Menu
A male Rottweiler will stand anywhere from 24 to 27 muscle on the shoulder; Females run a little shorter and lighter. The glossy, short black coat, with marks of smart rust, adds to the photo of applying strength. The largely muscular headquarters powers the spontaneous trotting gait of the roti.
A well-bred and well-raised loaf will be quiet and confident, courageous but not unduly aggressive. The outward behavior of these world-class guardians present to outsiders defies the fickleness and utter stupidity, which gives bread to their loved ones. (Nobody told Roti that he is not a toy breed, so he is liable to land on your lap for a fling.) Initial training and socialization will use the regional trend of bread in a positive way.
The Roman Empire was the organized force behind the early years of Western Europe, and many of the tasks forever altered by the Roman genius for practical problem solving included dog breeding.
When the Roman armies were conquered and marched to the far corners of the world, they brought their flocks with them as food on the hoof. The army needed strict, durable dogs to move and protect the herd. Using the Asian Mastiff types as breeding stock, the Romans developed the distant ancestor of today’s Rottweiler. For centuries armies struggled to contain Germanic armies, the so-called barbaric hoards, largely on the empire’s northern borders. The dogs the Romans brought to these areas became the foundation for many German breeds.
In the centuries following the fall of the empire, Roman driving dogs found work in the cattle town of Rottweil. It was here, transporting herds from the pasture to the market and protecting all concerned on the way from the bandits and headscarves, that they earned the name of Rottweiler Metzgerhund, or Butchers Dog of Rottweil.
The bread career ended in livestock with the rise of railroad cattle cars in the 1800s. They found new jobs as police dogs, personal guards, and blue-collar dogs capable of performing various heavyweights. Roti was among the first guide dogs for the blind, and in recent times he distinguished himself as a search-rescue worker at disaster sites such as Oklahoma City and the World Trade Center.
Considering the number of roles the breed has played during its long history, it is notable that the butcher’s dog has changed little in form and temperament since its first German breed standard was formulated in 1901.
The ideal Rottweiler is a medium large, strong and powerful dog, black with clearly defined rust marks. Their compact and substantial construction reflects great strength, agility and endurance. Dogs are particularly larger with larger frames and heavier bones than dogs. The bitches are distinctly feminine, but without any weakness of substance or structure.
The gestation period in lasts for 60-64 days The primary period of the reproductive cycle of the female is called Proestrus and goes on for around 9 days. During this time the females begin to draw in males. The subsequent part is the Estrus when the bitch is receptive to the male. It goes on for around 3 to 11 days. The third part is the Diestrus. Usually, it happens around day 14. In this period the bitch’s discharge changes for distinctive red and reaching its end. The vulva gets back to average, and she will no longer allow mating. The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time span between heat periods ordinarily keeps going around a half year. The litter size ranges between 6 to 8 puppies at a time’
The Rottweiler has a straight, thick, medium-length outer coat that is flat. The undercoat is present on the neck and thighs. She should be brushed weekly and bathed regularly. He sheds only very commonly for most of the time of the year, although he will shed more deeply twice a year, usually in spring and autumn. His teeth should be brushed and nails trimmed weekly. The use of a grinding tool such as Dremel is particularly effective in trimming nails.
The Rottweiler should be trained at the very beginning of his life. Leadership, puppy socialization, basic training classes, and staying in the owner’s home are the keys to growing a well-powered Rottweiler. Rottweilers are “people dogs” who are not isolated from humans and life experiences. No matter the breed, dogs should live in this world with strange animals and people. One breed breed expert noted, “As a Rottweiler owner, it is my responsibility to spend time, energy and money giving my dog the opportunity to learn on a day-to-day basis.” The breed is intelligent, highly trained and wants to please, although some may be stubborn. It is very important that discipline should be consistent, fair and firm rather than rigid. Roughhouseing with the Rottweiler can encourage aggression and should be avoided. Rottweilers excel in many dog sports, and the breed works with human companions in many functional roles.
Rottweilers especially like to swim, walk and roam with their people. The breed is muscular and athletic, and should have the opportunity to exercise on a daily basis. If meant to work, Rottweilers learn to drive easily and are excellent workers in shepherding, tracking and obedience. There is no limit to the movements of the dog that Rottweiler can learn to do. Being overweight is not good for any dog, and exercise can help keep your rottweiler fit and healthy.
The Rottweiler should perform well on high quality dog food, whether it is commercially manufactured or prepared at home with the supervision and approval of your vet. Any diet should be appropriate for the age of the dog (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are at risk of being overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight levels. Treatment training can be an important aid, but giving too much can lead to obesity. Know which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not. Contact your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water must be available at all times.
Prior to reproduction, responsible Rottweiler breeders have potential sire and dam tests for health problems such as hip dysplasia, which can be detected through X-rays that deformity of the hip joint; Eye diseases and heart conditions. Cancer sometimes occurs in the breed, as in all dogs. Gerald P. David Waters of the Murphy Cancer Foundation, Ph.D., DVM has conducted research focused on cancer prevention funded by the Rottweiler Health Foundation. Dr. Waters has found that cancer and longevity are linked to a carefully vaccinated diet, thus strengthening the immune system, as well as keeping men and women intact until at least six years of age.
Recommended health tests from the National Breed Club: