BREED PROFILE: ROTTWEILER

The Rottweiler dog is loyal, intelligent and desires to please. They are often described by owners as 'characters', 'gentle bears' and display a fun-loving sense of humor. However they are a working dog and as such are happiest when they are busy or working on a task.

Rottweilers can also be aloof and stubborn at times. They are known to be extremely protective of their owners' possessions and property, which is why they are often used as guard dogs.

If a Rottweiler is not well-socialized and trained properly in obedience, they can become a bully and this can lead to other behavioral problems.

It is thought that the ancestors of this breed (a mastiff type dog) originated in the Roman Empire and that many of them accompanied the Roman army over the Alps as the loyal protector and drover of cattle that were used as the army's food source.

HISTORY:
According to historians, the next appearance of this mastiff type dog was in the beautiful little town of Rottweil nestled in the southern mountainous region of Germany, where the Roman armies had left them as they continued their travels.

The Rottweiler was used by farmers to pull carts in their daily milk deliveries, as well as to help herd the cattle. Butchers used these dogs to guard their downstairs shops during times of rest and to carry pouches of money to the banks.

The Rottweiler then grew in popularity with law enforcement agencies and eventually as guard dogs in domestic settings.

Rottweilers today excel in such sports as herding, carting, agility and flyball. They are also proving to be outstanding therapy dogs and recognized as excellent service dogs for the physically challenged.

VITAL STATISTICS:
Colour - black with distinctive tan markings over cheeks, muzzle, chest and legs as well as over both eyes.

Coat - straight, coarse and of medium length. Rottweilers are double coated and tend to "blow out" their undercoats twice a year.

Size - medium-large, males range from 95-135 lbs, females tend to be smaller from 80-110 lbs

Types - American Rottweilers tend to be taller and slimmer through face and body whereas German Rottweilers tend to be shorter, stockier and more muscular.

HEALTH ISSUES:
Hip and/or Elbow Dysplasia - a malformation of the hip and/or elbow joint which can cause serious problems for the dog and expense for the owner. Both are thought to be hereditary which is why you should ask the breeder about the history of your Rottweiler.

Bloat - stomach swells from gas, fluid or both. It becomes serious when the stomach distends and then flips over, causing torsion. This is caused by over-eating, drinking large amounts of water after eating, and/or vigorous exercise after a meal.

Help prevent bloat by feeding several small meals a day, crating the dog for several hours after eating, and monitoring water intake.

Cancer - becoming more common in Rottweilers, with bone cancer the most common type. Investigate any suspicious lumps, moles, sores or unexplained lameness immediately.

Heart Diseases- most common is the is sub-aortic stenosis which can be mild or result in sudden death.

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