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Rottweiler Breed Characteristics & Traits

Rottweiler – The dog breed of the same name comes from Rottweil, the oldest town in Baden-Württemberg – the Rottweiler. He has a strong and strong appearance and is a great family dog with a strong protective instinct when socialized properly. However, to ensure that the Rottweiler’s reputation is not further damaged, it only belongs in the hands of experienced dog owners. Rottweiler breeders and responsible owners and interested parties are equally in demand here.

History & Origin of the Rottweiler

Like almost all large dogs, the Rottweiler is said to have historical descent from the so-called Roman fighting dogs. However, the breed does not have its proven origin until the 19th century in the then imperial city of Rottweil in Baden-Württemberg.

The former Rottweil was a livestock trading center and transshipment point for cattle and sheep. It was the local butchers who kept large dogs to protect or guard their large herds of cattle and who bred the forerunner of the breed. The traders of the time placed particular value on intelligence, stamina, and the so-called herding skills in order to be able to keep the herds of cattle under control with the dog.

However, with advances such as the railroad and other means of transport, driving cattle lost its importance and made the dog unemployed. However, it wasn’t long before the breed was discovered for protection and police duty as well. Thanks to his pronounced intelligence, his strength, and fearlessness, he was used in the police and military service around 1910. To this day, he is one of the approved service dog breeds in Germany, along with nine other dog breeds.

Numbers, Data, Facts

  • Country of origin: Germany
  • Life expectancy: 10-11 years
  • Weight males: 50-60 kg
  • Weight bitch: 42 > kg
  • Males 61-69 cm
  • Females: 56-63 cm

Use

Today the Rottweiler is used as a police or service dog and is often on duty with the Federal Border Police. He is also kept as a family dog. He can also be used as a sports dog, rescue dog, and therapy dog. It is no longer used for its original purpose as a drover and herding dog.

Classification, breed standard & breed standard

  • FCI standard: 147
  • FCI Group: 2 – Pinschers and Schnauzers, Molossers & Swiss Mountain Dogs
  • FCI section: 2.1

The Character & The Essence

The character of the Rottweiler combines numerous positive qualities. His well-balanced nature, paired with a high stimulus threshold and a pronounced intelligence make him a real all-rounder. The FCI describes the ideal Rottweiler as follows:

“He has a friendly and peaceful mood, loves children, is very affectionate, obedient, docile, and willing to work. His appearance betrays originality; his demeanor is confident, calm, and fearless. He reacts with great attention to his environment.”

With a professional upbringing, the sometimes dominant character can be well controlled and you get a loyal partner with a solid nature. He counts the house and yard as part of his territory and protects it with all his passion.

The Rottweiler in dealing with family & children

Rottweilers love children and, with the right socialization, fit in quickly with the family. Children should also be respectful when dealing with the dog and parents must do their utmost to ensure that the behavior is appropriately considerate and teach their children how to handle it from day one. The Rottweiler must be assigned a fixed place in the pack – ideally, from puppy age onwards, dog school is attended to strengthen positive behavior and stop misbehavior.

Basically, and especially with large breeds, dogs with small children should never be left unsupervised and alone.

In dealing with strangers

He is reserved towards strangers. Better one family than a hundred friends. Nevertheless, he remains vigilant and observes what is happening in order to intervene in the event of a potential threat from strangers. He is well aware of his power and strength and puts potential intruders and identified sources of danger in their place quickly and without much warning.

When dealing with other dogs

The Rottweiler tends to be dominant towards other dogs. He’s not everyone’s friend at the dog park, which doesn’t mean he can’t get along with other dogs. Provided that they get used to and socialize with their conspecifics early on, coexistence can be influenced as the desired behavior. Still, you have a Rottweiler on a leash, not a Golden Retriever.

When dealing with other pets

If you get used to it early on, living together with a cat & mouse can work without any problems.

Urge to move

A Rottweiler needs activity to unload its energy. He loves long walks, is adept at agility, and is generally in good hands with dog sports. Before the Rottweiler starts with the sport, it is advisable to take the companion dog test with him. This can bring man and dog closer together and helps the dog to adopt the desired behavior. If you decide to do this sport, you can draw from almost everything in addition to agility.

Both the tournament dog sport, flyball, and mantrailing are disciplines that he can learn with flying colors. Owners should be prepared for a temperamental and persistent dog and offer them enough opportunities for development and work. The Verband Allgemeine Deutscher Rottweiler-Klub e.V. states that the focus of dog sport with the Rottweiler is primarily in the areas of protection, working, and tracking dogs.

So there are numerous ways to give your animal intensive and supportive employment in order to get a relaxed and balanced dog.

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