The Rottweiler is a robust and strong descended from the mastiffs of the Roman legions. It was first recognized as a by the in 1931. These seemingly aggressive dogs are actually gentle playmates and protectors of their families.
Rotties observe the outside world with a self-assured aloofness. A male Rottweiler will stand anywhere from 24 to 27 inches at the shoulder; females are a bit smaller and lighter. They have glistening, short black fur with rust-colored markings. You can immediately see they’re all muscle which adds a picture of imposing strength.
A well-bred and properly raised Rottweiler puppy will be calm and confident, courageous but not aggressive. The aloof demeanor these dogs present to strangers belies the playful and silly they have with their loved ones. needs to begin as soon as possible, so, let’s take a look at .
Characteristics of a Rottweiler
Before diving into the of a , it’s important to know the basics of this . This will be useful information to have when you’re it.
Health
Responsible people who let Rottweilers reproduce have the parents tested for health problems such as , and eye and heart conditions. Cancer also sometimes occurs, as in all breeds. Cancer prevention can be achieved with a careful vaccination regime, strengthening the immune system, as well as keeping the males and females intact until they’re at least 6 years old.
Grooming
These dogs have a straight, coarse, medium-length outer coat that lies flat. The undercoat is visible on the neck and thighs. You should brush your weekly and bathe it regularly. They shed moderately for most of the year but will shed heavily with the change of the seasons in the spring and fall. Furthermore, brush their teeth to prevent and clip their nails weekly.
Exercise
Rottweilers are very energetic dogs. They love swimming, walking, and running, especially with their human companion. They’re very muscular and athletic, and, therefore, should have the opportunity to do exercise every day. If they can have a job, even better! They’re quite intelligent and learn quickly. Excess weight isn’t good for any , so exercise can help keep your Rottweiler stay fit and healthy.
As mentioned above, you must start your as soon as possible. There are many classes available, such as leadership, socialization, and basic . You can even hire a private . must continue outside the classroom and in the home in order to have a well-mannered Rottweiler. They’re “people dogs” and don’t do well alone or isolated. Like all dogs, they need to experience the world which is scary to them. As a Rottweiler handler, you’re responsible for spending time, energy, and money to give them the opportunity to learn on a day-to-day basis. These dogs are quite intelligent and want to please but some are stubborn. Avoid promoting and teach them to play gently.
Nutrition
Rottweilers need a lot of nutrients and vitamins since they’re big and strong. You should feed them high-quality commercial or make your own at home under your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. These dogs are prone to being overweight, so monitor it along with their calorie consumption. Treats are an important tool during , but giving them too many can cause obesity. Look up what human food is safe for dogs and what isn’t. Consult with your vet if you have any concerns about the weight or diet of your furry pal! Oh, remember, your Rottweiler should have access to fresh and clean water at all times.
Rottweilers have the unjust reputation of being an aggressive . Because of this, many people are afraid of them. However, the reality is these dogs are intelligent, calm, devoted, adaptable, and confident. Of course, every is different and is important to bring out the best qualities of your . Additionally, they do well with children and will protect them.
Hopefully, after reading, you’ll have a good idea of what to expect from a Rottweiler who’s well-trained. The of a should never include , fear, or nervousness. Unfortunately, poorly socialized Rottweilers are common and carry these e careful where you get your from. Otherwise, you could find yourself with one of the “mean” Rottweilers you’ve heard about.
These dogs are loving and affectionate and always want to be where the action is; thus, with the most active member of the family. Your will probably want to stay close to you and it’ll be difficult to keep them off you. No matter how big they get, climbing onto your lap for a cuddle will always seem reasonable to them.
Rottweiler Rumble
Yelps, growls, and barks, are normal in dogs. Did you know they mean different things? This of has a habit of “rumbling” down deep in their throat. Many people misinterpret this as aggressive “growling” but it’s quite the opposite! Rotties make this noise in a similar way that cats purr. They do it when they’re being pet, happy, or just as a way of communicating. It’s actually quite cute once you know it. People unfamiliar with the may get nervous around them while they’re rumbling and make your nervous. Reassure them and inform them the is just happy.
Rottweiler Growl
A real growling is different and usually accompanied by body language that shows fear or such as lip curling, snarling, ears back, hair raised, and so on. You’ll probably recognize this quite easily! Don’t think your Rottweiler is aggressive just because it does this, though. Any will growl or act aggressively in certain uncomfortable situations, no matter how well they’ve been trained and raised. Growling or showing food is a common trait among dogs but can be eradicated with .
If your believes they or you are in danger, they may act out in an aggressive way. This doesn’t mean they’re a “bad ” only that there’s something wrong. All your Rottie wants is to protect their family, after all, and why they might growl.
Other Protective Instincts
Of course, being natural guardians, Rottweilers are a protective and territorial . No matter how calm and gentle your is with the people it knows and trusts, it’ll undoubtedly use its considerable strength and abilities to protect its people if it feels they’re in danger of being threatened.
This is normal Rottie but can translate into a who refuses to let anyone they don’t know set foot in “their ” yard or home. This can also mean they’ll try to protect family members from threats that aren’t really there.
For example, if your child is screaming and laughing because you’re tickling her, your Rottie may think they’re being hurt and take measures to protect her. You can see how this could end, and it clearly demonstrates why proper socialization, , and “ground rules” are so important when raising a .
You need to make sure your socializes and gets to know a wide variety of people, places, and situations. This will help them distinguish between “non-threatening” people and , and the type that might actually be dangerous. Rottweilers are surprisingly sensitive. They may seem to be big and dominant, but really they recognize and respect authority when you present it to them in a confident and calm way.
Are Rottweiler Puppies Good With Kids?
You may be wondering if a Rottweiler is a good idea if you have children. A adopted from a good home is always going to be the best option for you and your family. They’ve been treated well all their life and will have the chance to meet your children from an early age. A mistreated will have a higher chance of becoming aggressive and hurting your children.
These dogs aren’t by nature aggressive or mean. However, just like with any , they can become that way by how they are raised. Evaluate the individual and where you’re getting it from. This will give you an idea of its temperament. Listen to your instincts! Furthermore, don’t be afraid of the as a whole. This is natural in even the most “friendly” of breeds.
Rottweilers are great dogs for families with children because they are loyal, fun, calm, good-natured, and actually get along well with children. However, always keep an eye on them because both children and dogs can be unpredictable and impulsive at times. Children can be naughty and might pull the ’s tail which could lead to a natural aggressive reaction. Furthermore, Rottweilers are powerful and can be clumsy and uncoordinated.
If you treat your with love and patience and consistently show them the correct way to behave, you’ll have an amazing companion. You need to stimulate them and use their intelligence so they don’t get bored. You can teach them to play many games such as fetch or catch. Boredom can lead to destructive in dogs and cause rebellion. In other words, your will be extremely creative, but not in a good way!
Are you considering getting a ? Take all the time you need to do research before making a decision. There are many books and internet articles about Rottweilers. Remember it takes a lot of time, patience, and money to raise a . Your has the potential to grow into a wonderful , but right now it’s just a little who needs to be taken care of. Just like babies, they depend on you for food, shelter, love, and protection. It’s going to be a lot of work, and it’s definitely a huge commitment, but it’s also lots of fun and very rewarding.
Your will be an adult in no time, so make the most of having a and start off the right way by understanding their and keeping them happy and healthy. Once you have them, you might wonder what you’ve gotten yourself into… but don’t worry, the good times will trump the bad.
Caring for a
Taking care of a doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you know the basics. You might have a vague idea if you’ve ever raised another or even children. If you haven’t the following information is important for your preparation as a parent.
Firstly, you’ll need lots of love and also a lot of time, effort, and money to fulfill your ’s needs. If you don’t have the time or money to do that, you might want to reconsider. Unfortunately, many puppies find themselves abandoned because the person realized this too late. Puppies aren’t toys that sit quietly waiting for you to play with them whenever you want. They need constant attention, be fed at least two times a day, taken outside to go to the bathroom often, exercised, played with, and so much more.
Feeding
Earlier we talked a bit about the nutrition of Rottweilers. They’re physically large, and the puppies grow up very quickly. They do mature slowly, though. So, you’ll find yourself with a giant soon! Since their rapid growth puts considerable strain on their bones and joints, they’ll need optimum nutrition in order to develop properly. Rottweilers are a that tends to be susceptible to canine allergies. Generic kibble contains a lot of additives, chemicals, fillers, and so on that could trigger allergies and cause developmental problems. Stay away from generic store-brand kibble, and opt for the more expensive natural food. If you have time, you could prepare nutritious meals of raw meat, vegetables, and grains.
Potty
Housebreaking is one of the major challenges new owners face. Dogs don’t instinctively know that they need to go to the bathroom outdoors. In fact, as far as they’re concerned anywhere is fair game! Well, except where they sleep. Potty is a priority and you should take care of this part of the as soon as your gets home.
The key to successfully potty a is patience and consistency. Puppies are creatures of habit and it’s easier to teach them the correct habit in the first place. Training a isn’t easy, so it’s important to get it right the first time. Scold them when you catch them going to the bathroom in the wrong place, pick them up, and take them outdoors. Furthermore, making sure your doesn’t get a chance to have an accident indoors is a good strategy. Take them out frequently and praise them when they go to the bathroom. They’ll soon find all their favorite trees and fire hydrants to pee on!
Health
A ’s health and wellness are totally your responsibility. First off, make sure that your has all of his vaccines on time. Puppies are very susceptible to several dangerous and contagious diseases. The only way to protect them is through vaccination. They should get their first set of shots at around 7 weeks old. Two more sets are then given at three-week intervals. These vaccines will protect them against Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus, and Rabies. Preventing and treating canine parasites including worms, fleas, ticks, and mites are also an important part of your ’s health. Grooming isn’t just an aesthetic choice, but a healthy one. It’s important to establish .
Unfortunately, accidents and unexpected illnesses can happen, no matter how careful you are. You should be prepared to pay a hefty sum if your gets injured or ill. Find a trusted veterinarian near your house and get their number in case of an emergency. You might also want to consider getting healthcare insurance.
Socialization
Your , just like a baby, is a “blank slate”, waiting to learn everything he needs to know about life. Remember these dogs are very intelligent, so if you don’t teach it to them, they’ll learn on their own and make up their own rules. You need to show it what’s acceptable and help it learn right from wrong.
Apart from potty , you can begin by teaching your to recognize and respond to its name alongside some basic obedience commands such as “sit” and “stay”. Your wants to please you (and get treats), so it will learn quickly.
Rottweilers love and thrive in a family setting, but are reserved with strangers. They were bred to be guardians, and that’s why they are aloof with them. This aspect makes it very important they’re socialized properly.
Socialization is the process of introducing your to a whole range of different people, things, places, sounds, smells, sights, and so on. If you shelter your or limit its environment, it can easily become nervous and scared. This can lead to later on in life. Continue to socialize your their entire life. Even take him to work if you’re allowed to!
It’s also important to bond with your . So, spend time playing with it, teaching it, and even just cuddling. These dogs believe they are lap dogs, even when they weigh 120 pounds, so they really need your attention.
Rottweiler puppies are very sensitive and loving, so never use harsh words of punishment if they do something wrong. Only use positive encouragement techniques and shower them with praise and love (and of course, some treats)
