The Rottweiler

The Rottweiler
Species: Canine
Colour: Black with rust or brown markings on
the cheeks and muzzle, chest, paws and legs.
Breed group: Utility, FCI Group 2
History
This is an ancient breed probably descended from
Italian Mastiff, which accompanied the herds of
the Roman army while they invaded Europe. One
of the routes was a small town in Germany called Rottweil, meaning red tiles, which
became important cattle area. Rottweilers were used as a herders, protectors of the
cattlemen getting the name Rottweiler Metzgershund ( Bucher’s dog of Rottweil)
By the end of 18-th century the breed was almost extinct, but brought back by
enthusiastic breeders at the beginning of the 1900s.
On April 27, 1907, IRK (International Rottweiler Club ) in Germany was formed, the breed
standards were set. The breed was recognized by AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1931.
At the beginning of the 20th century various breeds were needed for police services.
Rottweilers were among those tested. It became evident that they are highly suitable for
police work and therefore they were officially recognized as police dogs in 1910.
Temperament
The Rottweiler is highly intelligent, strong, protective, calm, loyal, trainable, serious,
confident, brave and determined. This makes them good in police work, search and
rescue, tracking, watchdog, guide dog for the blind, herding and competitive obedience.
Rotties make a great family pet, they are lovable, loyal and protective members of the
family. They need an owner who is calm and firm. Due to their size and strength, training
should start at very early age. Rotties have to be socialised with other dogs and people,
and understand the lifestyle of the owners, knowing who is a friend or who is not. If
treated cruelly, he can develop into a ferocious weapon giving the breed a bad name by
irresponsible owners.
Physical characteristics
The Rottweiler is massive and muscular dog. Height in males is 61-68 cm (24-26 inches),
females 56-63 cm (22-25 inches). Weight 43-60 kg (95-130 pounds) males, 43-52 kg (85115 pounds) females. The head is broad, with well developed muzzle, black broad nose,
lips and gums are dark, the teeth meet in scissor bite, uniformly dark brown eyes, almond
shaped, ears are triangular, carried forward.
The neck is well muscular with a slight arch. The chest is
deep and broad, approximately 50 % of the shoulder
height. The back is strong and firm. Loins are short,
strong and deep. The tail is docked. In most of European
countries, docking of the tail is forbidden.
Front legs are straight and not placed too close to each
other.
Shoulders are well laid back, upper arm close
fitting to the body, lower arm strong and
muscular. Hind legs seen from behind are
straight, not too close to each other; the upper
thigh is moderately long and muscular. The
lower thigh is long, strong and broadly
muscled. The hocks are sturdy and well
angulated. Hind feet are slightly longer than
the front feet. The tows are strong and arched.
The nails are short and black. Rear dewclaws
are often surgically removed to avoid creating
sores by rubbing. The coat is medium length coarse, dense and thick lying flat, containing
of two layers. The out layer is thick and coarse and the inner layer is soft and thin. The
undercoat must not show through the top coat. This breed is a medium shedder. Daily
brushing during shedding season is enough to keep the coat clean.
Some say that there is a difference between an American Rottie and a German Rottie.
German Rottie is shorter with wider head and bulkier body, and American Rotties said to
be taller, with longer legs and not so wide head. Life expectancy is 10-12 years, litter size
is 10-12 puppies. Rotties reach maturity at 24 months.
Exercise
This is a rugged dog that can live in any climate. It does well in an
apartment given the exercise needed. Running by the bicycle, or
jogging is the best exercise. They will not do well confined in a
kennel or a back yard. Being a very intelligent breed, they can
become very destructive if they are not getting enough exercise or
mental stimulation.
Health problems
Elbow and hip dysplasia, prone to entropion (narrowing of the corners of the eyelids),
can overeat easy that gives a concern for GDV (Gastric Dialation Volvulus), weak bones.
Reference:
www.dogbreedinfo.com
www.rottweiler411.com
www.milenici.com.mk
www.donnerbergrottweilers.com
Dog Encyclopaedia by Royal Canin, 2006 Aniwa SAS.
Animal planet: Dogs 101