Rottweiler Dogs: Description and Complete Grooming Care Guide
The Rottweiler is a medium to large domestic dog breed. Originally, Rottweilers were used to herd animals and pull carts loaded with butchered meat. They are primarily used today as rescue dogs, police dogs, military dogs, security dogs, and dogs to assist the disabled.
They are a calm, good-natured, confident, and intelligent breed of dog with an innate desire to protect their family. Rottweilers have a bad reputation as a result of irresponsible owners.
Rottweilers rarely exhibit dangerous or destructive behavior unless they have been neglected, abused, or improperly socialized. It is important to remember, however, that Rottweilers are extremely powerful dogs, which could pose a risk for a new owner.
Scientifically known as “Canis Lupus Familiaris” and in German, this is known as a Rottweiler Metzgerhund, which translates as Rottweiler butchers. Why? Because they used to pull the butchered meat cart in the past.
In our previous article we discussed how to good care of your dog and also we shared some vital information on dog grooming. However, in this article, we’ll be looking into the “Rottweiler Dog Breed”. How to identify them and also how to take care of them.
Rottweilers are particularly used as guard dogs, now this is not a stereotype that all rottweiler breeds are meant for security purposes. You can also own a rottweiler as a pet.
When you see a rottweiler you will know, this is because of their strong stature, the texture of their body is immensely distinct from other dogs.
This dog breed is very strong and stocky and has dark eyes and a coat to match. One of the top reasons for getting a rottweiler is they are often ready to protect their family or owners when a problem arises.
Generally, rottweilers can be identified by their black coats. They are not only covered in black as different rottweiler comes in different size color. You may even see some with three colors: rust, mahogany, or tan markings. But the markings are more apparent on their eyebrows.
Another top identification of this breed is their docked tail. However, some pet owners may still prefer to leave the tail in its natural way but their tails are majorly seen docked.
Some people are afraid of Rottweilers as they can be very aggressive towards strangers or people they are not familiar with but well-trained Rottweilers may not be aggressive instead they are calm and confident.
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Rottweilers unlike other dogs do not readily make friends as they are very critical of their environment.
Although, they can be very playful and ready to protect their family whenever a situation that may prompt them to do so arises. Rottweilers may still act like puppies to their owners.
They were bred to be guard dogs, and they are good at it. Therefore, this highly intelligent and strong dog still yet needs an experienced, confident family.
Because of their protective nature, Rottweilers have high biting tendencies. So, your Rottweiler must start their training as Rottweiler puppies. The Rottweiler has a life expectancy of between 8 and 11 years.
This dog breed has a strong protective nature, and also they have a high biting tendency. Therefore, animal experts advise that they start training their Rottweiler when in their puppy stage.
History of Rottweiler Dog Breed
The Rottweiler is believed to have descended from the Mastiff and can be traced back to ancient Rome.
Rottweilers were drover dogs who herded livestock and pulled carts. They got their name from Rottweil, Germany, where they worked as cattle dogs and police dogs. They were trained for a variety of other jobs due to their strength; for example, they assisted butchers by carrying meat and were used as guard dogs.
Because of its hardworking nature, the breed gained popularity in the United States at the beginning of the twentieth century. The American Kennel Club recognized it in the 1930s, and it currently ranks eighth on the AKC’s list of most popular dog breeds.
Rottweilers and Children
Rottweilers form strong bonds with their families, but they must be treated with dignity. They can make excellent pets for families with older children if they receive adequate daily exercise and training.
We don’t recommend Rottweilers for families with young children or babies because they don’t always know how to behave around dogs. They are loyal, but they can also be protective, so children and adults must understand when to give them space.
To avoid conflicts, always supervise children and vulnerable adults with your Rottweiler and make sure you can recognize signs of unhappiness or anxiety in your dog.
To avoid problems, teach children how to approach and play with dogs with care and kindness.
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Rottweilers and Other Pets
Rottweilers should get along with other dogs as long as they are socialized from a young age. They do, however, have strong herding and protective instincts, so introductions must always be done with caution.
Other family pets that aren’t dogs will require extra caution. Even if they have lived with them since they were puppies, you should never leave a Rottweiler alone with another pet, especially a small one.
Rottweiler Dog Breed Complete Care Guide
You should by now have sound knowledge of rottweilers and what they look like. This breed may be very easy to groom. They need daily and regular brushing, training, and exercise. They also need regular interaction when they have a job to do.
1. Their Appearance
i. Size: Rottweilers are medium to large dogs, with males reaching 24 to 27 inches and females 22 to 25 inches in height.
The males weigh 110 to 130 pounds on average while the females 77 to 110 pounds. Although they typically reach their maximum height by age one, they may not be fully grown until age two or three.
ii. Coat: The Rottweiler’s coat is straight, coarse, dense, medium in length, and lies flat. You’ll also find an undercoat present on their neck and thighs.
iii. Color: Rottweilers have very distinctive colors. Most of their coat is black, but you’ll find that it’s also paired with mahogany, tan, or rust.
iv. Tail: Rottweilers have traditionally had their tails docked. Docking stems from their role as working dogs and the need to prevent injury. Very few of them maintain those roles today, and docking could be considered cosmetic.
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2. Grooming
One of the things that make them easy to groom is because of their shorter coat. That also has a double and she’d moderately. Rottweilers tend to shed as they patiently wait for a change in weather.
During this period it is expected of you to brush them thoroughly with a stiff bristle brush every day to help them a shiny and fine coat, so to help them reduce shedding.
3. Training
This dog breed is incredibly smart and they are very easy to train. They are highly intelligent animals, it is important to start training your dogs when they are still puppies.
Look for a good and certified dog trainer who can handle your dog and also help you carve out that behavior you’d like to see in your dog.
4. Feeding / Nutrition
This dog breed is also known for inhaling its food. Make sure to look for an expert on dogs to help you know what your dog needs.
Use a slow bowl or a slow feeding system to help the dog slow down at chow time while also engaging their brain in an activity.
They need 4 to 10 cups of high-quality dog food per day, divided into two meals. The amount you feed them should be based on their weight, and you should always double-check the back of the food packet to see how much of a particular food you should be feeding them.
Make sure the food you feed your dog meets all of their nutritional needs, and don’t overfeed them because this can lead to obesity, especially since the Rottweiler loves food.
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5. Exercise
Majorly rottweilers are huge and this is because of the kind of training they are being exposed to. This dog breed requires lots of activity, that is about 2-3 hours of exercise a day. This exercise not only helps to build their muscles but also manages their energy level and their structural integrity.
One of the topmost daily routines of Rottweilers is their work as guard dogs. They enjoy guarding their families/pet owners. This dog breed is constantly on the alert against potential threats. They have proven to be strong and loving animals. From time to time, take your Rottie on a walk.
6. Temperament
The Rottweiler is a loyal and friendly dog who adores its owners! Although they may appear aggressive and have a bad reputation as a dangerous dogs due to their powerful bite, these puppies are extremely loving and only want to be around their people. As a result, they dislike being left alone and can experience separation anxiety when left alone for long periods.
The Rottweiler is an intelligent breed that requires a lot of mental stimulation or it will become bored and destructive. They enjoy playing and get along well with people of all ages.
They can be wary of people they don’t know, which is why early socialization is so important. They usually just want to keep you safe from any danger they see!
While the Rottweiler is extremely trainable and social, you must be patient and willing to devote time to them until they learn. They are large breed dogs that are very powerful, so you should not consider purchasing one of these puppies unless you are confident that you will have the time to raise them into well-rounded dogs. Depending on the breed, they may have high energy levels and enjoy accompanying you while you exercise.
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7. Known Health Issues
Rottweilers are a generally healthy breed, but they, like all dogs, are susceptible to certain health issues. The main health concerns are listed below.
• Hip Dysplasia – is a condition in which the thighbone does not fit snugly into the hip joint. Some dogs exhibit pain and lameness on one or both back legs, but a dog with hip dysplasia may show no signs of discomfort.
• Elbow Dysplasia – which is common in large breed dogs. It is caused by different growth rates and can result in lameness. Surgery can correct the problem.
• Hypothyroidism – this is caused by a thyroid hormone deficiency and can manifest as infertility, obesity, mental dullness, and a lack of energy. Medication can be used to treat it.
• Gastric Torsion (Bloat) – this can be fatal. You must be aware of the symptoms. Feeding your dog smaller, more frequent meals rather than one large meal can help to lower the risk.
• Allergies – Allergies are common in dogs, and allergies can vary greatly between dogs. Airborne allergens such as pollen, dust, and mildew, as well as other factors such as foods or bedding, can be the source of the problem.
Regular vet visits and keeping an eye on your dog will ensure that any of these issues are caught before they become untreatable, and remember to buy your Rottweiler dog from a reputable breeder and the chances your dog will suffer any health conditions will be greatly reduced.
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