Rottweilers - Big Softies

A Rottweiler is an ancient, noble breed that is thought to have originated with the Roman Army trying to create an all-purpose dog. The breed as we recognize it today arrived around 1910, appropriately enough, in the southern German area called Rottweil. Rottweilers are highly trainable, handsome dogs that look a lot fiercer than they are. They are easy to groom but require a lot of exercise. They are one of the perfect breeds of dogs for families with children, as Rottweilers bond better with kids than with adults.

Rottweilers average about one hundred pounds, although some specimens only tip the scales at seventy-five pounds. They can vary in size and amount of fluffiness, but have the same basic body shape and head shape. They have powerful, Mastiff-like muzzles with prominent teeth, large soft eyes and floppy ears. They are almost always black and tan, although some can be almost pure black. The allowed colors for the undercoat are grey, tan and black.

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. In pet quality or show quality Rottweilers, the jaw must be strong and look like it could easily rip off limbs. The jaw is square and the teeth should meet evenly. No overbites or under bites are allowed.

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. No Rottweiler is born wanting to attack a person, this is a trained skill. Rottweilers' reputation as attack dogs used to be more feared than that of the Pit Bull.

Rottweilers need a lot of exercise and play. They get very hyper if they do not have a safe outlet for their energies. This is one reason why the Rottweiler received such a bad reputation – some dogs playing did not know their own strength and caused severe injuries. This is not a breed that does well chained in a yard. They become mental very quickly that way. They need interaction and to be part of the family they are protecting.

Sharon Davies has written hundreds of canine related articles, including many on Rottweilers. It is hoped that the Rottweiler breed standard will be changed to ban all tail docking. Rottweilers would not be in shelters if their owners took time to learn some Rottweiler information before bringing home the dog or puppy.