Brimstone Rottweilers
History
Size
There are taller or shorter Rottweilers, but they would not be considered typical by the AKC Rottweiler standard. The Rottweiler is very strong for its size and can very easily knock a person down. Color
Temperament Aggressiveness Protection Instinct Your Rottweiler must be carefully schooled through socialization and training to accept your friends into your home. Rough-housing and the game tug-of-war should not be allowed. People expected to be in contact with the dog while the owners are absent should be thoroughly familiar to the dog long before the owner's departure. Although they usually do not bite without provocation, even being cornered and held in place by a Rottweiler is a very unnerving experience for meter readers, gardeners, or neighbors coming into the yard when the owner is absent. Gates must be kept locked for other people's as well as the dog's safety. Training Discipline Children in the Home Other Pets in the Home
Destructiveness
Space Requirements
Climate Requirements
The Rottweiler is an old breed, powerful and loyal, with natural protective instincts. Originally from Carthage, they were used by the Roman Legions and later by German farmers to drive cattle. The name of the Rottweiler was derived from the German cattle-marketing town of Rottweil. The Rottweiler was used by the butchers to guard both the money and the meat. When economic conditions changed, the Rottweiler migrated northward spreading into Holland and Scandinavia where it was then used as a drover and cart puller, delivering milk from door to door.
Males range from 24" to 27" at the shoulder, and should weigh 90-130 lbs. Females range from 22" to 25" at the shoulder, and should weigh 75-110 lbs.
Rottweilers are always black with markings ranging from tan to rust or mahogany, the darker shades being more desirable. Pigmentation of the eyes and mouth should be dark, light eyes or pink mouths are considered faults (an unwanted trait).
Rottweilers vary from natural clowns, who are affectionate to almost anyone, to the very reserved, one-person dog. Ideally, they should be calm but alert companions. These dogs often follow their masters from place to place in the home keeping a constant and sometimes obtrusive watch over their loved ones. Nervous, shy, very excitable or hyperactive animals are exhibiting traits which are undesirable in a dog the size and nature of the Rottweiler and should be avoided.
This trait varies with the individual to some degree although all have a strong territorial instinct as adult dogs. A Rottweiler will defend his master's home, car, and property form intruders. Rottweilers have also been known to bully or bluff their owners or other family members, a trait that is most disconcerting if one does not expect or know how to handle it. This problem can be prevented to a large extent through early and consistent obedience training, socialization and, spay/neuter.
Many families have purchased a Rottweiler for this trait only to discover later that it brings with it a considerable moral and legal responsibility. Problems can arise quickly and seemingly (to a novice) "out of the blue." Strangers to the dog must never be permitted to come into your home or yard unannounced, because the dog doesn't know the difference between a burglar and a friend or relative. It is common for a Rottweiler to not allow even someone they know into their yard or home when you, the owner, is not at home.
This breed has been developed for its working ability, and often blooms when given a chance to work for its master. It is necessary to establish control over the animal, and obedience training is the easiest and most rewarding way to do so. Your breeder should be able to provide you with guidance in the selection of a training class. However, avoid the very rough trainer. Rottweilers can often be controlled using verbal reprimands, and while they occasionally require strong physical corrections, some trainers tend to be much rougher on this breed than is necessary. This can often cause more problems than it fixes. Obedience is not just men's work; women have been very successful with Rottweilers in obedience and Schutzhund work. Physical mastery of the dog is often less important than sensitive and positive training methods, time, and patience.
The Rottweiler is a sensitive, intelligent, and loyal animal and usually wants to please its owner. Occasionally it can be quite stubborn though, and requires more attention. It is imperative that discipline be consistent, fair, and firm without being overly rough. Ownership is not for the timid or very busy person who cannot, or is not, inclined towards careful supervision and enforcement of rules for his or her pet.
The adaptability of the Rottweiler to small children varies with the individual animal. Many are very tolerant and loving towards toddlers, others resent the sometimes rough treatment a child can inflict. While the Rottweiler tends to be good with the children in their own family, they may not be with other children. One serious problem is the size of the dog. Families have felt forced to give up a much beloved pet because the dog inadvertently caused injuries to small children by bumping into them and knocking them down or into furniture. This bumping is a natural behavior in herding livestock. They will bump and herd children, adults and other pets, and can thus be a problem if your home contains young children or elderly family members. Some breeders recommend waiting until the children are at least school age and preferably older before introducing a Rottweiler into the home. The amount of space in your home, the age of the children, and the amount of time the family has to dedicate to the dog and its training should all be part of your decision whether or not the Rottweiler is the breed for you.
Rottweilers frequently adapt well to older dogs or cats in the home. Dog-to-dog aggressiveness in influenced by socialization experiences in puppyhood, bloodlines, and sex; males tend to be less tolerant of other males than they are to females. Bitches are often intolerant too, of either sex. Again, early spay/neuter can help alleviate this problem. Rottweilers who are aggressive against other dogs must be watched carefully, as injury can be caused not only to another animal, but to people trying to intervene in a dog fight. It can be controlled to a great extent with obedience training, continued socialization and early spay/neuter.
The Rottweiler's level of destructiveness (digging, chewing, etc.) varies with the age, training, temperament, and activity level of the individual dog. Puppies and young adults less than three years old are the worst offenders. Obedience training, lots of attention, and regular physical exercise can help, but any dog left alone for long periods of time may do considerable damage to landscaping, furniture, trees, and personal property. Many breeders recommend crate training a puppy and keeping the dog confined while the owner is away for short periods of time. Dogs and puppies should never be left alone with chew toys or tennis balls as pacifiers as they can tear off sizable chunks and choke or cause an intestinal blockage.
A large yard with a six ft fence is ideal (although this does not excuse an owner from properly exercising and socializing a dog outside of its yard). Some adult Rottweilers have been kept successfully in large apartments, but there is often difficulty with landlords and insurance. If you really don't have the space, think about a smaller breed of dog.
The Rottweiler can tolerate cool temperatures better than excessive heat. The dogs should never be left outside in direct sun during the summer. Heat stroke comes on very quickly because of their black coats and thick muscle density. Rottweilers have been known to drop dead due to heat exhaustion. Your breeder should be able to advise you on precautions to take for your local climate. Regardless of the locale, dogs must have shelter from the elements.