Rottweiler Breed: Food, Care, Tips
Rottweiler Breed
The Rottweiler has become a very popular breed in recent years, among owners who want a large dog with guarding abilities but who is also very attached to its family. Although first-time dog owners should be cautious in their choice - as the breed requires a strong character, working training, and a firm leader - for experienced owners with an energetic lifestyle who enjoy working with their dog, the Rottweiler is the ideal choice.
- Breed History
- Physical Appearance
- Rottweiler Personality
- Health Problems
- Care
- Rottweilers, Children, and Other Animals
Breed History
The Rottweiler breed is derived from Molossus dogs, a massive Mastiff-type dog. The ancestors of today's Rottweiler accompanied the Romans in their conquests, being used to drive the cattle herds that accompanied them in conquering new territories.
When the first Roman colonies settled in what is now southern Germany, the Molossian dogs they brought with them interbred with local dogs, gradually giving rise to a new breed.
The Rottweiler was originally a guard and herder of cattle. Later, it was used for traction, pulling butchers' carts. When the breed was almost on the verge of extinction, the first club was founded and the first standard was drafted, which laid the foundation for today's specimens.
Even though it was no longer involved in traction or guarding cattle, the Rottweiler quickly found its place as a utility dog: first used by police forces, then during World War II.
Physical Appearance
According to the standard, males measure 61-67.8 cm at the withers and weigh between 43 and 59 kg. Females have a height between 56-64 cm and weigh between 38 and 52 kg.
The massive body is not heavy; the breed exhibits remarkable agility.
The coat is short, with two layers of hair. On the trunk, the outer layer is somewhat longer than the undercoat; on the head and limbs, they are of equal length. The abundance of the undercoat depends on the climate in which the dog lives and whether it spends more time indoors or outdoors.
The Rottweiler is always black, with characteristic fawn markings above the eyes, on the cheeks, on both sides of the muzzle, on the chest, legs, and under the tail. The shade of the fawn markings can vary from light reddish-brown to mahogany, but never any other color.
Rottweiler Personality
According to the breed standard, the ideal Rottweiler is calm, confident, courageous, bold, never timid. Its calm and observant demeanor does not allow it to immediately befriend strangers, towards whom it remains circumspect, keeping them under observation.
It is very affectionate when it comes to its own family, with many individuals choosing to follow their people around the house. It is not at all restless and, despite its instinct to protect its family and property, it should never show aggression towards people without good reason.
Males are quiet and calm, but always vigilant, constantly monitoring the perimeter for potential threats. Females are easier to train and more affectionate. But the Rottweiler, in general, is easy to train, adaptable, very focused on its tasks, and... quite stubborn.
Rottweiler Training
The Rottweiler is a breed that requires consistent, gentle, yet firm discipline. A verbal warning is generally sufficient, but only after the family hierarchy has been clearly established. Otherwise, it can immediately take over leadership.
It is not a suitable dog for people who cannot maintain an assertive attitude or for those with a very busy lifestyle who are unable to dedicate time to its training and supervision.
To earn a Rottweiler's respect, it is essential to establish clear boundaries and consequences for undesirable behaviors – and both require time and patience.
Early socialization is crucial for a balanced dog. Try to expose the puppy to different people, sights, sounds, and new experiences as early as possible. Invite people to your home, walk him in crowded areas, show him and teach him about boundaries and manners in as many varied situations as possible. If you decide to take the dog to a specialist, keep in mind that it is a dog that suffers if separated from its family, so it would be preferable to work together. Rottweiler training generally includes obedience training and, optionally, guarding and protection. Given their natural instincts, it is important to choose an experienced trainer who will not exacerbate the dog's aggressiveness.
How to choose a Rottweiler puppy from a litter?
A Rottweiler's temperament is influenced by numerous factors (socialization, training), but, as always, genetics play an important role. Puppies with a good temperament are playful and curious, want to approach people and be held.
Choose a puppy with a medium activity level: don't pick the most agitated, nor the most withdrawn. Do not get a Rottweiler puppy before you have met at least one of its parents - probably the mother - and ensured that she also has a good temperament.
We recommend acquiring a dog only from reputable breeders, after thorough research. You don't want a Rottweiler puppy from classifieds, as you risk having health and behavioral problems with it.
Health Problems
The Rottweiler is generally a healthy dog, but, like any other breed, it is predisposed to certain medical problems. It's important to be aware of these before deciding if this is the type of dog you want.
- Hip dysplasia is a relatively common hereditary problem in large breeds, which can initially manifest as discomfort when walking and lameness and can progress to painful and debilitating arthritis. A reputable breeder holds certificates attesting that the puppy's parents have been tested for dysplasia and are healthy, and individuals with hip dysplasia, even mild forms, should be excluded from breeding. Keep in mind that dysplasia is hereditary, but it can be exacerbated by rapid growth due to a high-calorie diet or certain movements: jumping or slipping on a wet floor.
- Elbow dysplasia occurs as a result of a hereditary malformation of the elbow joint. The severity of the case can only be determined with X-rays. It is treated surgically or symptoms are alleviated with analgesics.
- Aortic/subaortic stenosis occurs when the aorta narrows below the aortic valve, forcing the heart to work harder to circulate blood throughout the body. This condition can lead to fainting or sudden death. Usually, the problem is diagnosed by a veterinarian after identifying an abnormal heart murmur.
- Osteosarcoma is an aggressive bone cancer that generally affects large breeds. Limping is the first symptom, but the diagnosis is established after a radiological examination. Osteosarcoma requires aggressive treatment: amputation of the affected limb and chemotherapy. If diagnosed early and treated correctly, the dog's life can be extended by 9-24 months, sometimes longer.
- Gastric torsion affects large dogs, with the main risk factors being large meal portions, consuming a large amount of water, and intense physical exertion immediately after eating. The stomach, enlarged in volume, twists around its axis; both the entrance and exit from the stomach are blocked, gas accumulates in the stomach, and blood circulation is blocked. Without immediate surgical intervention, death is certain.
- Panosteitis is better known as growing pains. It occurs in puppies and initially manifests as limping. Generally, it resolves on its own with rest and supplements of calcium, vitamin D, MSM, and collagen, but a medical evaluation is useful to rule out dysplasia.
- Hypothyroidism can cause the coat to become coarse, lose its luster, infertility, obesity, apathy, and lack of attention. It is diagnosed by blood tests and treated with medication for the rest of the dog's life.
- Allergies are quite common in this breed: allergies to excess protein, to ingredients in dry food, to coat care products or household cleaning products, to pollen, dust, mites. Some allergies resolve by changing the diet, while others may require medication.
Care
Daily life with a Rottweiler entails certain peculiarities that are good to be aware of from the outset.
Nutrition
We are talking about a large breed with rapid growth, so it's good to be prepared, at least initially, to invest a lot in premium or super premium quality food that meets its nutritional needs.
Also during puppyhood, your veterinarian may recommend vitamin and mineral supplements to prevent rickets, growing pains, and some joint problems in a Rottweiler puppy.
Once mature, this breed needs a protein-concentrated food that covers its dietary needs in a small volume of food. There are several diets owners use, but probably the easiest to administer and balance is the best dog food with the best price/quality ratio.
Another point worth emphasizing is how important it is for your dog's health not to become overweight. Especially for an individual with a low energy level, great care is needed regarding the amount of carbohydrates in their diet.
Companionship
The Rottweiler should live indoors, in the company of people, never left alone in the yard. A Rottweiler left alone in the yard will quickly become destructive and aggressive. Although it is so large, you will be surprised to observe how calm it can be indoors.
If you own a Rottweiler, you must also have a strong fence. No matter how sociable it may be, it becomes territorial and can attack other dogs or people who do not respect property boundaries. It would be a good idea to also put up a warning sign at the gate, informing neighbors and friends not to venture into the yard unaccompanied.
Daily Activity
Although at home it prefers to lounge on the sofa, the Rottweiler has a lot of energy and needs to expend it. The energy level also varies from one individual to another, so be careful when choosing a puppy from the litter.
For a calm individual, two 10-20 minute walks a day may be sufficient. For a more lively dog, daily ball games, long walks, or training sessions are mandatory. They are very talented in agility and obedience training, so take advantage of this natural inclination!
Rottweilers, Children, and Other Animals
Most Rottweilers love children, especially if they are part of the family. Given their size, it's important to closely supervise interactions with children, especially young ones.
Ideally, families choosing a Rottweiler should have slightly older children who know how to respect the dog's needs. Also, whenever children have visitors, you should carefully supervise the dog, because there is a risk that it might interpret rougher or louder play as aggression and react to protect its owner.
When raised from a young age with other animals around, the Rottweiler tends to tolerate them. However, it can develop some aggression towards adult dogs of the same sex, which is why it is preferable for playdates to be carefully planned.
See other dog breeds
Photo credit: Shutterstock
Bibliography:
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/rottweiler/
https://www.dogbreedinfo.com/rottweiler.htm
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