Popular Dog Breeds
- 1. Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs
- 2. Border Collies, Australian Shepherds and Australian Kelpies
- 3. Bearded Collies and Old English Sheepdogs
- 4. Retrievers
- 5. German Shepherds
Rottweilers
Jacque Lynn Schultz, C.P.D.T., Companion Animal Programs Adviser. National Outreach
As Roman legions conquered new lands, they traveled with herds of cattle in order to feed their armies. Large black and tan mastiff type dogs were responsible for driving the herds and protecting the men. As the dogs were dispersed throughout Europe, they became the favorites of cattlemen through the ages who used them to drive their herds to the livestock markets of Rottweil, Germany. The gold collected from the cattle sales was placed in pouches around the dogs' necks for safekeeping from dangerous highwaymen drovers might meet on their journey home. These drover-protectors became known as Rottweilers.
With the advent of the railroad and the cattlecar, Rottweilers became obsolete and nearly died out by the early 1900s. However, a small band of fanciers touted their exceptional guard work and soon the dogs were a favorite of the police and military. Their popularity grew to the extent that by the early 1990s, in America they were ranked the second most popular purebred in the country. While no longer # 2, the breed is still in the Top Twenty and is a common find in shelters throughout the country.
Rottweilers continue to display the strength, stamina, and energy needed to drive a herd of cattle. While low key in the home, anyone adopting a Rott must commit to an hour of outdoor exercise a day. To drive an ornery steer back to the herd, a dog must be able to intimidate and use its body and bite power. The Rottie of today is still known to body slam and give a punishing pressure bite when he wants to seize control of the situation - including manipulating his handlers in such a fashion. With selective breeding aimed at heightening guarding instincts rather than cattle driving abilities, some Rottweilers have lost the "off" switch that enabled them to chase and move livestock without taking it down (killing it). It is unfortunate that too many of today's Rotts are not safe around cats or small dogs. In some extreme cases, small children must be included in this group as well. Because of this, some trainers strongly recommend that families with children under 7-8 years of age don't obtain this breed. Others claim that Rottweilers can be good with children, but need to be raised with them from puppyhood. If you have small children or other animals in the home, make sure the shelter or rescue group has tested the dog's prey drive before you adopt.
While there is some controversy over whether the breed is a suitable child's companion, all experts agree that the Rottweiler's guardian must be a strong leader who can earn his or her dog's respect through confident, consistent handling and training. No matter what age Rottie you obtain, your first order of business should be to enroll in obedience classes. This breed can be stubborn so it is important that right from the start he learns that you expect compliance. When the doors of communication are opened, the Rottweiler can become a willing student.
In general, the breed enjoys good health. The most common health problem in Rotts is hip dysplasia. One Norwegian study of the 70s-80s showed a 22% affected rate. Osteochondrosis, a disease characterized by abnormal differentiation of growth cartilage, is also a concern. As with many large boned breeds, care should be taken when exercising dogs under a year of age or shoulder injuries can result. Running and jumping should be limited and done on forgiving surfaces like grass or dirt. Rottweiler puppies seem to be more prone to parvovirus than most other breeds, so veterinarians often recommend an extra booster shot at 5 months and limited exposure to the outside world until after that vaccination. The Rottie pup's guardian is challenged to find a way to socialize the pup without exposing him to parvo. Puppy kindergarten classes offer good socialization and training opportunities with minimal risk since classes demand proof of good health and proper vaccinations upon enrollment. Mature dogs are at risk for gastric torsion (bloat), so it is best to serve the Rottie's daily food allotment in two separate meals. This is especially important for those dogs who inhale their food without chewing.
The easy wash and wear coat seldom needs more than a quick once a week brushing and the occasional bath. Most Rotties who are walked on pavement will grind down their own nails, but those that exercise in the backyard will most likely need their nails trimmed. Start positive associations with paw handling (touch-treat-touch-treat) as soon as you can because some Rotts can get downright resentful when it comes time for a manicure.
In the right situation, a Rottweiler can be a swell companion and offer his household the sense of being well-protected. But in a home where there is no clear leadership except for the dog's, owning a Rottweiler would be inviting tragedy. This is not a breed for everyone. In fact, it is more dog than most experienced dog people can handle. Before adopting, make sure that a Rottie will be suitable for your lifestyle now and for the next 10-12 years to come.
© 2001 ASPCA
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