Rottweiler

Rottweilers originated in Germany, where their full name is Rottweil Metzgerhund, or “Butcher’s Dog.”

This large breed is calm, intelligent, powerful and hardworking.

Personality

• Easygoing and placid
• Sometimes a clown
• Devoted, obedient, hardworking
• Self-confident, solid and brave
• Calm, confident and courageous
• Needs to be properly introduced to new people since they tend to be aloof with strangers

Size

• 93-110 pounds
• 25-36 inches at the withers

Lifestyle

• Enjoys the company of children and bonds very strongly with them (still, never leave a child alone with a dog, no matter the circumstances)
• Loves to play and run around
• Loyally protects their family
• Does well with an active family

Training

• Very intelligent and easy to train
• Needs an experienced trainer or pet parent who will instill trust and command proper obedience
• Socialization is essential to accustom these dogs to different people and situations

Exercise

• Should not be left chained in a yard, as they can become territorial
• Rotties need lots of exercise and a job to do; otherwise they’ll become bored and possibly destructive

Coat

• Black with rust or mahogany markings; undercoat is gray, tan or black
• Topcoat is medium length, coarse, dense and flat
• Rottweilers that live in hotter climates may have adapted and be missing the undercoat
• Low maintenance, but do shed heavily during certain seasons

Health

• Susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia that can lead to osteochondrosis
• May suffer from retinal problems as well as spinal cord paralysis
• Tend to fall victim to bloat, a stomach condition that can be fatal

Lifespan

• 8-12 years

Rescue

• To find Rottweilers near you that are available for adoption, visit RottNet.net.

PHOTO: beto