Rottweiler dogs
Thinking about
Rottweiler dogs as a companion?
Height: Males 61-68cm (24-26 inches);
Females 56-63cm (22-25 inches) at the shoulder Group Lifespan: 10-12 years Who is the Rottweiler?A powerful, fearless yet biddable and affectionate dog, Rottweiler dogs are intelligent and eager to work. Breed historyThe ancestry of the ‘Rottie’, as it is often called, is lost in time but it may have originated when the Roman legions marched through Germany 2000 years ago. The Romans brought cattle with them and used large, powerful dogs to herd and guard them. The Roman dogs cross-bred with local dogs around the town of Rottweil in Germany and when the Romans moved on, the dogs remained, changing slightly over the years but remaining a stalwart and reliable working dog. World War I saw a revival of the Rottweiler as a police and guard dog and it steadily grew in popularity in many countries. Today, it remains a popular security dog and its steadfastness, affectionate nature towards its family and loyalty have made it one of the most popular puppy breeds in Australia. Personality
Good with children?Rottweiler dogs are generally not suitable for young families and they should be socialized with children at an early age. However, a well-socialized and well-trained Rottie will be devoted to his family and can make a great family companion. Exercise needsLike many large dogs, the Rottweiler does not need a great deal of exercise but must be walked daily and not overfed. A bored Rottie left in a backyard on its own can become quite destructive so it should be given plenty of distractions and involved in family activities. HealthRottweiler dogs are generally robust and healthy. They are one of the large dog breeds and are fast-growing so they can be prone to joint and bone problems. Possible health problemsHip and elbow dysplasia (a disease that can cause lameness and arthritis in the hips or elbows) Osteochondritis (inflammation of the cartilage and bone in a joint) Entropion eye (the eyelid folds inward causing discomfort, as the eyelashes rub against the cornea constantly) Ectropion eye (the lower eyelid turns outwards) Good breeders should x-ray or test their dogs for
as many of these
conditions as possible before
breeding, or should avoid breeding from dogs that display the
conditions. GroomingThe Rottweiler's short coat requires little grooming. More information for new puppy owners:Want to know more about buying, raising and caring for a puppy? Check out these PuppyPrimer.com pages: When grooming, remember to check the paws, ears and coat for grass seeds. Also check for any minor injuries and check the teeth to see if they need cleaning. Ideal ownerThe ideal Rottie owner will either be an experienced dog handler or will be ready to learn. The ideal owner will recognise that the dog needs firm, positive training and guidance from an early age and must make sure that it understands its place in the family. Rottweiler dogs must never be abused or trained with harsh methods as this is likely to make it aggressive. A well-socialized and well-trained Rottie can make a superb companion, guard and friend. Return to the top of Rottweiler dogs Go back to Puppy Breeds |
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