Rottweilers are good-natured, loving, loyal, and a fearless dog breed having a strong natural instinct to protect their loved ones. Initially bred as a working dog, they have inherited their ancestor’s strength and energy to toil hard. Rottweilers are, therefore, happiest when they have a task to perform.
Fast Facts On Rottweiler
Origin: Germany
Weight: Male: 50 – 60 Kg
Female: 35 – 48 Kg
Height: Male: 61 – 69 cm
Female: 56 – 63 cm
Coat: Double Coated, Short, hard and thick.
Skin Colour: Black and Tan or Black and Mahogany
Life Span: 8 – 10 Years
Rottweiler Characteristics
Energy Level – Medium
Exercise Needs – Medium
Playfulness – Not Very Playful
Affection Level – Reasonably Affectionate
Friendliness With Other Dogs – Reserved
Friendliness Toward Strangers – Reserved
Tendency to Bark – Moderate
Tendency to Drool – Moderate
Watchdog Ability – High
Guarding Potential – Very Protective
Grooming Needs – Low Maintenance
Cold Tolerance – Medium Tolerance
Heat Tolerance – Low Tolerance
Veterinarian Visit – Rare
What Are The Best Foods For Rottweilers?
Food For Newborn Rottweilers (Birth to 8 Weeks)
Newborn Rottweilers can be fed with milk replacers every 3 to 4 hours or as directed by the manufacturer of the food. Following are some of the foods you can feed your newborn Rottweiler puppies:
Food For Rottweiler Puppies (8 Weeks To 2 Years)
Puppy Rottweilers need a protein content of 24 to 28% in the diet for developing good muscle mass and strength. Calcium and Phosphorus are also key elements for a healthy bone and joint function in pups. Some of the best foods for Rottweiler puppies are:
Food For Adult Rottweilers (18 Months To 7 Years)
Adult Rottweilers, too, require an extensive protein content ranging between 22% to 26%. Their diet should also contain an adequate amount of fats and carbohydrates to give them a condensed source of energy, and also to keep good skin and coat health. Below are some of the best foods for adult rottweilers:
Food For Senior Rottweilers (7 Years and Above)
The activity level starts decreasing as Rottweilers reach their seniorhood. A little amount of Glucosamine and Chondroitin in their diet can offer them an excellent anti-inflammatory effect. The following are some of the best foods for Senior Rottweilers:
What Is A Rottweiler’s Behaviour Like?
Rottweilers are self-assured dogs possessing a great natural instinct to protect their family as well as their territory. Proper socialisation is therefore necessary for keeping the breed from being overprotective. Rottweilers raised along with children do well with kids being around them. They have a tendency to get aggressive with other dogs of the same sex. Rottweilers have a “wait and see” attitude towards everything. They won’t react instantly to a sudden change in the environment. One thing that makes great guard dogs is that they behave in accordance with the reaction of their owners. They are often reserved and aloof when known visitors come into the house. They will take charge once they feel their owner is under threat. The American Kennel Club describes Rottweilers as clownish, as they are known to repeatedly do things that make you laugh. They are one of the breeds that are extremely sensitive to human beings.
Are Rottweilers Easy To Train?
Rottweilers are relatively easy to train. Obedience training is mandatory for these dogs to build a strong bond between them. This breed exhibits dominant traits, therefore, one should be firm and confident while training them, but not too harsh. It is ideal to start training when they are between 6 weeks and 6 months old. Positive reinforcement by giving them treats and appreciation works wonders while teaching them commands. Often give them a tummy rub, which is also a positive gesture towards them.
Do Rottweilers Shed?
Despite having a short coat, Rottweilers can shed a ton. They have a double coat, where the undercoat is a little softer to keep them warm during the winter. They shed their undercoat during the spring and again in the winter. It may sound a little bothersome to the Rottweiler owners, however, there are ways you can eliminate shedding. Use a soft-bristled hairbrush, which will help in removing all the dead undercoat in the dog’s coat. This clears out most of the excessive hairs, which contribute to shedding. With regular grooming, the hair volume you will get will be less and less.
How Much Physical Activity Does A Rottweiler Need?
Rotties are a moderately active breed and require physical activities up to 11/2 to 2 hours a day. Proper exercise is needed for this breed, not just to stay active and healthy, but also to eliminate excessive chewing in them. Daily walking of up to 45 minutes also acts as mental stimulation. Making them accustomed to unknown things and unknown people outside can also thoroughly socialise them. Playing fetch games with them is a good way to release their pent-up energy.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Having A Rottweiler?
Pros
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Loyalty and immense courage of the Rottweiler make it one of the best guard dogs in the world.
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They are a highly intelligent breed, which helps for easier training.
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Rotties, when socialised with children at puppyhood, work as good babysitters.
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Rottweilers are hypoallergenic, which means they are less vulnerable to allergies.
Cons
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Rottweilers, if not trained and socialised properly may exhibit very aggressive behaviour.
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The breed should not be left alone for a lengthy period, as they can chew and destroy things.
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The breed needs physically fit owners as they can be dominant at times, requiring great control over them while walking.
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Rottweilers tend to snore loudly, making them difficult to keep inside the house, especially at night.
Rottweiler Breeding
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Litter Size |
6 to 9 puppies |
|
Breeding Complications |
No |
Some Interesting Facts About Rottweilers
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The early ancestors of Rottweilers were used to pull carts, guard homes and herd animals.
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Rottweilers were used as rescue dogs in Newyork after 9/11.
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Industrialisation almost wiped out the Rottweiler Breed as their breeding was discontinued because of lack of herding purposes.
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They are named after the town of Rottweil in south-west Germany, as the breed is originally from Germany.
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Rottweilers can weigh from 39 Kg up to 58 Kg.
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Even though Rottweilers are large, they are generally inactive indoors.
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Rottweilers are loud snorers!
History Of Rottweilers
Rottweilers are one of the oldest herding breeds. They have a history dating back to the Roman Empire, as they are believed to be the descendants of the old Roman driver dogs, a mastiff-type dog that was dependable and had good guarding instincts. During the pursuit to conquer Europe, the Romans travelled in huge numbers across the whole continent. A lack of refrigeration meant they had to carry food with them. They brought their eatables on cattle and the Roman dogs were used to herd and guard them. The Roman dog continued to herd the cattle even after the Romans were eliminated by the Swabians. These dogs have been said to have been used by travelling butchers during the Middle Ages to guard money pouches tied around their necks. They nearly became extinct in the late 18th Century as railroads became the most prominent way for moving stock into the market. Nevertheless, the build-up to World War 1 saw a great need for police dogs, which revived the people’s interest in Rottweilers. During the course of both World War 1 and World War 2, Rottweilers served in various roles like ambulance, messenger, draught and guard dogs.
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