Rottweiler 101: The Breed Standard

Although some breeds of dogs look pretty much alike, the Rottweiler is highly distinctive and easily recognizable. The Rottweiler breed standard firmly outlines what defines a show worthy form of pet quality Rottweilers. Just because a Rottweiler might not meet the physical breed standard doesn’t mean they won’t make good pets. A spayed or neutered Rottweiler will be healthier, calmer, less attractive to thieves and pays attention to you more.

In the past, Rottweilers were used as battle dogs, draught animals, and to round up and guard livestock. They have received a lot of press about being attack or guard dogs. Just like the German Shepherd, the trainability and size of the dog, unfortunately, makes for an animal that in the eagerness to please his master will rip somebody’s leg off if told to. These are not dogs for first-time dog owners, anyone with health problems or apartment dwellers. They are bold, active dogs that need a lot of interaction with you and a lot of play.

Rottweilers have docked tails for reasons unknown. No source of Rottweiler information has ever come to a consensus on why the docking of tails began. Perhaps it was just to make the dog look fiercer. Perhaps it was because the naturally long tails might get caught up in harnesses (they used to pull wagons). England and Wales have now banned the docking of tails for all pet dogs and hopefully, more countries will follow their lead.

The expression on a Rottweiler’s face is in direct contrast to their powerful, tank-like bodies. Their eyes (always brown) look curious and full of wonder. Their ears are floppy, like a Jack Russell’s. Some heads are rounder than others, and some are quite blocky with a Boxer-blunt muzzle.

Rottweilers love people despite the cruelty and tail-docking they often have to go through with people. They are loyal and devoted to their families and wary with strangers. Since they are so easily trained, they also can be easily trained to attack.

Rottweilers have to be shown with docked tails. According to Rottweiler information, the docked tail “honors the breed’s special character”. They are chopped off by the breeder and usually not by a veterinarian when the Rottweiler puppies are two or three days old, when the bones are still soft. In England, all Rottweilers born after April 2007 must be shown with natural, long, curving tails, as docking has finally been banned.

Rottweilers are alert, curious and highly trainable. They will eagerly try anything you want them to do, from guard work, catching a tennis ball to acting in movies. When they are not overfed and under-exercised, they are calm characters, as steady as the black and tan rocks they look like.

It is important to keep them exercised. A good Rottweiler is a tired Rottweiler. They also are calmer, healthier and less likely to roam or pick a fight with another dog if neutered.

Related posts:

1. The Distinguishing Factors between Rottweiler pups Born In America and German Rottweiler Puppies For Sale By Rottweiler Breeders
2. How to choose Rottweiler Breeders and The Variations between German Rottweiler Puppies For Sale and American Rottweiler Pups
3. The Distinguishing Factors between American Rottweiler Pups and German Rottweiler Puppies For Sale By Rottweiler Breeders

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