Rottweiler - TOP 10 Interesting Facts

1) Origin
It is believed that the Rottweiler is one of the oldest European breed, with their history possibly dating back to the Roman Empire and ancient Roman drover dogs. These dogs accompanied Romans on their travels across the Europe, where they guard the outpost and herd cattle. Many of these dogs were left in southern Germany in town Rottweil, where they became the breed you know today.

2) Purpose
Rottweilers are very smart, versatile and they like to work. That is why they were used for many jobs and purposes in the past. They were used to drive cattle to market, guard property and pulling carts. There was a time when they were known as Butcher dogs, because they were often used pull carts laden with butchered meat to market. Today, they are most often living the spoiled life as companions, but they are still used as guards, police dogs or search and rescue dogs.

3) Extinction
Rottweilers almost went extinct in the end of the 19th century. It was a time when smaller breeds took over many of their jobs. It was more expensive to feed and maintain Rottweiler than smaller dog breed who did the same job on similar level. Luckily, Rottweiler and Leonberger club was established in 1899 in Germany and they saved the breed.

4) Color
Many breeds can be found in different colors, but that is not the case of Rottweiler. Rotties are always black with brown markings on their chest, face, and paws. The markings are always in a variation of brown, either rust, tan or mahagony.

5) Intelligent and stubborn
Rottweilers are smart and highly trainable. They will learn new commands very quickly, but because of their stubborn personality, sometimes it might be little bit challenging to make them obey the commands. That is why they are not the best choice for novice or unexperienced dog owners.

6) Loyalty
Rottweilers are loyal. They were bred as guards and just like most of the guard dogs, they tend to create very strong bond with their owners and family. It is very likely, that they will follow you everywhere you go and they will want to spend every minute with you. Thanks to the Rottweilers strong guarding instinct and fierce loyalty, it is very probable, that they will protect you when you are in danger.

7) Socialization

Because of their protective and loyal temperament, guarding history and very strong body, the early socialization is just a must. They need calm and stable leader who will show them the boundaries. They should meet as many other people and dogs as possible, when they are still young, otherwise, they might become overprotective and agressive. On the other hand, if you socialize the Rottweiler, you will have one of the best companions in the world.

8) Athletic dogs

Rottweilers are robust and strong dogs, but they are also very athletic. They need daily longer walks, hikes or playtime, otherwise they might become bored and destructive. Their hight athleticism and intelligence make them good adepts for dog sports like herding trials, tracking, nose work, carting, agility or barn hunting.

9) Size

Rottweilers are large, slightly longer than tall dogs with average height between 22-27 inches which is 55-69 cm and weight between 77-132 pounds, which is 35-60 kgs. There is quite a big size difference between the males and females.

10) Health
The average lifespan of Rottweiler is between 8-11 years. Just like all dog breeds they do suffer from some health issues, most commonly from hip and elbow dysplasia, Osteosarcoma, bloating, lymphoma and Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis.