Facts about Rottweilers

 

Country/Region of Origin: Germany

 Life span: 9 to 12 years

 Weight:  40 - 60 kg (88.1 – 132.2 pounds)

 Gestation:  61 - 65 days

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rottweiler Health issues:

 

Diabetes

Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Von Willebrands Disease
Epilepsy
Bloat and Gastric Torsion
Cataracts
Hypothyroidism

 

 

Interesting Facts about Rottweiler’s:

The Rottweiler is thought to be an ancestor of the Italian Mastiff which originated from the Roman Empire.

They were used by the Roman army for herding and guarding their cattle which was as source of food for them.

The Rottweiler was named after a small town in the southern mountainous regions of Germany called “Rottweil”. The Roman army would often leave their dogs in Rottweil and continue with their travels.

In Rottweil these dogs were bred for a number of different tasks which included pulling dairy carts for famers, herding cattle, guarding shops as well as safe-guarding and carrying money to and from the bank.

Butchers often used Rottweiler’s to protect their money when traveling through town which earned them the name ‘Metzgerhund’ (Butcher’s dog).

Rotties almost became extinct in Rottweil as they were replaced by donkeys to pull the carts around.

This particular breed of herding dog would steer cattle by leaning against them which is possibly why they have this old habit of leaning on people.

The Rottweiler was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1931.

In the 1980’s this breed was ranked as the second most popular dog by the AKC and in 2012 was ranked at #9.

Today Rottweiler’s are used as guide dogs, guard dogs and as rescue dogs by the police.

When compared, the German Rottweiler is shorter and more muscular than the American Rottweiler which has a taller and more slender build.

These beautiful dogs get a lot of negative publicity which makes people very wary of them but to contrary belief Rottweiler’s are incredibly gentle and awesome with children, which makes them very popular as family dogs.