If you are considering having a Rottweiler puppy as your pet, here are some of the most essential facts to know about them.
Background of the Rottweiler race
#1: History
If we take a look back into history, Rottweilers are believed to be one of the oldest canine breeds in the world, although theories of their history significantly differ. Some claim they are typical German dogs, while other say they originate from Ancient Rome, where they were bred for lion fights in arenas.
What is most likely is that modern day Rottweilers originate from Roman shepherd dogs who followed Roman soldiers on their ventures in the Alps, guarding the cattle. At least one of these routes led them to southern Germany, where some of these men settled for good. That is why, back in the day, this breed was kept for its work abilities rather than being a family dog.
That is where we got the name too, based on the name of the German city of Rottweil.
#2: Purpose
Rottweilers were primarily meant to be service dogs or working dogs, and that is how they were treated for quite some time.
However, this is changing in recent past, so nowadays they are growing more popular as family dogs.
#3: Rottweiler health
Luckily, Rottweilers are considered to be relatively healthy, but at the same time they require physical and mental activity on a daily basis to keep in shape.
They prefer cooler temperatures, because too warm a climate may cause heat stroke. They will be just fine living in your backyard, in moderate to cool temperatures, as long as they have a proper shelter. On the other hand, as puppies they will benefit from indoor time spent with their human family, so as to socialize and get attached to people the right way.
If they encounter any health issues, most often it’s coronary artery disease, knees and hips dysplasia, subaortic stenosis, osteosarcoma, gastric torsion, demodicosis, as well as cancer. Less rarely, they may suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder, entropion, ectropion, Von Willebrand disease, or panosteitis. Occasionally, there may be cases of catharact or epilepsy.
#4: Rottweiler grooming
Another advantage of Rotties is they require little, yet regular grooming, i.e. they are low maintenance. Their fur requires minimal care, consisting of occasional grooming to remove excess hair.
They shed little, hence brushing them once a week should suffice.
Rottweiler traits
#5: Physical appearance
Rotts are stamenous, mid-size dogs. Males are visibly bigger than females. Their head is strong and wide, with small triangular ears, nicely broad forehead, wrinkled when the dog is alert. Their eyes are almond brown, with a calm gaze. Their snout is also mid-sized, with powerful jaws.
Rottweiler neck, as well as their entire body, is muscular and tough, with straight back line and wide chest.
Their tail is naturally long, strong and horizontally positioned. Depending on where the dog is bred, their tail is nowadays docked most often, i.e. cut at the early age on the first or the second vertebra, especially in pet dogs.
#6: Rottweiler weight/height
When it comes to weight and height of Rottweilers, males are typically bigger than females.
A typical male weighs between 50 and 60 kilos (110 to 130 lb) and is somewhere between 61 and 69 cm (24-27 in) in height, while females weigh between 35 and 48 kilos (77 to 105 lb) and are somewhere between 56 and 63 cm (22-25 in) in height. Their head size also differs accordingly.
#7: Pigmentation and color
Typical Rottweiler hair is rather short and compact, slightly longer on the face, hinder legs and tail. Rottweiler pigmentation preferred at dog shows is black with tan markings, with no shades or nuances, however their upper snout, chest and paws should be slightly lighter in color. At the same time, there are three hair color varieties out there: black and tan, black and mahogany and black and rust.
Brown and albino Rottweilers are also possible, but since they result from faulty genes, they should be excluded from the breeding program.
On the other hand, eyes may only be black or brown, and the darker the better.
Rottweiler gums or mouth should also be black.
#8: Rottweiler temperament
Any breed temperament highly depends on their hereditary, genetic and acquired factors. Due to their mentality, Rottweilers are basically friendly, loyal and obedient, as well as willing to work. Rottweilers are also balanced, confident and courageous. They get attached to their human family real quick, and are ready to do just about anything to protect them.
With strangers, Rotts are restrained and suspicious, which makes them excellent guardian dogs.
They are fierce, gruelling and confident when faced with danger. They are also highly intelligent dogs with a good learning capacity.
To keep Rottweiler as a pet, one should be authoritative and consistent. The dog should be socialized from the early age, as well as taught to boundaries not to cross. Interestingly, females are more attached to their owners, hence easier to train too.
#9: Rotts in apartments or a house?
Due to their excessive energy levels, Rottweilers require constant activity. If deprived of it, they may gain weight, which, in the long run, may cause other health issues.
At the same time, they adjust well to living in apartments, so long as they get their walks regularly.
Bear in mind that Rotties enjoy a spacious backyard to run around and play in, with a nice house to keep them from the elements. However, they mustn’t be neglected, because they suffer if left alone.
#11: Should you opt for a male or a female?
The choice on a Rottweiler male or a female is one of the most important ones to make.
Both sexes have their pros and cons, so it’s best to first think of what you expect of them, do your research and only then decide whether male or female works best for you.
Bear in mind that females tend to be more susceptible to training, i.e. easier to train, because they get more attached to their owners.
#12: Rottweiler puppy price
To be honest, the idea some people have of Rottweilers may differ from reality. Hence, pedigree and suitable FCI, AKC and / or ADRK registration are not enough for a well-bred Rottweiler. On the other hand, poorly bred Rottweilers may not be obvious at first glance.
Their health condition, their spirit and gaiety may change in time, so when you get in touch with a breeder, pay attention to the price range they ask for their puppies, especially in online communication. It takes a lot of time, energy, love and dedication to raise puppies, and they must stay with their kennel for at least several months before they are ready to go. That is why the price of Rottweiler puppies differs, and in some cases gets quite high. What you get in return is a certified quality Rottweiler pup, eager to be loved and to love you unconditionally in return.
To summarize
Rottweilers are dogs for outgoing, cheerful and energetic people, or those who need that extra push to become like that.
What they give you in return for your time, energy, consistency, affection and care is a reliable pet and a loyal friend, and, above all, a big bundle of unconditional love.
Are you ready for it?K