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Rottweiler
Rottweilers have a reputation for being tough and aggressive, but this is usually due to training and socialization rather than characteristics of the breed. Rottweilers can make great pets due to their loyalty and intelligence.
History
Rottweilers are believed to be descendants of Roman herding dogs. In the heyday of the Roman Empire, these dogs traveled to southern Germany, to a town called Rottweil. There was a thriving cattle trade in Rottweil and these dogs were used by the locals as "butcher dogs" to help drive the cattle to market.Rottweilers gained popularity in the 19th century as police dogs, and grew in popularity as pets in the 1970s. Rottweilers are one of the most popular breed in the United States.
Physical description
Rottweilers are medium- to large-sized black dogs with rust markings similar to a Doberman Pinscher’s. They have solid, medium-sized muscular bodies and alert, strong demeanors. Males usually have larger frames and bigger bones than females.
Temperament
From the German Rottweiler standard:
"Good natured, placid in basic disposition and fond of children, very devoted, obedient and willing to work..."
There is no difference between German Rottweilers and American Rottweilers. A Rottweiler is German if it was born in Germany! Tail docking is now banned in Germany; a Rottie born in Germany will have an intact tail.
Rottweilers can have tendencies towards aggression to other dogs. They can be dominant and wilful, and are not an ideal "first dog" unless you are willing to do extensive research and training. Careful breeding and determined training will ensure a better temperament.
Dog Care
Rottweilers have the following basic needs:
- Exercise -- Rottweilers need a good amount of exercise to maintain wellbeing and good health. They need time for exercise and play.
- Grooming – Rottweilers are heavy shedders and need regular grooming. They also can drool!
- Living conditions – Rottweilers need strong socialization and training. They should be part of the family as they are very devoted dogs.
- Diet – A good-quality diet is essential to ensuring the long-term health of your Rottweiler. The best diet for your dog is homemade fresh food, but that is usually not realistic for most owners. The next best thing is a high quality commercial food.
Health Issues
- Gassiness and flatulence
- Excessive shedding
- Drooling, especially in larger male dogs
- Tendency to chronic joint problems and cancer in middle age
American Kennel Club Category
Life Expectancy
This breed has a somewhat short life expectancy of between eight and ten years.
Rottweilers on This Site:
Additional Information:
- Rottweiler - Discussions, Information & Pictures
- Rottweiler Online Community - DogBreed.org
- Rottweilers
- Rott Net dot Net - Rottweiler Rescue Connection for Ethically Certified Rottweiler Rescues
Latest page update: made by sands904
, May 2 2008, 4:30 PM EDT
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Keyword tags:
dog breeds
german
herd
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(Showing the last 5 of 8 - view all)
| Started By | Thread Subject | Replies | Last Post | |
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| Anonymous | My Boys | 1 | Aug 17 2007, 7:34 PM EDT by Anonymous | |
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Thread started: May 25 2007, 5:52 PM EDT
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I have a Rott a Dobie/Rott mix and a Dobe, all three are the best family dogs I could ever hope for! This is due to the amount of time and training put into them. I work with my dogs daily, when you bring a working breed dog into your life, they truely do need a job, I can not stress how important good obedience is please research OB classes. Most destrictive behavior (in any dog) comes from being board, under excersised, or lack of leadership in the home. Rotts are people dogs, not ment to be left outside with no contact. I adore my block headed boy, yes they shed, yes they drool, but to come home every day to that face and wiggly butt you cant go wrong!
Please make sure to really research the breed, and if you are a first time owner, contact a local vet to get an idea of overall expenses like heartworm and rabies, , a great way to test it (so to say) is contact a local rescue, and offer to help out, and if you feel you are ready, foster a dog, , not only will you be making sure that you are ready for a Rott, but you can save a life to! Remember getting a dog is a lifetime committment, please keep that in mind. And that no dog will be the perfect dog when it walks in the door, , it does take alot time effort, but the rewards are priceless! Good luck! |
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| Anonymous | German versus American Rotweilers | 4 | Jul 28 2007, 5:19 PM EDT by Anonymous | |
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Thread started: Mar 19 2007, 11:53 PM EDT
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In the description it was mentioned that there is no difference between German and American Rotweilers but there is a difference! American Rotweilers tend to have a longer and thinner snout than the German and French Rotweilers. The European Rotweilers I find more attractive becuase of that.
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| Anonymous | Life Expectancy | 6 | Jul 20 2007, 2:05 PM EDT by Anonymous | |
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Thread started: May 21 2006, 12:52 PM EDT
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I can't believe they have such a short life!
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| Averyman | Get more pictures! | 0 | Feb 8 2007, 10:39 AM EST by Averyman | |
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Thread started: Feb 8 2007, 10:39 AM EST
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You might know this but, if you go to google.com and click images, type in any dog name to see millions of pictures of it ! (or anything else)
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| Carina | Never chain a dog! | 7 | Feb 1 2007, 11:00 AM EST by Anonymous | |
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Thread started: Sep 3 2006, 5:31 AM EDT
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Please reconsider the main photo - keeping any dog on a chain is a terrible idea and high drive dogs who crave being with their humans are especially prone to behaviour problems due to frustration and loneliness. Most dogs who bite are "outside" or chained dogs.
Rottweilers can make excellent family dogs and if raised right, most do well with other pets, although they may not do well with other same-sex dogs. Rottweilers do NOT need "exercise to relieve aggression" as they are not inherently aggressive dogs. They do need training, jobs to do, socialization and exercise for general well being. Did I mention training? They love to work, it's what they were bred for. No dog should be relegated to a back yard. If you do not want a dog to be a part of your household, do not get a dog. Never buy ANY dog from the newspaper, online or from a pet store. Please consider rescue, or a reputable, code of ethics breeder. A well bred Rottweiler often costs less than an online or pet store Rottweiler. Never ever let your Rottweiler get fat. Most that I see are overweight. This is very bad for their joints. I have owned and worked Rottweilers for 20 years. |
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(Showing the last 5 of 8 - view all)