Everything You Should Know Before Getting a Rottweiler
So, have you been thinking about bringing home a Rottweiler? Your desire is not unfounded, as these majestic breeds are an absolute delight to have as a pet. These lovable and loyal Rottweilers will be your dedicated protector and closest friend for life.
Do you know everything about the temperament, training, and more of these gentle giants? If the answer to both of these questions is a big no, then you're at the right place. Read on and get yourself informed before you bring home a Rottweiler puppy.
Rottweiler Appearance
Rottweilers are a medium to large dog breed. That little bundle of joy you brought home will reach 24-27 inches (males) or 22-25 inches (female) in height on growing up.
The males weigh around 110-130 pounds, while the females are about 77-110 pounds. And most of this weight is muscle.
They have straight and dense black coats with tan, mahogany, or rust markings all over it. Be prepared for quite a bit of shedding and tumbleweeds made of doggy fur all around.
Being as energetic as they are, it's suggested that Rottweilers need to have docked tails. However, we strongly feel tail docking is debatable. Experts say, their rigorous physical activities might lead to tail injuries, which is why their tails get docked when they are about two to three days old.
Winning Personality
Rottweilers are intelligent, powerful, and fearless, instinctively guarding their people and territory. They love people, and you can expect the doggo to follow you around everywhere you go. Cuddles and hugs are more than welcome to Rotties.
They are also a delightful furry friend to children and even do well with other dogs when trained well. So, what about all those talks of aggression and violent behavior that you've heard?
Their intelligence also makes them highly sensitive dogs. Anxiety or boredom might make them inclined to have destructive behavior. Furthermore, if they are not trained and taught to socialize from a young age, they tend to become aggressive and even hostile.
A well-trained Rottweiler can determine the difference between a friend and a foe. And, contrary to popular belief, they will not start hurting anyone who is not their owner.
Understanding Rottweilers Need Training
As mentioned before, it's necessary to train your Rottweiler from a young age. You need to start positive reinforcements as a part of their training right from the first day. Remember that you will have a highly stubborn, tenacious, and dominant breed in your hands. Thus, you will also have to be equally dominant and firm in dealing with them. Rottweilers are respectful towards assertive owners.
Even though you should consider professional training sessions for them, you need to keep the momentum going home, as well. The importance of socialization can never be stressed enough for Rotties, so let them be around new people, children, and animals. Give them lots of dog toys to play with to give an outlet to their boundless energy.
The Space Needed to Own a Rottweiler
One of the main reasons why Rottweilers are not for everyone is that most people don't have the space needed to own Rotties. They are not suited to be apartment dogs. Their reputation as a "violent" breed makes many people stay away from Rotties.
The best place to raise them is one that has a BIG yard where they can run free. Even keeping them in crates, tying them up, or chaining them for a long time is never a good idea.
The restricted space makes them aggressive as they become inclined to protect the little space they have got fiercely. The dense coat and the intense muscular build also make them unsuited to rising temperatures. Thus, Rotties should not be left outside in the heat for too long.
Grooming Your Rottweiler
One of the good things is that Rottweilers don't need much grooming. Just bath them twice a month, regularly trim their nails, and clean the ears, and you're good to go. However, their dark nails make it difficult to see the nerve injection. So, take them to a professional groomer if you've never cut a Rottweiler's nails before.
But, the problem that you will encounter is shedding. The house will need daily vacuuming if you don't want the fur to pile up at the corners over the weekend.
Brush their coat twice a week to encourage new hair growth and get rid of old hair that's prone to shedding. Besides, grooming your pup from a young age will also help you form a close bond with them.
Rottweiler Health Issues
With proper care and nurturing, a Rottweiler has a lifespan of around ten to fifteen years. But, a large and robust breed like that is not without its health concerns.
Some of the common illnesses of Rottweilers include:
- Hip Dysplasia: The femur and hip do not fit properly together. The misalignment of joints leads to painful bone spurs that make it hard to walk.
- Arthritis: It’s more common in overweight Rottweilers that don't get enough exercise. Arthritis makes it difficult for them to walk, stand, or even lay down.
- Bone Cancer: Unfortunately, bone cancer is, at times, the cause of death for Rottweilers. Though there are ways to improve Rotties’ life with this disease, there's no cure for it.
Remember that canine meds usually have their doses based on weight. So, those will not come for cheap for an adult Rottweiler. A big dog like that will also run a hefty vet bill. Are you ready to handle all that?
Final Thoughts
And that's all you need to know about owning a Rottweiler. They are beautiful dogs and excellent companions when you treat and train them right. So, assess the factors that have we have stated above and carefully consider whether you're ready to take the responsibility of a Rottweiler.
Moreover, administering their health and bonding with them are two crucial factors that make both the lives a bit easier. So, make all the plans beforehand.
