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Rottweiler

The Rottweiler breed profile is sponsored by www.PetWearUSA.com visit PetWear to custom design your Rottie's next designer dog collar, leash or more and then let PetWear hand make it and then ship for free!

It is the best of dogs, it is the worst of dogs, and ironically, the fact that it can be among the worst is not even the breed's (or the dogs') fault.  The Rottweiler has exorbitant potential and when it is properly fostered it is truly a dog capable of virtually anything.  Extremely intelligent, highly trainable, confident, fearless, dedicated and loyal, remarkable physical strength and presence.  This combination, like all your favorite comic book personalities, can be used for good or ill. Unfortunately, in the case of the dog, the choice of good or ill falls squarely in the domain of the intent and training ability of the people in its life.  Be sure to work with a knowledgable trainer in raising and training your Rott and you will not be disappointed.

By Breed Name
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General Information
Group(s): Herding Height: 22-27
Weight: 70-120 pounds Longevity: 10-12
Colors: black and tan Coat type: smooth and short
Recognized Registries: AKC and others
Overall Appearance: Powerful, intense and heavily muscled, the Rottweiler clearly gets its head from its Mastiff cousin.
Personaility - Behavior - Training
Energy Level: generally moderate to high
General Nature: confident, intelligent, agile, quick to assess, quicker to act
  with Children: no unknown dog should be treated casually with children, but a well socialized Rottie that knows their kids, loves them unhesitatingly
  with other pets: generally good if socialized properly
  with dogs: generally good if socialized
Socialization requirements: GREAT. This breed without socialization will find the world a place to constantly react against. Their intelligence, confidence and other tendencies will not allow otherwise.
Ideal home characteristics: Experienced with confident, intelligent dogs. Understand their need for socialization and training as well as many aspects pack behavior and dominance/submission. This is not a dog to get if you've only had Poodles in the past.
Temperament Notes: Prone to dominance, confidence issues, aggression, fear based aggression,
Training requirement: Significant. A bored Rottie is a dog that it looking for an outlet, this outlet will often lead to aspects of aggression and protectiveness that are beyond the control of the owner (and beyond the understanding of an inexperienced owner).
Trainer notes: NOT the breed for an inexperienced owner.  Do NOT get a puppy from someone consumed with how tough, or big or intimidating their dogs are.  The most mellow of this breed will be perfectly capable of handling a dangerous situation (should the need arise) when it is properly handled.  A dog that reeks with the need to find the enemy is just a loose cannon.  Playtraining, heavy socializing and pursing a CGC (canine good citizen) will keep this puppy happy and focused.  As a youngster and into adulthood look to activities like herding, obedience, agility, flyball, dog scouting, to keep their keen interest alive, and to assist the breed as a whole.  This is definitely a breed that will benefit from more ambassadors of good will!
Background Information
Year range of first recognition:
Country of Origin: Ancient Germany/Rome
Original Function: Herding dog
History:
Adoption Information
Deviations from Standard: too large, heads too ponderous, fluffy coats,
Health Notes: Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, Bloat, Cancer, Hypothyroidism, Inflammatory Bowel Disorder, SAS, vWD, Eye problems,
Health Testing: OFA (Hips and Elbows),CERF, SAS, Thyroid Panel,
Questions to ask Breeder:

http://www.digitaldog.com/breeder_questions.html  - The Breeder Questions as listed here provided with explanations and answers you will want to be looking for!

  • How long have you had Rottweilers?
  • How long have you had these dogs?
  • What training do you do with your Rottweilers?
  • What titles do you seek for your breeding stock?
  • How many litters do you have a year?
  • Do you plan on keeping a puppy from this litter?
  • How old is the dam?
  • What health issues are in the breed?
  • What health clearances do you have on your breeding stock?
  • Do you have a written contract and guarantee?
Web Sites:

http://www.ssrr.org- Southern States Rottweiler Rescue, quite possibly the best organized source of rescue, adoption and general Rottweiler breed information available (as well as the source of the covergirl Breed Profile photo above..THANKS BRIDGETT)... if you are considering a Rottie.. you need to know these folks

http://www.amrottclub.org/choosebrdr.htm\ - The American Rottweiler Club's article on how to choose a breeder

Other Resources
Breed standard:

http://www.amrottclub.org/illstnd.htm - The Illustrated Standard of the Rottweiler

http://www.amrottclub.org/judging.htm#Official%20Standard%20for%20the%20ROTTWEILER - The Standard of the Rottweiler

Breeder Ethics:

http://www.rottclub.ca/coe.htm - Code of Ethics

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