The Rottweiler gets its name from the German region of Rottweil. But the breeds ancestors werent natives to the Teutonic area. They arrived in the area of what is today known as Germany centuries ago, when the Romans decided to conquer this part of Europe. Back then, the dogs were used for herding and protection.
The breed nearly went extinct, but in the early 1900s a devoted group of people managed to save it from this terrible fate. Since then, there hasnt been too much of a change in what the breed stands for today. The Rottweiler has a muscular and robust body, with a broad, massive head. It has a well-defined nozzle, with a large black nose and almond shaped, medium sized eyes, usually dark colored. There are rare cases of blue eyed dogs, but this is not a breed standard.
The carried-forward ears are triangular and not very large. The dogs coat is short, but thick. It is usually black colored, with mahogany or rust markings on muzzle, chest, legs or cheeks. Although it is rare, red with brown marking colored coats can exist.
The Rottie is a calm, docile dog, with a high degree of intelligence. It can be trained with no effort, and it is very loyal to its owner. If needed, it will fiercely defend its family, no matter the cost.
When in training, the owner must be calm, gentle, but at the same time firm, because of the dogs size. This is also a reason why training should begin at a young age, when the dog is still a puppy.
If you or the other members of your family are recognized as leaders, the dog will be your perfect guardian and also a perfect companion for your child as well. These dogs are very tolerant to other pets, as long as they are well socialized.
Males are a little larger compared to the females, measuring 61 to 69 cm in height, while the latter measure 56 to 63 cm.
These canines can easily adapt to living indoors, as long as they get a good exercise and the proper amount of attention, but will feel great in a small yard. A trip in the woods or open country as well as swimming or running beside a bicycle will make these dogs as happy as they can be.
When it comes to grooming, you wont have a difficult task to perform, as their smooth, short coat is easy to take care of. You will easily get the job done with a firm bristle brush. The life expectancy is around 10 to 12 years and they can give birth even up to 10 or 12 puppies.
If you provide all the exercise and attention that this dog needs, the Rottweiler will reward you with lots of love and devotion and will do anything in its power to make sure that you and your family will always be protected.
