Facts About Rottweilers

Contrary to popular belief rottweilers are actually very popular and friendly dogs. Misconceptions and lack of knowledge about the breed has led many people to fear them. If you look beyond the myths about aggression, then you can see what a wonderful breed the rottweiler really is. There are many facts people should know before they can say they understand the breed or before owning a rottweiler of their own.

SOCIAL

Rottweilers are actually very social dogs. They need human companionship and can live indoors or out. They are also very good with children. Rottweilers have a natural herding instinct that may prevent small children from wandering off. If worked with and introduced early, rottweilers will get along with other dogs and pets. Males tend to be more territorial, especially with other males. However, training and care will help ease the tension and allow the dogs and pets to bond.

They are not naturally aggressive towards humans or other animals unless left alone to their own devices or trained improperly. Rottweilers are often mistreated, which causes the stereotypical viscous behavior. Proper training, handling, and breeding creates rottweilers that are anything but aggressive. They are; however, protective and make great guard dogs. They can be trained to attack intruders on command or simply growl a warning. It's really all the training.

PHYSIQUE

Rottweilers physically mature slowly. The dog's ribs should be felt easily, but should not stick out too much. Many owners tend to over feed their rottweiler to make it fill out quicker, but this does not help. Rottweilers do not completely fill out until they are at least three years old and may not finish until they are around five.

HEALTH

Rottweilers are susceptible to certain health problems, as are all breeds. Careful breeding is preventing some of the problems. However, rottweilers are still very susceptible to hip dysplasia, ligament tears, heart problems, and bloating. They require large amounts of high quality food, up to ten cups daily, to help strengthen their immune system, especially when they are young. Rawhides, sterilized bones, and cooked bones have been proven to cause serious and sometimes fatal intestinal problems.

Rottweilers need to be brushed regularly to prevent shedding. They also have sensitive ears that should be cleaned out once a week with a cotton ball soaked in alcohol. Sadly, rottweilers have a shorter life span than other breeds, living on average eight to ten years.

In conclusion, Rottweilers are actually very family friendly dogs. They are stubborn and intelligent, so they need training. Getting them when they are young prevent many of the stereotypical problems people have come to associate with the breed. However, knowing the facts will help you to have a wonderful and loving rottweiler.