Such a different Rottweiler: characteristics and description of the breed. Power in motion - Rottweiler: description of the breed, characteristics of the dog, suitable nicknames Dogs of the Rottweiler breed all about the breed

The Rottweiler, from the German Rottweiler, belongs to the category of working dog breeds from the Molosser group. Bred in Germany, the large breed has a strong bone structure and is characterized by a strong and stable character.

History of the origin of the breed

The origin of the Rottweiler can only be judged from very rare written sources. The first mention of the Rottweiler dates back to the time of the legions of Claudius Augustus. Powerful and mastiff-like dogs accompanied and guarded the army's provisions on long and grueling campaigns. After the need for the use of such dogs historically disappeared, their numbers sharply decreased, and the breed was practically on the brink of extinction, so at an exhibition held in Heilbronn, one and not the best representative of the Rottweiler was demonstrated.

After some time, German breeders decided to revive the breed, and the animals obtained as a result of such work had excellent psychophysical characteristics, so they became very much in demand as service dogs in the police. The beginning of the twentieth century was marked by the creation of the United German Rottweiler Club in Stuttgart, which made it possible to establish Rottweiler breed standards. The adopted standards periodically undergo some corrections and additions.

This is interesting! The first representative of the breed was brought to the territory of our country more than a hundred years ago, and thanks to its excellent adaptation to the weather conditions of Russia, Rottweilers became popular in certain circles, including military and departmental nurseries.

In the early seventies, for breeding work, animals were imported into our country from the GDR, and as a result of planned selection, as well as culling, it was possible to identify the disqualifying defects of the breed. Ten years later, dogs imported from Finland and Denmark were used for breeding work. Relatively recently in Russia there has been a demand for a Rottweiler with attractive appearance and a non-aggressive character.

Description of appearance

Rottweilers are very efficient and hardy, energetic dogs that are distinguished by loyalty and have excellent protective qualities. The breed is characterized as a strong and powerful animal with a compact and proportional build.

Breed standards

In accordance with established standards, Rottweilers are powerful, but not heavy dogs, with excellent endurance and the following breed characteristics:

the head is represented by a skull of medium length, with a wide area between the ears. In profile, the parallel lines of the forehead and muzzle are separated by a fairly steep drop. The occipital part is a not very protruding tubercle. The zygomatic arches are quite pronounced;
The eyes are medium-sized, almond-shaped, dark brown in color, with well-fitting eyelids. Desirable eye color is any light brown tone;
Large teeth have a scissor bite, and the result of a straight bite is rapid wear of the teeth. Disqualifying faults are undershot and overshot;
Well-pigmented gums and lips are black or dark brown, but standards allow for small light areas. The outer edge of thin and tight-fitting lips should be covered completely with dark skin;
ears are medium sized, hanging, triangular in shape, set high, wide apart;
The neck is of medium length, not too short, muscular, with a well-developed scruff. Exit of the cervical spine at an angle of 40-50 degrees. Animals with a “deer” neck and an Adam’s apple in the front are disqualified;
The chest is wide, voluminous and deep, equal in girth to the height at the withers plus twenty centimeters. The volume of the chest is represented by true and false ribs. When viewed from above, the rear is slightly wider than the front;
the back smoothly transitions into a straight, short, wide and slightly convex lumbar region. A slight convexity of the lumbar region is allowed, which does not sharply transform into a wide and rounded, horizontally set croup.

Body defects include weak bones and lack of well-developed muscles, as well as a flat chest, soft or hunchbacked back, and a sloping croup.

Limb and tail standards

The front and rear limbs of the Rottweiler are strong and quite muscular.. The forelimbs are characterized by the presence of long shoulder blades, a thick and massive shoulder girdle, and springy and slightly inclined pasterns. Defects are represented by a narrow set, curved forearms, soft or drooping pasterns, splayed paws with dark-colored and short claws.

When examining the hind legs, their straight and parallel stance, short and very muscular thighs, long shins, hocks set back at the correct angle, rounded and arched paws are revealed.

Important! Defects can be represented by saber and narrow hindquarters, closely spaced hocks, barrel-shaped hindquarters and dewclaws.

The high-set tail has a natural shape and is a natural extension of the dorsal part. In a calm state, the tail is hanging type. In 1998, the standards were changed and tail docking was prohibited on show animals from FCI member countries. In our country, there is currently no direct ban on docking.

Color and coat according to standard

The Rottweiler's coat consists of topcoat and undercoat, which is straight hair. The outer hair is medium in length, coarse, dense and close to the body. According to the standard, the undercoat should not protrude from under the topcoat. The hind limbs are characterized by slightly longer hair.

The color is black, with a well-defined and pronounced reddish-brown tan that covers the cheeks, muzzle, lower neck, chest and legs, as well as areas above the eyes and under the base of the tail.

Character of the breed

The character traits of the Rottweiler made it possible to classify this popular breed as “not for novice dog breeders.” Despite the insane devotion to all family members, the dog chooses only one person as its sole owner. Such a pet perfectly senses the change in the owner’s mood and distinguishes intonation very well, which is why Rottweilers are considered highly intelligent and thinking dogs. The breed is characterized by the ability to almost constantly attract attention, touchiness and jealousy, and as practice shows, an adult animal brought into the house rarely gets along with other pets.

The Rottweiler is an excellent protector and displays protective qualities if the owner is in real danger. Raising a dog of this breed must be done from the first days of acquisition. Only in this case will it be possible to get an obedient and controllable pet with a stable psyche and the absence of unmotivated aggression. It is advisable to trust the training process to professional dog handlers, which is due to the willfulness and some stubbornness of the breed.

The Rottweiler shows character and independence from the age of six months, and a dog of this breed becomes especially disobedient during puberty. Not recommended Get a Rottweiler as a pet dog if there are very young children in the house. It is not uncommon for an improperly trained dog to show aggression and injure a child during play.

Important! This breed is not suitable for people who lead a sedentary lifestyle and have no experience raising Rottweilers.

Caring for Rottweilers is quite simple. When keeping at home, it is imperative to provide at least a general training course, which will significantly reduce the risk of getting an aggressive and disobedient adult dog.

Nutrition

When feeding Rottweilers, you can use not only natural, but also well-balanced dry food suitable for feeding adult large-breed dogs. High-quality and expensive foods are best suited, of which Royal-Canin and Eukanuba, as well as Akana, have proven themselves well. The main condition for the correct use of dry food is the constant availability of fresh and clean water within walking distance for the Rottweiler.

quality food for Rottweilers – Eukanuba

The basis of the diet when using natural feeding should be represented by meat, in the form of beef, lamb and chicken, as well as high-quality offal. The Rottweiler's basic diet must be supplemented with:

sea fish, which is given to the dog boiled and deboned;
fermented milk products in the form of kefir or yogurt;
boiled chicken and raw quail eggs;
buckwheat, rice and oatmeal.

nutrition necessarily includes mineral and vitamin supplements, as well as vegetables and fruits. It is strictly forbidden to feed your dog sweet, smoked and fatty foods. You should also not give your Rottweiler tubular bones, which can injure the animal’s digestive tract and often cause its death.

Walks

Quite often, Rottweilers are kept in the yard. In this case, the animal needs to be provided with sufficient enclosure space for optimal physical activity, as well as a spacious booth, well protected from cold and moisture. Chain keeping for a breed such as the Rottweiler is strictly contraindicated.

Ideally, it is advisable to keep the animal in an apartment or private house, giving the dog sufficient personal space. If kept in an apartment, walks should be regular and long. It is recommended to walk in specially equipped areas a couple of times a day.

Hygiene

A shedding animal needs to be brushed regularly with special hard brushes. The breed needs regular external ear cleaning and dental care, as well as timely nail trimming. Ears should be cleaned very carefully with cotton swabs lightly moistened with hydrogen peroxide.

Important! Water procedures are carried out rarely, only when necessary.

Vaccination

in the fourth or fifth week - DP-pappi;
deworming ten days after the first vaccination;
twenty days after the first vaccination – DHPPI+L
deworming one month after vaccination;
at six months vaccination DHPPI +L;
a couple of months after the last vaccination, rabies vaccination is performed;
at twelve months – DHPPI+L.

In most cases, dog handlers and breeders characterize Rottweilers as a fairly hardy breed that rarely gets sick. If you choose to purchase this particular breed, it is important to remember that Rottweilers are predisposed to the following diseases:

diabetes;
hip dysplasia;
osteochondrosis;
osteosarcoma and cataracts;
increased gas formation and bloating;
retinal dysplasia;
skin diseases.

This is interesting! If you choose the right puppy and follow all recommendations for keeping and caring for your Rottweiler, problems with the animal’s health are extremely rare.

The average cost of a purebred Rottweiler puppy, suitable for participation in exhibitions and breeding, starts from fifty thousand rubles, but such a dog can only be purchased in specialized, well-established nurseries. You can buy an animal from your own hands quite cheaply, but puppies vary in price more significantly:

“Pat” – about $200-300.
“Breed” – in the range of $500-800.
“Show” – from $700-1000 and above.

Rottweiler males, as a rule, have an independent and rather complex leader character, and females of this breed are often more obedient, balanced and calm, and therefore are more suitable for inexperienced dog breeders.

Large and powerful, it is not without reason that Rottweilers command respect, and their fighting appearance often inspires fear. However, throughout the history of the breed, these dogs were close to people, helped them and lived side by side. This helped them gain a balanced character and develop their already good physical qualities. Today the Rottweiler is an excellent companion, watchman and service dog, but the dog requires mandatory education and socialization.

There are a number of sources confirming that the ancestors of Rottweilers were the dogs of Roman legionnaires. They guarded the warriors' livestock, which was used for food and followed the troops. The dogs of that time were similar in appearance to today's Rottweilers and Neapolitan Mastiffs, which are considered their close relatives.

The history of the breed itself is connected with the German city of Rottweil, thanks to which it received its name. The most famous cattle fairs were held in this city, and dogs were bred to help farmers in this difficult task.

The guards herded cattle into herds, monitored lagging animals, knocked down the arrogance of overly aggressive bulls, and carried money in a special compartment in a collar. However, when cattle began to be transported by rail, drovers lost their relevance. But the police placed their bets on these hardy, intelligent dogs, and the next round of popularity of the Rottweiler breed began.

Description of the Rottweiler breed

The Rottweiler has an average, balanced constitution - neither overweight nor lean. Height males are 61-68 cm, females are slightly lower - 56-63 cm. Weight Dogs weigh between 42-50 kg. The standard prescribes the following appearance for a pet:

Head medium in size, with a well-defined occipital protuberance, ears set wide. The muzzle is slightly narrowed, ending in a wide lobe with widened round nostrils. The color of the ear lobes, lips and eye rims is black. Thoroughbred representatives have clearly defined cheekbones, emphasized by color.
Ears medium size, triangular in shape, most often they are docked. If not, then they hang down, reaching the middle of the cheekbones.
Neck Rottweilers are muscular and strong. Back straight, turning into a well-defined lumbar girdle. The croup is wide, of medium length.
Tail thick, long, hangs down when calm, but, according to the breed characteristics, .
Front and hind limbs set wide and straight, they form a strong base. The elbows are pressed close to the body, the pasterns are well developed, the paws are tightly assembled.

Coat and color

There is only one color of Rottweilers - black coat with red tan markings. Tan spots are located on the cheekbones, eyes, throat, paws and crotch, they should be symmetrical. The standard does not allow even small white spots.

The coat of dogs is coarse, the undercoat is dense and dense. This protection allows them to be kept outdoors; the pet does not freeze in winter. According to the standard, the coat should be of medium length, lie flat, and the undercoat should not be visible.

Character traits

Due to the fact that Rottweilers have always lived surrounded by people, they can boast of a good ability to adapt. Such pets fit well into the life rhythm of the owner, quickly remember his habits and are sensitive to his emotional state. The Rottweiler is a serious, balanced dog, and its physical development allows it to be confident and calm in any situation.

If the dog is raised correctly, then he will not waste his own resources on causeless aggression. But he is ready to protect his own family, home and surrounding territory 24 hours a day. Given the innate protective instinct, it is necessary to teach your pet as early as possible to see the differences between real danger and everyday situations. In this case, early socialization plays a huge role.

If a Rottweiler is adopted by a person who has no experience, or if he is not involved in raising his four-legged friend, then the dog can grow up aggressive, rude and be dangerous to others and his own family. The Rottweiler is devoted to his owner and loves him, and his kind attitude is always reciprocated.

Since the breed was bred to help humans, these dogs are accustomed to always being there and helping when necessary. They do not tolerate loneliness well and are very worried if no attention is paid to them. A well-bred Rottweiler can be a real member of the family; he does not tolerate quarrels and swearing, therefore he acts as a reconciliator.

Dogs of this breed get along well with children, especially if they are together. They are also loyal to new members, but you should still be careful with small children. This dog is strong and temperamental, so it cannot always distinguish between deliberate rudeness and inept play in a timely manner. Owners should not leave small children and dogs alone and should always supervise their interactions. The Rottweiler makes a cheerful, sociable dog, but it is not suitable as a nanny.

Your pet’s communication with strangers, whether guests or people passing by on the street, also requires attention. Rottweilers are not aggressors, especially if they are properly raised and socialized, they will not rush at people without reason. But it is still recommended to put a muzzle on your pet before visiting crowded places.

How training is carried out

Since representatives of this breed are distinguished by masculinity and self-confidence, they need an owner with the same qualities. A person without experience is unlikely to be able to cope with the pet’s temperament, and the dog will become dominant in this relationship. The owner of a Rottweiler must be persistent and strict.

It is necessary to accustom your pet to discipline from the first days of its appearance in the house. But you should never be rude to a dog, as such an attitude will make it aggressive.

Rottweilers have a good food reaction, and experts recommend using this feature during education and training. Any success should be rewarded with a small piece of deliciousness or laconic praise. You shouldn’t admire too much, the main thing is to speak sincerely.

Often, purebred dogs show special affection for one person in the family, who is more involved and cares for them. To correct this, care should be distributed among all family members, establishing a schedule for the sequence of walking, feeding and other activities. Such an approach will make the pet understand that everyone loves and appreciates it, and it will make it easier for the owners to raise and socialize the pet.

Dog care

The Rottweiler does not require special conditions. In the apartment, the pet must be equipped, away from heating devices and drafts. On the street, he needs a booth lined with straw or other suitable material.

Rottweilers tolerate cold well, which cannot be said about heat, so it is recommended to take this into account when setting up an area for him in the yard. Taking care of your pet's teeth involves regularly treating him with a large marrow bone. This will help protect your dog from bad mouth odor.

During your puppy's teething, you should pay attention to the position of your pet's ears. They may become loose or form an unwanted crease. If this happens, you should consult a veterinarian, he will tell you what to do in this case.

It is also necessary to regularly inspect the ears for plaque and inflammation using a cotton swab. The eyes also require attention, but they only need to be examined and for any, even minor, changes (redness, increased lacrimation, etc.), you should contact a specialist.

The Rottweiler's coat is quite easy to care for. To make the coat shiny and look good, it is enough to comb it once or twice a week with a special brush - a rubber glove, a hair comb or a metal comb will do. It is advisable to accustom your pet to such a procedure from puppyhood, and then he will not only not resist, but also enjoy the manipulation. During seasonal shedding, the coat will need to be brushed daily.

If you do not pay proper attention to the coat, the dog may develop, especially when it sheds heavily. Rottweilers do not need frequent washing; this can be done a couple of times a year even if they are very dirty.

In dogs that are often on hard ground, the claws wear down naturally, in other cases. Since Rottweilers are not big fans of pedicures, they can be aggressive towards such a procedure. In this case, it may be necessary to seek professional services from a veterinary clinic. This can be avoided if you file or trim them carefully when your pet is still a puppy and reward him well after the procedure.

How to feed a Rottweiler

Dog owners have two options on how to feed their pet - natural food or commercial food. But no matter what the owner chooses, the food must be complete and of high quality. In the first case, the diet should consist mostly of meat and offal. Be sure to include boiled eggs, low-fat sea fish, cheese, fermented milk products – cottage cheese, yogurt, kefir – in your dog’s menu. These are essential ingredients that are sources of protein.

Your pet should get carbohydrates from cereals. Rice and buckwheat porridge cooked in water or vegetable and meat broths are ideal. But it is better to avoid pearl barley, since the dog’s body does not absorb it well. Fiber is another essential component and comes from vegetables. It is recommended to give them raw to the dog, but they should make up no more than a quarter of the daily diet.

There are a number of foods that are undesirable for Rottweilers. This list includes the following:

Milk can cause indigestion and disruption of the digestive system.
Legumes are a difficult food for dogs. To digest them, the gastrointestinal tract spends a lot of juices and time. Can lead to bloating and flatulence.
Potatoes are a source of starchy substances that are undesirable for the dog’s body.
Sweets – sugar, first of all, affects the animal’s vision.
Tubular bones - the animal’s stomach cannot digest, in addition, they can cause damage to the walls of the stomach and intestines.

If the owner prefers dry diets, then it should be food rich in nutrients necessary for the dog’s active life and good health. Naturally, this option saves time on cooking, which is important for busy people.

But it is worth considering that high-quality food is not cheap, and budget diets do not meet the requirements for a balanced diet. Feeding a large dog with waste from food production, which, in essence, is what cheap food is, is not only inhumane, but even criminal. This is depriving the dog of a long and healthy life.

Since Rottweilers rarely suffer from food allergies, choosing food is not difficult. It is worth taking into account premium and super-premium diets suitable for large breeds.

Rottweiler photo

Video about Rottweiler

What is the cost of puppies

This breed, although it has become less popular in recent years, is still not rare. Therefore, buying a puppy will not be difficult. But before purchasing, you should decide on the purpose of the pet and choose it from the appropriate class:

Pet class. This is a guard dog, as they say, “for the soul.” Representatives of this class have minor deviations that do not allow their use in breeding and exhibitions. However, they do not in any way affect the working qualities of the animal. The cost of puppies in this category varies from 12,000 to 18,000 rubles.
Breeding class. Puppies of this class are usually purchased for future breeding. The starting price of such a pet is 20,000 rubles, but it can be significantly higher if the baby’s parents have high exhibition scores. The offspring of titled dogs costs from 60,000 to 90,000 rubles.
Show class. These are puppies with excellent characteristics, future show stars and enviable producers. Naturally, their price is much higher - from 150,000 to 600,000 rubles.

As with other large breeds, experts do not recommend purchasing a puppy from random sellers who have no idea about proper breeding and culling of offspring. In this case, there is a risk of getting not only a mixed breed or a puppy with health problems, but also a mentally unstable individual, such a pet can create significant problems.

The Rottweiler is an ideal guard, capable of protecting its owner at any time. He is jealous of the protected territory, and intruders have no chance to get past. But when getting such a powerful and serious pet, first of all, you should think about its upbringing and socialization, so that the dog becomes a member of the family, and not a threat to it.

Rottweiler kennels

Moscow http://www.olburd.ru
St. Petersburg http://akslen.ru
Kyiv https://bestlegasy.jimdo.com
Minsk http://www.rottweiler.by

Rottweilers are known for their intelligence, loyalty, learning ability and non-aggressive behavior. But all these advantages are inherent only in animals that meet international breed standards. To correctly choose and raise a guard and companion for the whole family, study the detailed description of the Rottweiler breed.

Over centuries of development, representatives of the Rottweiler dog breed have become real “universal soldiers”, ready to accompany a person in work and in war, to be devoted friends and easy-going companions. The breed is used in the service of law enforcement agencies, but the Rottweiler can be kept in a private house or apartment. These dogs are trainable and, with proper effort from the owner, can become exemplary pets.

Rottweiler: description of the breed

Rottweilers are large dogs, with a massive body and powerful muscles. Males are much larger and heavier than females. The head is of medium length, the forehead line is moderately high, the cheekbones are clearly pronounced. The ears are triangular, semi-erect, forming a straight line with the top of the skull. The eyes are almond-shaped, dark brown. The coat is short and harsh, the undercoat should not be visible. The tail in its natural form extends the line of the back. According to the international classification, the breed standards are as follows.

Weight . For males - about 50 kg, for females - 40-42 kg.
Height at withers. 61-68 cm for a male, 56-63 cm for a female.
Color. Black with tan on face, chest and legs. The color of tans can be brown in different shades (from red and gold to red-brown). Other colors, unclear appearance of tan marks, or, conversely, too large an area are considered a defect. Also, a purebred Rottweiler cannot be long-haired, have no undercoat, or have short but soft or wavy hair.
Lifespan. Unfortunately, the Rottweiler does not live long - 8-12 years.
Character . Brave, decisive, open, but stubborn and independent. Rottweilers do not show aggression without a reason. These are loyal and fearless defenders of the owner and his family. But to raise a Rottweiler, the owner will have to win the dog’s respect, otherwise the dog will rely on its own opinion more than on the demands of the person. It is curious that timidity and cowardice, distrustful, angry and nervous behavior are directly indicated in the standards as disqualifying vices.
Intelligence. Dog handlers highly appreciate the mental abilities of Rottweilers. These dogs have been bred for centuries for utilitarian purposes, are highly trainable, have a good memory and are able to adapt to changing conditions.
Security and guard potential. The breed is used in many countries around the world as a service dog. Used by law enforcement and security agencies for guard, escort and security services, patrolling, searching for explosives and drugs.

The Rottweiler is a working dog with a fighting background. Such a pet will require time, energy and patience from the owner. The following table will help you decide whether this breed is right for you.

Table - Pros and cons of the Rottweiler breed

pros	Minuses
- Smart, trainable dog; - the size of an adult Rottweiler allows it to be kept at home; - in a temperate climate, two-layer wool provides the dog with comfortable living outdoors in an enclosure even in winter; - sheds lightly and does not require special coat care; - not picky about food	- Potentially dangerous; - if brought up incorrectly, can be aggressive; - can dominate an inexperienced trainer (needs a “strong hand”); - does not tolerate violence (cannot be kept on a chain); - requires long walks and intense exercise; - prone to obesity; - does not tolerate heat well

Origin history and interesting facts

The modern Rottweiler is considered a German dog, but the roots of its origin go much deeper than the ancient Germanic tribes. Even in Ancient Egypt, Assyria and Babylon, people used Great Dane and Molossian (by the name of one of the tribes) dogs, from which Rottweilers are believed to have originated. They were involved in guarding and herding herds, and in wars. The dogs not only accompanied the armies and led them with animals taken as provisions, but also directly participated in the battles. Bas-reliefs and frescoes depicting dogs opposing enemy infantry have survived to this day. Over several hundred years, through trade and military campaigns, dogs spread throughout the Mediterranean region. Julius Caesar himself, who fought in Britain, mentions that local troops used ferocious fighting dogs against his legions.

The Roman Empire, the warlike superpower of that time, also could not ignore the “universal weapon” - a shepherd dog and a warrior dog at the same time. From about the 1st century BC. e. these dogs participate in gladiator fights and defeat much larger predators. Hundreds of hardy, strong dogs with developed muscles and powerful jaws accompany the Romans on campaigns and spread their habitat to all the empire’s possessions.

One of the key places in the future history of the Rottweiler breed was the trading city of Rottweil, built by the Romans. Here they traded food: meat and livestock, grain and flour. Warehouses, herds, barns and trade caravans needed protection and escort, for which the same fighting dogs bred in Rottweil as a separate breed - Rottweilers - were ideally suited.

In the Middle Ages there were two types of Rottweilers.

Very large and massive. It was used directly for guarding homes and warehouses, as well as for transporting some cargo as draft power. Due to its outstanding size, the dog was less resilient and could not herd livestock over long distances. Moreover, its bite could seriously injure a cow, goat or sheep.
Smaller type. He differed from the heavyweights in his mobility and endurance. These dogs worked as cattle drivers and herd guards on pastures.

Over the years, through the efforts of the breeder, the breed has become what we know it today: harmoniously built, combining strength and endurance with intelligence and devotion.

Because it belonged to the meat merchants’ workshop, the breed was called “butcher’s Rottweiler dog.” Although, it would be fair to call her “the butcher’s accountant”, because, as one of the historical legends says, Rottweil merchants had the habit of hanging their own wallet around the dog’s neck. Thus, no matter how abundantly the owner celebrated a profitable deal, the main amount remained completely safe from thieves and dishonest partners.

Spreading

Rottweilers became widespread and deserved recognition in other countries a hundred years ago. Primarily as service dogs, the merits of which were highly appreciated by the First German Police Dog Association in 1910. Over the next 20 years, the breed became popular not only in its homeland, but also in Austria, Switzerland and the USA.

It is noteworthy that during these decades of rapid spread of the breed, the standards, that is, the requirements for breeding dogs, were much softer than now. Thus, until 1923, it was considered acceptable if the dog’s color was pure red, dark gray with black, or with black stripes on an ash-gray background. In addition, some lengthening of the coat was allowed.

Rottweilers first came to Russia in 1914, but these were single specimens brought by private individuals. Mass import was already organized by the Soviet government in 1924. Then departmental breeders tried to create their own guard breed - the black terrier, the ancestors of which were supposed to be Airedale terriers, Giant Schnauzers and Rottweilers.

In the post-war years, Rottweilers were bred in departmental nurseries as service dogs, but some puppies already fell into the hands of amateur dog breeders. As the first private breeders later noted, the Soviet Rottweiler of that period was significantly different from its European counterparts. These dogs were larger, had a much more ferocious disposition, and were often lighter in color or had longer hair.

In the 70s, the import of dogs for breeding was established, and by the end of the 80s, relative order was established in the breed: planned selection and culling made it possible to eliminate a number of defects introduced into the population.

It was the departmental breeding of aggressive service dogs during the Soviet period that still negatively affects the image of the breed. There are plenty of stories that vividly describe the evil and indomitable nature of these dogs, capable of attacking an owner, a child, or a neighbor’s grandmother. Not all of them are supported by facts. But you cannot forget that when purchasing a Rottweiler, you are practically purchasing a weapon.

Experts warn: even today, when selection in the breed is aimed at breeding dogs with a balanced psyche and non-aggressive character, only high-quality training can guarantee the correct behavior of the dog. A Rottweiler puppy should be purchased exclusively from breeding nurseries and from professional breeders who monitor the purity of the line and guarantee, among other things, the mental health of the dog.

Varieties

There are no such species or subtypes in the Rottweiler breed. But the breed is spread all over the world, which could not help but introduce local flavor into national standards. The main ones are the following.

German standard. This is the classic model Rottweiler. German standardization formed the basis of the standards of the International Canine Federation.
English standard. Also based on Germanic. The distinguishable difference is that the breeders of England concentrated even more on the character of the pet, achieving truly English equanimity while maintaining the proper protective qualities.
American standard. In some ways it echoes the Soviet experience in the selection of Rottweilers for guard duty. American breeders have also given preference to the size and vicious nature of their pets, resulting in their dogs being larger than European standards and having less than friendly dispositions.

Some external differences between dogs of this breed depend on the breeding line. For example, representatives of the Finnish line have a more elongated muzzle. “Austrians” are slightly lower and drier than the classic German Rottweilers, since they are bred exclusively as service dogs that need mobility and agility. The Norwegian line, on the contrary, is taller than its relatives. But the standards, although they have a gap in height and weight, still predetermine the breed as large.

As with other breeds, there are cases of small puppies being born that are not up to standard. But the dwarf Rottweiler is not a separate subtype, but a consequence of a genetic failure that is associated with selection errors and diseases of the parents. Often such animals have a number of concomitant diseases; they may have an unstable psyche.

Selection, maintenance and nutrition requirements

Before choosing a Rottweiler puppy, you should decide on a breeder or kennel. It is important that your future pet has good heredity: the parents must clearly fit the description of the breed and be distinguished by the qualities that you want to see in the baby.

Please note that a male Rottweiler will always have a more complex personality. A male dog may try to dominate a person and requires great effort in education and training.

Girls are more obedient, become more attached to their owners and are less prone to aggression. In addition, if you are going to engage in breeding, then it is wiser to take a show- or breed-class bitch. This is due to the fact that the choice of males for mating is often wider, and, accordingly, the competition between males is higher.

In this case, please note that the dog’s first heat should begin by the age of one year, and the first mating is recommended after two years (after the third heat). Pregnancy in Rottweilers lasts about 60 days, but sometimes birth begins a little earlier, or, conversely, is delayed by up to a week.

If you dream of a family friend and a home guard without show pretensions, it may be worth considering pet-class puppies of both sexes, which will cost less and are inferior to the above-mentioned ones only by participation in breeding. In any case, it is very important to obtain all possible information about the puppy and its parents from the Rottweiler kennel.

A small Rottweiler should be curious and active, not avoid playing with other puppies, and not be passive or timid. When examining the puppy, pay attention to the condition of the skin, eyes and ears. They should be clean and free of any rashes, sores or discharge. The skin on the stomach is pink, the rest of the body is gray. The tail, if not docked, is without kinks.

Cupping

In cynological circles there is a serious discussion about the need for docking as such and the humanity of such operations in relation to four-legged animals. Already in a number of countries, trimming is prohibited, and dogs that have undergone such interventions cannot participate in exhibitions and breeding. In Russia there is no legal prohibition, and the decision to dock the tail and crop the ears is made directly by the breeder or the future owner.

According to dog breeders, docked dogs are more familiar to the public. On the other hand, myths about the benefits of cupping have also long been debunked.

Dogs that have not had their tail docked are very comfortable with this part of the body, even if hundreds of generations of their ancestors were deprived of it. And trimming your ears does not in any way reduce the risk of getting otitis media or other similar diseases. So the operation is purely cosmetic, and it’s up to you to decide whether to do it or not.

Vaccinations

The first vaccinations for a puppy are often given by the breeder, at one and a half to two months. Up to five months, at intervals of three weeks, revaccination is carried out (repeated injection of the vaccine to maintain immunity). From 12 months, the dog is vaccinated annually. Rottweiler puppies are vaccinated against:

adenovirus;
rabies;
parainfluenza virus;
parvovirus enteritis;
leptospirosis.

It is better to draw up a vaccination schedule together with your veterinarian. 10-14 days before each vaccination, the animal must be treated for worms.

Diet

You can feed your Rottweiler at home with ready-made food (both dry and canned) or natural food. Both power schemes have their advantages, as can be seen from the table.

Table - Comparison of the benefits of factory-made food and “homemade” food for Rottweiler dogs

If you cook yourself, be sure to include in the menu:

meat;
offal;
eggs;
cottage cheese;
porridge (buckwheat, rice, egg);
vegetables and fruits;
vitamin supplements as recommended by a veterinarian.

You can give your puppy milk. But don’t be surprised if your dog refuses it as he gets older—many animals are lactose intolerant.

The disadvantage of “homemade” food is that it takes time to prepare. If you do not have one and decide to buy food, then it is better to opt for well-known manufacturers and purchase premium quality products.

Whatever method of feeding you prefer, bones and cartilage will always be a pleasant addition to the main diet for the dog.

Grooming

The Rottweiler is quite unpretentious in everyday life. If the dog lives in an apartment, after a walk it needs to wash its paws, and in case of rain, wipe the entire dog with a dry towel. Otherwise, caring for the coat is very simple:

bathe three to four times a year;
comb once or twice a week with a special brush (daily during the molting period).

While combing, pay attention to the condition of the ears and teeth. Ears should be wiped with a damp cloth (not cotton swabs). To clean teeth, use special sticks or paste and a brush (sold in pet stores).

Training issues

Although Rottweilers were bred as service dogs and are genetically trained, it is believed that these dogs are not for beginners. Therefore, if you decide to train your Rottweiler at home, try to take at least a few lessons from professionals. The best option is to go through a training course with your dog. This way your pet will learn the necessary commands, and you will learn how to interact correctly with the dog.

Due to its independent, self-confident nature, the Rottweiler is ready to accept restrictions and norms only from a person he respects. Once in the house, the puppy chooses the owner, and if he becomes a leader for him, he will obey in everything. The rest of the family are objects of care, but not authorities for the animal. Rottweilers get along with children, but it is still worth keeping an eye on their contacts with a very small child, since due to their size, the dog can push the baby without intending to or knock it down.

If the owner fails to achieve recognition of the status of head of the family and leader of the pack in the eyes of the Rottweiler, the result can be disastrous. At best, it will just be a spoiled dog that allows itself to sleep in your bed. In the worst case, it is better not to go outside with an uncontrollable Rottweiler.

The basic rules of living together with a Rottweiler are established from the first day of the puppy in the new home and remain unshakable. The only temporary exception to the rules is the period until the puppy learns to go to the toilet outside. To make this happen faster, it is recommended to take the dog for a walk immediately after eating and encourage it in every possible way to relieve itself outside the house.

When all the vaccinations are done and the baby can go outside, try to spend as much time as possible with the dog, walking, playing and talking with it. From the first weeks, begin to develop the simplest skills - several times during a walk, call the puppy by name and with the command: “Come to me.” Praise the dog every time and give him a treat when the command is completed correctly.

The command is necessary not only to call the dog, but also to control the pet from a distance. Its correct execution will save passers-by from a heart attack, and can save the life of a gaping cat or the dog himself if he suddenly runs in the direction of the highway.

At home, before feeding, you can start practicing the command: “Sit.” When the puppy, resorting to the bowl, begins to sit in front of it, the training can be transferred to walks.

For raising a Rottweiler, the “Fu” command is very important - that is, canceling any action performed by the dog. Analogues of “You can’t” and “Quit.” The latter is especially important for dogs who like to profit from things found on the street.

Dog handlers note that Rottweilers have a somewhat slow reaction. They take a little longer to understand the command and begin to execute than other breeds. Therefore, do not rush, especially at first, and do not give a series of commands at once - this will only confuse the dog. It is also not recommended to move on to the next command without fully mastering the previous one. Thanks to their good memory, Rottweilers do not forget what they have learned, and after consolidating the basic course, they easily master other skills.

Rottweilers do not tolerate violence. A puppy spanked for eating a slipper can be morally damaged for almost a lifetime. Whatever the offense, Rottweilers cannot be punished physically, so it’s better to find the right tone and admonish your pet verbally.

Diseases and treatment

Like most large breeds, Rottweilers can suffer from joint dysplasia (elbow or hip). The disease often develops with age, but can also be congenital. It is diagnosed no earlier than seven to eight months after the completion of the formation of the skeleton. The causes of acquired dysplasia may be:

poor nutrition;
obesity;
excessive physical activity;
injuries;
sedentary lifestyle.

Dysplasia is treated with medication or surgery. Pay attention to your pet's movements. If your dog begins to limp, places its paws incorrectly when running, or often requires rest while walking or active play, contact your veterinarian.

This breed is susceptible to a number of skin diseases, which are often caused by hormonal or metabolic disorders in the body:

seborrhea - increased sebum secretion;
dermatitis - inflammation of the skin caused by contact with a chemical or other irritant;
eczema - acute or chronic inflammation of the skin with rash, itching and burning;
acne is an inflammatory skin disease caused by pathological processes in the sebaceous glands and hair follicles.

Various allergic reactions are also possible. Rottweilers are also susceptible to a number of ophthalmic diseases:

cataract;
glaucoma;
entropion of the eyelid;
conjunctivitis.

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in Rottweilers are often acquired. Vaccinations can help prevent infections. The reason for the rest (bloating, volvulus) is poor nutrition or the owner’s inattention while walking, which allowed the pet to eat something wrong. Due to poor nutrition in old age, a dog may also develop problems with the genitourinary system.

TOP nicknames

The puppy receives a “family” name during examination for compliance with breed standards, and you cannot influence his choice. But the passport nickname often remains only in the passport, and in everyday life the name is a reflection of the dog’s character and the owner’s preferences. For Rottweilers, short, sonorous names are often chosen that are related to the history of the origin of the breed, mythology or pop culture.

You can call a Rottweiler “boy”:

Lord;
Prince;
Diesel;
Archie;
Hercules;
Charlie;
Hugo;
Oscar;
Bart;
Kaiser.

You can name a Rottweiler “girl”:

Gretel;
Beauty;
Adele;
Buffy;
Daisy;
Hera;
Grace;
Athena;
Sabrina;
Wendy.

Remember, your pet's name should not be similar to team names, similar to popular names in your area, or potentially offensive to others.

Photo review

Photos of Rottweiler puppies and dogs cannot fail to draw attention to the power, intelligence and charm of these dogs.

Cost and where to buy

Rottweilers are an expensive breed, both to maintain and to acquire. Depending on the nursery, class and pedigree, a Rottweiler puppy costs from 15,000 rubles (data as of December 2017). It is difficult to outline the upper limit of prices, since the best puppies from breed champions are of interest not only to ordinary dog breeders, but also to breeders.

Cost may vary depending on region. In addition, dogs with imperfect pedigree, without the required documents or with breed defects are often sold much cheaper. But there is no guarantee that a dog not purchased from professional breeders will be mentally and physically healthy.

Breeding nurseries

Kennels of the Rottweiler dog breed are quite widespread, there are in most regions of Russia and neighboring countries. Here are some examples.

"The Tsar's Pack" (Moscow)- http://www.rottweiler-rkf.com;
"Axlen" (St. Petersburg)- http://akslen.ru;
Kennel of Rottweilers and East European Shepherds Grand Animals (Armavir)- http://zilberwasserfall.com;
Schwarzer Held (Minsk) - http://www.rottweiler.by;
KLENSMEN KLIRI (Zaporozhye)- https://shakiradog.jimdo.com.

When analyzing the characteristics of the Rottweiler breed, please note that this dog is not suitable for everyone. Reviews from the owners will help you decide whether you have the patience and strength to raise her.

The Rottweiler (German and English Rottweiler) is a large breed of working dog, bred in Germany for various jobs. The first representatives of the breed were cattle dogs, but modern Rottweilers are used as guard dogs and companion dogs.

This breed is popular because of its loyalty, willingness to work, athleticism and power, and almost legendary guarding qualities.

Unfortunately, they also have a negative reputation, as a result of which they are even banned in some countries. Their character cannot be called simple, but for the most part all the negativity is associated with the inexperience or unwillingness of the owners to control their dog. With proper upbringing, these are loving, devoted, reliable friends.

It is a large, powerful dog and it is in the owner’s interests to raise it correctly. Early socialization and training courses are required.

Even if your dog doesn’t hurt a fly, be prepared for a negative reaction, fear and aggression towards it. People are afraid and for good reason.

They love people and want to be around them. Alone, without proper activity, they can become destructive.

If a child has grown up in front of a dog, then she will protect and take care of him. Without socialization and understanding of what children are, the reaction can be anything. But even the most gentle dogs can offend a child. They control cattle by pushing them and can do the same with a child. In general, it is not recommended to have these dogs in families with children under 6 years of age.

Introducing new animals should be done with caution. They can be aggressive towards other dogs, especially those of the same sex.

They are intelligent and very trainable if the owner is dominant and consistent.

Be prepared to walk daily for at least an hour.

Wool with undercoat, sheds profusely in spring and autumn, moderately at other times.

If you don't monitor your activity and nutrition, most people are prone to obesity.

Do not buy a puppy secondhand, without documents. Choose a good cattery and a responsible breeder so you don't have any regrets in the future.

History of the breed

Rottweilers are one of the oldest cattle dogs; the ancestors of the breed served the ancient Romans. It was created at a time when more significant events did not end up in books, let alone dogs. As a result, we can only guess about its appearance, without hard facts.

It is known for sure that they first appeared in the German city of Rottweil, where they served as cattle dogs, herding dogs, hunting dogs and guarded property. This is a unique breed, unlike any modern breed, except perhaps the.

Although they are standardly classified as a Molosser, this classification is controversial and some classify them as a Pinscher or other group.

Despite the fact that no sources have survived, it is believed that Rottweilers originated from dogs brought by the ancient Romans. In the 1st century, the Romans controlled a huge empire, but there was unrest on its borders. To make it easier to control them, in the north the border was drawn along the Danube River.

But Rome was not only an invader; construction was going on in the conquered territories, and thus the city of Flavius Land or Arae Flaviae arose, on the site of which modern Rottweil is located.

The Romans used many dog breeds, but the two most famous were the Molosser and the short-haired herding dog. The difference between them is unclear and some researchers believe that they are the same breed, but with different functions.

Molossians were the fighting dogs of the Roman army, dogs inherited from the ancient Greeks and Illyrian tribes. Short-haired shepherds also accompanied the army, but performed a different task - managing the herds of livestock that served as food for the legions.

Both of these breeds came to the territory of modern Germany, where they continued to be used for their intended purpose, although they were crossed with native species.

In 260, the Romans were driven out of these lands by the Alemannic (Swabian) tribes living near the Danube. The Alemanni razed Arae Flaviae to the ground, but later rebuilt a church and a city on this site. Like many other cities in southern Germany, it carried a piece of Roman heritage - Vil, from the Roman word Villa.

Since many red tiles were found during the construction, it was called Rott (German for red) Vil, and over time Rottweil. For many centuries, the lands of what is now Germany were separate counties, kingdoms, free cities, and Rottweil was an independent city, although close to the Swiss Confederation.

Rottweil became a major market for cows and beef. In those days, the only way to get cattle to market was to drive them, often across the country. Germanic butchers and shepherds used the descendants of Roman Molossians for these purposes.

They were called Rottweil butcher dogs (German: Rottweiler Metzgerhund) because the breed coped with its tasks perfectly.

In neighboring Switzerland, they were used for the same purposes, and most likely they had a significant influence on future Rottweilers.

Cattlemen and butchers needed intelligent and controllable dogs, capable of making independent decisions and leading the herd.

Where English shepherds preferred small dogs such as corgis that the bulls could not reach, German shepherds preferred large, strong dogs that could provide tasks.

Over time, they learned to work not only with cows and bulls, but also with sheep, pigs and poultry. Since keeping large dogs was not a cheap pleasure, the question arose of what to do with them when there was no work. Peasants and butchers began to use them as sled dogs to transport goods.

In addition, they protected livestock, property and often the owners themselves from dashing guests. They even began to give preference to dogs with developed guarding instincts, gradually replacing cattle dogs.

There are even written sources saying that they were also used for hunting, but they are not convincing enough.

One of the paintings by Peter Paul Rubens (created in 1600) shows a dog almost identical to the modern Rottweiler attacking a wolf. So, if they were used for hunting, it was only for predators and large animals, and not as a greyhound or hound.

For more than a thousand years, their ancestors served the Germans faithfully. However, the industrial revolution and changes in morality brought them to the brink of extinction. With the advent of railways, livestock began to be transported along them and the need for cattle dogs disappeared.

Industrialization and firearms are critically reducing the predator population, and the law prohibits the use of dogs as draft animals. Although with the advent of cars there is no longer any need to ban them.

The population of German Rottweilers is falling and they are on the brink of extinction, like many other ancient breeds.

In 1905, only one dog was found in their hometown of Rottweil! Fortunately, a large number of dogs were kept in villages where the owners maintained traditions and habits and did not get rid of their loyal friends. Moreover, their protective qualities have not disappeared anywhere and have become valuable at this time.

Urbanization has created high crime rates, and the German police conducted research to see which breeds could help them with their jobs. We agreed that Rottweilers are ideally adapted.

They are smart, trainable, loyal, strong, massive and their aggression is controlled. By the outbreak of World War I, the breed had regained popularity through police service.

At that time, they were not yet a standardized breed and differed significantly from each other. They were slightly smaller and sleeker than modern dogs, and their coat and skull shape were different.

But most of all they differed in color. Red, fawn, gray plus several different masks and spots. Since it was a working breed, there was no concern about its standardization until the beginning of the 19th century.

The first attempt to create a club was in 1899, when the International Rottweiler Club was created. It quickly collapsed, but in 1907 two clubs were created in the city of Heidelberg: the German Rottweiler Club and the Southern German Rottweiler Club. After a number of changes and revisions, these clubs released a breed standard.

The breed is known in Europe, but its real popularity comes after these dogs come to the USA. This happens around 1920, and already in 1931 the American Kennel Club (AKC) registers it. The same English United Kennel Club will do this only in 1950.

Despite official recognition, the popularity of the breed grew slowly, but only until 1980. In 1973, the American Rottweiler Club (ARC) was created, which is engaged in the popularization and development of the breed in America.

And from 80 to 90 she becomes famous, the dog that everyone wants. In 1992, Rottweilers ranked second in the number of AKC-registered dogs, and for many years this number exceeded 70,000.

Due to uncontrolled breeding and poor training, they earn one of the worst reputations among dogs. Especially after a series of reports describing dog attacks on people.

Such fame is undeserved, because for every attack there were dozens of cases where dogs heroically defended their owners or saved people.

They were often described as fighting dogs, although this is not true at all. This led to a large number of owner refusals and euthanizations. By the end of the 90s, the breed's popularity had dropped significantly. Not only fame, but also the appearance of other, more fashionable breeds played a role.

But despite this, in 2010 the breed ranked 11th in popularity among all breeds in the United States. Not only there, but also in other countries they are used in the police, rescue and search services, security, customs and other government services.

Description of the breed

Even though Rottweilers are not considered giant breeds, they are still quite large.

Males are 61-68 cm at the withers and weigh 50-55 kg. Females are 56-63 cm, weigh 42-45 kg. But since this breed tends to gain excess weight easily, many dogs are significantly heavier and larger.

This is a powerful, heavily built dog. When in good shape, she is not squat, but strong, with a broad chest and heavy, massive bone structure. The tail is traditionally docked even in such a progressive country as America.

However, in some European countries this is going out of fashion and is even prohibited by law. The natural tail is quite thick, medium length, and curved.

The head is located on a thick and powerful neck, it is of medium length, but very wide, so that it looks square. The muzzle, although short, is not the same as that of or.

It is wide and deep, which gives the Rottweiler a large area when biting. The lips droop slightly, but do not form jowls. At the end of the muzzle there is a wide black nose.

The eyes are almond-shaped, deep-set, and should only be dark in color. The ears are medium in size, triangular in shape, set high on the head and set wide apart.

They are of medium length, hanging, triangular, sometimes lying forward. In general, the impression of the breed greatly depends on the dog’s mood. One and also in different moods can look either threatening and serious, or playful and mischievous.

The coat is double, with a short and soft undercoat and a hard, straight outer coat. The coat is approximately the same length, maybe slightly longer on the tail and shorter on the muzzle, ears and paws.

Only one color is allowed: black and tan, red-brown: on the cheeks, muzzle, lower part of the neck, chest and legs, as well as under the eyes and at the base of the tail.

Tan marks should be clearly distinguishable and as bright and rich in color as possible. Sometimes puppies of other colors are born and some breeders pass them off as rare. Remember that most organizations will never allow such a puppy to be registered and compete in a show.

Character

Rottweilers have earned a bad reputation and are often considered harsh, even dangerous dogs. Yes, their fame is not as loud as that of or, but still.

But they received this fame thanks to the efforts of people, or rather a certain stratum of society. This layer existed both in the USA and in the territory of the former USSR. People who wanted a serious, powerful and scary dog. Typical representatives of the 90s (by the way, this was the time of the highest popularity of the breed in the CIS).

In fact, this fame is undeserved. It is difficult to describe the character of a Rottweiler, as many irresponsible owners have seriously damaged it.

Chaotic breeding, the pursuit of fashion, unwillingness and inability to raise a dog have led to the appearance of many puppies with uncontrollable temperaments.

Add to this a developed protective instinct and you get the idea of a dog with a bad character.

In my memory, when one such dog appeared, grandmothers disappeared near the bench at the entrance, because when she went out for a walk (on a leash and with her owner), it was simply dangerous to sit there.

But, most of these dogs became victims of the inability and stupidity of people. Rottweilers are loyal, intelligent protectors, and no more dangerous than other breeds of the same size. Behind every aggressive dog there are dozens, or even hundreds, of smart and loyal defenders. It’s just that a well-mannered dog is invisible, doesn’t frighten, and there’s nothing to write about in the newspapers.

Much to the surprise of many of the breed's detractors, they are incredibly people-loving and family-oriented. The owners know how cheerful and playful they are, even silly sometimes. And their loyalty is limitless; they will give their lives for their family without the slightest hesitation.

All they want is to be close to the people they love and protect them. Even the most aggressive or territorial members of the breed are incredibly gentle with family members.

Sometimes this is a problem because they believe they can easily fit on their laps.

Imagine a 50 kg dog lying on your legs or just jumping on your chest. Another advantage of the breed is that they are able to tolerate loneliness, although they prefer to be with people.

Most often, owners have to deal with aggression towards strangers. The fact is that Rottweilers have a developed protective instinct and are naturally distrustful of strangers. When properly raised, they are polite and tolerant, but still remain aloof with those they do not know.

Remember that even the most well-mannered will not tolerate strangers on their territory when the owner is not at home. And it doesn’t matter whether it’s a relative or a robber.

Training and socialization are not only important, but are the cornerstone of content. Without it, he will show aggression towards almost everyone he does not know well enough.

This is not a dog that makes friends quickly as it is naturally very suspicious. However, most dogs gradually get used to new family members (spouses, roommates, etc.) and gradually become close to them.

These are excellent watchdogs; they will not allow anyone to enter their territory while they are alive. Moreover, the fame of the breed is such that its mere presence on the territory is a serious deterrent. This is one of the best guard and guard breeds, combining loyalty and territoriality.

Moreover, they first try to drive away and frighten the stranger, using violence only as a last resort. However, this argument is used without hesitation when other means have run out.

How a Rottweiler treats children largely depends on its character and upbringing. If they grew up with him, then this is their keeper and protector, a faithful shadow. But those dogs that do not know children may perceive them as a threat. They also differ greatly in tolerance. Some allow themselves to be ridden and tolerate being pulled by the ears, others do not tolerate the slightest rudeness. But even the gentlest dog can inadvertently hurt a child during play due to his strength. As a rule, it is not recommended to have these dogs in families where children are under 6 years old.

They also have problems in relationships with other animals. In general, they are not very aggressive towards other dogs, but some are exceptions.

This especially applies to males who cannot tolerate other males. But no Rottweilers will tolerate a dog invading their territory. If they grew up with another dog, they are friendly and calm.

They are unpredictable with other animals. Most will chase and kill cats and other small creatures (squirrels, hamsters, ferrets).

Although their hunting instinct is not as developed as that of the Akita Inu, an unenviable fate awaits the animal they meet along the way. As for domestic cats, most accept them calmly if they grew up together.

They combine intelligence and the ability to train. Canine Intelligence Research Places Rottweiler in Top 10 Smartest Breeds, and often even in the top 5. In addition, they live to please their owner. If you don’t take any specific tasks (searching for a blood trail, for example), then there is nothing that he couldn’t learn.

They are smart, obedient, catch on the fly and many trainers are happy to work with these dogs. Success in training rests on two pillars. Firstly, he will only obey those whom he respects. The owner must be in a dominant position at all times.

Secondly, you need to spend a lot of time and effort on socialization. Then the dog will be calm, confident, obedient, and strangers, smells, and animals will not confuse him.

But remember that even the friendliest ones can greatly change their behavior when the owner is not around! It's an instinct and you can't beat it. It is best to keep them on a leash during walks, even in quiet and safe places.

This is an energetic breed and needs a lot of exercise and activity. Owners should be prepared to provide at least an hour of active exercise daily, but preferably more.

Rottweilers are capable of working at full capacity for hours, as long as the owner needs it. They need to find a way out of energy, otherwise they will find it themselves.

Destructiveness, aggressiveness, barking and other negative behavior are often the result of boredom and excess energy. However, their load requirements are quite feasible and cannot be compared with breeds such as or.

An ordinary, urban family is quite capable of coping with them. An important condition is that it is better to stress them physically and mentally, they are especially happy if there is work. Remember, these are cattle dogs and they love work and activity.

Working qualities

According to the American Kennel Club, dogs of this breed naturally have a strong herding instinct and a strong desire for control. They have an attentive look, they are strong and efficient. Don't be afraid to use force and intimidation, barking.

This is especially noticeable when working with sheep, which they push and shove. You need to be careful when working with cattle, as dogs can get hurt if they do this.

When a Rottweiler works with a herd, he looks for the dominant animal and takes control of it. Thus he controls the entire herd. Farmers have noticed that they work especially successfully with stubborn animals that simply ignore dogs like or. Rottweilers do not hesitate to use force to move stubborn people. They literally push or bite them.

They work very successfully with sheep, which are collected and guided with ease. If a dog works with a herd for a long time, it gets used to it and does not resort to force as long as the herd listens to it.

In some cases, they are able to work even without prior training.

Care

Like all service dogs, it requires minimal grooming. No professional grooming, just weekly brushing.

Otherwise, the same things as for other breeds. The only thing is that you need to be accustomed to all types of care from a young age. Otherwise, you risk getting a dog that hates having its nails trimmed. And weighs 55 kg.

Otherwise, you risk getting a dog that hates having its nails trimmed. And weighs 55 kg.

Health

It is extremely difficult to describe the general health of the breed and life expectancy, since much depends on the breeder. Responsible breeders follow the recommendations of organizations and conduct serious selection.

In such nurseries, dogs are healthy and do not have serious genetic diseases. But in general they are considered a healthy, strong breed.

Life expectancy is 8–10 years, but often 13–14. But this is only in healthy dogs; if they have poor genetics, then the duration drops to 7 - 6 years.

Most often they suffer from problems with the musculoskeletal system. Dysplasia is the scourge of the breed, which is successfully combated abroad by conducting tests. Dysplasia itself is not fatal, but it leads to changes in joints, pain and discomfort.

There are genetic tests that reveal whether a dog is prone to this disease, and good kennels carry them out, weeding out potentially affected dogs.

There have been no studies on mortality, but it is believed that a high percentage of dogs die from cancer. Cancer in dogs is similar to cancer in humans and is characterized by the rapid development and growth of abnormal cells.

Its treatment depends on the type, location and degree of neglect, but in any case it is complex and expensive. Common types of cancer in Rottweilers include bone cancer and lymphoma.

A less tragic but more common health problem is obesity. However, its consequences can be serious: problems with the heart, joints, diabetes, decreased immunity. Among the causes of obesity are always insufficient activity and excessive feeding. Remember that this breed is a hard worker, capable of working tirelessly for hours.

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The Rottweiler dog is a service breed, characterized by endurance, balanced temperament, and excellent performance. In addition, Rottweilers are excellent guards and defenders; they have a pronounced guard instinct. Feeling that his beloved owner or family members are in danger, the Rottweiler will fearlessly rush to defense without hesitation for a second. Dogs of this breed have strong muscles, developed bones, good health, and are trainable and trainable. With proper upbringing and properly organized training, which must begin at an early age, the Rottweiler will grow up to be an obedient, controllable, full-fledged member of the family.

History of the Rottweiler breed

The history of the breed originates in Germany, where the first purebred representatives were bred. The formation of the breed occurred by crossing ancient mastiffs, which took part in hunting wild animals, with local dog breeds. Some dog experts believe that Rottweilers are descended from Molossian Great Danes and Bavarian herd dogs. The name of the breed comes from the name of a small southern town in Germany - Rottweil. In those distant times, representatives of the breed were used for herding cattle, and, since the dogs were distinguished by physical strength and endurance, for transporting goods over long distances. Later, Rottweilers were used as guard and guard dogs. At the same time, the owners trusted and were so confident in the protective abilities of their pets that they often hung a bag of jewelry around their necks when leaving home. The Rottweiler breed was formed in the second half of the 20th century and was officially registered in 1935.

Features of the Rottweiler breed

The color of Rottweilers is black and black, with pronounced red or fiery markings on the chest, legs, and under the neck. Also, the Rottweiler's tan should form two triangles - under the tail and on the chest. Tan should make up at least 10% of the total skin color. The Rottweiler's coat is thick, quite hard, and elastic. The undercoat is thick and quite soft. The hair on the head and legs is shorter, and there are featherings on the hips.

The head of Rottweilers is massive, with a convex forehead and a wide distance between the ears. The muzzle is wide, the bridge of the nose is straight, with well-defined cheekbones. The nose is black. The ears are set high, hanging, of medium length, triangular in shape. The eyes are large, beautiful almond-shaped, dark brown or amber in color. The back is massive, the croup is slightly rounded or sloping. Rottweilers are an average to above average dog breed.

Characteristics of the Rottweiler

The character of the Rottweiler is quite interesting, but at the same time it has its own characteristics. Dogs of this breed are incredibly devoted to all members of their family, but they choose only one person as their owner, whom they completely trust. Rottweilers sense the change in mood of their owners and distinguish intonation well. These are highly intelligent, thinking dogs. They constantly try to attract attention to themselves, are touchy and sometimes jealous if the owner begins to show sympathy for other pets or animals.

Rottweilers are excellent protectors, but this does not mean that no one can get close to you. Dogs show protective qualities if they feel that the owner is in real danger or only on command. But in order to raise an obedient and controllable dog, from the first days of the appearance of a funny baby in your home, give proper education to your pet. If you think that you do not have enough knowledge and experience in training, entrust this process to professional dog handlers, since dogs of this breed are quite capricious and sometimes stubborn. It is quite difficult to re-educate or wean a Rottweiler from bad habits, so you need to immediately let the Rottweiler know who is boss and not allow the puppy to do things that will be prohibited to him at an older age. This breed needs a firm hand and authoritative upbringing.

Little Rottweilers begin to show their character and independence at the age of 5-6 months and become especially disobedient during puberty, so before this moment does not miss the favorable moment for education. Rottweilers are good with children, but may growl or become displeased if the child shows increased interest in the dog, especially when the Rottweiler decides to rest. If you have small children, it is better to get another breed of dog as a pet; besides, during play, a large dog can accidentally injure a child.

To summarize the above, a Rottweiler dog is not suitable for people who lead a sedentary lifestyle or for those who do not have experience in communicating and raising dogs. Rottweilers are determined, brave dogs, but without feeling the authority of the owner, they can show disobedience, and if improperly raised or trained, they become uncontrollable and dangerous. The price of purebred Rottweiler puppies ranges from 800 to 1200 dollars, and they can only be purchased in specialized nurseries. Male Rottweilers have a more independent and complex character and try to show their leadership, but female Rottweilers are more obedient, balanced and calm.

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