by: Racheal Stacknick

The Rottweiler

Origin: Rottweil Germany

Colors: Black with clearly defined tan or mahogany markings

Bred for: Guard and cattle drover's dog

Coat: Coarse, short coat

Head and skull: Head is medium length, skull broad between the ears

Temperament: Good natured, not aggressive, nervous, or vicious. Courageous, obedient, with natural guarding instincts.The rottweiler with strangers is generally aloof and most times will not come up to a stranger wagging his tail.

Size: Dogs 25-27 inches, 23-25 inches for females

Weight: Dogs 85-115 pounds females 80-100 pounds

health Concerns: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, Aortic Stenosis, Cataracts, Diabetes Mellitus, and certain types of cancer.

If you are going to own a rottweiler it is important that you are prepared to do obedience training with your dog. Rottweilers are powerful and very smart dogs. They have been known to be pushy with their masters if they believe that they have taken a step up the "pack" ladder. It is very important that your rottweiler knows it's place in the "pack". This comes with proper training, and the time and patience to work with your dog.

Rottweilers are a great family dog. A person who wants to own a rottweiler needs to make sure that they have time to spend with the dog as a rottweiler is known to "stick like glue" to their family. They have big hearts and are very loving and attentive. They can't stand to be away from "their people" for huge amounts of time. If you are going to be away for a long period of time during a day or night I suggest you at least have someone come over to let your dog outside to relieve himself and have some human contact. On that note, rottweilers should not be left alone all the time to their own devices, this is when things can become very dangerous, remember this is a powerful dog things can be destroyed including the relationship between you and your dog. If you are looking for a dog that will sit outside and guard your house please do not get a rottweiler. Although they are a very imposing dog, and most will protect if need be, it is not fair to have a dog if your only reason for wanting one is to protect you!

Rottweilers have a very strong gait when they run, there should not be any hinderance in their walk or run. When running a rottweiler should have a smooth front reach and their back legs should move forward towards the front of their body. They should not splay their legs in or out. A rottweiler will need an area where they can run and play, they love to be clowns and show off for anyone who will watch.

Owning a rottweiler is a big step, from the constant socialization to the obedience training it can be taxing on someone. Getting your rottweiler from a non reputable breeder may set you up for problems with your rottweiler (i.e. health problems). Although nothing is assured when you buy a dog, it is better to have a little bit of understanding about genetic problems. I personally suggest for anyone who owns a rottweiler or is thinking of getting one that they have OFA certifications done on their dogs hip, elbows, eyes, and heart once they have reached the age of 18 months. Again this is not a for sure thing but you can rest a little easier knowing if they have found any signs of possible future problems. Be thorough, your dog deserves it!

So, if you are thinking about getting a rottweiler these tips are just a few of the things you need to think about. If you have studied the breed (which i highly suggest) and you still want a rottweiler then remember. They are big loving dogs that need just as much attention and affection as we do.....and they will love you all the more for it!