The Rottweiler is well-known for its muscular, massive and powerful body. With a broad head with a rounded forehead, Rottweilers have black, wide nose and a well-developed muzzle. The lips are black, while the inside of the mouth is also dark. The dark, almond-shaped eyes have a medium size.
There are Rottweilers which have blue eyes or one brown and one blue eye, but they are not recognized as Rottweilers in show world as they are not within the written standard of the breed. The ears are triangular and carried forward, while the tails is customarily docked and rear dewclaws often removed. The short, hard and thick coat is black with rust to mahogany markings on the muzzle, cheeks, legs and pawns.
- Temperament
Rottweilers are powerful, brave, loyal, calm, trainable, protective and devoted to their owners and family. They are the best dog breeds for families especially since they are very good with children. The owner of a Rottweiler should be strong minded, calm, but firm and able to manage their massive size and impose his authority. With a reliable temperament and high intelligence, Rottweilers are natural guard dogs, but also useful in police, military and customs work.
Begin training when the dog is still a small puppy. As they need leadership and socialization, Rottweilers should not be kept in a kennel or backyard. When very well trained, they become good playmates for children. Even if Rottweilers generally behave well with friends of the family, they fiercely guard their territory from strangers.
- Height
Dogs: 24-27 inches (61-69 cm)
Bitches: 22-25 inches (56-63 cm)
- Weight
Dogs: 95-130 pounds (43-59 kg)
Bitches 85-115 pounds (38-52 kg)
- Life Expectancy
About 10-12 years
- Health Problems
This breed is prone to ACL damage, hip dysplasia, and entropion. Rottweilers tend to snore and can easily overeat.
- Living Conditions
If properly exercised, Rottweilers can do well in an apartment. As they are rather inactive indoors, a small yard can be enough.
- Exercise
Requiring a lot of exercise, these robust dogs need to be taken on a daily jog or walk. They are extremely happy when they can run in the woods and in open country. They love swimming, running beside a bicycle or retrieving a ball. If you are a rather inactive person you might want to consider other dog breeds that don’t require regular exercises.
- Grooming
The smooth, glossy coat of Rottweilers is very easy to groom. Brush with a firm bristle brush. Bathe only when necessary.
- Origin
It is believed that the Rottweiler descends from the Italian Mastiff, which accompanied the herds that helped the Romans to invade Europe. During the Middle Age, Rottweilers were used as herders, guars, messenger dogs, draught dogs, as well as for police work. This dog was bred in the German town of Rottweiler. As they faced extinction in the 19th century, the breed population made a comeback in the early 20th century thanks to the enthusiastic breeders in Stuttgart. The Rottweiler was recognized by the AKC in 1931.
The talents of this breed include: herding, tracking, carting, guarding, watchdog, search and rescue, police work, guide dogs for the blind, and competitive obedience
Rottweiler Pictures Gallery
