Rottweiler - A Natural Guard Dog!

 It is important that potential owners conduct extensive research on a breeder before adopting. Aggression is not a natural Rottweiler tendency, and any breeder who claims otherwise should be avoided. Rottweiler loves to chew, and if not properly exercised or given enough of his own interesting bones to chew, he will become bored and turn to household items. Their jaws are tremendously strong and Rotties can make quick work of furniture.

Appearance:
Rottweilers are powerful dogs with athletic, muscular bodies and large, broad heads. They are slightly longer than they are tall, with a level topline. The ears are pendant and triangular; the nose black and wide. The lips are also black, as is the inside of the mouth. The eyes are deep set, almond-shaped and dark brown. Teeth should meet in a scissors bite. The tail is customarily docked and dewclaws removed. The short, black coat is highlighted with clearly defined markings over the eyes, on the cheeks, chest, lower legs and under the tail.

Size and Weight:
Mature, male Rottweilers should stand from 24 to 27 inches (61 to 69 cm) at the shoulder and females should stand 22 to 25 inches (56 to 64 cm). Preference is given to dogs who fall in the middle of these ranges. Females weigh in around 100 pounds (46 kg), while males tip the scale at 115 pounds (52 kg).

Coat and Color:
Rottweilers wear a double coat that is medium length, straight and coarse to the touch. The undercoat is concentrated on the neck and thighs, and its thickness depends upon the climate in which the Rottweiler lives. The top coat is medium length and shorter on the head, ears and legs than on the rest of the body. Rottweilers are always black with markings over the eyes, on the cheeks, on each side of the muzzle, the chest, legs and beneath the tail that may be from mahogany to rust in color.

Life expectancy:
For a healthy, average size Rottweiler, we can expect our comrades to live 8-12 years. That is pretty good for a big dog! Also, it is common for a female Rottweiler to live an average of 2 years longer than a male.

Grooming:
Brush the Rottweiler on a weekly basis to remove loose hair and distribute natural skin oils to help keep the coat shiny and healthy. Twice a year the Rottweiler will shed heavily, and brushing may need to occur two or three times per week, or daily depending on the individual. Bathe only as needed. Check the ears on a regular basis for signs of wax buildup, irritation or infection. Clean the ears with a cotton ball and a veterinarian-approved cleanser; never use a cotton swab in a dog's ear canal. Teeth should be brushed on a weekly basis to prevent tartar buildup, promote gum health and keep bad breath at bay.

Diet: Recommended daily amount - 4 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Note: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don't all need the same amount of food. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. The quality of dog food you buy also makes a difference — the better the dog food, the further it will go toward nourishing your dog and the less of it you'll need to shake into your dog's bowl.

Keep your Rottweiler in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. If you're unsure whether he's overweight, give him the eye test and the hands on test. First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. If you can't, he needs less food and more exercise.

Rottweiler As A Pet: It’s no surprise that over the years the Rottweiler has excelled as a police dog, herding dog, service dog, therapy dog, and obedience competitor. In fact, the Rottweiler can do nearly anything asked of him, and if you don’t ask, he’ll probably find something to do on his own — which may involve eating your sofa or digging a hole for that swimming pool you always wanted in the backyard. But in the right home, with early socialization and training, the Rottweiler can be a wonderful companion, guardian, and all-around dog. He should live indoors as a family dog.