed that was colloquially referred to as a “Roman mastiff” was used to herd animals crossing the European continent with the legions.
During this time period the Rottweiler was used a guard dog in and around legion camps and served as as a herd dog. By 700 A.D., the German town of Rottweil (Das Rote Wil in German) had become a large trading point for livestock in Europe. The large, muscular dogs were put to use in Rottweil, herding livestock to and from barns, guarding homes, and hauling carts for local butchers. The dog breed eventually took on its official name from the name of this German town in which it was so popular.
By the turn of the 20th century, the Rottweiler was in danger of disappearing. The dogs regained popularity as effective guard dogs in German police forces and were used by German forces during both World War I and World War II. It was not until the 1980s that the Rottweiler gained popularity in the US. Immediately following its introduction in the US, the Rottweiler became widespread throughout the country. At one point the Rottweiler was ranked second in popularity in US homes.
Breed at a Glance
It is hard to miss a Rottweiler walking down the street of a neighborhood. With a large head, muscular body, and broad chest, the sheer size of the dog draws attention. The following are a few of the physical characteristics and traits of the breed:
Height, Weight
Height: 24-27 inches (61-69 cm.) Bi***es 22-25 inches (56-63 cm.)
Weight: Dogs 95-130 pounds (43-59 kg.) Bi***es 85-115 pounds (38-52 kg.)
Health Problems
This age is susceptible to ACL damage as well as hip dysplasia. Also prone to entropion (narrowing of the slit between the eyelids). Tends to snore. Can overeat easily.
Living Conditions
Rottweilers have a moderate need for physical activity. Their power and working history require daily walks to meet their exercise needs. However, they are not known for having extensive endurance. They will do fine in small apartments with adequate exercise.
Exercise
The Rottweiler needs plenty of exercise. You can’t donate these robust dogs exceptionally much work or bustle; they thrive on irrefutable. They need to be taken on a daily step or jog. spread out in the woods and in eventuate principality makes them very happy and they conclude no desire to traipse from you. Swimming or running after a bicycle are perfect activities for this dog and authentic besides loves retrieving a ball.
Life Expectancy
About 10-12 years.
Litter Size
Large litters, often they will have 10 – 12 puppies.
Grooming
The smooth, glossy coat is easy to groom. Brush with a firm bristle brush and bathe only when needed. Fish oil can be added to their diet to prevent their coat from drying out. This breed is a daily shedder.
Mental
Extremely intelligent. Rottweilers are known to be cautious at first around strangers, but can quickly warm to any visitor when properly trained.
Why the Rottweiler is Popular
The Rottweiler is a member of the working dog breed. Over the course of two centuries of work driving cattle and pulling carts, the breed developed a broad chest with a heavily muscled body. Despite its outwardly intimidating appearance, a Rottweiler can also exhibit a softer side. Those who look past the physical appearance will notice a dog that is confident, but calm and in control. Although they often exhibit a heightened level of alertness to their surroundings, Rottweilers are in fact quite mellow in most scenarios.
When it comes to working environments, such as service dogs with police or military units, the Rottweiler’s history as a working dog makes it extremely popular. However, Rottweilers also make exceptional family pets. Their fierce loyalty and calm, intelligent disposition makes them ideal for families as a companion or guard dog.
Raising a Rottweiler
All the power and intelligence of a Rottweiler can be dangerous if it is not properly harnessed early on. Extensive training and socialization are critical when Rottweilers are young. Socialization helps a Rottweiler understand its place in the pack (both as a working dog or family pet) and better prepares it to interact with guests and children.
Training not only provides the dog with guidance and behavioral direction, but it also provides a sense of leadership. If a Rottweiler is not properly trained and senses a lack of leadership, it will take it upon itself to assume a position of leadership. This can have disastrous results, ranging from destructive tendencies around the home to aggressive behavior.
The best thing any owner can do for a Rottweiler is give it a job to do around the house. Rottweilers serving with a police or military unit have a healthy balance between work and play. Performing their job as part of a unit allows the dog to fulfill its natural instinct to work, move, and protect.
Rottweilers kept at home as a pet need something to do as well. Owners need to make a firm commitment to walking a Rottweiler and playing with the dog in the backyard.
