Rottweiler Dog Breed Characteristics & Information

Rottweilers are large dog breeds famous for their loyalty, strength, and muscular body. Initially, they were bred as herding dogs and used for pulling carts. However, today, they are mainly seen as family pets.

In this article, we have discussed Rottweilers' basic details, training process, and more.

Molossus is the ancestor of Rottweilers who came to Germany along with the Romans. Hence, throughout their journey, the Molossus mated with the native dogs and gave birth to the new breed, Rottweilers. They were known for guarding the money of cattlemen. The Rottweilers were of great help to the butchers who helped them carry their cart.

At one point, Rottweilers were close to extinction. However, things changed after 1901, when they were used as police dogs. Some irresponsible breeders tried to take advantage of this situation and make money, but the puppies were born with congenital disabilities. Today, Rottweilers are the 17th most popular breed in the world.

Some of the characteristics of Rottweiler dogs are:

• Lifespan: Rottweilers have an average lifespan of 8 to 10 years.
• Height: Rottweilers grow up to a size of 30 to 34 inches.
• Colour: Rottweilers have different coat colours, including tan, mahogany, and black.
• Weight: Rottweilers are pretty heavy, weighing from 95 to 135 pounds.
• Temperament: Rottweilers are very loyal to their owners and are known for their courage and confidence.
• Energy Level: They are highly energetic and love to play around.

There are three primary types of Rottweilers:

• Roman Rottweiler: Referred to as the giant, colossal, or King Rottweiler, this variant is characterised by its larger size compared to American and German varieties.
• German Rottweiler: Originating from Germany, these dogs are typically larger than their American counterparts. They feature a shorter nose and a thicker neck compared to American Rottweilers.
• American Rottweiler: Bred in the United States, this breed has a smaller nose and a more athletic build. Compared to its German counterpart, it is leanly muscled and sleek.

Rottweilers can turn aggressive and destructive if not trained properly. So, here are a few tips that will help you train your Rottweiler:

• Keep Your Calm: Don’t be impatient while training your Rottweiler. They might commit mistakes as it is their first time getting trained. Hence, keep calm and try to make them understand gently.
• Be Prompt: When training your Rottweiler, you must be very fast with your words and actions. Dogs are prompt with their movement; therefore, their owners must also try to match their speed.
• Use Positive Reinforcement: Positive reinforcement is an excellent approach to training your Rottweiler. Capitalise on their love for treats to engage them in training and offer praise whenever they exhibit desirable behaviour.
• Socialise Your Dog: Socialising your Rottweiler and making it comfortable around other dogs and people is imperative. You can take it to the park or a friend's house for walks.

The following section lists some of the health problems that are commonly seen in Rottweilers:

• Bloat or Torsion: In torsion, the stomach cavity fills up with gas and twists the stomach. As a result, the blood supply gets cut off, and the condition worsens gradually. It is generally seen in deep-chested dogs, like Rottweilers.
• Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a medical condition in which the head of the femur doesn’t fit into the joint cavity. This causes lameness in the rear legs, and if left untreated, it leads to arthritis. Affected dogs should not be bred.
• Aortic or Subaortic Stenosis (AS or SAS): AS or SAS is one of the most common heart defects in Rottweilers. In this condition, the aorta narrows, forcing the heart to pump harder. If the condition becomes severe, it can also cause sudden death in the dog.
• Panosteitis: Panosteitis means growing pains where the outer surface of the long bones becomes inflamed. It manifests as lameness, and the primary treatment is rest. However, if the pain increases, rush to the vet as soon as possible.
• Osteosarcoma: Generally seen in larger dogs such as Rottweilers, osteosarcoma is a severe type of bone cancer. Initial symptoms include lameness, but the confirmatory test is an x-ray. The conventional treatment includes chemotherapy and amputation.
• Allergies: Allergies are very commonly seen in Rottweilers. Certain foods and particulate matter mainly cause these and must be eliminated from their diet to treat the condition. Also, certain steroids are used depending on the severity of allergies.
• Hypothyroidism: In hypothyroidism, Rottweilers produce insufficient amounts of thyroid hormone that manifests as other health problems such as mental illness, obesity, infertility, and lethargy. The coat may also become brittle and fall off.

Here are 3 tips to take care of Rottweiler dogs:

• Food And Nutrition: Four to ten cups of high-quality dry dog food should be provided, and split into two meals. However, your Rottweiler's age, metabolism, size, and activity level should eventually decide the meal portion. Proper food will ensure adequate nutrition and rule out the chances of obesity.
• Grooming: Rottweilers must be brushed weekly with a firm metal brush to remove all the loose and dead hair. Brushing will also help circulate the natural oils evenly. They don’t shed all year round, but they do shed during two seasons. Also, brush their teeth to remove tartar and the bacteria that lurk inside.
• Exercise: Rottweilers are an active dog breed that requires extensive exercise to burn off excess energy. Two to three hours of exercise daily is enough for your dog. If you miss a day, you can compensate with playtime or walks. However, don’t make them sweat too much, as it may affect their health.

Rottweilers always need human attention and can turn destructive if left alone for extended periods. They are an enormous breed of dogs and are inactive while they stay inside. Having a guarding instinct, Rottweilers protect their family members and can attack strangers when they spot one.