Rottweilers

Rottweilers were developed to perform a variety of tasks that required determination and courage. From a drover expected to drive uncooperative cattle for long distances, to subduing unruly livestock, to a cart hauler, and finally guard dog, these jobs required a strong, imposing dog that would follow directions but also think for themself Today’s Rottweilers aim to please, but they are strong-willed. They are one-family, or even one-person dogs, suspicious of strangers and slow to make new friends. But when they do accept somebody into their inner circle, they will protect them with their life.

The Rottweiler is a muscular, substantial dog, slightly longer than tall, and broad from side to side. Despite being fairly heavy boned, it is agile and surprisingly light on its feet. The neck is thick and powerful. The head and muzzle are broad, the expression intense and self-confident. The jaws are wide and strong. The ears are medium-sized, triangular, and hanging and are never cropped. The tail is traditionally docked to one or two vertebrae in countries where that is allowed. If undocked, it is thick, of medium length, and often carried in a sickle shape. The coat is always black & tan. It is straight, close-lying, harsh, and dense. At a trot, the Rottweiler's movement is powerful and purposeful, never plodding nor dainty. The appearance is that of a dog on a mission, even if that mission is just heading to the food bowl.

The Rottweiler is most known for being a protective guardian of property and person. The breed comes by this reputation honestly, having once been used to not only drive cattle to market, but to guard the money the cattle brought on the trip back home. In the late 1900s, they again came to the public’s attention as a popular property guard dog. They are extremely protective of their home and family, and can be overly suspicious toward strange dogs and even people. Rottie owners must properly train and socialize their dogs to ensure their Rottie doesn’t mistake a guest as an intruder. They are strong dogs that could inflict a lot of damage if their protective nature were redirected toward an inappropriate target. Some Rottweiler lines may be more aggressive than is optimal for family living. Some experts discourage Rotties for homes with young toddlers or elderly people, not only because any act of aggression could be incredibly harmful, but also simply because even good-natured Rotties have a tendency to body-bump, a behavior they once used in their cattle droving days. Because of their size, they can easily knock down kids. Rotties have determined personalities that some describe as stubborn. They will dig their feet in if they feel they are manhandled. At the same time, they can walk all over pet parents who are too timid and easy-going. They respond best to firm, fair, calm guidance and family life. In private, Rotties can actually be big babies, lolling on their back and soaking up tummy rubs. But for most Rotties, their sense of decorum only allows this side to be seen by family and friends.

Many Rottweilers have achieved the highest levels in organized obedience and agility competitions. They are highly intelligent and seem to grasp what is wanted easily. Although perceived as tough dogs, they don’t require tough training methods. Rottweilers are incredibly smart dogs, but do need someone who is committed to training them. Always use positive reinforcement, which involves rewarding the behaviors you’d like to see more of in your dog. They need to learn to accept visitors, and should be socialized thoroughly as youngsters. Any Rottweiler that is overly aggressive should be seen by a professional trainer or behavior expert.

When the ancient Romans trekked across Europe, they needed tough mastiff-like dogs to control the livestock they brought along for food. They left puppies and impregnated dogs wherever they journeyed, and various descendants grew to make local “breeds.” In the town of Rottweil, named for its red tile roofs, they became all-around cattle dogs, controlling cattle in the butcher’s yard, pulling the butchers’ meat-laden carts around town, driving cattle from town to town, and guarding the money on the trip home. In the mid-1800s railroads took over the job of moving cattle, and Rottweilers gradually became unemployed. By the early 1900s, only a single Rottweiler remained in Rottweil. The breed was rescued by fanciers who found it a new job as a police dog and show dog. The breed came to America in the 1930s, and American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized it in 1935. In the 1970s and 80s their popularity grew until in the mid 1990s, the Rottweiler was the 2nd most popular AKC breed. It then fell in popularity, but has now risen back to the 7th most popular breed. DNA evidence shows that the Rottweiler’s closest relatives are the Black Russian Terrier (because Rotties went into making it), Giant Schnauzer and Doberman Pinscher. Celebrity owners include Leonardo DiCaprio and Will Smith.