Mary Allen
The Rottweiler hails from Rottweil, a town near the Black Forest. Its original name is Rottweiler Metzgerhund because it was originally used to pull the meat delivery man’s cart, among other tasks.
The Rottweiler was also used as a guard dog and as a herding dog. Its true roots are unknown, but it has existed in its current form for more than 150 years.
Rottweiler – popular for its unwavering loyalty
During the First World War, this breed earned the highest recognition as war and police dog and became known far beyond the borders of Germany. He was first registered with the American Kennel Club in 1935. In England, he was slow to make friends (first recorded in 1965). Today it is mainly used as a police and guard dog, but also as a house and the family dog.
The Rottweiler is well-loved by its owners for its unwavering loyalty, suitability as a guard dog, and strong, attractive appearance. This is both a curse and a blessing for this breed because too often it is misused as a “status symbol” and thus falls into the wrong hands. If you want to keep him as a family and house dog, you should be aware that this breed needs a lot of exercise and exercise. Rottweilers were and are working dogs that just don’t get enough of a lap around the block.
In addition, they usually defend their territory very consistently, so that they should be trained lovingly but consistently by a competent owner with dog experience. Otherwise, Rottweilers can also become dangerous dogs due to their territorial behavior, their alertness, and their enormous strength. However, this can be counteracted with exercise and good socialization from puppyhood onwards.
He is sweet with children (but like any dog should never be left unsupervised with them), playful, and friendly with people he knows. Rottweilers tend to be reserved with strangers, but not unfriendly.
Appearance
The Rottweiler has a strong, muscular build of square build with a straight back, broad chest, and tucked-up belly. Its head is powerfully developed and the snout with its straight bridge of the nose is as long as the skull. He has a particularly strong scissor bite.
The triangular, high-set ears hang down. Its medium-length, coarse top coat lies over the fine black, gray, or reddish undercoat, which, however, must not show through. The black coat has reddish-brown markings, which, however, may not cover more than one-tenth of the entire coat. The short docked bobtail should measure around 4 cm.
Care
A Rottweiler is fairly easy to care for. In order to remove the loose hair during the change of fur, a rubber nubbed glove is recommended – this allows you to work more carefully than with a normal brush. If you want to make the coat shine, lotions or shine sprays can be used. Otherwise: shorten nails and keep ear canals free.
Temperament
Despite its reputation for being aggressive at times, the Rottweiler is one of the most reliable dogs, as long as it is treated according to its needs and character. As a typical guard dog, he behaves aggressively towards strangers from time to time.
His master must always be aware of this fact. The Rottweiler is not a nervous animal, but they generally do not appreciate being petted by strangers. Also as a playmate, he is not suitable for everyone. Animals of this breed must therefore be trained to be obedient and should be under strict command. More so than with other mastiff-like dogs, a Rottweiler must never be given conflicting commands.
If a certain behavior is undesirable, this must always be requested in a friendly but firm manner. Contrasting commands confuse the animal, which is very methodical and habit-loving. If the dog doesn’t know which command to obey, it will increasingly do what it wants and gradually become uncontrollable.
Force should never be used on this dog. His master must be determined and consistent in his upbringing, but at the same time create space for an intimate relationship. Rottweilers like to be talked to a lot, even if they don’t understand the words, because they instinctively sense the closeness that conversations build between master and dog.
Rottweilers should not be chained as this will always lead to aggressive behavior. If all these points are taken into account, then this breed proves to be a loyal, child-loving, and affectionate animal for the entire family, which will surely protect the people and property of its family.
Upbringing
Rottweilers easily develop a slightly stronger character; They, therefore, need an owner who shows what is “right” and what is “wrong” right from the start with a calm, loving but consistent upbringing. Then the Rottweiler is a great companion in all situations.
Rottweilers have a keen sense of vocal pitch changes, which is great for training. Dog experience is therefore a must. Rottweilers are good guard dogs and compete successfully in performance competitions.
Compatibility
When raised in a balanced and consistent manner, a Rottweiler is a loyal and devoted companion to “his family” and a good playmate for the children. Cats and other pets should be accepted without problem if the dog has been raised with them from puppyhood.
Rottweilers often act a little pushy and rude towards other dogs. Training is important here in order to be able to offer them the support that every dog needs when meeting dogs. Acquaintances of the family are usually greeted enthusiastically. Strangers, on the other hand, usually don’t get any further than the garden gate – then the Rotti shows why he was used as a guard dog.
Area of life
The Rottweiler hardly feels the cold and can sleep in an insulated outdoor kennel even in winter. However, the animal needs a close relationship with its master if you want to breed an animal with character. Even living in an apartment is not difficult for him.
Movement
You should ensure that there is sufficient exercise because the Rottweiler needs a lot of exercises. He loves running in the woods and on the heath and usually shows no inclination to run away. Swimming or running next to the bike are also good options for physical exercise. This dog is also enthusiastic about retrieving.