Rottweiler

Vital Statistics:

Place of Origin: Germany

Group: Working dog, Guard dog

Height: males 24-27 in., females 22-25 in.

Weight: males 95-130 lbs., females 80-110 lbs.

Life span: 10-12 yrs.

Trainability: moderate

Good with children: yes, with early socialization

Good with other pets: yes, with early socialization

The Rottweiler is an ancient breed dating as far back as the Roman Empire where it was used as a herding dog for cattle, the food that traveled with the Roman legions. Some of its ancestors may be the Roman war dog, sheep dogs in the town of Rottweil, Germany and the Molossor. By 1900 the breed was practically extinct. However World War 1 brought a pressing need for police dogs and there was interest once again in the Rottweiler. There is a memorial statue to the dog in Rottweil, Germany.

What does the Rottweiler look like?

Height is 22-27 inches and weight 9-80-130 lbs. depending on gender. The Rottweiler’s coat is smooth and coarse with a water repellent undercoat. Coat color is black with mahogany or tan markings on the cheeks, muzzle, paws and above the eyes.. Eyes are dark brown and ears are triangular and carried forward. It has a strong scissors bite.

What is the Rottweiler’s temperament?

The Rottweiler is a very loyal and dependable family dog. It loves children and is obedient and trains easily. The Rottweiler needs firm training and a strong owner because of its size. It is very protective of the family and will become aggressive if it feels the family is in danger. The Rottweiler is a dog for an owner that is familiar with dogs in general.

What are the Rottweiler’s uses?

The Rottweiler has been used for herding, but is an outstanding guard dog and watchdog. It is used in police and military work and schutzhund (tracking, obedience and protection). The Rottweiler makes a wonderful family companion.

Possible Health Issues

Hip/elbow dysplasia, osteochondrosis, eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, eyelid deformities, heart problems such as cardiomyopathy, subaortic stenosis, von Willebrands Disease, hypothyroidism, Addison’s Disease, gastroenteritis, folliculitis (an infection beginning in the hair follicles), cancer