Rottweiler
Posted: 02/14/2023 | BY: Content Writer
Rottweiler Dog Breed Profile
Pet profile
Perfect for more active families who love spending time outdoors.
- Large (56cm to 69cm)
- Typically weighing between 35kg and 60kg
- 8 to 10 years life expectancy
In general, Rottweilers are very loyal dogs to those they love but can be cautious of strangers. This means it may take a while for a Rottweiler to warm up to someone, but once they’ve built that trust they will be bonded for life.
It’s important to socialize your rottweiler puppy well at a young age to ensure that dominance and territorial instincts are managed responsibly. They are not instinctually friendly dogs, instead, they are protectors.
The Rottweiler is a dog that really doesn’t know its own size, so if you’re considering adopting one of these smart but soppy dogs, expect to have your endurance tested by a pooch who loves to lean on you, and even curl up on your lap!
Rottweilers sadly suffer from a bad reputation as being aggressive and ferocious. This is because a sudden surge in the popularity of these dogs during the mid 20th century led to irresponsible breeding as people tried to advertise the dogs as tough dogs.
In fact, if raised well by responsible owners and properly socialized, the Rottweiler is a wonderfully even mannered dog that makes a wonderful companion.
Depending on its heritage, the Rottweiler’s temperament can vary significantly, so it’s a good idea to make sure you can meet both parents of a puppy or spend some time with an adult dog to assess its personality traits before adopting one.
History of Rottweiler Dogs
The rottweiler dog breed originates in Ancient times, dating all the way back to the Roman Empire, originally bred from Asian Mastiffs. They were Roman drover dogs taken to southern Germany and became the foundation for many german dog breeds.
Centuries later, the dog breed became working dogs in Germany in the cattle town of Rottweil.
They would move and protect the herds earning the name Rottweiler Metzgerhund which translates to butcher’s dog of Rottweil. The german rottweiler has always been a popular breed.
Then in the 1800s, the breed started being used as a police dog because they are natural guard dogs, highly intelligent, and trainable.
Rottweilers were also some of the first dogs used as guides for the blind, and more recently have been great for search and rescue. They were used as search and rescue dogs during the 9/11 aftermath in the United States.
Characteristics of Rottweiler Dogs
Rottweiler dogs are black with brown markings on the face and paws with a medium-length outer coat.
They are large dogs with an often intimidating bark a desire to protect their loved ones, making them a natural guard dog.
An adult rottie dog size stands at 24-27 inches tall and can weigh between 80-135 pounds! Their life span is between 9-10 years.
Rottweilers are said to have a self-assured aloofness. It is recommended to take your rottweiler to a puppy kindergarten class for consistent training, socialization, and for you to have a better understanding of this large dog breed.
With proper training and mental stimulation, Rottweilers are playful and silly dogs who often don’t know their own size and think they are small dogs that can fit on your lap. They are the perfect cuddle buddy.
Adopting A Rottweiler From A Breeder Or Rescue
When adopting a rottweiler dog, it is recommended to adopt a rottweiler puppy from a reputable breeder that is recognized by the American Kennel Club, American Rottweiler Club, or International Rottweiler Club.
Adopting rottweiler puppies from reputable breeders will reduce the chance of genetic health problems that can arise, and ensure you are adopting from rottweiler breeders who properly care for dogs avoiding any aggression.
You can also adopt from rottweiler rescues or even animal shelters, but it is best to avoid puppy mills or a pet store.
Exercise And Nutrition of Rottweiler Dogs
Rottweilers are large dogs that can never get enough exercise, they’ll happily walk, swim, or run around all day if given the chance, but it’s recommended to give them around 2 hours of physical exercise a day.
If getting enough exercise, they will usually be calm and relaxed whilst in the home, and only unleash the full pelt of their energy whilst outdoors.
As incredibly intelligent dogs, rottweilers need adequate mental stimulation as well as physical.
Many rottweiler dogs excel at agility dog sports, which combines both mental and physical exercise, but there are many other activities that will stretch your dog’s mind. Some ideas include advanced obedience training, hide and seek, or tracking games.
A Rottweiler puppy will require being fed multiple times a day. When they reach the age of an adult Rottweiler, they have a tendency to overeat and put on weight their diet should be carefully controlled and be low in fat.
Talk to your veterinarian about the best diet for your specific Rottie, as everyone is unique.
Common Health Problems and Illnesses of Rottweilers
Rottweilers do have their share of health issues, which is why it’s a good idea to take out dog insurance for your Rottweiler puppy while they’re still young.
Bloat is a serious health problem that can lead to gastric torsion, a condition whereby the dog’s stomach twists and cuts off circulation to the stomach and spleen.
This condition can be fatal if left untreated, so it’s important to recognize the signs and seek veterinary advice as soon as possible.
In a Rottweiler Breed Club health survey of over 1000 Rottweilers, 43% of them lost their lives to cancer.
The most common cancer in Rottweilers is bone cancer, which can be horribly painful for such an active dog. Close treatment will be required as well as pain management for your dog.
Rottweilers sadly suffer from orthopedic diseases disproportionately compared to other breeds, this occurs when the head of a bone doesn’t fit properly in its socket.
A huge 21% of Rottweilers will suffer from hip dysplasia and an even bigger 39% are affected by elbow dysplasia.
Rottweilers can be prone to many eye diseases including cataracts, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), and eyelid deformities. Some of these can lead to blindness but swift treatment can slow down this process.
Aortic stenosis and right ventricular cardiomyopathy are two of the most common heart problems affecting Rottweilers.
Cardiomyopathy is an inherited condition that causes bleeding in the heart and is sometimes known as arrhythmia. Aortic stenosis occurs when the aortic valve narrows and obstructs the normal flow of blood in the heart.
A veterinarian can normally identify if your dog is suffering from one of these conditions during a routine check-up. If diagnosed early, aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy can be easily treated with medication.
Fun Facts About Rottweiler Dogs
- The Rottweiler can be traced all the way back to Roman times when they were used to drive the herds that fed the army as it traveled through Europe.
- The Rottweiler has won the hearts of several celebrities with owners including Will Smith, Bruno Mars, Leonardo Di Caprio, and Robbie Williams.
- Rottweilers love having a job to do, whilst in the past they herded cattle and pulled carts, today they are used as search and rescue dogs, guard dogs, and police dogs.
- It’s not all about the muscle, Rottweilers have also been known to make excellent therapy dogs due to their sensitive natures.
- The Rottie litter is pretty big. Due to their large body size mother, Rottweiler dogs can carry on average 8-12 puppies, but many larger litters have been known.
