What Dogs Were Bred to Get a Rottweiler?

Rottweilers are considered part of the worker category of dog breeds, with family members including the sheepdog and mastiff. The name Rottweiler comes from the name of the German town Rottweil, which is known as one of the first places Rottweilers lived. These German Rottweilers were thought to have originated from Roman drover dogs, but the exact dogs bred to create Rottweilers are not known.

  1. Origins

    • When the Romans invaded Europe, they brought Italian Mastiff dogs, from which present day Rottweilers may have descended. Rottweilers served as herders, guard dogs, messengers and aided in police work. Rottweilers fell out of popularity in the 1800s, becoming nearly extinct. They began gaining popularity again in the early 1900s because a few breeders aimed to revive the breed. Modern day Rottweilers are noted for their ability to track, herd, guard, perform search and rescue, and guide the blind.

    Personality

    • Often feared due to reputation and size, Rottweilers do not always live up to the negative stereotypes. While some breeders do produce Rottweilers with aggression, many Rottweilers can be friendly companions. Intelligence, confidence and fearlessness are common characteristics of Rottweilers, and therefore they can be trained effectively. Alert and protective, Rottweilers can also serve as diligent guard dogs, but they can be skeptical of strangers and overprotective at times.

    Care

    • Rottweilers require significant attention and effort from owners. They need to get ample amounts of exercise, both physically and mentally. Options for exercise include long walks, jogs or intensive games of fetch. It is also wise to take Rottweilers to obedience classes and reinforce the training at home. Rottweilers should spend most of their time indoors with their owners to bond properly. Grooming is minimal; they only need occasional brushing to maintain their coats.

    Health Issues

    • Some health issues known to plague Rottweilers include canine hip dysplasia; elbow dysplasia; sub-aortic stenosis, which is a heart irregularity; osteosarcoma, which is a type of bone affliction; and gastric torsion, which affects the stomach. Other less-common but also possible health concerns for Rottweilers include OCD and epilepsy. Recommended tests for Rottweilers consist of hip, elbow, heart, blood and eye exams. The average lifespan of Rottweilers is eight to 11 years.

    Appearance

    • Thought to owe some of their origins to Mastiffs, Rottweilers have dense, short coats in black and rust coloring. Rottweilers' bodies are muscular and strong, their average weight ranges from 85 to 115 pounds for females and 95 to 130 pounds for males. The average height of a female Rottweiler is 22 to 25 inches; males range from 24 to 27 inches in height. The Rottweiler's body is compact and powerful, with a broad chest and muscular neck.