About The Breed
Characteristics and Temperament
The Rottweiler is a medium-large, powerful dog. His compact and
substantial build denotes great strength, agility and endurance. On
average, males will range from 95 to 135 lbs and 24" to 27" at the
shoulder. They are more massive throughout with larger frame and
heavier bone than bitches. Bitches will range from 80 to 100 lbs and
from 22" to 25" at the shoulder. Animals can be found which are taller
or shorter than these measurements, however, they are not
considered typical by the breed standard. The Rottweiler is ALWAYS
black, with clearly defined markings on cheeks, muzzle, chest and legs
as well as over both eyes, that range from tan to deep mahogany. His
coat is straight, coarse and of medium length, with an undercoat
varying in degree based on climatic conditions. The Rottweiler is a
calm and self-confident dog, who has an inherent desire to protect
home and family. Personality may range from highly affectionate to
extremely aloof. He is not shy nor highly excitable. He is an intelligent
and highly trainable dog. He is also very much a companion, often
following their family members from room to room in the home.
Because of his size and strength, it is imperative that he receive
proper socialization and obedience training from an early age.
Nervous, shy, excitable or hyperactive individuals are exhibiting traits
which are undesirable in an animal the size and strength of the
Rottweiler and should be avoided.
The Rottweiler is a medium-large, powerful dog. His compact and
substantial build denotes great strength, agility and endurance. On
average, males will range from 95 to 135 lbs and 24" to 27" at the
shoulder. They are more massive throughout with larger frame and
heavier bone than bitches. Bitches will range from 80 to 100 lbs and
from 22" to 25" at the shoulder. Animals can be found which are taller
or shorter than these measurements, however, they are not
considered typical by the breed standard. The Rottweiler is ALWAYS
black, with clearly defined markings on cheeks, muzzle, chest and legs
as well as over both eyes, that range from tan to deep mahogany. His
coat is straight, coarse and of medium length, with an undercoat
varying in degree based on climatic conditions. The Rottweiler is a
calm and self-confident dog, who has an inherent desire to protect
home and family. Personality may range from highly affectionate to
extremely aloof. He is not shy nor highly excitable. He is an intelligent
and highly trainable dog. He is also very much a companion, often
following their family members from room to room in the home.
Because of his size and strength, it is imperative that he receive
proper socialization and obedience training from an early age.
Nervous, shy, excitable or hyperactive individuals are exhibiting traits
which are undesirable in an animal the size and strength of the
Rottweiler and should be avoided.
Aggressiveness/Protective Instinct
These traits vary with the individual dog to some degree, although all
have a strong territorial instinct and will defend their master's home, car
and property from intruders. Rottweilers have also been known to bully or
bluff their owners or other people, a trait that is most disconcerting. This
problem is easily prevented through early obedience training and the
development of a mutually rewarding working relationship.
Many families have purchased a Rottweiler for its protectiveness, only to
discover that it brings with it a considerable moral and legal
responsibility. Problems arise quickly; the dog may not be able to
distinguish between a bear-hug greeting of a family member, or a
cherished friend, and the hostile advances of an intruder, particularly if
the greetings between parties includes loud shouts, laughter or screams.
Dogs must be carefully schooled to accept your friends into your home but
physical contact should be approached carefully until the dog realizes that
you belong. Strangers must never come into your yard unannounced, the
dog doesn't know the difference between your brother and a burglar.
Although the Rottweiler does not usually bite without provocation, even
being cornered and held by one of these dogs is a very unnerving
experience for meter men, delivery persons or neighbors wandering into
the yard while the owner is absent. People expected to be in contact with
the dog while the owners are absent should be thoroughly familiar with
the dog.
These traits vary with the individual dog to some degree, although all
have a strong territorial instinct and will defend their master's home, car
and property from intruders. Rottweilers have also been known to bully or
bluff their owners or other people, a trait that is most disconcerting. This
problem is easily prevented through early obedience training and the
development of a mutually rewarding working relationship.
Many families have purchased a Rottweiler for its protectiveness, only to
discover that it brings with it a considerable moral and legal
responsibility. Problems arise quickly; the dog may not be able to
distinguish between a bear-hug greeting of a family member, or a
cherished friend, and the hostile advances of an intruder, particularly if
the greetings between parties includes loud shouts, laughter or screams.
Dogs must be carefully schooled to accept your friends into your home but
physical contact should be approached carefully until the dog realizes that
you belong. Strangers must never come into your yard unannounced, the
dog doesn't know the difference between your brother and a burglar.
Although the Rottweiler does not usually bite without provocation, even
being cornered and held by one of these dogs is a very unnerving
experience for meter men, delivery persons or neighbors wandering into
the yard while the owner is absent. People expected to be in contact with
the dog while the owners are absent should be thoroughly familiar with
the dog.
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My Favorite Links
Associated Rottweiler Fanciers
Marlo's Rottweilers
American Kennel Club
orthopedic Foundation for Animals
MelodyHill Rottweilers
MosseyOak Bullmastiffs