Rottweiler FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Please e-mail comments and suggestions
regarding this FAQ to
webmaster@amrottclub.org . The American Rottweiler Club Website can be
found at http://www.amrottclub.org/.
This FAQ is
maintained by Denise D. Gross (webmaster@amrottclub.org) for the American
Rottweiler Club, Inc. Copyright 1996 - 2006: all rights reserved.
This document includes original material as well as material compiled from
various publications of the American Rottweiler Club including
"Introducing The Rottweiler", "Rottweiler Ownership" and "Your New
Rottweiler". Thanks to the Public Education Committee of the American
Rottweiler Club (Mary Anne Roberts, Maureen Bourgeois, Rose Marie Hogan
and Janice Rowland, as well as the many other members who had input into
these publications).
You are
encouraged to copy and distribute this document for non-commercial use
with the following restrictions: You may not modify this document in any
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This document may not be sold for profit nor incorporated into commercial
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface
History
Standard
Characteristics and Temperament
Aggressiveness/Protective
Instinct
Health Concerns
Hip Dysplasia
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD)
Paneosteitis
Von Willebrand's Disease (VWD)
Bloat
Heart Diseases
Allergies
Eye Diseases
Epilepsy
Hypothyroidism
Cancer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Rottweiler the
right dog for me?
How are they with children?
Are they vicious?
Are they good with other pets?
What kind of training
do they require?
What about discipline?
Do they require much exercise?
Do they shed?
Are they noisy?
Which sex makes the best pet?
Where should I buy my
Rottweiler puppy?
What is a "Responsible"
breeder?
What is
the difference between pet and show quality?
How much
can I expect to pay for a Rottweiler puppy?
Resources
Books
Magazines
Videos
Breed Clubs
Preface
The Rottweiler is an outstanding companion and
guard, but ownership of a Rottweiler carries much greater than average
legal and moral responsibilities, due to traits possessed by this breed,
their size and strength. The information in this FAQ is offered as a guide
to prospective Rottweiler buyers who may or may not be aware of all the
special qualities possessed by this breed, both positive and negative, so
that they can make an accurate estimate of their needs in relation to the
demands of Rottweiler ownership. The Rottweiler IS NOT a breed that fits
into every home.
Your first consideration in buying a Rottweiler
should be the knowledge that for the next ten or more years that dog will
be a part of your household. Unlike your automobile, you can not trade in
your Rottweiler for a new model. As a companion to your whole family, your
Rottweiler will reflect the love and affection you show him. He will
represent an emotional investment, not just a financial investment.
Therefore, choose him carefully. Know as much as possible about the breed
and his breeder before you buy. Deal only with a reputable breeder!
History
The Rottweiler is said to be descended from the drover dogs of ancient
Rome. These mastiff-type dogs accompanied the Roman Legions across the
Alps herding their cattle and guarding their camps. One such camp, on the
banks of the Neckar River in what is now southern Germany, was the origin
of the town of Rottweil (named for the red tile roofs of the villas built
by the Romans). Through the mid-1800's, the cattle trade flourished in
Rottweil, as did the Rottweiler Metzgerhund (butcher dog), who drove the
cattle to market and returned with the filled purses of their masters
around their necks. As rail transportation became the primary means of
bringing cattle to market, the dogs were used less frequently. Legend has
it that by 1905 there was but one Rottweiler left in the town of Rottweil.
By the early 1900's though, the Rottweiler gained popularity as a police
dog. Several Clubs were formed, and in 1921 united as the Allgemeiner
Deutscher Rottweiler Klub (ADRK). In 1931, the first Rottweiler was
admitted to the AKC Stud Book. Through the 1970's, the Rottweiler was a
fairly uncommon dog in the United States, ranking in the middle of AKC
registered breeds in terms of number of dogs registered. In the early
1980's the Rottweiler began a meteoric rise in popularity, and has been
the second most popular AKC breed since 1992.
Standard
The AKC Standard describes the physical appearance and other desired
qualities of the breed otherwise known as "Type". The Standard describes
an ideal representative of the breed. No individual dog is perfect, but
the Standard provides an ideal for breeders to strive towards.
Because of copyright concerns over the collection of all the Standards
at any single site storing all the FAQ's, AKC Standards are not typically
included in the Breed FAQs. The reader is referred to the publications
listed at the end of this document, or to the National Breed Club (The
American Rottweiler Club) for a copy of the Standard. A copy of the AKC
Standard can be read on-line at
http://www.akc.org/rotty.htm.
Characteristics and
Temperament
The Rottweiler is a medium-large, powerful dog. His compact and
substantial build denotes great strength, agility and endurance. On
average, males will range from 95 to 135 lbs and 24" to 27" at the
shoulder. They are more massive throughout with larger frame and heavier
bone than bitches. Bitches will range from 80 to 100 lbs and from 22" to
25" at the shoulder. Animals can be found which are taller or shorter than
these measurements, however, they are not considered typical by the breed
standard. The Rottweiler is ALWAYS black, with clearly defined markings on
cheeks, muzzle, chest and legs as well as over both eyes, that range from
tan to deep mahogany. His coat is straight, coarse and of medium length,
with an undercoat varying in degree based on climatic conditions. The
Rottweiler is a calm and self-confident dog, who has an inherent desire to
protect home and family. Personality may range from highly affectionate to
extremely aloof. He is not shy nor highly excitable. He is an intelligent
and highly trainable dog. He is also very much a companion, often
following their family members from room to room in the home. Because of
his size and strength, it is imperative that he receive proper
socialization and obedience training from an early age. Nervous, shy,
excitable or hyperactive individuals are exhibiting traits which are
undesirable in an animal the size and strength of the Rottweiler and
should be avoided.
Aggressiveness/Protective
Instinct
These traits vary with the individual dog to some degree, although all
have a strong territorial instinct and will defend their master's home,
car and property from intruders. Rottweilers have also been known to bully
or bluff their owners or other people, a trait that is most disconcerting.
This problem is easily prevented through early obedience training and the
development of a mutually rewarding working relationship.
Many families have purchased a Rottweiler for its protectiveness, only to
discover that it brings with it a considerable moral and legal
responsibility. Problems arise quickly; the dog may not be able to
distinguish between a bear-hug greeting of a family member, or a cherished
friend, and the hostile advances of an intruder, particularly if the
greetings between parties includes loud shouts, laughter or screams. Dogs
must be carefully schooled to accept your friends into your home but
physical contact should be approached carefully until the dog realizes
that you belong. Strangers must never come into your yard unannounced, the
dog doesn't know the difference between your brother and a burglar.
Although the Rottweiler does not usually bite without provocation, even
being cornered and held by one of these dogs is a very unnerving
experience for meter men, delivery persons or neighbors wandering into the
yard while the owner is absent. People expected to be in contact with the
dog while the owners are absent should be thoroughly familiar with the
dog.
Health Concerns
Hip Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia (HD) is a developmental disease in which there is a
malformation of the hip joint(s). It is a genetic disease which may also
be influenced by environmental factors. It is a common problem in most
large breeds, and depending on severity, can cause serious pain and/or
debilitation. HD is almost never detectable in animals younger than six
months, and then in only the most severe cases. Two years is generally
considered the minimum age for accurate diagnosis.
The Orthopedic Foundation
for Animals (OFA) maintains a Hip Dysplasia Registry, which functions
as a diagnostic service and a registry of hip status for dogs of all
breeds. X-rays are evaluated by three veterinary radiologists, and are
assigned a hip status of Excellent, Good, Fair, Borderline, Mild Dysplasia,
Moderate Dysplasia or Severe Dysplasia. Dogs receiving evaluations of
Excellent, Good or Fair are assigned an OFA Breed Registry Number. Only
dogs that are at least 24 months of age are eligible for an OFA Number.
In an effort to reduce the incidence of HD, responsible Rottweiler
breeders will not breed dogs which have not received OFA clearance.
Puppies should only be purchased after careful evaluation of the hip
dysplasia status of the parents and the grandparents. The breeder of the
puppies should be able to provide copies of the OFA certificates (on
official stationery from the OFA). This is not a guarantee that your puppy
will not develop HD later on; research has documented the fact that normal
parents can produce litters with one third or more of the puppies
dysplastic as adults. Genetics may be the cause of dysplasia but
environmental factors such as over-feeding, over exercise and injury of
young animals may also contribute to this disease.
Elbow Dysplasia
Like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia is a hereditary disease. It is a
malformation of the elbow joint(s). OFA certifies elbows on a pass/fail
basis. As with hip dysplasia, your breeder should be able to show you
reports from the OFA defining the conformation of both parent's elbows.
Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD)
OCD is a disease of bone formation that leads to lameness and
arthritis. It results from a disturbance of the process by which cartilage
is turned into bone during the growth process. Abnormally thickened
cartilage forms in areas of the joints that are subject to stress and,
hence, prone to damage. Cracks form, and the cartilage can tear, forming a
flap. This flap may remain attached to the bone, or it may tear away and
float freely in the joint. The cracks, flap or free cartilage piece lead
to inflammation of the joint (arthritis), pain and lameness. More than one
joint is often affected simultaneously. In dogs, a the most commonly
affected joint is the shoulder, followed by the elbow, hock and knee.
Panosteitis
Sometimes referred to as "growing pains" or "pano", panosteitis occurs
as a rotating lameness, usually in puppies about four months of age. There
are tests for pano which should be done to rule out more serious problems.
Sometimes crate rest is all a puppy needs for complete recovery.
Von Willebrand's Disease (VWD)
VWD is a hereditary a bleeding disorder similar to hemophilia. Dogs
affected with VWD may have symptoms ranging from prolonged bleeding of
toenails cut short to hemorrhaging during minor surgical procedures. Dogs
may be carriers while exhibiting no outward symptoms. VWD is diagnosed
through blood screening.
Bloat
Bloat is a common condition in which the stomach swells from gas, fluid or
both. Bloat becomes a medical emergency when the stomach distends and then
flips over, causing torsion. Bloat and torsion may be caused by
over-eating, drinking large amounts of water after eating, and/or vigorous
exercise after a meal. Efforts to prevent bloat may include feeding
several small meals a day, crating the dog for several hours after eating,
and monitoring water intake.
Heart Diseases
The most common heart problem seen in Rottweilers is Sub-Aortic Stenosis.
This disorder can be very mild or so serious that it results in sudden
death. Reputable breeders, working with canine cardiologists, hope to
identify the mode of inheritance of this and other heart problems.
Allergies
Some Rottweilers are prone to flea and/or food allergies. Symptoms and
severity of the allergies vary from dog to dog.
Eye Diseases
Entropian (eyelids rolling inward) and Ectropian (Eyelids rolling outward)
are inherited conditions which require surgical correction. Both of these
conditions disqualify a dog from being shown in AKC conformation
competition.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Central Progressive Retinal Atrophy
(CPRA) and certain types of Cataracts are inherited conditions. Dogs used
for breeding should be examined annually by a Board-certified Veterinary
ophthalmologist, until at least eight years of age, as hereditary eye
problems may not present themselves until later in life. Dogs examined by
a Board-certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist and found to be free of
hereditary eye disease may be registered annually with the Canine Eye
Registry Foundation (CERF).
Epilepsy
Epilepsy may result from injury to the head or from bacterial infections
of the brain. If no such cause is found, it is regarded to be congenital.
Congenital epilepsy can be an inherited trait, and has been observed in
many breeds. The term epilepsy refers to recurring episodic
seizures/convulsions. The episodes can be triggered by fatigue,
excitement, anxiety, noise or in females, by estrus. It may be controlled
with medication. Obviously, breeding is not recommended.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism refers to insufficient output of the thyroid hormone by the
thyroid gland. It may slow down the whole body functions; the dog may
become lethargic, mentally slow, without much energy. Its coat may become
dull, thin and fall out easily. In males it can lower the sperm count and
reduce sexual activity. In females it may cause irregular heat cycles. The
signs may develop very slowly, and the condition can be detected with a
blood test. Usually, it is a permanent condition, and is treated with
thyroid hormones. Hypothyroid is generally considered to be an inherited
trait.
Cancer
Cancer is becoming a very common condition in the Rottweiler breed, with
bone cancer being the most frequent type. Any suspicious lumps, moles,
sores or unexplained lameness should be investigated by your veterinarian.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Rottweiler the
right dog for me?
The Rottweiler is the current "fad" guard/macho dog of the moment. For
four years running, it has been the second most-popular AKC registered
breed. Don't be swept up by the hype, or the fact that you neighbor, aunt,
sister, or best friend has one. The Rottweiler is a large, powerful dog
and along with ownership comes much responsibility. Rottweilers require
extensive socialization from an early age. Are you willing to carry your
puppy for several months, (he shouldn't be walking in public places until
he is fully immunized at around 16-20 weeks), exposing him to the sights,
sounds and people he will encounter as an adult? Because of their size and
strength, obedience training for your Rottweiler is a must. Weekly group
classes for 6 to 12 months is generally considered a minimum. Rottweilers
are "people" dogs.
They want to be with their masters. As a working breed, the Rottweiler
requires daily exercise, a good romp twice a day at least. Left alone or
with inadequate exercise for long periods they may become unruly and
destructive.
How are they with children?
A properly bred Rottweiler who receives adequate socialization and
training will generally get along fine with children, but tolerance will
vary from dog to dog. He must be taught early on what is acceptable
behavior and what is not, as should the child. Because of their large size
and inherent desire to "herd", Rottweilers should always be supervised
around children. A minor "bump" can cause serious injury to a small child.
Also, some Rottweilers have a high degree of "prey" drive (the instinct to
chase moving objects), therefore should never be left alone with children,
who naturally will want to run and play. Some breeders recommend waiting
until the children are at least school age before introducing a Rottweiler
into the home. The amount of space in your home, the age of your children
and the amount of time the dog will be in contact with the children should
be part of your decision.
Are they vicious?
A properly bred, socialized and trained Rottweiler is not inherently
vicious. The rapid rise in popularity of the breed has attracted many
irresponsible breeders who are only interested in making a profit, and
don't care what damage is done to the breed in the process.
Are they good with other pets?
Problems should be minimal when a Rottweiler is raised from puppyhood with
other pets. Introducing a new pet when there is an adult Rottweiler in the
household should be done slowly and with care. Dog to dog aggression is
influenced by the early socialization of puppies, their bloodlines and
sex; males are less tolerant of other males than they are of females.
Bitches may also be intolerant of other dogs. The Rottweiler is highly
intelligent and trainable, and with perserverence, should be able to learn
to co-exist peacefully with any pet you wish to introduce.
What kind of training
do they require?
The Rottweiler has been developed for its working ability and often blooms
when given a chance to work with its master, although there are occasional
exceptions. It is very necessary to establish your control of the animal
and obedience training is often the easiest and most rewarding way to do
so. Your breeder should be able to provide you with guidance in the
selection of a training class, however, avoid the very rough trainer, no
matter how highly recommended. Rottweilers can often be controlled using
verbal reprimands alone, and while they occasionally require strong
physical corrections, some trainers tend to be much rougher on Rottweilers
than is necessary. Women have been very successful with the dogs in
obedience training. Physical mastery of the dog is generally less
important than sensitive, patient and positive training methods. Patience
is an important factor in training a Rottweiler.
What about discipline?
The Rottweiler is a sensitive, intelligent and loyal animal and usually
wants to please its owner. Occasionally, it can be quite stubborn though,
and requires more attention. It is imperative that discipline is
consistent and firm without being overly rough. A harsh word will often
suffice, although sharper corrections are sometimes necessary. Ownership
isn't for the timid or very busy person who cannot or is not inclined
towards careful supervision of his/her pet.
Do they require much exercise?
The Rottweiler is a working breed. He is generally not happy sitting
around doing nothing all day. A large yard with a six-foot high fence is
ideal, but adult Rottweilers have been kept successfully in large
apartments. The yard is essential if a puppy or young dog is being
acquired; it will help to keep the dog exercised and reduce boredom which
in turn may prevent destructive behavior. If you don't have the space,
consider a smaller or less active breed. Personal commitment on the part
of the owner is the most important thing. People willing to walk their dog
on a regular basis will find a more personal and bonding relationship
developing than just letting them run by themselves in the yard. Your
Rottweiler will require a minimum of two good walks each day (10 to 20
minutes each). Adequate exercise is necessary to maintain the good health
of your Rottweiler, as they have a tendency to gain weight without proper
exercise.
Do they shed?
The Rottweiler is a double-coated breed, with a medium length outer coat
and a soft downy undercoat. They do shed, more than one would think by
looking at their appearance. The amount of shedding will vary with
climatic conditions. They generally tend to "blow out" their undercoats
twice a year, in spring and fall.
Are they noisy?
Rottweilers will bark to announce the arrival of people on the property,
and at animals and birds in the yard, but they generally don't bark
without reason.
Which sex makes the best pet?
Opinions vary on this topic. Most breeders would generally recommend a
female, especially for first-time owners. Females are smaller and easier
to control, somewhat less dominant and usually more affectionate. Males
are stronger, more powerful and dominant, and therefore somewhat harder to
train and control.
Where should I buy my
Rottweiler puppy?
There are various places where you may acquire a Rottweiler puppy, but
only ONE place where you should - from a responsible breeder. Pet shops
acquire their puppies from puppy mills, brokers and back-yard breeders.
Their puppies are separated from their dams and litters at too early and
age, they are not properly socialized and may well develop serious health
problems.
Puppy mills, brokers and back-yard breeders have only one priority - to
make a profit. They are not interested in the welfare of the puppies they
breed. Beware of petshops that advertise "we get our puppies from private
breeders." No responsible breeder would ever broker puppies to a pet shop.
Don't perpetuate the puppy mill problem - steer clear of pet shops.
What is a "Responsible"
breeder?
This is a difficult category to define, but there are certain minimum
standards that are accepted as "responsible" by most who are active in the
dog fancy. Following are some of the things a responsible breeder will be
doing:
- All breeding stock will be certified
free of Hip Dysplasia by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
Elbows may also be certified as free of Elbow Dysplasia; this is a
relatively new trend and some older dogs/bitches may not be certified.
The breeder will be willing to supply you with copies of the OFA
certificates. No bitch or dog will be bred before the age of two, (the
minimum age for OFA certification). OFA does issue preliminary
evaluations of hips and elbows, but actual certification will not be
done before two years.
- Breeding stock will be certified free
of inherited eye disease annually by a Board certified Veterinary
Ophthalmologist; the certificate is issued by the Canine Eye Registry
Foundation (CERF).
- Bitches and dogs used for breeding will
have achieved certain competitive titles such as AKC Champion or an
advanced obedience title (CDX, UD). Responsible breeders will usually
not breed dogs and bitches whose quality has not been proven in
competition, although under certain circumstances (injuries which
prevent competition) they may.
- The Breeder will belong to one or more
Rottweiler Clubs which require adherence to a "Code of Ethics" from all
members (adherence to a certain level of responsibility in ownership and
breeding). The largest of these clubs include the American Rottweiler
Club, The Colonial Rottweiler Club, The Medallion Rottweiler Club and
the Gold Coast Rottweiler Club. There are numerous local Rottweiler
clubs, some are "Code" clubs and some are not - ask. Code of Ethics
clubs do not permit members to advertise puppy prices.
- The Breeder will be active in the sport
of dogs, competing in conformation, obedience, tracking or herding
events.
- A responsible breeder will not give you
a "hard-sell" routine when you call to inquire about his/her dogs.
Usually he/she will be trying everything they can to discourage you from
buying a Rottweiler. A reputable breeder's number one concern is that
his/her puppies are placed in responsible homes where they will receive
the same kind of care and training he/she gives his/her own dogs. Expect
to be interviewed at length as to why you want to own a Rottweiler, and
what your family and lifestyle is like. The reputable breeder will ask
more questions of you than you will of him/her.
- A responsible breeder will try to steer
you clear of rushing to buy a puppy this week or this month, but he/she
will also not expect you to wait an unreasonable amount of time to buy
one of his/her puppies. If he has no puppies available and has no
breeding planned in the near future, he will recommend other breeders
whose standards are as high as his own.
- A responsible breeder will be happy to
have you meet the parents of the litter (at least the dam; frequently
the sire will not belong to the breeder), as well as his/her other dogs.
The dogs and puppies will be kept in a clean and healthy environment.
- A responsible breeder will only sell
puppies with a signed, written contract. He/she will pass on accurate
health, breeding and registration records and pedigree records of at
least three generations. They will require that any puppy not purchased
as show and breeding stock be made incapable of reproducing, and require
that limited registration "blue slips" be provided, or that registration
papers be withheld until a veterinarians certificate is received as
proof of sterilization.
What
is the difference between pet and show quality?
"Show Quality" is a term that is often misunderstood and misused.
It can mean something as simple as a puppy with no disqualifying faults
(as listed in the breed standard) at the time of sale. The serious buyer
looking for a potential winner or breeding stock had best spend time going
to dog shows and talking to exhibitors as well as studying the standard
for the breed. Serious and disqualifying faults to avoid include overshot
or undershot bites, missing teeth, long or curly coats, light eyes, hip
dysplasia and unstable temperaments. All lines carry one or more of these
traits, and a responsible breeder will be able to give you a candid
description of what is in your animal's genetic background. Be aware that
the nicest puppy in the litter can mature into a very mediocre adult. Be
prepared to critically evaluate your dog, because even if you paid a good
price you may still end up with a pet.
"Pet Quality": many time breeders will offer puppies with serious
faults for lower prices than show quality. These faults are generally
cosmetic (bad bites, white spots on the chest or belly, missing teeth,
etc.) and will not affect the health or temperament of the dog. These
animals are not for breeding because these are serious genetic faults. A
responsible breeder will require that the animal be spayed, neutered or
vasectomized before releasing the AKC registration papers. Breeders may
now sell their puppies on the new AKC Limited Registration Certificate,
which allows the dog AKC privileges of obedience activities but will not
allow showing in the conformation ring or use for breeding purposes. These
dogs make good companions and often their faults are not detectable to any
but the most experienced eyes.
How much
can I expect to pay for a Rottweiler puppy?
Show quality puppies will generally sell for $1,000 to $2,000, with pet
prices approximately half the show price.
Resources
Books
The Complete Rottweiler, by Muriel Freeman; Published by Howell Book
House.
The Rottweiler, by Joan Klem and Susan Rademacher; Published by TFH.
The Wonderful World Of Rottweilers, by Anna Katherine Nicholas;
published by TFH
Good Owners, Great Dogs, by Brian Kilcommons with Sarah Wilson,
published by TimeWarner
Magazines
The Rottweiler Quarterly is a highly informative magazine devoted to
all phases of Rottweiler ownership. For subscription information contact
GRQ Publications; PO Box 900, Aromas, CA 95004.
Another Rottweiler-specific periodical is
The Rottweiler Magazine;
for subscription information, contact the
publisher; 3076 Zaharias Drive,
Orlando, FL 32837.
ARK is the quarterly newsletter of the American Rottweiler Club. Keeps
membership up to date on Rottweiler happenings across the U.S. Contact
Marilyn Piusz, 339 County Highway 106, Johnstown, NY 12095.
The AKC Gazette is a must for all purebred dog owners. Covers care,
training, health and showing. "Events Calendar" gives important dates of
all AKC events (conformation,obedience, tracking, herding, etc.).
Subscription information is available from the AKC at 5580 Centerview Dr.,
Raleigh, NC 27690-0643.
Videos
American Kennel Club Rottweiler Video is helpful in visualizing the breed
standard. Available from the AKC, 5580 Centerview Dr., Raleigh, NC
27690-0643.
Let's Talk About Rottweilers by JK Video Concepts, 1219 Golf Lane,
Wheaton, IL 60187
In The Ribbons - The Rottweiler by Canine Training Systems, 7550 West
Radcliff Ave., Littleton, CO 80123
Breed Clubs
National Breed Club
American Rottweiler Club, an AKC Member Club
Deborah Shibley - Secretary
E-Mail Address: jazznote@att.net |
