The rottweiler is a dog that is often thought to be big, mean, and temperamental. This is not always true. An adult male stands about 24 to 27 inches tall and a female is about 22 to 25 inches tall, from the ground to the shoulders. They are overall large dogs that weigh from 80 to 140 pounds. Their small ears are folded high on their heads, and they are born with no tail or else a very short one. The rottweilers trademark colorings are black with distinct tan markings.

Rottweilers descended from the mastiff, which were herding dogs used in the Roman army. When the army traveled to Rottweil, Germany, some farmers liked the mastiff and decided to breed them with their own dogs. The result of this was a smaller, muscular dog that was quicker and better looking. The farmers named thre dogs rottweilers after Rottweil. In the 1800’s the breed almost died out, but by 1921 the breed was making a comeback. About 1910 rottweilers started coming to the United States, and the American Rottweiler Club was formed in 1971. Today over 100,000 rottweilers are registered in the American Kennel Club.

            The temperament of the rottweiler is commonly known to be ferocious, but this is not true if the dog is properly trained. In fact, the rottweiler is a very dependable and obedient dog that likes to be with people they love and trust. Rottweilers are protective, loyal to their families, loving, playful, and active. Like any other dog, if not properly trained rottweilers can become mean and dangerous.

            The health care for a rottweiler is very important. Yearly shots protect both the dog and humans from serious diseases that can kill and cause sickness. A regular physical exam every year should include being checked for worms. Since heartworms are such a serious disease that can pop up in dogs, it is important that dogs should take a heartworm pill once every month. When warm weather comes around it is a good idea to have your rottweiler checked for ticks. Ticks can carry lyme disease that can make both dogs and humans sick.

            If you are looking for a dog that doesn’t take much grooming, then a rottweiler might be a good choice. Rottweilers have fairly short hair, so they do not shed much. They still do need to be brushed once or twice a week to maintain a healthy coat. Rottweilers nails are very hard, which means that they do not ware down easily the nails should be trimmed often preferably by a veterinarian ort a professional groomer. The teeth should also be cleaned often, to make this as easy as possible, use a soft, wet cloth with baking soda or dog toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste or shampoo on a dog. Rottweilers should only be bathed once or twice a year, or only when needed.

            In history, rottweilers have always been used for tough jobs such as herding and pulling things. Today, rottweilers are commonly used as police dogs, guarding and protecting, and in the army. Sometimes rottweilers will be seen pulling carts or sleds, herding farm animals, and helping disabled persons.