A colossus with a heart of gold: the Rottweiler is a strong , courageous and self-confident dog, which also knows how to show its fangs when...
A colossus with a heart of gold: the Rottweiler is a strong, courageous and self-confident dog, which also knows how to show its fangs when used as a police or guard dog. But as a companion dog, he reveals his gentle, affectionate, loyal and cuddly side.
Rottweiler Article Contents:
- Characteristics of the Rottweiler
- Appearance of the Rottweiler
- History
- Rottweiler breeding and education
- Adoption
- Rottweiler health and care
Characteristics of the Rottweiler
The FCI breed standard which recognizes the breed under number 147 (group 2: Pinscher, Schnauzer, Molossoid, Swiss Mountain Dogs and small molossoid dogs) describes the Rottweiler as a dog with a "peaceful and gentle disposition", affectionate, obedient and loving to children. Despite its calm and docile temperament, the Rottweiler is regularly discredited and even appears in some countries on the list of potentially dangerous dogs. In action and horror movies, he often takes the role of the aggressive and biting beast. And even in reality, he is regularly cited in incidents of attacks. The fault lies with the people who raised these dogs to be aggressive and who behaved badly with them. But it also comes from a lack of love for the animal, which leads to a lack of education or a lax education and leads to aggressive behavior.
If you want to know the nature of a Rottweiler, you must, as with most other breeds, examine the behavior of its master. If he is in responsible and experienced hands and receives a good education, the Rottweiler will be a well-balanced, affectionate and enthusiastic dog, no more dangerous than any other dog of his size. A well socialized Rottweiler can also be a good companion dog and a very loyal companion. Although he will usually obey only one person, he will be loyal and affectionate to other members of the family. The Rottweiler welcomes children in a gentle and open manner. Living together with other animals is generally problem-free.
Even with its developed and muscular body, the Rottweiler can be a calm and relaxed animal. When outside, however, this sporty and powerful dog becomes active again. He loves dog toys, letting off steam and enjoying dog sports where he can really spend his energy. Physical activity is also good for his mental health. It is when he is stimulated physically and mentally that the Rottweiler can be calm and relaxed. As a result, he is very rarely nervous or aggressive.
He greets strangers with suspicion, but well-behaved dogs keep a safe distance. His protective instincts, courageous character and powerful body make him capable of defending property and people, but he will only do so if his master asks him to do so. His strong nerves and willingness to work enable him to carry out his tasks intelligently and make him an ideal companion, service and utility dog.
Appearance of the Rottweiler
The Rottweiler has the best predisposition to help the police and the army, not least because of its physical appearance. His muscular body and his thick and strong jaw with 42 teeth earn him a certain respect. His imposing figure is full of energy and strength. In spite of his corpulence, a solid and broad back and a fairly high chest, the Rottweiler does not have a coarse appearance. On the contrary, his legs reveal his agility and endurance. Male Rottweilers have a height at the withers of 61 to 68 cm and weigh 50 kg, female Rottweilers have a height of 56 to 63 cm and weigh 42 kg. The short, thick coat of the Rottweiler consists of shiny black undercoat with brown patches. These are arranged on the cheeks, muzzle, underneath the neck, chest, and legs, as well as above the eyes and under the tail, and are clearly distinguishable from the black color. Their triangular ears are highly positioned on their broad, medium-long heads. Their developed muzzle, which predestines them to be sniffer dogs, is rather broad and round. It is the same color as their lips: black.
Rottweiler History
The Romans already knew how to appreciate the power and endurance of this remarkable agile dog. The Roman shepherds used the ancestors of the present Rottweiler as sheep and cattle dogs. The Rottweiler therefore belongs to one of the oldest breeds in the world. With the help of these tenacious and courageous dogs, Roman legionnaires sent their herds of cattle to the various cattle markets of the Roman Empire. The ancestors of this dog therefore come from the town of Rottweiler, which until the 19th century was a historic cattle market and which gave its name to the breed. Cattle and sheep from Rottweiler were taken to Breisgau, Alsace and the Neckar valley. The local butchers, who ran the cattle trade, soon recognized the usefulness of the breed and began to breed these working dogs. These animals known as "butcher's dogs" were bred for several centuries especially for their intelligence and endurance. Thanks to their great alertness, unconditional protective instinct and efficiency, they became indispensable dogs for local butchers. These brave and skillful animals not only watched over the livestock, but also protected their masters and property against wild animals and bandits. In the markets of the Middle Ages, where traders and butchers sold their wares, it was the dogs who had a collar with a leather pouch to hold the money from the sales. Even cunning thieves were no match for these strong and vigilant dogs. It was later in the Middle Ages that the original Rottweil breed developed in other regions. However, the breed soon lost its original usefulness as a watchdog and a leader of cattle troops. The arrival of railways and vehicles made it possible to transport cattle faster. However, unlike other breeds, the Rottweiler continued to be in demand.
It was when the police tested different breeds of dogs at the beginning of the 20th century, that the usefulness of the Rottweilers was quickly detected. In 1910 he was officially recognized as a service dog. Still today, Rottweilers are often used to help the police or to protect borders.
Rottweiler breeding and education
In Rottweilers breeding, the characteristics required to become a service dog always play a decisive role. In addition to alertness, courage and strength, breeders place great importance on the psychic resistance and strong nerves of their dogs. It is their self-confidence and mental balance that make them loyal and reliable partners. Obedience is also one of the most important conditions for reproduction. Even as a companion dog, the Rottweiler must have strong nerves and be balanced and obedient. In order to develop these characteristics, not only a serious breeding but also a solid and consistent education is required. The important thing is to start educating and socializing him when he is still a puppy. All young Rottweilers are ready to integrate and learn. These active and willing dogs need to know in good time the limits not to be crossed. They must especially learn during his first 9 months to contain his strength and follow the instructions of his masters. Also, integration into the family must be done as early as possible.
This dog of a distrustful nature must be delicately and patiently prepared for the arrival of new people or situations. A Rottweiler has an innate protective instinct, and only with good education will he become a gentle and kind companion dog. A well-trained and socialized Rottweiler early on will become a loyal and loving companion who will be there for his family in any situation. He will certainly be an enrichment for all dog-lovers.
It becomes clear very quickly that this breed is however not for everyone. Rottweilers need experienced masters who, in addition to having knowledge, are calm and serene. Uncertain or nervous personalities will not be heard by these very confident dogs. In addition, people interested in Rottweilers must give them enough strength and stability to set them on the right path. This is especially true for males, which can develop great strength with a weight of more than 50 kg. It is therefore best to adopt a female Rottweiler as a companion dog. People buying Rottweilers should seek advice on the right education and lifestyle for this dog.
Rottweiler Adoption
An irresponsible breeder with incomplete or poor education can lead to dangerous behavior in the Rottweiler. If he is not educated and is raised inappropriately, then unfortunately we will still hear about the notorious Rottweiler attacks. Since 2001, the Rottweiler is registered on the list of dangerous dogs in some German Länder. This means that people who wish to adopt one face certain limits. A character test has to be done and validated. In France, these people must have a possession permit, a certificate of aptitude, and make a declaration at the town hall.
Before adopting a Rottweiler, it is important to find out exactly what conditions are required.
Rottweiler health and care
Although the training of this particular breed of dog is not without difficulties, and even a challenge, the care of the Rottweiler requires little time. Their short coat seldom needs to be brushed, but during the molting period it needs to be massaged regularly with protective rubber gloves.
The robust and muscular Rottweiler is even resistant to disease. As with many dogs of his size and weight, the Rottweiler is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. The ADRK Rottweiler Club provides an X-ray during the breeding approval examination which shows the genetic disposition to this joint disease. In addition, heart diseases have also been diagnosed in recent years, such as aortic stenosis.
Generally, a balanced Rottweiler-specific diet and physical activity minimize the risk of disease, as in humans. For Rottweilers that are not service dogs but companion dogs, mental and physical activity is essential. Obedience, courses or agility meet this need. Even Rottweilers who jog with their handlers on a leash or harness for running do not necessarily need a running track, but rather the satisfaction of having completed a task. Team sports are also very important to have a good relationship with your dog.
People who have enough time and willingness to devote themselves to this particular breed, who want to give a consistent education and attach importance to mental and physical stimulation, will have a proud Rottweiler at their side who will not only protect them, but above all who will also be a gentle, kind and reliable friend. Quite simply a dog who is not left to his own devices in the face of his incredible strength.
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