A Rottweiler is an ancient, noble breed that is thought to have originated with the Roman Army trying to create an all-purpose dog. The breed as we recognize it today arrived around 1910, appropriately enough, in the southern German area called Rottweil. Rottweilers are highly trainable, handsome dogs that look a lot fiercer than they are. They are easy to groom but require a lot of exercise. They are one of the perfect breeds of dogs for families with children, as Rottweilers bond better with kids than with adults.

Rottweilers average about one hundred pounds, although some specimens only tip the scales at seventy-five pounds. They can vary in size and amount of fluffiness, but have the same basic body shape and head shape. They have powerful, Mastiff-like muzzles with prominent teeth, large soft eyes and floppy ears. They are almost always black and tan, although some can be almost pure black. The allowed colors for the undercoat are grey, tan and black.
Rottweilers have docked tails for reasons unknown. No source of Rottweiler information has ever come to a consensus on why the docking of tails began. Perhaps it was just to make the dog look fiercer. Perhaps it was because the naturally long tails might get caught up in harnesses (they used to pull wagons). England and Wales have now banned the docking of tails for all pet dogs and hopefully, more countries will follow their lead.

The expression on a Rottweiler’s face is in direct contrast to their powerful, tank-like bodies. Their eyes (always brown) look curious and full of wonder. Their ears are floppy, like a Jack Russell’s. Some heads are rounder than others, and some are quite blocky with a Boxer-blunt muzzle. In pet quality or show quality Rottweilers, the jaw must be strong and look like it could easily rip off limbs. The jaw is square and the teeth should meet evenly. No overbites or under bites are allowed.
Rottweilers have to be shown with docked tails. According to Rottweiler information, the docked tail “honors the breed’s special character”. They are chopped off by the breeder and usually not by a veterinarian when the Rottweiler puppies are two or three days old, when the bones are still soft. In England, all Rottweilers born after April 2007 must be shown with natural, long, curving tails, as docking has finally been banned.

Rottweilers are alert, curious and highly trainable. They will eagerly try anything you want them to do, from guard work, catching a tennis ball to acting in movies. When they are not overfed and under-exercised, they are calm characters, as steady as the black and tan rocks they look like. It is important to keep them exercised. A good Rottweiler is a tired Rottweiler. They also are calmer, healthier and less likely to roam or pick a fight with another dog if neutered.

It is hoped that the Rottweiler breed standard will be changed to ban all tail docking. You can find many books in your local library that are full of Rottweiler information.

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