Rottweiler Dog: Breed Characteristics, Personality Description, Photos

By crossing many Great Dane varieties, the Rottweiler was developed into a stately, muscular, and strong dog breed. These courageous dogs can guard private property, serve in the police and military, and carry heavy loads. Focused and serious on duty, this pet becomes sweet and affectionate at home.

Unfortunately, most Rottweilers today don't meet the characteristics of a purebred. Many dogs have mental health issues, as evidenced by numerous negative reviews and crime reports, including frightening stories of four-legged friends attacking their owners. But only those dogs that are poorly cared for and receive little training earn a bad reputation.

Rottweiler: breed description, photos

The modern version of the breed was officially recognized in Germany in the city of Rottweil, from which the dog's name derives. This large-sized dog typically weighs 58-69 kg. reaches 118-138 cm in heightBecause Rottweilers are known for their working qualities, they are distinguished by their impressive size and well-developed muscles. Breed standards include:

1. Slightly rounded body, which should not be sloping or straight.
2. Powerful straight back.
3. Broad and straight chest.
4. Tightened stomach.
5. The head is proportional to the body and heavy in weight.
6. Medium length muscular neck.
7. The muzzle is elongated and has well-defined cheekbones.
8. The hanging, triangular ears are medium in size.
9. Large, black nose with large nostrils.
10. Black or brown with a golden tint, small almond-shaped eyes.
11. Muscular straight legs.
12. Docked tail.

Thick and coarse wool Rottweilers should be medium-length and black with clearly defined tan markings of brown or red, almost golden. Tan markings are permitted only on the chest, legs, lower neck, muzzle, and under the tail. Albinos and mixed breeds with gray, white, or other colors are not permitted by the breed standard.

Rottweiler personality

Both black and golden retrievers are known for their reliability, courage, and calm. A well-mannered and trained dog will never make rash moves. A well-behaved pet will be peaceful and very discreet.

Training should begin in puppyhood, showing confidence and firmness, and sometimes even cruelty. The breed is genetically predisposed to take a dominant position among dogs and people during adulthood, even without an owner, so to avoid problems later, her behavior needs to be corrected.

In the wild, the breed loves to frolic, but is often inactive indoors. Rottweilers thrive on attention and affection, which they reciprocate with kindness. They get along well with children and other animals. However, leaving a Rottweiler alone with a small child is not recommended. A large dog can accidentally injure a child during play. The animal's aggressiveness also influences how it reacts to a child's various pranks.

Rottweilers prefer a measured, calm lifeIf a dog is brought into a family where there is a lot of fighting and arguing, it may become aggressive and anxious. The breed dislikes strangers and is highly suspicious of them. Therefore, it's important to be very careful on walks, and it's best not to let the dog off the leash.

Rottweiler training

As soon as a black or golden kitten arrives in the house, it's time to start training it. These smart and intelligent guard dogs quickly learn their place in the house, are potty trained, and are easy to train.

When training a Rottweiler it is necessary follow these recommendations:

• show respect to your pet;
• It is imperative to ensure that all commands are carried out;
• treat the dog with a treat for correct and timely completion of assigned tasks;
• do not encourage anger and aggression;
• Always be consistent and don't let up during training;
• do not punish your pet physically;
• immediately show the dog who is the "leader of the pack."

It is better for beginners in cynology not to get a Rottweiler.

Peculiarities of breed maintenance

Rottweilers are easy to care for, but every owner should be aware of all the specifics of caring for their pet. Before purchasing a puppy a place and bowls for food and drink must be prepared, veterinary first aid kit, muzzle, leash and collar, various toys and shampoos, combs, and brushes intended for dogs.

Twice a week, your pet should be brushed with a special massage brush and comb. During shedding season, which typically occurs in spring and fall, brushing frequency increases to 3-4 times a week. Frequent bathing is not necessary. Bathing once or twice a year, or as needed, is sufficient.

About three times a month, your dog's nails should be trimmed using a special nail clipper for large breeds. After walks, it's recommended to inspect the paw pads for splinters, wounds, and scratches. If necessary, remove the splinter and treat the wound.

The ears should be inspected regularly and cleaned of dirt and wax using a cotton swab soaked in a special solution. Since Rottweilers' eyes are prone to mucus discharge, they should be wiped daily with a damp cloth. It's crucial to monitor the strengthening of the dog's molars and bite formation in puppies.

You should walk your pet at least 2-3 times a day. The total daily walk time should be at least three hours.

Feeding the dog

Large, well-muscled guard dogs must always be in good physical condition, so their diet must be carefully monitored.

This breed can be fed both dry food and natural products. Dry food is best used during pregnancy and lactation, during periods of active growth, and during recovery from illness. In your pet's daily life It is recommended to feed natural products.

The puppies' diet should include:

• fermented milk products;
• fresh and boiled vegetables (except cabbage and legumes);
• raw and boiled beef;
• boiled cereals.

From two months to one year of age, puppies should be fed at the same time, 6 to 3 times a day. The amount of food consumed is gradually reduced. For an adult dog, feed in the morning and evening with the following products:

• raw and cooked meat;
• porridges;
• pasta and flour products;
• fresh and boiled vegetables;
• sea ​​fish;
• chicken eggs;
• kefir and cottage cheese;
• greenery.

It should be consumed regularly add vitamins and various mineralsFeeding dogs large quantities of low-quality food can lead to poor health. Therefore, prepared dog food should not be stored for long periods of time. The correct portion size is determined by your pet's behavior. After eating, your dog should not have a bloated stomach. However, if it has eaten everything and continues to lick its bowl, the portion size can be increased. It's also important to remember that your dog should always have access to a bowl of fresh water.

Choosing a puppy

Rottweiler puppies should be selected between 1 and 3 months of age. At this age, they are already beginning to feed themselves, adapt easily, and are trainable.

A healthy puppy should have:

• clean ears and eyes;
• grey-blue skin color on the back and pink on the belly;
• In males, both testicles should be descended into the scrotum;
• dewclaws are docked.

A Rottweiler puppy purchased for exhibitions must have the following qualities:

• straight legs;
• straight back;
• black nails;
• with fingers closed;
• black nose;
• dark eyes;
• scissor bite.

When buying a dog for your family, you don't have to take the most expensive oneIf you don't plan to take your pet to shows, simply buy the puppy you like.

The Rottweiler is the embodiment of masculinity, nobility, and calm. With proper upbringing and training, this pet will become a true friend, companion, guardian, and protector for its owner and family.