Okay, confession time: the Rottweiler may very well be my favorite breed of dog. I love big dogs and I love big dogs with big fat heads. And I’ve been so very lucky to meet amazingly sweet Rotties – like Schultz, who used to come play at the dog park with Miko and me and would plop his big butt right down on my feet. (Want to read more about our adventures at the dog park? Clicky clicky!)
A Rottie is pretty easy to pick out of a crowd – aside from the muscular build, they have distinctive markings. The coat will be black with rust colored (they look orange to me) markings in particular places: over the eyes, on the cheeks, on the chest, and socks on all four legs.
As far as temperament goes, Rottweilers are sturdy, adaptable, and hardworking dogs. They have an inherent desire to protect home and family, and can be aloof to strangers. This is a general description! Some can be more clowny and affectionate; some can be the one-person-dog type. If you’re looking to own a Rottie, you’re going to need to go through a lot of obedience together! You don’t want to let this dog bully you, or think he’s the boss. They are sensitive and intelligent dogs who will LOVE working for their masters!
Rotties can be very intimidating because of their size and strength. And their tendency to want to “herd” can lead to unintentional injuries for children – a bump from a dog who weighs anywhere from 90 to 135 pounds can even knock a grown man or woman off their feet! Rotties can also have a high “prey drive” – an instinct to chase moving objects. Children should always be supervised around pets, regardless of breed.
If you want a dog who will be happy in an apartment all day, you probably don’t want a Rottie. Smart, active dogs need the stimulation of exercise and exposure to new sights and sounds to keep from becoming bored, depressed, and destructive dogs. And if you’re starting with a puppy, you’re going to need a lot of patience! Rotties from puppy through about age two can be very difficult and destructive. Early training, lots of exercise and attention can help avoid a lot of problems.
Rottweilers, like most large dog breeds, are at risk for hip displaysia, a developmental disease where the hip joint becomes deformed, often causing great pain to the dog.
Rotties aren’t “easy” dogs. But with a lot of love and attention, they are great family members!