Rottweiler

Size: Large to Extra-Large
Other Names: Rottwell Metzgerhund, Rott, Weily
Country of Origin: Germany
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Working
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Working
United Kennel Club (UKC): Guardian Dog
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Utility
The Kennel Club (KC): Working Dogs
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Working Dogs
National Kennel Club (NKC): Recognized
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Utility

Height:

Male: 24-27 inches; Female: 22-25 inches

Weight:

Male: 110 pounds; Female: 93 pounds

Color(s):

Black, with clearly defined tan or mahogany markings on his cheeks, muzzle, chest, and legs

Coat:

Double; medium-length, coarse, hard, topcoat; waterproof undercoat

Description:

The Rottweiler is a hardy and very intelligent breed, originating as a war and herding dog.  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.

Temperament:

The Rottweiler is brave, powerful, faithful, and a good guard dog.  He is devoted and obedient, and fond of children.  Training, along with proper care, is paramount for the Rottweiler.  Aggression in Rottweilers is associated with poor breeding, poor handling, lack of socialization, natural guarding tendencies, and especially abuse.  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.  However, Rottweilers are not recommended for people who have little experience with dogs or understand little about dog psychology and responsible canine ownership.
Special Note: 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.  Because of their size, power, and weight, an aggressive Rottweiler can cause a higher level of damage than a smaller, weaker dog.  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 (the Pit Bull is number one).  Often injuries and maulings occur when an owner or passerby tries to separate fighting dogs, or unintentionally triggers a guarding behavior in a dog.  An attentive owner is usually able to recognize when a Rottweiler perceives a threat.  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, and if often quite stoic.  Rottweilers are banned in certain areas, and many owners of Rottweilers are forced to obey state leash and muzzle laws.

Training:

The Rottweiler must be property trained in order for him not to assert dominance.  The owner must be perceived by the Rottweiler as the pack leader.  If the owner fails to achieve this status, the Rottweiler will readily take on the role.  An untrained, poorly trained, or abused Rottweiler can become extremely aggressive and destructive.  If not properly trained, with his large size and strength, and if allowed to run at large, the Rottweiler 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.  Early socialization and exposure to as many new people, animals, and situations as possible is very important in developing a rottweiler that is a steady dog with a self-assured nature.

Care & Grooming:

Rottweiler coats tend to be low maintenance.

Shedding:

Moderate; heavier when the undercoat blows.

Health:

Rottweilers may develop hip and elbow dysplasia, cruciate ligament injuries, cancer, and heart disease.  Keep this powerful breed lean and choose breeders who screen hips, elbows, and heart.

Lifespan:

8–10 years

Litter Size:

6–10 puppies