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Choosing a Pet
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Rottweiler
- Intelligent, independent and brave
- Devoted and strong
- Average height and weight: 63cm; 60 kg
- Average life-span: 13 years
An intrepid dog with a highly developed sense of protection and territorial instinct. Rotties are dominant and not tolerant of either dogs or people they don't know. This breed is not for the faint-hearted and is a disaster waiting to happen in the wrong hands.
But in the right hands, and once you understand them, they are very rewarding, faithful to family members and attached to their home and habits. Rotties are extremely tough and have a great need for freedom: they will not tolerate being chained up for long.
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- Once used to guard Roman soldiers
- Name taken from the German town of Rottweil
- Originally used to herd cattle
Rotties are thought to have their origins in the Mastiffs of Tibet. They arrived in Germany herding cattle when the Roman legions marched on Europe. The original dogs were cross-bred with local dogs to produce the breed we recognise today. The Rottweiler's herding work came to an end when moving livestock by road was stopped in the 1900s, but enthusiasts formed a club and the standard was established in 1904. Rotties arrived in Britain in 1936.
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Rottweilers:
- Need lots of room and a garden
- Need plenty of exercise
- Are very dominant
This dog is definitely not for beginners. Owners will need to exercise authority when teaching obedience but also be patient and kind as Rotties will not tolerate being bullied. They mature in their third year so take time to learn. Never put the dog in situations where he might get angry, or play at teaching him to attack: in effect this is training. Having a quick, intelligent mind, Rotties need lots of action and activity.
Potential owners should also think hard about the cost of feeding such a dog as they eat much more than comparable large breeds. But you must be careful not to overfeed. Rotties can be affected by hip dysplasia and their teeth need regular checking. Coats need a good brush once a week and, if your Rottie gets wet, he should be dried off with a towel.
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