Adopting the Right Dog for You
How to find the right dog for you and your family
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Energy
Exercise
Playfulness
Affection
Friendliness towards dogs
Friendliness towards other pets
Friendliness towards strangers
Ease of training
Watchdog ability
Protection ability
Grooming
Cold tolerance
Heat tolerance
Confident, bold, alert and imposing, the Rottweiler is a popular choice for his ability to protect. As befitting his self-assured nature, he tends to be headstrong and stubborn and is often domineering. He can be reserved, often wary, toward strangers. He may be overly protective if he perceives that his family is being threatened, and he may also attempt to "herd" children. This is a powerful breed that needs socialization, consistent training and daily exercise to be the best he can be , a loyal family member and guardian.
The Rottweiler needs daily physical and mental activity, either in the form of long walks or jogs, or a vigorous game in a safe area, as well as obedience lessons. He enjoys cold weather and may become overheated in hot weather. He needs to spend significant time inside with his human family, however, so that proper bonding can occur. Coat care is minimal, consisting only of occasional brushing to remove dead hair.
Major concerns: CHD, elbow dysplasia, SAS, osteosarcoma, gastric torsion
Minor concerns: OCD, entropion, ectropion, vWD, panosteitis
Occasionally seen: PRA, cataract, epilepsy
Suggested tests: hip, elbow, cardiac, blood, (eye)
Life span: 8-11 years
Bernese Mountain Dog
Boxer
Bullmastiff
Doberman Pinscher
Great Dane
Great Pyrenees
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Komondor
Kuvasz
Mastiff
Some animal welfare organizations with Rottweilers ready for adoption:
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Prepare in advance to make sure your home is safe for your new pup