Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is a large dog breed originating in Germany as herding dogs. It is a hardy and very intelligent breed. Early Rottweilers worked as beasts of burden, carrying wood and other products to market. During the first and second World Wars, Rottweilers were put into service as war time guard dogs. Currently they are frequently used as guard and police dogs. The Rottweiler was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1931.

The breed is almost always black with clearly defined tan or mahogany markings on the cheeks, muzzle, chest and legs. The coat is medium length and consists of a waterproof undercoat and a coarse top coat. Rottweiler coats tend to be low maintenance, although they experience shedding during their periods. The Rottweiler stands 61 to 68 cm (24-27 inches) at the withers for males, and 56 to 62.5 cm (22-25 inches) for females. Average weight is 50 - 55 kg (100-120 pounds) for males and 42 kg (90-100 pounds) for females.

In the hands of a responsible owner, a well trained and socialized Rottweiler can be a reliable, alert dog and a loving companion. Rottweilers that are well trained and cared for can be as well behaved as any other dog and, in general, quick to learn. The Rottweiler is a working dog that is also good for guard duties.

The Rottweiler is a steady dog with a self-assured nature, but early socialization and exposure to as many new people, animals, and situations as possible is very important in developing these qualities. The Rottweiler also has a natural tendency to assert dominance if not properly trained. Rottweilers' large size and strength make this an important point to consider: an untrained, poorly trained, or abused Rottweiler can learn to be extremely aggressive and destructive and, if allowed to run at large, can pose a significant physical threat to humans or other animals. They can be strong-willed and should be trained in a firm and consistent manner. The owner must be perceived by the dog as the leader. If the owner fails to achieve this status the Rottweiler will readily take on the role. Aggression in Rottweilers is associated with poor breeding, poor handling, lack of socialization, natural guarding tendencies, and especially abuse.

The Rottweiler is not usually a barker. Male dogs are silent watchers that notice everything before they attack. When the male attacks, he tends to go very still, makes no warning growl or movement. Females may become problem barkers in order to protect their den. An attentive owner is usually able to recognize when a Rottweiler perceives a threat. Barking is usually a sign of annoyance with external factors (car alarms or other disturbances) rather than a response to actual threats.

The breed has received some negative publicity. In the US, the Rottweiler is the number two breed of dog named in fatal human attacks from 1979 to 1998 in a report by the CDC. Rottweilers are a powerful breed with well developed genetic guarding and herding instincts, and prey drive. Dangerous behavior in Rottweilers potentially results from irresponsible ownership, abuse, neglect, or lack of socialization. This tendency may extend towards other animals as well. Because of their size, power and weight, an aggressive rottweiler can cause a higher level of damage than a smaller, weaker dog. Often injuries and maulings occur when an owner or passerby tries to separate fighting dogs, or unintentionally triggers a guarding behavior in a dog. Rottweilers are not recommended for people who have little experience with dogs or understand little about dog psychology and responsible canine ownership.

Osteosarcoma-bone cancer, Glaucoma, Canine Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis, Murmurs, Sub-Aortic Stenosis, Irritable Bowel Disease, Colitis, Gastritis, and Ulcers are some of the major health concerns with Rottweilers.