| Getting to know your dog starts by getting to | | | | are even black splotches on the inside of the |
| know its breed, and that includes getting a | | | | mouth. The one most prominent feature of |
| better idea about its appearance, | | | | this breed is the head, which appears to be a |
| personality, and health requirements. Here's | | | | little over-sized. Giving the dog its look |
| what you need to know about the Rottweiler: | | | | of being alert, the forehead is wrinkly. |
| | | | This dog also has teddy bear eyes, often with |
| The Rottweiler dog, often referred to as a | | | | a calm but alert expression. In comparison |
| "Rottie," is an amazing creature that has | | | | to the head, the Rottweiler has small ears, |
| been given a bad name over the years due to | | | | laid close to the head. Even the coat of |
| it getting into the wrong hands. This large | | | | this breed is special, being of medium length |
| dog is indeed powerful and robust but also | | | | with an undercoat that is waterproof. |
| sweet and eager to please. The Rottweiler | | | | |
| originated from Germany although it has also | | | | Although a Rottweiler is born with a tail, |
| been linked to Roman Empire days as well. | | | | these are generally docked extremely short. |
| With people traveling long distances with | | | | The reason is that Rottweilers used for |
| cattle, this breed of dog was helpful with | | | | working can have problems with the tail |
| herding duties, along with protection from | | | | breaking and then getting infected from being |
| prey or robbers. | | | | in the field. In most cases, a reputable |
| | | | veterinarian will perform the minor surgery |
| Sometime around the end of the 19th century, | | | | while the dog is still in the puppy stage, |
| the Rottweiler's popularity had dramatically | | | | which allows less pain and a quicker healing. |
| declined. However, with the start of WWII, | | | | |
| this breed's popularity level again began to | | | | Finally, this particular breed has a broad, |
| climb, as the need for a strong, obedient, | | | | strong chest. Because of the extra room, the |
| and intelligent dog was needed for police | | | | lungs have much more capacity than that of |
| work. The Rottweiler fit the need perfectly. | | | | other dog breeds. According to the American |
| But something else happened. People also | | | | Kennel Club, the dog's back needs to be |
| discovered that this breed of dog had an | | | | straight (no sloping) and for males, a height |
| extremely loving and loyal side, which now | | | | of 24 to 27 inches with the female hitting |
| made them a popular choice for families. By | | | | about 22 to 25 inches. Weight also varies, |
| 1935, the American Kennel Club had official | | | | males averaging around 110 pounds with |
| recognized the breed for show. | | | | females around 95. |
| | | | |
| Sadly, we still see bad publicity associated | | | | Temperament and Personality |
| with this breed of dog - not because the | | | | |
| breed is ferocious or evil but because | | | | If a Rottweiler is socialized when young, |
| irresponsible owners get their hands on the | | | | introduced to various situations, loved, |
| breed, sometimes teaching them to fight. All | | | | played with, fed properly, exercised, and |
| of this has caused a serious misunderstanding | | | | trained, it would make an outstanding |
| about the Rottweiler, which is a real shame. | | | | addition to just about any home. However, |
| The truth is that while this breed does tend | | | | because there are strong personality traits, |
| to be protective, if the dog is socialized | | | | people have taken an innocent dog, teaching |
| young, handled with a firm hand, and | | | | them to guard drug houses, and even attack |
| introduced to various situations it will make | | | | people. |
| a wonderful, devoted pet that is great with | | | | |
| children and other animals. | | | | Yes, the Rottweiler can be a little stubborn |
| | | | sometimes, even those carefully raised but |
| Physical Appearance | | | | overall, this dog is calm and they live off |
| | | | the attention of owners. The size and |
| This breed of dog looks strong, proud, and | | | | strength of the breed makes them a great |
| almost like royalty. The Rottweiler is black | | | | watchdog. Even though this dog does not bark |
| with beautiful tan markings on the muzzle, | | | | often, when feeling threatened or afraid, the |
| cheeks, chest, eyebrows, and legs. When you | | | | powerful voice is heard. Keep in mind that |
| look closely at the chest markings, you would | | | | this is a strong breed so you want the |
| notice upside-down triangles. Sometimes, a | | | | Rottweiler to be handled by an experienced |
| Rottweiler will also have a small patch of | | | | dog owner. |
| white in between these triangles. For a | | | | |
| family pet, this marking is fine but for | | | | Health |
| showing, it is not. Then, the breed's muzzle | | | | |
| would be tan, with the color going down the | | | | Fortunately, the Rottweiler does not have too |
| throat. Over each eye, there would be a | | | | many health problems. The things you want to |
| brown dot, which serves as the eyebrows. | | | | keep your eyes open for or even have the |
| Other markings include any color on the leg | | | | puppy of interest tested for would include |
| not going up more than one-third, each toe | | | | Hip and/or Elbow Dysplasia, Bloat, various |
| should have a small black mark, and the area | | | | forms of cancer, Inflammatory Bowel Disorder, |
| under the tail would be tan. | | | | Von Willebrand's Disease, thyroid problems |
| | | | such as Hypothyroidism, and eye problems. |
| The Rottweiler also has black nails and there | | | | Also keep an eye on their weight. |