Rottweiler

Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is one of the most powerful breeds for its size, but the fierce exterior covers a calm and intelligent, though tough dog.

History:

The Rottweiler has a past filled with diverse occupations. The now extinct Hatzruden, a Mastiff, was used by the Romans to drove their cattle and guard their prisoners. When the Roman quest for lands to conquer ended, these dogs were used very successfully by local boar hunters.

The breed was eventually crossed with local sheep dogs, and was used by the local butchers to drove cattle and guard premises; it became known as the Rottweiler Metzgerhund or the Rottweil Butcher's Dog. After cattle droving became illegal in the town of Rottweil the breed was used to pull carts, but soon became rare and almost extinct. In the early 1900s the breed was revived by enthusiasts, and it is now recognized and loved worldwide.

Physical characteristics:

The Rottweiler is a magnificent-looking dog, which radiates power from its stocky, muscular body. Height: 23 - 27 in (58 - 69 cm). Weight: 90 - 110 lb (41 - 50 kg). The overall body shape is square, from the deep chest and short back to the rugged legs. The broad skull and deep muzzle meet at a well-defined stop. The wrinkled forehead coupled with the dark eyes and small high-set ears give the Rottweiler an intelligent, inquiring expression

The medium-length dense coat lies close to the body and covers a fine undercoat. The main body color is black, with tan or mahogany markings on the face, chest, feet, and legs.

Behavior:

The Rottweiler is a dog that is very confident in its abilities. The Rottweiler makes an excellent guard dog, as it has keen senses, and intelligence to match its physical prowess. The Rottweiler quickly develops a strong sense of territory and will defend its owner's property against intruders when it is left on its own. This dog is very sociable, but care should be taken that it does not scare lesser dogs and provoke fear aggression in them when they first meet. Rottweiler owners must strictly control their dogs when they are around people, and never allow them to become too dominant with their family. A magnificent dog for caring owners who have a very assertive manner.

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