Varieties and mixed breeds of the Rottweiler. Comparison with other dog breeds based on qualities

Varieties such as the German and American Rottweiler are not the same dog, despite the same breed name. The thing is that each country tried to develop a Rottweiler breed with its own traditional characteristics. In addition to Germany and America, other countries have also worked on changes in the exterior and character of this dog. What happened in the end, read on.

Mini Rottweiler - defect or breed?

There are no official varieties of this breed. The only thing that left a small mark on the appearance and character of these dogs was their nationality. Thus, dogs living in Germany are recognized as exemplary classics. Rottweilers from America are slightly larger and meaner than their German counterparts. Immigrants from England are practically no different from dogs from Germany.

Important! A Rottweiler that does not reach the official “minimum” in height is either a mixed breed of the breed or its dwarfism is caused by a genetic failure.

Most often, dwarf Rottweilers and Rottweilers with any special appearance appear as a result of crossing with another breed. For example, from a union with a German shepherd, large puppies are born, which in adulthood become real big guys and strong men. They look like black and tan German Shepherds. Such pets need a strict owner. Without training and education, they can be dangerous to the people around him.

The Labrotweiler is considered a rare hybrid. This is due to the fact that it is extremely difficult to obtain healthy and adequate offspring from these two breeds. But those puppies that do not have physical and psychological developmental pathologies look simply great. From their parents they adopt only the best traits of appearance and character.

Mini Rottweilers are most often born from sick parents or as a result of crossing a purebred male (female) with a mongrel. Basically, these mestizos are pugnacious and angry; it is difficult to train and raise them despite their well-developed intelligence.

Important! Mixed breeds, like dogs with genetic developmental pathologies, never take part in breed exhibitions.

Dogs with Rottweiler and Doberman blood flowing in their veins look interesting. In most cases, these are stately and beautiful dogs, distinguished by courage, endurance, and strength of character. Dogs born from the union of a Rottweiler and a Husky become good-natured and real pets. Outwardly they look very interesting and unusual.

If a mini Rottweiler is born from representatives of the same breed and the short stature is explained by a developmental defect, the dog should not be allowed for further breeding. Most often, dwarfs do not live to adulthood, having, in addition to their small stature, several serious health problems.

The Rottweiler is an intelligent, loyal, non-aggressive dog. She learns quickly, so she is used in the service of law enforcement agencies.

Breeders tried to get new animals by mating the Rottweiler with other dog breeds. This article will tell you in detail what types of mestizos exist and why they are unique.

Types of Rottweilers and descriptions

There are four Rottweiler breed standards registered in the world.:

• American.
• German.
• English.
• FCI standard (Federation Cynologique Internationale).

American breeders used German Rottweilers, which had certain deviations, to breed American standard dogs.

These were mainly dogs that were taller than their counterparts and had an aggressive character..

For American reasons, this breed was supposed to inspire fear and look impressive. She must do everything to protect the territory from those who encroach on it.

NOTE!

It is difficult for Rottweilers of the American variety to participate in various exhibitions due to deviations from the FCI standard.

Breeders of the English type Rottweilers also used German representatives of the breed when breeding. These two species are very similar to each other.

The only differences are in character . English Rottweilers, like their owners, are quite reserved and can remain cool in almost any situation. Exceptions are situations when one of the family members is at risk.

When drawing up the standard for the Rottweiler, the International Canine Federation relied specifically on the German type of this breed.

But in addition to the official ones, there are also unofficial types of this breed.

Almost every country had its own approach to breeding Rottweilers..

Rottweilers of the Finnish line have elongated muzzles and ears. This is explained by their crossing with Russian hounds to improve their sense of smell.

In Austria, this breed is used exclusively for military purposes. They are always on army territory and are raised and trained from different ages. This variety is shorter than German Rottweilers, better developed physically and has no subcutaneous fat.

There are no rules in the Italian Rottweiler breeding line. Therefore, they often have dogs with defects and abnormalities.

Italian Rottweilers are often called mini Rottweilers due to their build..

Varieties

There are no species or subspecies. However, the popularity and widespread distribution of the breed around the world have added local flavor to national standards. Here is a list of the main varieties:

• German standard. This is a classic model Rottweiler.
• English standard. Based on Germanic. It has a calm character and excellent protective qualities.
• American standard. These are large dogs that are far from friendly in nature. Breeders were able to obtain the ideal animal for guard duty.

Further in the photo you can see representatives of this breed of dogs, including small Rottweilers.

Are ears cropped?

Rottweilers with cropped ears are a real rarity.

For this breed, such operations are almost never carried out. An exception may be ear lesions.

According to the standard, the ears of Rottweilers should be hanging and close to the muzzle.

Métis

Let's look at what kind of mixed breeds exist and see in the photo what a cross between a Rottweiler and a German Shepherd looks like, a mixture with a Labrador and other dog breeds.

German Shepherd mix

Malchover is a cross between a German and a Rottweiler. A muscular, calm, loyal, intelligent and self-confident dog has become a good friend to man. The weight of a large dog is 50 kg. He inherited the color from the Rottweiler, and the muzzle and ears from the German.

Metis has the following advantages:

• good intelligence;
• excellent watchdog qualities;
• easy to learn;
• devotion;
• Ability to remain calm in emergency situations.

With Labrador

The mixed breed is called a labra-rotweil. This complex canine artifact inherited good intelligence, conformation and temperament from its parents. Dogs are little known to people, because obtaining an ideal heir can be achieved after long and painstaking work.

With a pit bull

This mestizo was called a pit bull terrier. The dog is different:

• increased endurance;
• energy;
• fearlessness.

The color can be anything from solid black to black with brindle markings. The coat is smooth, short and shiny. The chest is wide and massive. The legs are of medium length and muscular.

The mixed breed is slightly smaller in size than a purebred Rottweiler. The weight of an adult is 30-40 kg.

Staffordshire Terrier

This is a cross between a Stafford and a Rottweiler. The dog has the following features:

• the dog is large in size and has well-developed muscles;
• endurance;
• calm character;
• loves to communicate with the owner and other dogs.

There are aggressive individuals who inherited a malicious character from their parents, were raised that way, or were kept in harsh conditions. For training to be productive, the owner should be patient and remember consistency.

Mongrel mix

The mestizo “nobleman” is not distinguished by his impeccable character. Requires increased attention and love from the owner. The dog's owners claim that it is difficult to train, and its most important trait is arrogance.

The dog has good intelligence. He can easily open any door, understands people, and gets along with other pets. Despite their attractive appearance and pretty face, dogs of this breed do not participate in exhibitions.

Other famous hybrids

There are several other breeds obtained by crossing the Rottweiler and other dogs. Here are some unique unions:

1. Doberman and Rottweiler. Metis took all the traits from both breeds. This is a stately dog ​​with a strong character, courage and endurance. Usually the color is black with red tan.
2. Husky and Rottweiler. The dog has a friendly character and affability. He chooses one master from the whole family, and obeys only him. The large dog reaches a height of 60 cm. The color can be pure black, or mixed with the colors of the husky’s parent.
3. Alabai and Rottweiler. Metis reacts aggressively to unfamiliar people. However, he will always protect and love his family. The dog is large and can weigh up to 100 kg.

Deviations from the standard

Standard sizes

The FCI standard states that the height of male Rottweilers varies from 61 to 68 centimeters, and the height of females varies from 56 to 63 centimeters. According to these parameters, it is customary to distinguish dogs of this breed according to the following sizes:

Dogs that meet standard parameters have a good chance of receiving top marks at shows and giving birth to healthy puppies.

Reasons for deviations

Sometimes dogs are born whose sizes are much smaller than even the small standard ones. The small Rottweiler is not a breed variety, but a consequence of serious abnormalities. They appear due to mistakes in breeding purebred dogs, hereditary diseases or birth injuries. Sometimes these puppies are born because their mother did not eat well during pregnancy or while nursing.

There are cases when unscrupulous breeders, in order to make a profit, attract potential buyers with advertisements for the sale of supposedly mini representatives of the breed. They deliberately breed Rottweilers with much smaller sizes, without warning about the complications that the owner of such a dog may encounter.

Comparison with other dogs by qualities

German Shepherd

Shepherds and Rottweilers are loyal, strong, hardy creatures. They cope well with assigned tasks, protect and guard their territory. But the German is calmer and friendlier, which cannot be said about the Rottweiler.

Cane Corso

Here the Rottweiler serves as a guard, and the Cane Corso acts as a bodyguard. The second breed has its disadvantages: it sheds for a long time and secretes excessive saliva.

Both breeds have similar personalities. But the Cane Corso requires an active lifestyle, so it is important to provide him with regular exercise.

Pitbull

The differences lie in behavior and tendency to train:

• The pit bull is a vigilant protector, guardian, and an excellent companion. He easily adapts to a new family and tries in every possible way to please his owner. Protects other pets. For example, a dog will distract a person while the cat steals treats from the table.
• The Rottweiler demands to be treated as a full member of the family. However, he will only be affectionate with a kind and intelligent owner. This breed should not be underestimated. The Rottweiler can easily trick a person into not following any commands.

Staff

The Staffordshire Terrier has a softer and more flexible character, which cannot be noted in the Rottweiler. Both breeds are easy to train, get along well with people, are strong and resilient. They equally love to be lazy: they prefer to sleep or relax most of the time.

Ca de bou

The Spanish Mastiff differs from the Rottweiler in the following features:

• Despite its formidable appearance, the dog is unusually sensitive and kind. Patient with children, cats and other dogs.
• Calmly assesses the situation, reacts quickly in emergency situations, and thinks logically.
• The dog is active and loves sports. Therefore, it is not recommended to keep him in his apartment. Otherwise, it will damage the furniture and equipment.

Labrador

The Labrador is not considered a fighting breed.
He is very kind and affectionate. The dog can play the role of a hunter, athlete, guide and detective. The animal does not behave maliciously or aggressively. The soft grip of the jaws will not harm the opponent in any way. If you put a Rottweiler against a Labrador, the first one will be stronger. When choosing between a Labrador and a Rottweiler, it is important to evaluate the purpose of the purchase. If a person spends all his time at work, then it is better to choose the first breed. The Rottweiler will only obey a more attentive, strong and strict owner.

The Rottweiler is an intelligent and unpredictable dog. It is difficult to predict how a dog will grow up without special training. A person must not forget that timely and professional training will result in a kind, obedient, devoted ward.

Care and maintenance

The best place to keep a Rottweiler is a country house with a large plot or a spacious enclosure in the yard.
In the northern regions, it is advisable to equip him with a warm booth. Severe frosts are a serious test for a short-haired dog, although the undercoat becomes thicker in winter. By the way, massive black dogs do not tolerate heat well. Therefore, in summer, drinking water should be constantly available, and it would also be good to equip a bath or shower for the dog. The Rottweiler will also take root in an apartment, but it will need a lot of space and the owner will need time for long walks. A large, energetic dog needs to exercise a lot, otherwise it will become loose and lethargic.

You will have to walk your Rottweiler for at least one and a half hours a day. Ideally, you need to organize active games, bike rides and jogging; in winter, you can entrust the dog with towing a skier or sleigh. At least a couple of times a month, arrange a country vacation for your pet so that he can frolic and run around without a leash.

Wool and hygiene

Caring for a Rottweiler is not at all difficult, especially if he lives in the yard. And even in an apartment, it is enough to brush a short-haired dog with a stiff brush or silicone glove once a week. During molting, you need to do the procedure more often. You need to bathe your dog if it is really dirty. Moreover, you should not use aggressive detergents, they can cause skin irritation. Only mild veterinary shampoos.

You should inspect your dog's ears weekly and remove accumulated plaque and dirt with a cloth containing hydrogen peroxide or veterinary lotion. If you notice redness, you need to observe and find out the cause with the help of a veterinarian. You should also brush your pet’s teeth with a special paste or wipe them once a week. To prevent oral diseases, you can give hard vegetables or industrially produced treats to chew. The claws of dogs that walk frequently and actively wear down on their own. But in the cold season they can grow back. To ensure that the claws do not interfere with movement, you need to periodically check their length and trim them using a nail clipper.

Nutrition

A large muscular dog needs to be provided with adequate nutrition. Adults are usually fed twice a day, puppies - four, and then three. It is worth considering that this breed is prone to overeating and weight gain.

Finding a balanced diet from natural products is quite difficult. In addition, a large dog eats a lot, about two and a half kilograms of food a day, but maybe more. The diet should include lean meat and offal (except pork), and sea fish. They are given raw, after severe freezing. The source of carbohydrates is cereals, vegetables and fruits. Once a week you can have a fermented milk day. You cannot feed your dog dishes from the “human” menu: sausages, confectionery, pickles, smoked meats.

Be careful with citrus fruits and legumes. For prevention, a course of vitamin and mineral supplements should be taken twice a year.

Ready-made dog food is an excellent option for a Rottweiler owner. It is better to buy them in large packages. By the way, it is convenient if the granules are large - because of this, the dog eats more slowly and additionally brushes his teeth.

About the Rottweiler breed

The Rottweiler is a breed that has a lot of rumors surrounding it. Some will say that these dogs are uncontrollable, but most owners say that Rottweilers become reliable friends and guards. The breed standard has changed several times over the past century alone; the requirements regarding pigmentation, movements, and eye color of dogs have been constantly clarified. The modern Rottweiler has a height at the withers of 60-66 centimeters; it belongs to the Molosser group. The character is friendly, obedient, efficient, but at the same time fearless. The dog has a medium-length skull, with a moderate convexity in the forehead area and a pronounced transition from the muzzle to the forehead. The nose is straight, with a wide black lobe and large nostrils. The lips fit tightly, the gums are darkly pigmented. The jaws are strong, the bite is full-toothed. The Rottweiler's eyes are almond-shaped, medium-sized, with well-fitting eyelids, eye color is dark brown. The ears are hanging, triangular in shape, set high.

photo: Rottweiler standing

The dog's neck is muscular, powerful, of medium length, without dewlap or hanging folds of skin on the throat. The back is strong, the loin is short but powerful. The croup is wide, the chest is deep, the tail is docked short (up to 1-2 vertebrae), there are countries in which docking is prohibited, so the tail remains of natural length. The dog's limbs are straight, with well-fitting shoulders, powerful pasterns and rounded paws with black nails and hard pads. Rottweilers move at a trot, their back should remain almost motionless, and their movements should be strong and confident.

If the dog is alert, the skin on the forehead may form slight waves. The coat is straight, there is an undercoat and outer hair. The coat is coarse-textured, of medium length, with the coat slightly longer on the hind legs. The color should be black with red-brown markings on the face, cheeks, chest, limbs, at the base of the tail and under the eyes. Deviations from the standard are considered to be a violation of color, long legs of the dog, underdeveloped muscles or bones, and the presence in the appearance of pronounced features of a greyhound dog. A dog is disqualified if it has poorly developed sexual characteristics, cowardly or overly nervous behavior, odd eyes or yellow eyes, malocclusion, missing teeth, or too long and wavy hair.

photo: Rottweiler is a large breed of dog

Main color

The main color of the Rottweiler is black. Its name is tan.

Tan spots have clearly defined boundaries and are located in certain places:

• On the head in the area of ​​the cheeks and eyebrows.
• Under the larynx.
• In the chest area.
• On shoulders.
• On the inner thighs.
• In the anal area.
• At the bottom of the paws.

Rottweiler character

Rottweilers are a very efficient and hardy breed; they are excellent defenders and guards, but they are, as a rule, loyal to only one owner. These dogs are very popular, they have a pronounced guard instinct, they are fearless and courageous, and sometimes these very qualities can be used for evil. It is not for nothing that during dog fights, many owners exhibited Rottweilers, knowing their temperament. The Rottweiler is not the best choice for beginners; you need to know that the leniency that is present when raising a small terrier is completely unacceptable when training such a large dog.

Rottweilers need to be socialized as early as possible, as untrained individuals can pose a threat. At 7-10 months, the dog’s character is formed, it is at this moment that the owner must direct the pet’s behavior in the right direction in order to avoid problems - eliminate excessive aggression towards other people’s dogs, teach them to treat all family members well. As for the attitude of Rottweilers, knowingly with good upbringing they will not harm children, but such a large dog is too strong to participate in children's games, so it is desirable that the children are already grown up, and the size of the living space allows the Rottweiler to lead an active lifestyle.

Advantages and disadvantages

Each breed has its own pros and cons. Malhover's strength is its excellent protective and guarding abilities. Metis is distinguished by a high level of health, affection for the owner and other family members.

Such a dog will not bark for no reason and disturb the owner. With proper training, your pet will become an excellent friend and protector. Thanks to its endurance, a malkhover can accompany its person everywhere.

The hybrid does not whine or bark for no reason.

But the mixture also has negative sides:

Due to the fact that the Rottweiler blood predominates in the crossbreed, Malchover can negatively perceive any guests. Instinct tells him to behave this way around strangers.

Another disadvantage of the hybrid is the difficulty of walking. Malhover needs to be taken out only on a leash and with a muzzle; he can only be released in the forest where there are no people. In other cases, you will have to limit your pet’s movements.

It is advisable to work with the dog under the supervision of a dog handler. He will show you how to teach different commands and suggest solutions to difficult situations. This is especially important for those who have little experience communicating with animals.

Training begins from the first month of the puppy’s life

With proper upbringing, Malkhover will become a devoted friend. He becomes nervous and aggressive towards people only when there is a lack of communication.

Character

Why do Rottweilers have their tail docked? In earlier times, representatives of the breed performed a number of functions. This included not only guarding and shepherding skills. Unfortunately, these dogs did not escape the fate of the fighting.

And so that the dog was least vulnerable, its tail was docked. Now, according to many breeders and owners, this is completely unnecessary. The Rottweiler with a tail is supposedly more intelligent than its tailless counterpart. The idea that the presence of intelligence depends on the length of the tail seems strange.

Okay, we digress. Let's talk about the dog's character.

Do you have a Rottweiler puppy in your home? This is great, the breed is wonderful. If you raise a dog correctly, you will get a faithful friend. Have you ever owned large dogs and don’t know how to raise them? No problem, seek help from a professional dog handler.

In general, the Rottweiler is a dog that needs to be raised under competent supervision. Because it is impossible to make mistakes in its upbringing, due to the nature of the breed, then these mistakes are almost impossible to correct.

The main advantages of Rottweilers:

1. Devotion to the owner.
2. Affectionate attitude towards your own people.
3. Well developed security qualities.
4. Smartness.
5. Curiosity.
6. Physical endurance.
7. Easy adaptability to different conditions.
8. Courage.

Representatives of the breed are very smart. They quickly figure out how to act. And if the owner seems too soft to the dog, the pet will immediately sit on his neck.

Animals are wary of strangers. With proper training, these dogs are able to tolerate the presence of a stranger on their territory. If he does not show excessive activity, trying to make friends with the guard dog. If something happens, a representative of the breed is able to put a stranger in his place.

There is an opinion that a Rottweiler with a tail (as well as without a tail) is an excellent nanny. This is wrong. If a dog is patient with children, this does not mean that he is eager to be a nanny. You should not allow a child to bother your pet, much less treat it roughly.

Physiological processes in the dog's body

Biochemical processes

There are only two pigments in the dog’s body, which are found in the skin and hairs of the animal:

• pheomelanin - responsible for yellow color and its variations: red, red;
• eumelanin is responsible for the black color, which in its mutation form provides a brown color of varying intensity.

The pigments that determine a dog's color are located inside each hair. Their quantity, a certain color and the shape of the granule in which they are contained determine the color of the pile.

From the history of the Rottweiler breed

The birthplace of modern Rottweilers (or as they are also called Rottweiler Metzgerhund) is Germany. It is believed that the ancestors of these dogs are ancient mastiffs, which were taken to hunt wild boars. Other scientists believe that Molossian Great Danes also played an important role in the formation of the breed.

Roman paintings and mosaics dating back to 180 AD showed images of dogs very similar to Rottweilers. It is likely that the ancestors of the Rottweiler came to Europe with the Roman legions. This breed is quite old: according to preliminary estimates, it is more than 2 thousand years old. Information about the ancestors of Rottweilers is inaccurate and contradictory; initially they were used to guard cattle; later, Rottweilers began to be used by livestock traders and butchers to protect property, for which this animal was given the nickname “butcher’s dog.” Many owners trusted their pets so much that before going to the tavern to celebrate a successful deal, they put a purse with gold coins around the dog’s neck - and not a single brave man dared to covet the tightly stuffed purse, knowing about the strength and fighting qualities of the animals.

photo: Rottweiler - a breed from Germany

The name of the breed was given in honor of the city in southern Germany - Rottweil, where livestock was often traded. Dogs harnessed to a cart could transport goods and guard them. The final formation of the breed occurred in the 19th-20th century, the standard was rewritten several times. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Rottweiler was unknown anywhere except Germany; in the 30s, dogs were brought to Great Britain, Austria, America, and Switzerland. The breed received official recognition in the USA in 1935, in the UK a year later, and now there are kennels for these dogs in many countries.

The history of the standard color

Many centuries ago, when the Rottweiler breed was being formed, breeders cared little about their appearance. People needed a disciplined, hardy and courageous guard capable of protecting the owners and their property. Rottweilers were often used to drive herds of livestock and escort freight carts.

Accordingly, in those distant times no one was breeding Rottweilers in order to improve their exterior. Breeders were only concerned with the working qualities of the dogs. To improve the characteristics of Rottweilers, they crossed not only with each other, but also with other breeds. Therefore, ancient Rottweilers had many color variations: brindle, gray, black, gold (red). Also, dogs of this breed had white spots on the chest or limbs. In general, assorted Rottweilers did not bother anyone if they could fully do their job.

Gradually, breeders began to exclude some colors. If the first standard of 1901 allowed all existing coat colors of Rottweilers, then the second breed standard approved in 1913 already excluded Rottweilers with white markings from breeding, but still allowed other possible colors.

In 1919, there were already several societies of Rottweiler lovers, which were constantly in conflict with each other due to different views on the parameters of the standard. Some believed that all existing Rottweiler colors should be retained, while others wanted to reduce the number of colors.

One of the descriptions of the colors of those times says that golden Rottweilers with a black mask and a dark stripe along the entire back were allowed for breeding. This coloring of the body of dogs of this breed resembles the color of mastiffs. This allowed scientists to assume that Rottweilers were crossed with Great Danes, which had large heads.

It gradually became clear that disagreements between different societies would lead nowhere. And only the opening of the All-German Rottweiler Club in 1921 put an end to the strife.

Now the club members could calmly start breeding one standard Rottweiler with one standard color. If you look at the surviving photographs of the best representatives of the breed of that time, it becomes clear that these are practically the same Rottweilers that exist now.

Interesting facts about Rottweilers:

• The first club for fans of this breed was created in Germany in 1901;
• During the First World War, when other countries did not even know about the existence of this breed, Rottweilers were already successfully serving in the German army;
• Modern dog experts believe that the Rottweiler's ancestors included Bavarian herd dogs and Italian Molossians;
• These dogs can be guard dogs, bodyguards, companions, serve in the police and army;
• The lifespan of Rottweilers is 9-11 years.

Care and maintenance

Cool guy
Keeping a service breed dog is always a big responsibility, since such animals require a firm hand and constant supervision. A Rottweiler, of course, can take root in an apartment, but the best habitat for bodyguard dogs would be a country house with a booth and an aviary equipped in the yard. During the warm season, the animal can be left in the enclosure around the clock, but with the onset of frost it must be moved to a heated room or taken into the house.

Rottweilers should be walked twice a day, for at least 10-20 minutes, and preferably an hour and a half. Walking must be combined with intense physical activity and active games to keep your pet in shape. By the way, not all representatives of this breed love physical activity: many individuals prefer lying on the couch for many hours to jogging. In such cases, the dog will have to be artificially stimulated with praise or the promise of a treat.

Hygiene

Caring for a Rottweiler does not take much time. They brush the dog a couple of times a week, bathe it 2-3 times a year, the rest of the time limiting themselves to only washing the pet’s paws after a walk. Animals' claws are trimmed as needed, which may never occur, since in a Rottweiler leading an active lifestyle, the claw plate wears down naturally. You should set aside time once a week to check and clean your ears. The ear funnel is cleaned using a dry piece of cloth or a piece of cloth soaked in alcohol-free lotion. Dogs' teeth are cleaned with a gauze swab and baking soda 4 times a month.

Feeding

Adults are fed twice a day; puppies under six months of age are recommended to be fed three times a day. The daily food intake should be no more than 5% of the animal’s total body weight. The amount of industrial food is calculated by the formula: 20-40 g of “drying” per kilogram of dog weight.

Cupcake hypothetical

Since most dogs have a tendency to overeat, the amount of calories your dog consumes must be carefully monitored. In particular, it is useful for animals that overeat or have begun to gain weight to cut back on their rations. The same should be done with older dogs whose metabolism is no longer as intense. In particular, “pensioners” reduce the amount of carbohydrate-containing foods, but at the same time increase the frequency of feedings (up to 3 times). Once a week, Rottweilers are given a fasting day on fermented milk products and water.

List of foods that should be present in the diet of an adult Rottweiler:

• lean meat (lamb, rabbit, lamb, beef) or offal;
• raw or boiled sea fish fillet;
• raw or boiled egg (twice a week);
• fermented milk products;
• cereals (rice, oatmeal, buckwheat);
• vegetable oil;
• vegetables.

You should not give your pet:

• legumes;
• sweets and chocolate;
• sausages;
• tubular and fish bones;
• citrus;
• river fish;
• pork

Rottweiler teeth

The food bowl is placed on a vertical stand at the level of the dog's chest, which helps to form the correct posture of the puppy. The dishes from which the Rottweiler eats must be enameled, metal or ceramic, but in no case plastic.

Important: Rottweilers are fed only warm food. Eating chilled or excessively hot foods provokes gastritis in the animal.

As for dry food, preference should be given to premium options of the “holistic” class. Mixing “drying” with natural products is prohibited, while alternating wet and dry industrial food is encouraged.

Food discipline is a must for Rottweilers. The pet's bowl should be filled with food twice a day and removed 15 minutes after the start of the meal. Resist the temptation to give your dog a snack and do not keep leftover food from breakfast or dinner in a bowl in the hope that a hungry animal will finish it in a couple of hours. There should always be clean water in the Rottweiler's bowl.

Playing with a puppy

How long does a Rottweiler live?

The lifespan of a Rottweiler directly depends on the living conditions. Dogs of this breed are distinguished by good health, but, like other animals, they are not immune to ailments:

• gastrointestinal diseases;
• joint dysplasia;
• diseases of the endocrine system;
• eye diseases;
• diseases of the nervous system;
• kidney diseases.

To reduce the risk of developing diseases to a minimum, you should not skip annual preventive examinations with a doctor, scheduled vaccinations, you need to regularly carry out deworming and treatment against parasitic insects.

Surrounded by care and attention, Rottweilers at home live 10-12, sometimes up to 14 years.

Health

The average lifespan of a Rottweiler ranges from 8 to 10 years. The breed sacrificed its “former longevity”, paying tribute to fashion and chaotic breeding. In addition to the loss of 3-5 years of life, the four-legged animals acquired another disadvantage - a number of breed ailments. By the way, many typical diseases make themselves felt in old age, and this is another reason for the reduction in the overall lifespan. The Rottweiler owner needs to become familiar with the symptoms, course scenarios and methods of treatment for the following diseases:

• Joint dysplasia is a diagnosis that describes a condition in which the joints are modified. The reason is physical abrasion of the joint, and then bone tissue. Typically, such changes occur against the background of an age-related slowdown in metabolism, and they affect (primarily) the elbow and hip joints.

• A sprain or rupture (gonarthrosis) of the knee (cruciate) ligaments is an injury that can haunt a dog throughout life, that is, it is repeated when a certain load is taken. As a preventative measure, ligaments are strengthened by training from puppyhood, and the load is strictly rationed.

• Osteochondrosis is a complex concept indicating a disorder in the joint tissues. There can be many causes and forms of development; the disease can affect different joints.

• Osteosarcoma is cancer of bone tissue.

• Retinal dysplasia is a change in the structure of retinal cells due to metabolic disorders. Most often the disease manifests itself in old age.

• Retinal atrophy is the degeneration of retinal cells due to disruption of their nutrition. The disease can develop at any age.

• Cataract is clouding of the lens of the eye. Considered an age-related disease, it can be sluggish and acute, affecting one or both eyes.

• Entropion of the eyelids (entropion ) is far from a cosmetic problem. Due to the incorrect position of the eyelid, the mucous membrane of the eye is constantly injured by the eyelashes, which leads to redness, pain and ultimately to retinal atrophy.

• Diabetes mellitus is a hormonal disorder associated with the body's inability to utilize glucose. As in humans, the disease occurs when there is a lack of insulin.

• Metabolic disorders - most often, a slowdown in metabolism, leading to problems with excess weight.

In addition to the above ailments, representatives of the breed experience neurological disorders that lead to atrophy of muscle sensitivity. With poor nutrition and in old age, problems with the genitourinary system often arise. Rottweilers are prone to overheating and sunstroke. Various skin diseases and benign neoplasms under the skin (bumps) are often encountered.

How to give a nickname to a Rottweiler?

When choosing a name for your Rottweiler, you should take into account the origin and personality of the dog. Agree, calling a 45-kilogram giant Buttercup or Fifa is at least ridiculous. Since the homeland of Rottweilers is Germany, it makes sense to pay attention to the German nicknames - Adele, Ada, Gretel, Edel, Frau for a girl, and Dustin, Lord, Ziggy, Oscar - for a boy. You can name a Rottweiler with a short but sonorous name, for example, for bitches the names Trudy, Desi, Darla, Astrid, Gabi, Gerta, Dora, Betty, Daphne, Lanie, Hera and others are suitable. For males: Flint, Caesar, Tank, Aldo, Blitz, Garrett, Roxy, Colin, Prince, Argos and others.

Maintenance and care

Rottweilers are highly trainable and quickly understand the order in the house. Most puppies, when they arrive at a new home from a kennel, within a couple of weeks understand and accept the rules that are established for everyone. They do not chew shoes, do not tear wallpaper and do not consider an apartment or house to be a street where great freedom is allowed.

However, a considerable part of breeders, after a puppy has been in the house for some time, begin to become disillusioned with it. The reason lies in the fact that the breeder is not ready to keep and raise a Rottweiler or has overestimated his educational capabilities.

You need to bathe your Rottweiler no more than twice a year and when it gets very dirty (for example, if the dog came back dirty from a walk after rain). For washing, it is better to use special detergents designed specifically for dogs.

Your pet needs to be brushed approximately twice a week. During the molting period, it is necessary to rid your Rottweiler of dead fur every day. Some pets even allow themselves to be vacuumed, but training in this procedure must begin from puppyhood.

Rottweilers' teeth are cleaned with special sticks or brushes and zoopastes, purchasing the necessary items in specialized animal stores. The eyes are constantly examined, and if redness or inflammation is detected, consult a doctor.

This dog can live both in its own house and in an apartment. However, ideally, for a comfortable stay, this dog needs a private or country house with an enclosure. You need to walk an animal living in an apartment at least twice a day for an hour and a half. In addition, it is necessary to take the dog to the toilet as needed.

Under no circumstances should you share the same piece of furniture with him; in the future, the dog will consider the sofa, bed or chair to be his place. Therefore, she may perceive attempts by household members to sit on them negatively. By the way, the puppy should have its own place from the first day of its stay in the house after purchase. This is the first rule that he must learn and accept.

Considering that active Rottweilers wear down their nail plates on their own, it is not always necessary to trim their nails. However, inspection of the paw pads should be done regularly, as well as inspection of the ears, eyes and oral hygiene. After walking, you need to inspect the animal for ticks or fleas. If they are detected, you must immediately contact a veterinarian to solve the problem.

To do this, use scraps of fabric, moistening them in a special lotion that does not contain alcohol. If an unpleasant odor or inflammation is detected, the dog is immediately taken to a specialist. When cleaning your ears, do not use cotton pads or cotton swabs.

How to choose a puppy?

• Males - from 61 to 68 cm.
• Females - from 56 to 63 cm.

The average weight of a male is 50 kg, and that of a female is 42 kg.

If you have already decided to buy a Rottweiler, then it is best to purchase a puppy from a kennel, with documents about its origin.

This will guarantee that the baby is not a mixed breed and that he will have a typical exterior for the breed, unless, of course, we are talking about a dog with a non-standard color.

But even for such a puppy, the breeder must issue a certificate, however, it must contain a note about the breeding.

The baby himself should be quite active and moderately inquisitive. Both manifestations of aggression towards people and excessive affection are undesirable: such a puppy will never grow into a reliable guard.

A healthy and properly raised puppy does not have even the slightest signs of ill health, and he himself looks well-fed, but not overfed.

The size of a dog plays a big role when it comes to assessing how dangerous it can be. Of course, a small decorative dog can cause much less serious damage compared to a breed that weighs 40 kg. The Rottweiler belongs to the Molosser category, which includes large dogs with well-developed muscles.

When choosing a puppy, you need to consider the level of experience of the breeder. For example, if he is inexperienced, it is better to choose a female puppy, since, as practice shows, the character of Rottweiler females is softer than that of males. In addition, they can be taught the necessary commands faster. However, when choosing, it is worth considering the fact that females of this breed do not tolerate other females near them.

Males, on the other hand, have a more presentable appearance, but their mentor should be a man who is ready not only for an easy-going character, but also for the need to adjust behavior. You need to adopt a puppy no later than 2-3 months of age. At 2 months, puppies already have their first experience of socialization, until they show stubbornness and learn better. The age of the bitch who gave birth to a puppy should not be less than 2 years and more than 8 years.

In addition, you need to pay attention to the puppy’s activity level, its neatness and color. At the same time, you need to choose the baby whose tan marks are darker, because after the first molt, his fur coat may lighten. As practice shows, puppies with darker colors grow into more resilient and strong dogs.

When examining, you need to pay attention to the puppy’s belly to rule out the possibility of an umbilical hernia. All dewclaws of purebred puppies are docked. If a puppy is overly aggressive, this is a defect and you should not buy such a dog. When purchasing, you can test the puppy by ringing the bell or clapping your hands: a cowardly baby will run away, while a curious and confident one will become interested.

For example, this is a pedigree with several generations of ancestors, exhibition prospects, conformity to the exterior, and the presence of titles from the parents. The low price will be for dogs with defects, which they usually try to sell to inexperienced buyers. The cost of a good baby that can be used for breeding in a professional nursery will be about 30,000 rubles.

Tips for choosing a puppy

You shouldn't take on something you can't handle. Rottweiler puppies born from parents with a weak psyche are a real threat, both to you and to others. We can talk about an unstable mental state if we are talking about a mestizo or a phenotype. It is rare, but even in purebred litters, there are puppies of “disputable quality”.

If you want to choose a Rottweiler puppy that will grow up balanced and become a full-fledged member of society, contact only trusted nurseries. Breeders who have nothing to hide keep a detailed inventory of all dogs and litters, monitor their “graduates” after the sale and will be happy to provide you with all the data. If you notice that the seller is being disingenuous or cannot clearly answer questions, turn around and leave. You should not get involved with people for whom the main indicators of the quality of a breed are size, anger and beauty.

Rules for caring for a Rottweiler

Even though Rottweilers are a short-haired breed, their coat needs to be thoroughly brushed. It is advisable to do this daily during or after a walk using a special mitten. If you find scratches or wounds on your dog’s body, you must treat them with peroxide or iodine. There is no need to bathe Rottweilers often; after a walk, an animal living in an apartment just needs to wash and dry its paws. It is worth knowing that Rottweilers do not tolerate heat very well; if the house is hot, the dog will begin to shed.

Regularly trim your dog's nails and clean their ears with a special solution and a cotton swab. Particular attention should be paid to your pet’s teeth – yellow plaque often appears on them; this can be removed with tooth powder; also make sure that your Rottweiler’s diet includes solid food that he can use to remove plaque. The food should be plentiful and fresh, at first the diet is prepared by a specialist, so it is advisable to stick to it and give the dog mineral and vitamin supplements.

If the Rottweiler is kept in an enclosure, it is enough to simply take it out for a long walk once a day; dogs living in an apartment need significant physical activity. It is worth remembering that training should be done by a strong-willed and strong person; training begins when the puppy is several months old; hard and constant loads are given when the Rottweiler is 7-8 months old.

photo: Rottweiler is a dog that requires training!

Why do Rottweiler puppies have white spots?

Rottweilers are a very popular breed of service dogs that have long been a favorite among lovers of large breeds. The usual coloring for all representatives of this breed is a combination of the main black coat color and brown spots on the pet’s chest, belly and paws. Sometimes there may be light spots on the short coat. But there are also albino dogs, which will be discussed in this article.

Pros and cons of the breed

• Loyal to its owner.
• Very smart and quick-witted.
• It is distinguished by great physical strength and endurance.
• Representatives of this breed are among the best guard dogs in the world.
• He does not require complex care.
• This dog is suitable for both rural areas and the city.
• If raised correctly, the Rottweiler can become a very good companion for children.
• With timely socialization, it gets along peacefully with other animals.

• Needs professional training.
• The owner of such a dog can only be a physically strong person.
• Rottweilers learn somewhat more slowly than most other dogs.
• Not suitable for keeping in small apartments.
• Due to rapid growth and weight gain, health problems may begin during puppyhood.

If raised incorrectly, the Rottweiler can take the place of the “leader of the pack” in the family, which is fraught with the most serious consequences.

We invite you to familiarize yourself with what applies to pets

What are the differences between boys and girls?

There are big differences between males and females in this breed.

Perhaps the most important difference is the size and weight. Males are larger and larger, females are smaller and more compact. This difference is easy to determine by eye.

Males are more aggressive than females and are stubborn . Therefore, males are suitable for experienced dog owners, and females are suitable for beginners, because they are more flexible.

But this does not mean that the future owner does not need leadership qualities. In any case, bitches become more attached to a person and learn better.

CAREFULLY!

The disadvantages of females include the period of estrus, and males tend to run after females during this period.

The owner of the bitch will also have to deal with the animal's pregnancy and childbirth.

Reproduction and lifespan

How long do Rottweiler dogs live? If the pet has a good pedigree, is healthy and lives in normal conditions, its life expectancy will be 12 years. In rare cases, special love for an animal can prolong its existence up to 15 years, but these cases, unfortunately, are very rare.

Important! In good conditions, the Rockefeller dog breed retains the ability to reproduce until old age.

Experienced breeders recommend giving anthelmintics the day before the intended mating. At this time, you need to be especially careful about your dog's diet. This applies not only to males, but also to females. If the female dog has not started her first heat at the age of one, this is a direct reason to contact the veterinarian.

Education and training

It is very important that from the first day of arrival in the family the puppy clearly understands the basic rule - the “leader” is the owner. Prioritization is essential when dealing with a dominant dog.

After becoming familiar with the new environment, the baby is taught to follow basic commands and basic rules of behavior: do not sleep in the owner’s bed, do not beg for food from the table, do not eat from the floor, do not accept treats from strangers, do not bite household members on the hands and feet even during play. , do not spoil things and much more.

At the same time, they work on socializing the puppy: meeting new people, other animals, and life outside the home.

Rottweilers are smart and easy to learn, they remember commands easily and forever. The owner should encourage the pet's success, praise it and show strictness when necessary.

If the pupil is stubborn, lazy or makes mistakes, in no case should you use physical force or shout at the dog as punishment. You need to interrupt the lesson and come back to it later.

To avoid possible mistakes during training, it is better to seek help from an experienced dog handler. Under his supervision, the dog must undergo a general training course and protection courses.

Training

Important! Dogs of this breed need constant physical activity for their proper anatomical and mental development.

History of the origin of the species

The history of the breed goes back deep into the 6th century BC, where the first similar dogs appeared. The ancestors of the breed and all Molossians were bred in Babylon. After this, the dogs found their way to ancient Egypt, where they served as soldiers, workers, and ritual dogs. Animals accompanied noble people, livestock, and even led armies.

Thanks to active trade and frequent wars, dogs found their way to the Eurasian continent and the Mediterranean coast. The Roman Empire became interested in them. Since the 1st century AD, dogs have been considered gladiators. They are put into a dog fighting arena.

Germany is considered the birthplace of Rottweiler dogs. It was here that the Babylonian Molossians were crossed with continental breeds, as a result of which they got a fearless beast that accompanied carts and caravans and protected the nobility from robberies. After the advent of the railroads, the popularity of dogs almost disappeared.

The main city where the breed was bred is Rottweil. Here dogs were still used to accompany carts carrying meat and grain. Thanks to this, the animals received a second name: “Butcher’s Dog.”

By the beginning of the 19th century, the breed almost became extinct, but was restored by enthusiasts. In the 20th century, Rottweilers were actively used in military structures and the police. The dogs still serve and win awards.

Kennel for Rottweiler: dimensions, drawing

Any enclosure should first of all be cozy and warm. For a comfortable stay, you need to determine the right place for construction. The place should be dry, it is better if it is some kind of hill. In this case, during heavy rains, water will not accumulate inside the enclosure. It would be nice if the dog could see the gate and the yard from his secluded place.

The wall of the enclosure should be located in the direction of the wind. Half of the building should be illuminated by the sun, and half should be located in the shade. The area of ​​the enclosure is also important. The size of the building should be about 10 square meters. Drawings of the enclosure can be found on the Internet. There, experienced breeders also give their advice on the proper location of the building.