Rottweilers – Not For Everyone

A Rottweiler is an ancient, noble breed that is thought to have originated with the Roman Army trying to create an all-purpose dog. The breed as we recognize it today arrived around 1910, appropriately enough, in the southern German area called Rottweil. Rottweilers are highly trainable, handsome dogs that look a lot fiercer than they are. They are easy to groom but require a lot of exercise. They are one of the perfect breeds of dogs for families with children, as Rottweilers bond better with kids than with adults.

Rottweilers average about one hundred pounds, although some specimens only tip the scales at seventy-five pounds. They can vary in size and amount of fluffiness, but have the same basic body shape and head shape. They have powerful, Mastiff-like muzzles with prominent teeth, large soft eyes and floppy ears. They are almost always black and tan, although some can be almost pure black. The allowed colors for the undercoat are grey, tan and black.
According to the breed standard, Rottweilers should be mostly black with rust-red points only. The points include the paws, legs, belly, chest, jaw, dots where their eyebrows would be, and underneath the tail. No white markings are allowed on show dogs. No dewclaws are allowed on show dogs (although rarely some puppies are born without them). They may have short coats or double costs, neither of which should be long or wavy.

Rottweilers should average about one hundred pounds and look solid as a rock. They should exude a sense of controlled power and be well muscled. These dogs can easily become overweight so it is important to monitor their diet and exercise. The ears should be floppy (but not as floppy as a Bassett Hound's – think floppy like a Jack Russell). The eyes should be brown. The expression should be soft, as a direct contrast to the massive jaws, which should meet evenly.
Rottweilers have to be shown with docked tails. According to Rottweiler information, the docked tail "honors the breed's special character". They are chopped off by the breeder and usually not by a veterinarian when the Rottweiler puppies are two or three days old, when the bones are still soft. In England, all Rottweilers born after April 2007 must be shown with natural, long, curving tails, as docking has finally been banned.

Rottweilers are alert, curious and highly trainable. They will eagerly try anything you want them to do, from guard work, catching a tennis ball to acting in movies. When they are not overfed and under-exercised, they are calm characters, as steady as the black and tan rocks they look like. It is important to keep them exercised. A good Rottweiler is a tired Rottweiler. They also are calmer, healthier and less likely to roam or pick a fight with another dog if neutered.

It is hoped that the Rottweiler breed standard will be changed to ban all tail docking. You can find many books in your local library that are full of Rottweiler information.