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.
