Rottweilers are another case of a dog getting a bad rap, according to those who love the breed. A correctly handled and trained rotty can become a wonderful family companion. What should prospective rottweiler owners know?
Rottweilers are big dogs in a medium-large body. They range from around 22” to 27” to the shoulder and generally weigh between 85 to 115 lbs. These dogs are muscular, strong, and built to work. In fact, the American Kennel Association classifies them as working dogs. Rotties love to move, generally at a trot. They live between nine and eleven years on average.
Rottweilers are believed by many to be a descendent of a mastiff-type of dog used by the Romans to herd cattle and sheep needed to feed Roman armies as the Romans conquered Europe. Somewhere along the line, some of these dogs ended up in Rottweil, Germany and began the line of what we would now recognize as rottweilers. The story is that these early dogs were used to herd cattle to the market, and then since they were so strong, pull butcher's carts after the cattle had been slaughtered. The dogs were not only used to pull carts, but used to carry wood and other heavy burdens. During the 1800's, rotties fell on hard times. Rottweilers were no longer needed to herd sheep and cattle to market. The railroads had taken over that responsibility. During World War I, the breed was "rediscovered" when rotties were found to be excellent police and guard dogs. This was also the beginning of misunderstandings about this sturdy breed.
Rottweilers are naturally reserved and protective. They are particularly intelligent and can resist training, so they should be handled by dedicated people who love the breed. They key to socializing Rottweilers is to start training them when they are young. They do well with children, other dogs, and even cats if they brought up with them. However, they must be shown who is dominant if nothing but for their size. Because of their strength and size, they can unintentionally hurt someone just by knocking a person or child over. It is important to spay or neuter a rotty to help control moodiness or aggression and to reduce health problems as the pet ages. Basically, rottweilers need strong, involved, loving people to help them learn their parameters. People will be rewarded by having a loyal, brave, and loving companion.
Rottweilers have gotten a bad reputation because some have exploited their protective side and encouraged aggressive behavior. Or, the dog has overwhelmed its owners with the dog's training needs. Or, no one has bothered to try to train the dog at all. As with other “aggressive” dog breeds, when one dog does something bad, the whole breed is blamed, when much of the focus should be on the dog’s owner. This is not to excuse a dog that has attacked someone. Rottweilers can be dangerous out of sheer size and muscle. But, it is truly sad when a few dogs can scare people off of a whole breed.
Rottweilers, being working dogs, need a lot of exercise. They enjoy being involved in daily activities with their family. They love to run and to swim. They need a fenced yard in which to play and toys to keep them entertained. They need to be taken on walks for exercise and so that they can see other people and other dogs.
Rottweilers do not need as much grooming as other breeds. If they are brushed or combed once a week and given a bath every three to four weeks, they should be fine.
As with any breed, individual dogs vary. If you are looking for a rottweiler, it is important to go to a scrupulous breeder who knows the family history of the dog. Never leave a Rottweiler alone with a very young infant. Make sure your children are involved in your rottweiler’s training. If you are a dedicated dog lover, are willing to spend the time training, socializing, and reinforcing your training, you will be rewarded with a loving gentle giant of a dog.
