Man's Best Friend

Rottweiler Likes, History and Appearance

By Madusanka

Rottweiler

Rottweiler

Country of origin : Germany

Life : 9–12 years

Litter : Average 8 to 12 although larger litters

Color : Black and tan or black and mahogany

Coat : Double coated, Short, hard and thick

Rottweiler Male

Rottweiler Female

What They Are Like?

Extremely energetic, Rottweiler’s love playing catch in the back yard, tagging along for a morning run or taking a big hike in the woods. They crave attention and companionship from their owners. Without it, they tend to get bored and destructive. A neglected or mistreated Rottweiler can do a terrible number on your favorite shoes.

A happy and properly trained Rottweiler can be a devoted friend to children, not to mention an extremely effective watchdog—often having to do nothing more than stand there to keep trespassers away.

Rottweiler, be prepared for its massive size and challenging temperament. Rottweiler’s appreciate a confident handler who can show them who’s in charge. Some may test your authority, so stay on top of their training and obedience. They respond to commands and are eager to please.

Coming from a long line of herders, Rottweiler’s also appreciate stimulating tasks and activities. Keep them busy with agility and obedience games. But remember to always keep them on a leash in public, as they can be slightly confrontational with other dogs.

A healthy Rottweiler can live as long as 12 years. Common health issues include hip dysplasia and eye problems. Their coats are easy to care for and don’t shed excessively.

History

The Rottweiler is primarily known as one of the oldest herding breeds. A multi-faceted herding and stock protection dog, it is capable of working all kinds of livestock under a variety of conditions.

The breed's history dates to the Roman Empire. In those times, the Roman legion travelled with their meat on the hoof and required the assistance of working dogs to herd the cattle. The principal ancestors of the first Rottweiler’s during this time are believed to be the Roman droving dog, local dogs the army met on its travels, and dogs with molosser appearance coming from England and the Netherlands.

In the mid-19th century, cattle driving became outlawed in the area, making the Rottweiler somewhat redundant. However, in the early 1900s they suddenly became popular police dogs and by 1924 the German Rottweiler Club was formed. Today they serve time as both working dogs and beloved companions.

Appearance

The Rottweiler is a medium to large size, stalwart dog, neither heavy nor light and neither leggy nor weedy. His correctly proportioned, compact and powerful build leads to the conclusion of great strength, agility and endurance.

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Rottweiler description and Behaviors

By Madusanka

Description

Head

The skull is of medium length, broad between the ears.
The forehead line is moderately arched as seen from the side, with the occipital bone well developed without being conspicuous.
The stop is well defined.
The nose is well developed, broader than round, with relatively large nostrils and always black.
The muzzle should appear neither elongated nor shortened in relation to the cranial region.
The nasal bridge is broad at the base and moderately tapered.
The lips are black and close fitting with the corner of the mouth not visible.
Both the upper and lower jaws are strong and broad.
The eyes should be of medium size, almond-shaped and dark brown in colour. The eyelids are close fitting.
The ears are medium-sized, pendant, triangular, wide apart, and set high on the head. With the ears laid forward close to the head, the skull appears to be broadened.
The skin on the head is tight fitting overall. When the dog is alert, the forehead may be slightly wrinkled.

Neck

The neck is strong, of fair length, well muscled, slightly arched, clean and free from throatiness.

Body

The back is straight, strong and firm.
The loins are short, strong and deep.
The croup is broad, of medium length, and slightly rounded, neither flat nor falling away.
The chest is roomy, broad and deep (approximately 50% of the shoulder height) with a well-developed forechest and well sprung ribs.
The flanks are not tucked up.

Tail

Natural bob tailed ("stumpy") or if present the tail was historically docked.
Docking is banned in many countries, but remains legal in others, notably the USA and New Zealand.
According to the FCI Standard an un-docked Rottweiler tail is "level in extension of the upper line; at ease it may be hanging”.

Limbs

When seen from the front, the front legs are straight and not placed close to each other.
The forearm, seen from the side, stands straight and vertical.
The slope of the shoulder blade is about 45 degrees.
The shoulders are well laid back.
The upper arm is close fitting to the body.
The forearm is strongly developed and muscular.
Pasterns are slightly springy, strong but not steep.
The front feet are round, tight and well arched, the pads hard, nails are short, black and strong.
When seen from behind, the rear legs are straight and not too close together.
When standing free, obtuse angles are formed between the dog’s upper thigh and the hip bone, the upper thigh and the lower thigh, and the lower thigh and metatarsal.
The upper thigh is moderately long, broad and strongly muscled.
The lower thigh is long, strongly and broadly muscled, sinewy.
The hocks are sturdy, well angulated and not steep.
The hind feet are slightly longer than the front feet.
Toes are strong, arched and as tight as the front feet.

Gait

The Rottweiler is a trotting dog.
In movement the back remains firm and relatively stable.
Movement is harmonious, steady, full of energy and unrestricted, with good stride.

Coat

The coat consists of an outer coat and an undercoat.
The outer coat is of medium length, coarse, dense and flat.
The undercoat should be present on the neck and thighs.
The undercoat must not show through the outer coat.
Rottweiler’s living in hot climates may have acclimatized and may be missing the undercoat.
Rottweiler coats tend to be low maintenance, although they experience heavy shedding prior to their seasons (females) or seasonally (males).

Size

Technically a "medium / large" breed, according to the FCI standard the Rottweiler stands 61 to 69 cm (24"-27") for males, 56 to 63 cm (22"-25") for females.
The weight must be between 50 to 58 kg for males and between 40–48 kg for females.
Weight must be relative to height.

Behaviors / Temperament

Good natured, placid in basic disposition and fond of children, very devoted, obedient, biddable and eager to work. His appearance is natural and rustic, his behaviour self assured, steady and fearless. He reacts to his surroundings with great alertness.