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Rottweiler
Description: The Rottweiler is a medium large breed with powerful features and an impressive appearance. The dog’s coat is black with tan or brown markings, and is dense, straight, coarse and of medium length. The head is broad, round and of medium length. Ears are triangular, pendant, and medium sized, and prick up to change the overall profile of the head when the dog is in an alert state. The expression is proud, alert and self-assured. The body is compact and muscular, with a level back – the dog is generally slightly longer than it is tall. The tail is generally docked short. The Rottweiler’s gait can be described as a trot, projecting confidence, power and balance. Temperament: Rottweilers are a proud and noble breed. Their imposing appearance and protective instincts have made them a prized guard dog for centuries, but properly trained the breed can just as easily be groomed to be a calm and loyal companion. The Rottweiler’s inherent nature is that of a confident and courageous protector, incredibly devoted to its family and reserved or occasionally aggressive toward strangers. Males tend to be quiet and stoic, and may attack a perceived intruder without warning their targets with a growl or bark; females are more prone to barking, especially when protecting their home or young. The dog should be trained from a very young age to be sociable toward people and other dogs; otherwise, the owner runs the risk of having a very large and very dangerous dog. Because it is so important that a Rottweiler be trained properly, owners with limited dog experience or who feel they cannot safely handle a large and powerful breed should not consider the Rottweiler. However, with proper training and care, the Rottweiler can become a loyal, loving and useful member of the family. Caring for a Rottweiler: As an athletic and fairly energetic breed, the Rottweiler needs daily exercise and attention. Mixing in an occasional game with the dog’s daily walk is a good idea to let the dog flex its mental muscles as well. It is also of utmost importance to start obedience training as early as possible, and to be consistent and firm in the dog’s training; Rottweilers are a dominant breed and have a tendency to become stubborn and unmanageable if not properly disciplined. The Rottweiler has a preference for cooler climates and may become overheated if not given adequate water and shelter on hot days. The coat is easy to care for, requiring only the occasional brushing. Major health concerns for the breed include canine hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, subaortic stenosis and osteosarcoma. Minor health concerns include gastric torsion, hypothyroidism and allergies. |