Should You Get a Rottweiler?
Some common misconceptions about Rottweilers include that they are inherently aggressive and dangerous dogs. In reality, Rottweilers can be loving and loyal family pets when properly trained and socialized. It is important not to judge an entire breed based on a few irresponsible owners.
The name ‘Rottweiler’
has its origins in the German town of Rottweil. In the early days, these dogs were referred to as “Rottweiler Metzgerhund,” which translates to “butcher’s dog.” Like many dog breeds, the exact history of Rottweilers is shrouded in mystery. It is believed that they were bred from Drover dogs that would herd and guard livestock for the Roman Legions in the Roman Empire. Despite their ancient roots, it wasn’t until 1901 that the first official breed standard for Rottweilers was written.
In a landmark Genomic Analyses
of 161 dog breeds, the Rottweiler shares DNA with a common ancestor closely related to the Black Russian Terrier, the Leonberger and, to a lesser extent, the Great Dane.
The Rottweiler is an incredibly strong dog.
This breed’s strength is put to the test during police certification, where they must demonstrate their impressive pulling abilities. In this rigorous testing process, Rottweilers are required to pull a bursting weight of 1,018 pounds over a challenging 97-inch course. This is a true testament to their muscular build and raw power. It’s no wonder that the Rottweiler is often chosen for tasks such as search and rescue, guarding, and police work. Their immense strength makes them capable of handling demanding physical tasks with ease.
Rottweiler Puppy Growing Up!
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The Rottweiler is a big
powerful dog that can grow up to 28 inches at the shoulders and weigh 130+ pounds. According to the official breed standard, they can only have one coat color: black with clearly defined brown/rust markings. A purebred Rottweiler will always have a black nose and lips. Their eyes are always brown BUT yellow eyes can appear in a purebred dog, however this dog cannot be registered.
How Fast Can a Rottweiler Run?
The AKC conducts 100 yard racing trials each December in Orlando, FL called the Fast Cat. The average running speed for Rottweilers is a little under 23 mph. The fastest speed recorded was by a dog named Giada’s Desert Gold at 29 mph!
In Research published in the landmark
book entitled “The Intelligence of Dogs” by Stanley Coren, the Rottweiler breed ranks 9th in working/obedience intelligence out of 130 different dog breeds. Essentially, this means that Rottweilers tend to learn new commands in 5 or fewer repetitions. In contrast, dogs at the lowest intelligence level often require over 100 repetitions to learn the same commands!
Dog Temperament research being done at the
University of Pennsylvania called the C-BARQ study, has gathered data on over 60,000 dogs and 350 breeds. According to this huge, ongoing study,
Rottweilers ranked 8th out of 124 breeds in easiness to train. They are generally very willing to take and learn new commands from their owners and follow them a majority of the time.
In this same research
the Rottweiler ranks 48 out of 124 in aggression towards strangers. This means they are likely to bark, growl or show their teeth when they feel a stranger is “invading” their area or owners area. In severe cases, where they feel threatened, they may lunge, snap or bite. They may also exhibit this same behavior with strange dogs. This is not surprising as the Rottweiler has been bred as a guard dog since the Middle Ages and has strong territorial instincts.
As with any Dog Breed
Rottweilers are prone to certain health conditions.
Here are some of them:
Aortic Stenosis
Hip Dysplasia
Cruciate Ligament Rupture
OCD (Osteochondritis Dessicans)
Cancer
JLLP (Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis & Polyneuropathy)
According to a Forbes analysis of
42 different homeowners insurance companies and their banned dog breeds lists, there are three breeds banned from 100% of every insurance provider. They are:
Doberman Pinschers
Pit bull type dogs
Rottweilers
Rottweilers are not natural
swimmers. They CAN swim however, but because of their size, bone structure and density, swimming can be a challenge. They should have no trouble swimming short distances. Unlike Labrador Retrievers, who were bred to swim, the Rottweiler was bred for a different purpose.
German or American?
A Rottweiler is considered German or American by it’s place of birth. It’s as simple as that. The German-bred Rottweiler tends to be a bit larger, with a larger bone structure. The Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler-Klub (ADRK) registers Rottweilers in Germany and their standards are VERY strict. The AKC standards for registration are not as strict. It can be argued that the German Rottweiler is bred more closely to the breed standard.
Rottweilers are loyal.
These strong and intelligent dogs have a natural inclination to form deep bonds with their human companions. You may find that your Rottweiler follows you from room to room, always keeping a watchful eye on you. Their loyalty knows no bounds, and they will go to great lengths to protect and care for their loved ones. Despite their large size, Rottweilers have a surprising desire for closeness and affection. Don’t be surprised if you find your gentle giant attempting to sit on your lap – after all, they believe that love knows no boundaries, not even weight restrictions!
Check Your Rottweiler Facts and Take a Fun Rottweiler Quiz!
Quick Facts about Rottweilers Infographic
Interesting Rottweiler Facts – Final Thoughts
Rottweilers are truly remarkable dogs that possess a unique set of qualities and characteristics. As members of the family, they form strong bonds with their owners and thrive on mental stimulation and regular exercise. With their strong work ethic and protective nature, Rottweilers excel as therapy dogs and service dogs, providing both emotional support and physical assistance to those in need. Early socialization and obedience training are essential for shaping a Rottweiler’s temperament and developing their social skills. Positive reinforcement is key to fostering a healthy relationship with this large dog breed, allowing them to flourish as loyal and obedient companions. Whether it’s serving as a therapy dog or simply being a beloved family pet, the Rottie brings joy, love, and strength to the lives of their owners.
