| Description: Bred to herd and guard, this dog is a naturally independent thinker. Rottweilers are intelligent, obedient, and unconditionally loyal to their family/owners/handlers, vigilant, protect, brave, strong and imposing. They can get jealous. These dogs have an extremely strong protective instinct and will defend their family/owners/handlers to the death. Most Rottweilers have a tendency to be loyal to one person.
These dogs are very self-aware and do not flaunt their physical prowess. Because of their herding instincts, they will lean on their family/owners/handlers in an attempt to herd them. Do not pet the dog or will think that leaning its 150-lbs.-plus body on you is acceptable and expect to be petted each time it leans. Thus, these dogs thrive on as much love and affection as they can get. As a result, Rottweilers are not good latchkey dogs. They need to be around people.
Height: 23 - 27 inches
Weight: 90 - 110 lbs.
Colors: Black with clearly defined tan or deep brown markings.
Coat: Medium length, coarse and lying flat with undercoat on neck and thighs.
Temperament: Protective, determined
With Children: Yes, but does better with school aged children.
With Pets: Needs early exposure, may show some aggression towards other dogs.
Special Skills: Watchdog, guard-dog and family pet.
Watch-dog: Very High, strangers are not welcome.
Guard-dog: Very High
Care and Exercise: Minimal grooming consists of brushing with a firm bristle brush or massaging with a damp towel his coat. Bathe only when necessary. He needs plenty of vigorous exercise.
Training: Training should be kind, patient and consistent as a Rottweiler is dominant in nature. Females tend to be more gentle than males and require less forcefulness in training.
Learning Rate: Low, Obedience - Low, Problem Solving - Low
Activity: Indoors - Low, Outdoors - High
Living Environment: A home with a fenced yard is essential. He does well in a kennel, but should not be left alone all day long in the yard.
Health Issues: Elbow and hip dysplasia, eye problems
Life Span: 8 - 9 Years
Litter Size: 4 - 10
Country of Origin: Germany
History: Known in Europe as the Rottweiler Metzgerhund, he was named after the town of Rottweil. Believed to have come from the Mastiff or the German Shepherd Dog. he was originally bred to control livestock. During the First World War the Rottweiler proved himself to be an intelligent police and guard dog.
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