The Rottweiler in the UK
breed features and care
The Rottweiler
in the UK
breed features and
care
care
Rottweiler —
one of the most powerful and impressive dog breeds. It is a reliable protector, a loyal companion and a devoted friend. Strong instincts, high intelligence and guarding ability make the Rottweiler an excellent watchdog and a good companion for owners who can give it an active life and the right care. Here we look at the breed's history, features, appearance according to the standard, care and training, and at why the Rottweiler is still a popular choice.
Breed characteristics
Adaptability
Barking level
Shedding level
Watchdog instinct
Protective instinct
Friendly to strangers
Trainability
Health problems
Care
Social needs
Suitable for flats
Energy level
Friendly to dogs
Friendly to cats
Suitable for children
Loyalty
Exercise needs
Intelligence
Rottweiler —
one of the most
powerful and impressive dog breeds. It is a reliable
protector, a loyal
companion and a devoted
friend. Strong instincts,
high intelligence and guarding ability make the Rottweiler an excellent
watchdog and a good companion for owners who can give it an
active life and the
right care. Here
we look at the breed's
history, features,
appearance according to the standard, care and
training, and at why the
Rottweiler is still a
popular choice.
powerful and impressive dog breeds. It is a reliable
protector, a loyal
companion and a devoted
friend. Strong instincts,
high intelligence and guarding ability make the Rottweiler an excellent
watchdog and a good companion for owners who can give it an
active life and the
right care. Here
we look at the breed's
history, features,
appearance according to the standard, care and
training, and at why the
Rottweiler is still a
popular choice.
Breed characteristics
Adaptability
Trainability
Care
Suitable for flats
Suitable for children
Shedding level
Friendly to dogs
Exercise
needs
needs
Protective instinct
Barking level
Health problems
Social needs
Energy level
Loyalty
Watchdog instinct
Friendly to cats
Intelligence
Friendly
to strangers
to strangers
The Rottweiler is a breed whose long history goes back to the Roman Empire. Its ancestors drove cattle for the Roman legions and were also used for guarding and pulling carts. The breed takes its name from the town of Rottweil in southern Germany, where butchers and cattle dealers used these dogs. In the Middle Ages the Rottweiler helped herdsmen and guarded livestock and property.
History and origin of the Rottweiler
The Rottweiler soon became known as an excellent working dog for many tasks, including guarding and tracking, and by the early 20th century it was used as a police dog in Germany. The modern Rottweiler has kept its guarding instinct but has also become a good family dog for people ready to spend time on training.
History
and origin of the Rottweiler
and origin of the Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is a breed whose long history goes back to the
Roman Empire. Its ancestors
drove cattle for
the Roman legions and were
also used for guarding and
pulling carts. The breed takes
its name from the town of
Rottweil in southern Germany, where butchers and cattle dealers
used these dogs. In the Middle
Ages the Rottweiler helped herdsmen and guarded
livestock and property.
Roman Empire. Its ancestors
drove cattle for
the Roman legions and were
also used for guarding and
pulling carts. The breed takes
its name from the town of
Rottweil in southern Germany, where butchers and cattle dealers
used these dogs. In the Middle
Ages the Rottweiler helped herdsmen and guarded
livestock and property.
The Rottweiler soon became
known as an excellent working dog for many tasks, including
guarding and tracking, and
by the early 20th century
it was used as a police
dog in Germany. The
modern Rottweiler has
kept its guarding instinct but has also become a good family
dog for people ready to spend time
on training.
known as an excellent working dog for many tasks, including
guarding and tracking, and
by the early 20th century
it was used as a police
dog in Germany. The
modern Rottweiler has
kept its guarding instinct but has also become a good family
dog for people ready to spend time
on training.
Appearance of the Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is a large, powerful dog whose muscular build commands respect at first sight. It is well proportioned, and its physical strength is obvious.
The eyes are medium-sized, almond-shaped and dark brown, with an expression of strength and self-assurance. The gaze reflects the dog's intelligence and is often alert and watchful, a result of its guarding instinct.
The Rottweiler's head is large and broad, with a pronounced stop. The muzzle is strong, the jaws powerful and the bite a correct scissor bite. The breed always has a confident, determined expression.
The tail is naturally long and is carried level with the back or slightly raised. In the UK tail docking is banned for this breed, and the standard now describes a natural tail. At rest the tail may hang down.
The body is powerful and muscular, with a straight, firm back and well-developed shoulders. The chest is deep and the neck strong and muscular, which gives the dog a steady, confident look.
The Rottweiler moves smoothly, with sure and powerful strides. The dog is well coordinated, which suits it to many kinds of physical work, both in service and on long walks.
The coat is short, dense and coarse, with an undercoat on the neck and thighs. The colour is black, with clearly defined rich tan markings on the legs, chest and head. The coat needs no special care, but shedding can be heavy at certain times of year.
Appearance of the Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is a
large, powerful dog whose muscular build commands respect at first sight. It is well proportioned, and its
physical strength is obvious.
large, powerful dog whose muscular build commands respect at first sight. It is well proportioned, and its
physical strength is obvious.
The Rottweiler's head is large and broad, with a pronounced stop. The muzzle is strong, the jaws powerful and the bite a correct scissor bite. The breed always has a confident, determined expression.
The eyes are medium-sized, almond-shaped and dark brown, with an expression of strength and self-assurance. The gaze reflects the dog's intelligence and is often alert and watchful, a result of its guarding instinct.
The coat is short, dense and coarse, with an undercoat on the neck and thighs. The colour is black, with clearly defined rich tan markings on the legs, chest and head. The coat needs no special care, but shedding can be heavy at certain times of year.
The body is powerful and muscular, with a straight, firm back and well-developed shoulders. The chest is deep and the neck strong and muscular, which gives the dog a steady, confident look.
The tail is naturally long and is carried level with the back or slightly raised. In the UK tail docking is banned for this breed, and the standard now describes a natural tail. At rest the tail may hang down.
The Rottweiler moves smoothly, with sure and powerful strides. The dog is well coordinated, which suits it to many kinds of physical work, both in service and on long walks.
Colour of the Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is black with clearly defined tan markings. The markings are on the cheeks, muzzle, throat, chest and legs, above the eyes and under the base of the tail.
black and tan:
the only colour allowed in the breed, one of its most important features, which emphasises its expression and power.
Colour of the Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is black with clearly defined
tan markings. The markings are on the
cheeks, muzzle, throat, chest and legs, above the
eyes and under the base of the tail.
tan markings. The markings are on the
cheeks, muzzle, throat, chest and legs, above the
eyes and under the base of the tail.
Black
and tan —
and tan —
the only colour allowed in the breed,
one of its most important
features, which emphasises
its expression and power.
one of its most important
features, which emphasises
its expression and power.
Show standard:
the Rottweiler
the Rottweiler
Head: Large and well proportioned,
with a pronounced stop. The muzzle is strong and the jaws powerful.
with a pronounced stop. The muzzle is strong and the jaws powerful.
Eyes: Dark brown and almond-shaped, with an expression of strength and self-assurance. Medium-sized: neither too large nor too small.
Coat: Short, dense and coarse. The colour is black, with clearly defined tan markings.
Body: Powerful and muscular,
with a deep chest and a straight back. The body is athletic and strong, with well-developed muscles
and good proportions.
with a deep chest and a straight back. The body is athletic and strong, with well-developed muscles
and good proportions.
Tail: Naturally long, carried level with the back or slightly raised.
Movement: Smooth, powerful and well coordinated, with a good length of stride.
Show
standard:
the Rottweiler
standard:
the Rottweiler
Head:
Large and
well proportioned, with a pronounced stop. The muzzle is strong and the jaws powerful.
Large and
well proportioned, with a pronounced stop. The muzzle is strong and the jaws powerful.
Eyes:
Dark brown and almond-shaped,
with an expression of strength
and self-assurance. Medium-sized:
neither too large nor too small.
Dark brown and almond-shaped,
with an expression of strength
and self-assurance. Medium-sized:
neither too large nor too small.
Coat:
Short, dense and coarse. The colour
is black, with clearly defined tan markings.
Short, dense and coarse. The colour
is black, with clearly defined tan markings.
Body:
Powerful and
muscular, with a deep chest and a straight back.
Powerful and
muscular, with a deep chest and a straight back.
Tail:
Naturally long,
carried level with the back
or slightly raised.
Naturally long,
carried level with the back
or slightly raised.
Movement:
The Rottweiler's movement should
be smooth,
powerful and well coordinated.
The Rottweiler's movement should
be smooth,
powerful and well coordinated.
Character of the Rottweiler
The Rottweiler has a strong character and needs a calm, confident owner. Despite its imposing looks, it is usually very devoted to its family and can be friendly when handled correctly.
The dog likes to guard its territory and its owners, which makes it an excellent watchdog
and protector. At the same time, the Rottweiler can be a good companion for active people who enjoy spending time on training and walks.
Socialisation is an important part of its upbringing. A Rottweiler can be suspicious of strangers and become aggressive if it has not been properly trained and socialised
from an early age. In Ireland, the Rottweiler is on the list of restricted breeds: in public it must be muzzled and kept on a short, strong lead by someone over 16.
and protector. At the same time, the Rottweiler can be a good companion for active people who enjoy spending time on training and walks.
Socialisation is an important part of its upbringing. A Rottweiler can be suspicious of strangers and become aggressive if it has not been properly trained and socialised
from an early age. In Ireland, the Rottweiler is on the list of restricted breeds: in public it must be muzzled and kept on a short, strong lead by someone over 16.
The dog likes to guard its territory and its owners,
which makes it
an excellent watchdog and
protector. At the same time,
the Rottweiler can be a good
companion for active people who
enjoy spending time
on training and walks.
Socialisation is an important part of its upbringing. A Rottweiler can be suspicious of strangers
and become aggressive if it has not been properly trained and socialised
from an early age. In Ireland, the Rottweiler is on the list of restricted breeds: in public it must be muzzled and kept on a short, strong lead by someone over 16.
which makes it
an excellent watchdog and
protector. At the same time,
the Rottweiler can be a good
companion for active people who
enjoy spending time
on training and walks.
Socialisation is an important part of its upbringing. A Rottweiler can be suspicious of strangers
and become aggressive if it has not been properly trained and socialised
from an early age. In Ireland, the Rottweiler is on the list of restricted breeds: in public it must be muzzled and kept on a short, strong lead by someone over 16.
Character
of the Rottweiler
of the Rottweiler
The Rottweiler has
a strong character and
needs a calm, confident
owner. Despite its imposing looks,
it is usually very
devoted to its family and can be friendly when
handled correctly.
a strong character and
needs a calm, confident
owner. Despite its imposing looks,
it is usually very
devoted to its family and can be friendly when
handled correctly.
Caring for the Rottweiler
Caring for a Rottweiler is easy but needs attention. The coat is short, so brushing a few times a week is enough, especially during the moult. The teeth, ears and claws also need care to prevent disease. The breed can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, so choose a breeder who health-tests their dogs.
The Rottweiler is an active dog that needs regular exercise. Walks, training and outdoor games are an essential part of its care. Without enough to do, a Rottweiler can develop behaviour problems.
Care
of the Rottweiler
of the Rottweiler
Caring for a Rottweiler is easy but
needs attention. The coat is short, so brushing a few times a week is
enough, especially during the moult.
The teeth, ears and claws also need
care to prevent disease. The breed can
be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, so choose a breeder who health-tests
their dogs.
needs attention. The coat is short, so brushing a few times a week is
enough, especially during the moult.
The teeth, ears and claws also need
care to prevent disease. The breed can
be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, so choose a breeder who health-tests
their dogs.
The Rottweiler is
an active dog that
needs regular exercise. Walks, training
and outdoor games
are an essential part
of its care. Without enough to do, a
Rottweiler can develop behaviour problems.
an active dog that
needs regular exercise. Walks, training
and outdoor games
are an essential part
of its care. Without enough to do, a
Rottweiler can develop behaviour problems.
Pros and cons of the breed
Pros
Cons
Rottweiler —
a dog for anyone ready to give it an active life, thoughtful training and care. If you are ready to be its leader, it will be a reliable protector and a loyal friend.
Rottweiler —
a dog for anyone ready to
give it an active life, thoughtful training and
care. If you are ready to be
its leader, it will be a reliable protector and
a loyal friend.
give it an active life, thoughtful training and
care. If you are ready to be
its leader, it will be a reliable protector and
a loyal friend.
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