Rottweiler Information
History
The Rottweiler is an old breed, powerful and loyal, with natural protective instincts. Originally, Roman Legions and later German farmers used Rottweilers to drive and guard cattle. The Rottweiler's name originated from the German cattle-marketing town of Rottweil. German butchers used Rottweilers to guard both the money and the meat. When economic conditions changed, the Rottweiler migrated northward spreading into Holland and Scandinavia where it continued as a drover and cart puller, delivering milk from door to door.
Size
Males range from 24" to 27" at the shoulder and should weigh 90 to 130 lbs. Females range from 22" to 25" at the shoulder and should weigh 75 to 110 lbs.
Some Rottweilers are shorter or taller than the heights mentioned above, but they are not typical according to the AKC Rottweiler standard. The Rottweiler is very strong for its size and can very easily knock over a person.
Color
Rottweilers are always black with markings ranging from tan to rust or mahogany, the later being more desirable. Pigmentation of the eyes and mouth should be dark; light eyes or pink mouths are faults (unwanted traits).
Temperament
Rottweilers vary from natural clowns, who are affectionate with almost anyone, to the very reserved, one-person dog. Ideally, they should be calm yet alert companions. These dogs often follow their masters from place to place in the home keeping a constant and sometimes obtrusive watch over their loved ones. Avoid nervous, shy, very excitable, or hyperactive dogs, as these are undesirable behaviors in a dog the size and nature of the Rottweiler.
Aggressiveness
This trait varies with the individual to some degree although all have a strong territorial instinct as adult dogs. A Rottweiler will defend its master's home, car, and property from intruders. Rottweilers may bully or bluff their owners or other family members. This is most disconcerting if one does not expect or know how to handle the situation. This problem can be prevented largely through early and consistent obedience training, socialization and, spaying/neutering.
Protection Instinct
Many families have purchased a Rottweiler for this trait only to discover later that it brings with it a considerable moral and legal responsibility. Problems can arise quickly and seemingly (to a novice) "out of the blue." Do not permit strangers to the dog to come into your home or yard unannounced because the dog does not know the difference between a burglar and a friend or relative. Commonly, Rottweiler will not allow even someone they know into their yard or home when you are not at home.
Your Rottweiler must be carefully schooled through socialization and training to accept your friends into your home. Do not allow roughhousing or playing tug-of-war. People expected to be in contact with the dog while the owners are absent should be thoroughly familiar to the dog long before the owner's departure. Although they usually do not bite without provocation, being cornered by a Rottweiler is a very unnerving experience for meter readers, gardeners, or neighbors coming into the yard when the owner is absent. Always lock gates to keep people and your dog safe.
Training
Developed for its working ability, the Rottweiler often blooms when given a chance to work for its master. It is necessary to establish control over the animal, and obedience training is the easiest and most rewarding way to do so. Your breeder should provide you with guidance in the selection of a training class. However, avoid the very rough trainer. Rottweilers can often be controlled using verbal reprimands, and while they occasionally require strong physical corrections, some trainers tend to be much rougher on this breed than is necessary. This can often cause more problems than it fixes. Obedience is not just men's work; women have been very successful with Rottweilers in obedience and Schutzhund work. Physical mastery of the dog is often less important than sensitive and positive training methods, time, and patience.
Discipline
The Rottweiler is a sensitive, intelligent, and loyal animal and usually wants to please its owner. Occasionally it can be quite stubborn though, and requires more attention. It is imperative that discipline be consistent, fair, and firm without being overly rough. Ownership is not for the timid or very busy person who cannot, or is not, inclined towards careful supervision and enforcement of rules for his or her pet.
Children in the Home
The adaptability of the Rottweiler to small children varies with the individual animal. Many are very tolerant and loving towards toddlers, others resent the sometimes rough treatment a child can inflict. While the Rottweiler tends to be good with the children in their own family, they may not be with other children. One serious problem is the size of the dog. Families have felt forced to give up a much beloved pet because the dog inadvertently caused injuries to small children by bumping into them and knocking them down or into furniture. This bumping is a natural behavior in herding livestock. They will bump and herd children, adults and other pets, and can thus be a problem if your home contains young children or elderly family members. Some breeders recommend waiting until the children are at least school age and preferably older before introducing a Rottweiler into the home. The amount of space in your home, the age of the children, and the amount of time the family has to dedicate to the dog and its training should all be part of your decision whether or not the Rottweiler is the breed for you.
Other Pets in the Home
Rottweilers frequently adapt well to older dogs or cats in the home. Dog-to-dog aggressiveness in influenced by socialization experiences in puppyhood, bloodlines, and sex; males tend to be less tolerant of other males than they are to females. Bitches are often intolerant of either sex. Again, early spay/neuter can help alleviate this problem. You must carefully watch dog-aggressive Rottweilers, as they can cause injury not only to another dog, but also to people trying to intervene in a dogfight. Obedience training, continued socialization and early spay/neuter can control aggressiveness.
Destructiveness
Destructiveness
The Rottweiler's level of destructiveness (digging, chewing, etc.) varies with the age, training, temperament, and activity level of the individual dog. Puppies and young adults less than three years old are the worst offenders. Obedience training, lots of attention, and regular physical exercise can help, but any dog left alone for long periods may do considerable damage to landscaping, furniture, trees, and personal property. Many breeders recommend crate training a puppy and keeping the dog confined while the owner is away for short periods. Do not leave dogs and puppies alone with chew toys or tennis balls as pacifiers as they can tear off sizable chunks and choke or cause an intestinal blockage.
Space Requirements
A large yard with a six ft fence is ideal (although this does not excuse an owner from properly exercising and socializing a dog outside its yard). Some adult Rottweilers live in large apartments successfully, but there is often difficulty with property owners and insurance. If you really do not have the space, think about a smaller breed of dog.
Climate Requirements
The Rottweiler can tolerate cool temperatures better than excessive heat. Do not leave your dog outside in direct sun during the summer. Heat stroke comes on very quickly because of their black coats and thick muscle density. Rottweilers can drop dead due to heat exhaustion. Your breeder should advise you on precautions to take for your local climate. Regardless of the locale, dogs must have shelter from the elements.
