The Rottweiler is a real buddy among the dogs. He is also perfect as a family dog.
Unfortunately, humans have bred him in weight and stature over many years to be a «fighting dog». Fortunately, this has changed again.
Here you can find out what great qualities this breed has and how lovable the «Rotti» is.
Rottweiler profile
Size Male: 68cm, Female: 63cmWeightMale: 50 kg, female: 42 kgColorsBlack with undercoat – clearly defined reddish-brown markings on lips, muzzle, under base of tail, eyebrows, chest and legs (referred to as Brand)Life expectancyten yearsOriginGermanycharacter/temperamentfriendly, peaceful, fond of children, very affectionate, willing to work, obedient, strong nerves FCI groupGroup 2: Pinscher and Schnauzer Molossoids – Swiss Mountain Dogs Section 2: Molossoids, 2.1: Mastiff-type dogs, with working trial, herding dog
Look
The Rottweiler is a classic German dog breed with a harmonious build.
Originally, the representatives of this breed are medium to large and stocky. But they don’t look clumsy.
The proportions of the Rottweiler are perfect. His snout is relatively short, but not flat-nosed.
Unfortunately, the Rottweiler was bred to be “beefy” for a few decades. He kept getting bigger and heavier.
This physique made him a weapon for irresponsible people and people – a so-called «attack dog».
Since this was banned and massive action was taken against dog fighting, the Rottweiler has found its way back to its beautiful, harmonious form.
The Rottweiler’s skin fits tightly. If he is staring at something attentively, slight forehead wrinkles may form.
The height at the withers in males is between 61 and 68 cm. The weight is around 50 kg.
In bitches, the withers are between 56 and 63 cm high. They weigh an average of 42 kg.
However, there are also males who, due to breeding, weigh more than 60 kg. Luckily, you don’t want that anymore.
The fur
The Rottweiler’s coat consists of a top coat and an undercoat.
This is referred to as stick hair.
The top coat is of medium length, tight fitting, coarse and dense. The undercoat must not stick out from under the top coat.
The hair on the limbs is slightly longer than on the rest of the body.
Colors
The Rotti’s fur is black. It has clearly defined markings in rich reddish brown, which are called fire be designated.
They are found on the cheeks, muzzle, underside of the neck, chest, legs and under the base of the tail.
In addition, you can find the burn above the eyes, which gives him a beautiful facial expression.
By the way, the eye color is a deep dark brown, which makes the Rotti look friendly.
rod
The Rottweiler’s tail is strong. Their length reaches to the heel joint.
In the past, the rod was mostly docked. Allegedly so that the Rottweiler does not injure himself.
Fortunately, this is no longer allowed in Germany.
It happens that puppies with a bobtail to be born. However, this is not desired and counts as an error.
History & Origin of the Rottweiler
The ancestors of the Rotti already existed in the Roman Empire. They came to Germany as guard dogs for large herds of cattle.
There they mingled with the dogs of farmers and butchers. Therefore, at the time, they were given the name «butcher dogs“.
In the former imperial city of Rottweil in particular, the focus was on breeding these fearless working dogs.
They guarded the cattle and helped drive them. They pulled carts and guarded their owners’ belongings.
Nature & Character of the Rottweiler
The Rottweiler has a friendly personality. This is accompanied by a peaceful mood.
The breed is considered smart and eager to learn.
The Rotti’s fearless temperament makes him a perfect one guard and protection dog.
This breed of dog is able to react with lightning speed in a dangerous situation and switch from cuddle mode to protector mode.
Its owner must react to this and be able to deal with it.
At the same time, the Rotti loves to be cuddled and stroked with his family.
The Rottweiler needs a job. That’s why you often find Rottweilers in the police service or with the federal border guard.
But it is also suitable as a guide dog or for tracking.
attitude & upbringing
This powerful dog needs consistent training from an early age.
A certain physical strength is also an advantage. Just until the Rotti is well brought up.
The Rottweiler is not for beginners. He needs a clear one guide and a master or mistress whom he follows with respect.
Since he can be extremely suspicious of strangers and unfamiliar situations, the Rotti should be appropriately socialized from a puppy age.
Good to know
You can also leave this breed alone for a few hours. But please not all day long – no dog snout wants that!
A city apartment is not the right thing for the flexible, spirited four-legged friend. You should treat him to a house with a garden.
In addition, he needs a lot of exercise, sporting activity or a task.
The Rottweiler loves children and is usually gentle with them. Nevertheless, small children should not be left unsupervised with the powerful dog.
Health & Care
The Rottweiler is easy to care for and hardy. Care is not a problem, simply brushing is enough.
The breed-typical diseases that plagued this breed in the past have been successfully combated in recent years.
hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are less and less an issue, as reported by the German Rottweiler Club. As a result, the life expectancy of the Rotti has increased by 2 years.
The strong four-legged friend does not need special food.
Danger
However, it is always crucial for a healthy dog that you look for a responsible breeder. And be sure to check out the parent animals.
Is the Rottweiler right for me?
Basically, the Rottweiler is an uncomplicated family dog that does not make any special demands on care and keeping.
However, you should be able to offer him a house and garden.
The Rotti needs consistent training and sufficient exercise and employment.
If you teach your fur nose lovingly but clearly the rules that apply to him early on, he will come to you as safe pack leader accept.
This is how you get a great family dog.
Keep in mind that the Rottweiler is listed as a «list dog» in some parts of Germany and abroad.
This means certain requirements and often very high dog taxes.
Rottweiler fun facts
The Rotti is both a great working and family dog. So the whole family can have fun with him.
In addition to German Shepherds and Labradors, Rottweilers were also used as search and rescue dogs during 9/11 in New York.
They worked just as successfully as the other dogs.
The Rottweiler was on the verge of extinction. If a few German breeders at the beginning of the 20th century had not had such a great love for this breed, it would no longer exist.
Do you already have one? powerhouse? Or are you looking for a puppy? Let us share your experiences.