The Rottweiler is one of the oldest dog breeds whose ancestors were recorded in history back in the days of the reign of the Egyptian pharaohs.
They served not only for military operations, but also as guards, hunters and family favorites.
Officially, the modern version of the Rottweilers was first recorded in Rottweil in Germany, for which they received their name.
This breed is distinguished by a number of positive qualities that influence the choice in their favor:
- endurance,
- strong skeleton
- strong muscles
- easy to train,
- good guard
- perfectly finds common language with children
- high intelligence.
Nowadays rottweilers are most often used as security guards for homes and apartmentsbut if desired they are great for hunting large animals. For each type of hunt, its own training is selected, following which a four-legged assistant will be an excellent companion to its owner.
Appearance
Breed standard
The Rottweiler belongs to the category of large-sized dogs, thanks to which it gets along perfectly in medium and large apartments, while it almost does not shed, which also has its own value.
Before you buy a dog, you need to know the basic indicators:
The mass of an adult animal is 50-60 kg, but there are exceptions depending on the diet and lifestyle. If the weight is reduced, this can mean not only poor-quality food, but good walking and hot weather, when the dog does not eat much. Here you need to pay attention to a whole range of factors, including pedigree.
Standard growth is 58-69 cm, and length up to 118-138 cm, but there may be some differences. If the dog has grown more than the standard, or vice versa less, you can still track the proportions (1: 2), because they are always saved.
Despite the seeming simplicity, The color of the animal is quite complicated - black and tan with blackened markings of red-brown color. The basement is placed at various points: eyes, cheeks, stripes on both sides of the muzzle, lower side of the neck, triangles on the chest, front legs, under the tail, and also black stripes on the fingers.
Fell on face
Main characteristics
The popularity of rottweilers at different times varies, but they always know about them and all. If people need true friendwho will accompany him anywhere in the world and in any weather, will always protect and protect, moreover, is not particularly inclined to fatigue, then this breed is chosen.
Breed however not popular in families with small children, because of the clumsiness and the large mass of dog can hurt and overturn the child, unwittingly.
Appearance
The dog has a harmonious addition, due to which it allows to achieve the goal much faster than many brothers. In short legs huge power is concentrated, and the wide head gives the appearance a great aggressiveness or, on the contrary, cheerfulness depending on the situation. The body of the dog is very massive, that the first catches the eye of an unprepared person.
Lifespan
Unfortunately, large breeds of dogs have their drawbacks, from which even the historicity of the breed does not save. Rottweilers live on average from 10 to 12 years, but with very good care can live to 14-15 years. The case when the dog lived to 17 years were repeatedly recorded, but this is the exception rather than the rule.
The breed has a harmonious addition.
Dog very clever and cunningthat can not be underestimated. If your pet suddenly stopped performing the command and looks with a blank look, then it can only mean that he is deceiving you. Thanks high intelligence The Rottweiler is not just a guard, but a family member who will love his masters and their children, and not even give up for the very desired profit. There is not only dog loyalty, but also the division of prerogatives.
Despite the many positive traits in nature, a pet is naturally close to a pug - he terribly lazy, because of what may be health problems. It is necessary to load the dog with work (running, jumping, training and just playing), and as much as possible.
In the family, he behaves affectionately, like a cat, but in the presence of small children problems may arise. A dog will not purposely offend a child of its owners for anything, even if it delivers significant discomfort. But large dimensions and huge mass doing their job, because of what enough once carelessly hurt the child and he may hurt to fall. In addition, dogs love to eat very much, because of what will always have to keep baby food in inaccessible places.
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Training
In matters of training is very malleable, but natural laziness for a couple with intelligence still affect, because of what the process of education may be slower. Dressura can be sent in several directions - hunting, protection of the territory and maintenance of the owner, and grazing. A dog during its formation can start a struggle for leadership with its owner, so at this stage it is better to turn to trainers, who will help to pass the stage without serious consequences.
But even without professional training, this breed by nature wonderful watchmen. Remarkable hearing and coordination in space will not allow any unexpected guest to pass unnoticed, after which it will be a matter of technique. In this area, the dog is very easy to teach elementary things, so that during the protection of the animal is not affected. It will selflessly protect the object entrusted to it to the end, but such fearlessness can show the opposite side of the coin, which must also be remembered.
This dog is a wonderful watchman and guard.
Features of care and feeding
The breed belongs to the smooth-haired, so the process of care is quite simple. Dogs are slightly susceptible to shedding, but at least once every 2 weeks you need to comb it out with a special brush so that you do not have to clean the excess wool later in the house.
In terms of care, the breed is not demanding, but I need a lot of food. Here for the owners will affect the high intelligence of the pet, because it will try to steal anything you like. Food is still desirable to balance, because the dog belongs to the category of loose, i.e. prone to obesity. If you minimize fatty foods and add proteins and carbohydrates, then the development will be maximized, and in adulthood the animal will be much more mobile than those who are fed fatty foods.
Feed or natural nutrition decides the owner, but natural food will allow the animal to live much longer. The feed, in turn, has its advantage - they contain the entire set of vitamins that will keep the pet in perfect condition all his life.
Rottweiler puppy
How to choose puppies
Like any other dog, the Rottweiler should be bought. still in puppy age. This will avoid many complications, as well as educate the dog in the atmosphere of his family, to which he will gradually get used.
You can already acquire a puppy in 1-3 monthswhen all advantages and disadvantages are visible. In addition, he adapts much more quickly to new living conditions than his older brother.
When choosing, one should pay attention to several very important aspects:
- the first thing to look at is the absence of umbilical hernia,
- dewclaws are stopped,
- must be clean eyes and ears,
- if a dog is purchased, then both testicles should already be lowered (unscrupulous sellers can promise from the heart, but if this is not the case, then you should not take it),
- skin color on the abdomen pinkand on the back gray blue (irritation and dandruff are not allowed).
The kurzhaar dog breed was bred as universal hunter. They are able to hunt under any conditions and on any game.
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If a dog is purchased not for protection, but for exhibitions or breeding, then:
- scissor bite (the upper jaw covers the lower jaw),
- gums and lips have dark pigmentation,
- dark eyes,
- black nose
- the back is even
- legs straight,
- fingers are closed,
- nails are black.
But not everyone is mentally ready to buy a puppy, which requires constant care. Sometimes preference is given to an adult animal, but the process of domestication is much more complicated. An adult rottweiler does not just adapt to a new family, so it is often necessary to resort to the help of professional trainers.
There is another subtlety during the acquisition of a puppy - the first time he needs a lot of timetherefore it is advisable to take a vacation in advance. He doesn’t need a lot of space for sleeping, but if you don’t share your 1.5 square meters of blood, then the dog will sleep everywhere, and you still have to train.
The favorite bed for rottweilers is the master bed, which cannot be allowed, otherwise you can lose the initiative rather quickly.
Price for puppies
Price for a purebred puppy with pedigree usually varies from 10 to 30 thousand rubles, while very similar, but without a pedigree will cost 10 times cheaper.
There are a number of factors affecting the final cost of a dog:
- Pedigree. Dogs from the same kennel, running around can be drastically different in price, if all the ancestors of one will be champions in different countries, and the other just good blood.
- Nursery. The name of the breeder will always be more expensive than his nameless fellow. If taken from the hands, it will come out quite inexpensively.
- Health and Defects.
- Acquisition purpose. Even famous kennels often give puppies cheaply if someone needs a dog to protect a house or apartment. The reasons can be different - from advertising (a gift to a well-known person) to getting rid of a defective puppy who cannot participate in exhibitions.
Buying a dog for your family away do not always need to take the most expensive, and often it is better to take a sick and squeezed, which in the end will wholeheartedly love their owners, who gave her everything.
Modern technologies can cure almost any disease, and the right approach has a beneficial effect on the psyche. With proper education, it is from such dogs that the most loyal guards.
Loyal and faithful friend
Advantages and disadvantages of the breed
The dog has a whole range positive heck:
- equilibrium,
- devotion,
- high intelligence
- carries security functions
- gets along well in the family.
But there are negative, about which you should not forget too:
- clumsy due to size and weight
- food will cost quite expensive.
If you need a true friend who will remain faithful to the very end, then the Rottweiler will be the ideal option. Breed differs in a number of necessary features which will allow to enter easily into any family and to become its part.
But with all his kindness and family, this is a very formidable weapon that is ready to stand up for the family at any second. The dog will require a lot of your time, so you need to think a few times before you buy it.
The origin of the breed
The breed got its name by the name of the German city of Rottweil, where it was bred. The dogs guarded the herds at night, drove the lagging cattle, pacified the raging steers. Initially, dogs entered the territory of Germany along with the Roman conquerors. Invaders from Rome lived on fertile lands for almost 200 years, and all this time they were accompanied by powerful and surprisingly resilient dogs, who overtook livestock and protected herds of horses.
The tribes of the Swabians were able to drive away the invaders from their lands, while the dogs on German soil remained. The Germans appreciated the advantages and characteristics of a powerful breed and adopted them as guards of their herds.
In the 19th century, the Rottweil butchers decided to improve the breed characteristics of the existing breed. Dogs began to be used as treasurer guards. They hung around the neck of the money received during the transaction, to be sure of their safety. Roman dogs for these purposes, they crossed with local shepherd dogs. The result was a dog, which is considered to be the ancestors of modern rottweilers.
The appearance of the resulting breed of dog breeders at the time was not interested. The main objective of the breeders was to get the dogs performing the necessary service functions. Gradually, dogs began to be used for the distillation of herds, the protection of cargo and territory. Naturally, under the influence of external factors in dogs, working qualities were formed: strength, endurance, courage, the ability to act decisively and quickly, to show controlled aggression.
By the end of the 19th century, the need to protect herds was no longer necessary, and the rottweilers were out of work. The breed began to gradually disappear, and was saved only thanks to the organization in Germany of the Rottweiler fans. Work has begun on the restoration of the breed.
The Rottweiler is a caring pet, but at the same time an unsurpassed guard.
In England and the United States, rottweiler quality was appreciated and began to be used as service dogs. They began to help the police, firefighters, rescuers. Rottweilers are currently actively used in search and rescue operations around the world.
The exterior of the breed has not changed since that time, only the working qualities of dogs have been improved. In the middle of the last century, rottweilers won the title of a caring pet, without losing the qualities of unsurpassed guards. The first representatives of the breed came to Russia in 1994.
Characteristics of the Rottweiler breed: pros and cons
- Height - 62 - 69 cm.
- Weight - 45 - 50 kg.
- Height - 55 - 64 cm.
- Weight - about 40 kg.
- No class - about $ 120
- PET class - $ 150 - $ 350
- BRID class - $ 450 - $ 800
- SHOW class - from $ 750 to $ 1000
Life expectancy is 11 - 12 years.
Who is suitable breed? Who is not suitable?
- Lonely man.
- A family of several people.
- Family with children (communication with babies requires adult supervision, as the breed is slow and can accidentally cause harm).
- Active person.
- Sportsman.
- Lazy person.
- Sedentary person.
- Poor people, especially women.
- Children.
- Inexperienced breeder.
The advantages of the breed include:
- Stable balanced psyche.
- High intelligence.
- Reliable property guard and bodyguard.
- Devotion.
- Easy to care for wool.
- Not annoying and not annoying. He knows how to take himself.
- Sheds moderately.
In 1999, the Rottweiler Orion saved the lives of thirty-seven people by pulling out their water during a flood in Venezuela.
- Strong dominant character, which can only manage the deserved trust and respect of the owner.
- It is a potentially dangerous dog that imposes on the owner a heightened responsibility in raising and walking.
- It is clumsy because of its large size and weight, which can cause difficulties in the content.
- Requires a balanced diet that entails tangible financial costs.
- Sly because of natural ingenuity.
- Increased salivation.
- Poor heat.
- Sometimes snoring and coughing in a dream.
In 2002, Swiss cynologists carried out extensive work on collecting statistics on rottweiler attacks on people. According to the results, it turned out that, indeed, this breed, giving up leadership only to the German shepherd, bites people more often than others. The pressure of the Rottweiler jaws at a bite reaches 22 atmospheres.
Breed description: character and temperament
Representatives of the breed are usually temperament sanguine. They are optimistic, friendly and playful with the family in which they live. They love games and have a sense of humor.
The Rottweiler is first of all reliable, as a rock, and the fearless defender. He is extremely alert and cautious towards outsiders. In the heat of rage, the breed is deadly, but this applies only to strangers. His family, perceived as a flock, of which he is a member, the dog protects like the apple of his eye. It is impossible to bribe, cajole delicacy or something else.
Breed is considered a dog of one owner. Weak-minded people, and especially amateurs in the education of large fighting dogs, should not get such a pet. The Rottweiler is complex in character: it will only obey the leader who deserves and justifies his trust, a solid and self-sufficient personality. That is why it will be difficult for a woman or a child to achieve obedience.
The dog feels very sensitive family relationships. The quarrels, scandals and disassembly affect his psyche in the most negative way and can turn into chronic aggression towards everyone without discrimination, uncontrolled behavior and even an attack on family members. But a well-educated rottweiler who grew up in a benevolent atmosphere is a true friend to the last breath. He desperately loves children of any age and is ready to protect them even from peers.
Before the pet guests arrive, it is better to send them to another room and shut the door behind them. The slightest excuse, a hint of a threat and a dog turn into an angry fury.He is extremely vigilant, cautious and attentive, hears the slightest rustling and impetuous in the attack.
The disadvantages of the nature of the dog Rottweiler include stubbornness, jealousy of the owner, waywardness. If you at least relax a little and allow him a bit of superfluous, the intelligent dog will quickly find the weak points and begin not only to put pressure on them, but to openly manipulate you, try to dominate and take the place of the leader.
Rottweiler is one of the twenty most popular dog breeds in America.
Rottweiler Photo
Care and maintenance
Rottweiler care and maintenance is extremely simple. They are as follows:
- Combing wool once or twice a week.
- Bathing two - three times a year.
- Vaccinations.
- Washing paws after a walk, if the dog is kept in the apartment.
- Rub wool with terry towel in rainy weather.
- Treatment for parasites.
- Trimming claws if necessary (may be needed in rare cases).
- Clean your ears weekly with a dry swab, or you can wet it with sea buckthorn oil or alcohol-free lotion.
- Inspection and cleaning of teeth once a week - they are performed with a gauze tampon with soda (you can give special bones from beef veins to the dog to clean the teeth).
When keeping a dog in a private house, you must have a spacious aviary. But even living in an aviary, the animal needs to walk outside its territory. At temperatures below 10 degrees, it is important to take the dog home.
Worm-dressing is carried out once a month before the execution of 6 months. Then once a quarter. Drontal Plus, Milbemaks, Kanikvantel are recognized as the best drugs. Treatment of fleas with special drops is carried out once a month from May to October.
Vaccination is carried out according to the standard scheme, which is repeated annually:
- In 4 - 6 weeks.
- At 8 or 9 weeks
- In 3 months.
10 days before the vaccination, the worms are passed.
Rottweilers, which contain the city, it is important to be vaccinated against ringworm (lichen).
From puppyhood, teach your pet to treat hygienic procedures patiently and stand quietly in their process. This will avoid an unpleasant situation at an older age, when you have to keep a 50-kilogram dog while the whole family while bathing or cleaning the ears.
Speaking about how to feed a Rottweiler, most breeders recommend alternating dry food with natural. The use of high-quality dry food is convenient because you do not need to calculate the fortification of each serving, the ratio of vegetables and cereals to the meat or milk fraction. Meals are pre-calculated and balanced. But at the same time, an animal that receives only drying will not be as well-groomed, naturally, with such shine as when feeding with a naturalk. The highest quality, won an excellent reputation of dry food are Hill`s, Royal Canin, Eukanuba, Purina Pro Plan, Ist Choice, Eagle Pack.
In which cases it is better to feed the rottweiler with only dry food:
- Rehabilitation after illness.
- Pregnancy and lactation.
- Period of active growth.
The diet of adults should consist of:
- Dry food (pre-soak).
- Cereals - rice, oatmeal or buckwheat, can be together (it is important that you boil well).
- Meat - beef, chicken, turkey (boiled necessarily).
- Fish - sea fillet without bones (boiled).
- Offal - kidney, beef scar, heart, meat of the esophagus (boiled).
- Cottage cheese and cheese, better homemade - twice a week.
- Chicken eggs - one twice a week.
- Vegetables - pumpkin, onion, zucchini, carrots (stew in sunflower oil, preferably olive).
- Fruit - a little, only as a treat.
- Mosles and sugar bones without residues of meat - for brushing your teeth and as a treat.
- Salty foods.
- Tubular bones.
- Milk.
- Pork.
- Pasta.
- Semi-finished products.
- Semolina.
- Any baking.
- Canned food.
- Marinades, pickles, smoked meats.
- Sugar and its substitutes.
- Potatoes.
- Beet.
- Bulgarian pepper.
- Cabbage.
- Legumes
- Remains of "human" food.
Feeding is best done at the same time. In the evening - until 19:00, in order not to load the animal's stomach before the night's sleep. It is important that the dog has access to cool water at any time (for puppies it must be boiled, for adults it must be boiled or filtered). Adults also need to arrange a weekly one unloading day - feed only dairy products and water.
To avoid regurgitation, indigestion, abdominal distention puppies should be fed to the same type of food, which was adopted by the breeder. The number of feedings depends on age.
A puppy should receive 2 to 3 drops of vitamins A and D in oil per day. For the formation of the correct exterior you need from the first days of the appearance of the pet in the house to teach him to feed from the dishes, located on a special stand. Capacity is at chest level. Encourage your puppy to give you his bowl of food without questioning, without other growls and other manifestations of aggression.
Rottweilers are classified as illegible in food, so in order to avoid the temptation do not allow the pet to the family table, do not feed them with sweet and other delicacies not for dogs. Constant access to food should not be. This is fraught with problems with the functioning of a weak stomach and intestines, obesity.
Rottweiler diseases
The breed is quite hardy, but prone to some diagnoses:
- Diseases of the digestive tract - bloating, volvulus, intestinal infections: parvovirus and coronavirus enteritis, coccidiosis.
- Diseases of the musculoskeletal system - dysplasia of the hip and elbow joints, gonarthrosis (rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament), osteochondrosis, atlantoaxial instability, arthritis
- Ophthalmic disorders - cataract, glaucoma, entropion (volvulus of the century), progressive retinal atrophy, retinal dysplasia, keratitis, conjunctivitis.
- Oncology - osteosarcoma, prostate cancer, breast cancer, leukomyoma, leydigoma.
- Diseases of internal organs - hepatitis, pancreatitis, cholangitis, kidney failure.
- Diseases of the skin - eczema, dermatosis, dermatitis, congenital hypotrichosis (symmetrical alopecia).
- Cardiovascular pathologies - aortic stenosis, myocarditis, myocardial infarction.
- Diseases of the nervous system - epilepsy and encephalitis.
- Other diseases - diabetes mellitus, tumors of the cannons (perianal adenomas).
Upbringing and training
Rottweiler is a strong, dominant breed, complex in character, and therefore dangerous. The maintenance of such a breed is a huge responsibility, therefore it is not recommended for amateurs to acquire it. Without a strict and competent upbringing, as well as professional training, the dog will not be a staunch defender, but an unpredictable and uncontrolled aggressor.
Education should begin with the appearance of the puppy in a new place. From 2 - 2.5 months you need to accustom to the nickname, the implementation of the main commands ("Fu", "Sit", "Lie", "To me"), unquestioning obedience. Special attention should be paid to the age of 4 - 5 months, when the breed begins the so-called crisis age, when they fully show self-will, disobedience and desire to dominate. At the age of 8–10 months, the character of the individual is fully formed.
- Do not go on about a cute pet and strictly forbid all that will be a ban for him in adulthood.
- It is important to teach the dog from a young age not to pick up leftover food outside. This is peculiar to illegible in food immigrants from Rottweil and can turn into food poisoning, disruption of the weak digestive tract or even death.
- In no case do not let the rottweiler bite, even during the game.
- When training, be patient and consistent, watch the intonation of the commands given, do not shout at your pet and do not hit him. Puppy psyche is still unstable, and raising the voice or assault can embitter him, scare, that will lead the education on the wrong path.
- Exercise regularly for 10 - 15 minutes daily.
- Teach your dog a leash and a muzzle.
- Socialization is necessary: walk more in new places, preferably crowded. The Rottweiler should calmly react to surrounding people and animals, not be afraid of the noise of the crowd, cars.
Training on early (general course of training) can begin to engage in 8 - 12 months. Be sure to train and training site, under the guidance of an experienced dog handler.
If it seems to you that the dog does not obey at 3 months and attacks the cat, regardless of your commands, there is nothing terrible, think about what will happen when, at the age of two, a huge dog attacks a person, possibly a child, and you can do nothing.
Choosing a puppy
When acquiring a puppy, if you are not familiar with the features of the exterior and other nuances of the breed, contact an expert for help. Only a specialist will be able to check the correctness of the bite, the absence of congenital heart disease, the norm of the size and proportions of the puppy. If this is not possible, you must follow the following rules:
- Behavior:
- The puppy should be mobile, playful, curious, friendly, not timid, free to make contact.
- He should not show aggression or bite.
- It is best to choose a leader in the litter.
- External signs:
- Do not try to choose the largest or smallest of the litter, prefer the average size.
- The tail should be without creases, straight.
- Eyes and ears are clean, without discharge, eyes without tearing.
- In male dogs, both testicles are fully descended into the scrotum.
- The nose is well pigmented, cold and moist.
- Dewclaws (fifth toes on hind legs) cropped.
- Scissor bite.
- Wool is black, shiny, without dandruff.
- Lack of umbilical hernia.
- Scissor bite.
- Lack of obesity.
Before purchasing a puppy is best to take a vacation. In the early days of the pet, it is important to pay a lot of attention. When purchasing it, check the documents, the compliance of the stamp numbers on the paper with the numbers on the stamp itself, the presence of vaccinations in the veterinary passport. Read the data about the parents of the future pet, view their photos, ask about participation in exhibitions, competitions and subsequent evaluation.
Experienced experts recommend acquiring a puppy with as dark a tan as possible. Such individuals have greater stamina, good immunity and good health. Remember that after the first shedding wool will become lighter.
Another nuance - the Rottweiler has no varieties: long-haired, royal, brindle, dwarf, cannot be gray, brown, red, etc. Breed can have only one marriage by color: a white spot on the chest, all the rest is unclean.
History reference
No longer establish from what edges the dog breed Rottweiler came to Germany. There is an assumption that The population of coal-black molossus settled in Europe is the “legacy” of the Tibetan Mastiff. According to another version, the Rottweiler progenitors are Phoenician dogs and local native canines. Experts also talked about the fact that the Rottweiler was descended from Roman fighting dogs. Another hypothesis states that the breed also stretches from Rome, but from the shepherd's four-legged. In fact, the above lists all possible versions of the origin of the modern moloss and each of them is viable.
It is interesting! The historical data mentions dogs that are very similar to the Rottweilers that participated in the Seven Years' War (one of the largest territorial conflicts of the 18th century).
There is also a very interesting fact confirming the presence of hostile Romans in Germany. Moreover, the story describes in detail how important the four-legged role in the campaign was. There are battles in which in front of a line of soldiers fleeing enraged dogs chained in chain mail, brave, unshakable, with the desire to die but not to retreat. If you transfer this historical characteristic to the modern Rottweilers, contrasting differences are not found.
At home, the breed has repeatedly inflamed conflicts, hostile peoples attacked the peasants, divided the territory and "torn" it into pieces. Only one thing remained unchanged, the burned villages were restored, and people again took up cattle breeding. In the period of one of the “revivals”, a church was built on the site of the outbuildings. The walls were torn down, but the floors paved with red clay tiles remained untouched. According to the legend, the town of Rotvil got its name from the phrase "Rote Wil" - red floor. Given the reputation of the church and religion, such a “script” is accepted even by historians.
You guessed it breed of dogs Rottweiler was named after the "native" town, although these four-footed at once have two homelands. At the time of inception, lived in the vicinity of the city two kinds of big black dogs. Some were more powerful and muscular, they carried heavy loads, but were not suitable for grazing. The four-footed fell from fatigue during the haul, and angry, could seriously harm the cattle. The second kind was smaller, tougher, more agile and, as history has shown, smarter.
Rottville developed at a rather serious pace and soon, the city became a “bastion” of butchers. The wider the scale of production, the more dogs were needed, both cattle and pig. The second homeland mentioned above is the town of Rottenburg.which developed and grew in the same direction as Rothville. The pastoral business was the foundation of the economy, workers of the “honorable industry” even had their own coat of arms with the image of a “butcher’s dog” - the Rottweiler.
It is interesting! Many Rothville butchers liked to sip after work. To be honest, the majority of the male population of the city suffered from severe alcoholism, and drinking often led to riot and empty wallet. In order to save their money from themselves and criminals, the butchers piled up the cash in the special wallets of their Rottweilers. The wealth hung defiantly around the dog's neck, but no one in their right mind ventured to rob the four-legged one.
The work of butcher dogs was different from the usual pasture. The four-footed had to bring down the herd, hold it back and take it to the slaughterhouse! Not all animals have obeyed, knowing that they are going to certain death. The hardest thing was with adult bulls, the rage of which is dangerous to everyone around them. It was the dog’s duty to contain the raging animal and to bite technically at the butcher’s command.
It is interesting! Butchers and butcher dogs were distinguished by the length of the tail; in the cattle Rottweilers, the tails were stopped.
By the 19th century, Germany was splashed with railway tracks, pooch dogs were replaced by more hardy and quiet donkeys. Features of the breed, for which the German Rottweiler valued for centuries, have lost relevance, and this led to the collapse. Butchers not inclined to sentiments got rid of extra mouths. The breed livestock literally died out.Legend has it that by 1882 only one Rottweiler dog was left in Rothville. In fact, the truth of this statement is not confirmed. A version appeared after the interbreed exhibition, in which only one butcher dog was shown, in which pure breed there were weighty doubts.
By the time the Germans woke up and decided to restore the breed, only a few Rottweilers remained. There were no breeders willing to do such a long and difficult job. An incident that came to the media and was widely sold around Germany helped. in the form of rumors. Hamburg - a city attracting strangers, vandalized a large crowd of drunken sailors. The policemen, fearing for their lives, did not want to join the altercation. Only A young non-commissioned officer (the title is similar to "ordinary") decided to disperse the crowd, and an official Rottweiler helped him.
With the beginning of the 20th century, the second life of the Rottweiler began. Breed clubs arose like mushrooms after rain. The skills of butcher dogs were useful in the police and played a significant role in international recognition. Despite the disasters of the Second World War, the National Rottweiler Club (ADRK) was able to preserve most of the livestock of dogs and remain the leading structure in the development of the breed. Today, ADRK works in symbiosis with the FCI (International Canine Club), but is not subject to it. The breed standard, its exterior refinement, the preservation of working qualities and the work to strengthen the psyche is dictated and controlled by ADRK.
Crazy demand for the breed in other countries, including Russia, has led to the desire of "businessmen" to saturate the domestic markets. Tribal work went out of control ADRK, and Breeding for a new breed countries, engaged in people who do not have basic skills. When mating is planned by the National Club, genetics and mental stability are of paramount importance, and beautiful puppies were bred for sale. Quite often, dogs did not fit the description of the breed, but received excellent marks at local shows. The result of chaos was appearance of two Rottweiler pseudo-types:
- Lightweight finnish type - light bones, narrow chest.
- Heavy german (for unknown reasons) type - suspension on the neck, too massive chest, sharp falling line of the back, weak joints of the hind limbs, poluprisevshaya stand.
Next, another sad event occurred. The "breeders", who wanted to satisfy the needs of customers, decided to get a hybrid of a butcher dog and a dachshund. His work "experts" called the mini Rottweiler. По сути, скрестив норную собаку со скотогонной, заводчики получили тяжелую таксу с мордой Ротвейлера.If your eyes are already lit, and the thought has crept into your head that it will be very convenient to keep a small but brave friend in an apartment - stop! Here are a few facts:
- Pygmy Rottweiler is an unrecognized hybrid, that is, a cur, but its cost is several times higher than the tribal dogs.
- Everything hybrids are prone to mental instabilityAre you ready for this? The dog may be low, but its head and jaw apparatus are from the Rottweiler.
- Mini Rottweiler guaranteed will suffer from dysplasia and damage to the vertebral discs, and the disease manifests itself quite early.
- Breeding hybrids is a meaningless and merciless business that is condemned all over the world. All puppies that do not have a “presentation” are put to sleep after birth, go to shelters or on the street, the same thing happens with dogs that have shown aggression.
Tips for choosing a puppy
You should not take for the fact that you can not overpower. Rottweiler puppies, born from parents with a weak psyche - this is a real threat, both for you and for others. The unstable mental state can be talked about when it comes to mestizens or phenotypes. Rarely, but in purebred litters there are puppies of "controversial quality".
Do you want to choose a Rottweiler puppy that will grow up balanced and become a full-fledged member of society - contact only verified kennels. Breeders who have nothing to hide, keep a detailed inventory of all dogs and litters, monitor their “graduates” after the sale and are happy to provide you with all the data. If you notice that the seller is cunning or can not clearly answer the questions - turn around and leave. You should not get involved with people for whom the main indicators of the quality of the breed - it's size, anger and beauty.
Character and training
Immediately, we note that this breed is not for beginners and not for people amenable to emotions. In the XX – XXI centuries, the Rottweiler was more than once called a dangerous dog, he even got into the “black ratings” for people’s bites. According to international data, the breed is the second at risk of bites, in the first place is the German Shepherd Dog (BUT). The adequacy of the rating can be argued, since the number of BUT surpasses Rottweilers by several times, which means they will be first on the list and there are no alternatives. Besides, the compilation of statistics does not take into account the origin and education of the dog, there is a fact - the bites of a person and “accountants” push him away. According to the experience of the owners, a well-trained Rottweiler is a friend of the children, a full-fledged member of the family and a brave defender.
Important! Characteristics of the breed can not be used to describe not purebred dogs and even more so metisov. Buying a puppy, the breeding value of which is not confirmed, you always run the risk of having a dog with an unstable psyche. In relation to "hereditary mongrels", this fact does not matter, but when it comes to a potentially dangerous breed, you should not risk it.
Rottweiler puppy training is a responsible event that requires experience and understanding of the mind of the service breeds. Havesame from childhood, independence and courage are inherent in dogs. Practicing his skills in the form of a game, the baby gets stronger, receives vaccination and “goes to society”. Raising a Rottweiler at home implies the most active socialization, that is, acquaintance with the outside world and practicing the skills of conflict-free communication.
In parallel with socialization, It is important to teach the Rottweiler basic obedience at a very early age. Teams "Fu" and "Ko me", are worked out to the perfect performance. The training of the Rottweiler in group classes, where the dog not only learns the commands, but also will be able to imitate more temperament-minded brethren.
If there are children in the family or are planned, it is necessary to acquaint the caudate with the habits of children at puppyhood. A pet who understands the essence and motivation of the actions of young children is the best friend and protector of the youngest member of the family. If the dog grew up behind a deaf fence, she can perceive the child as an adult, that is, regard him as a potentially dangerous subject.
Important! Rottweilers absolutely can not be physically punished! The owner must show maximum patience and patience during training.
You can weigh the pros and cons of the breed for a long time, but it’s unwise to shift all responsibility onto the “genes”. XThe Rottweiler dog at puppy age is almost a clean sheet.what you write, it will be. Of course, when raising is worth considering innate guarding skills and distrust of others, the dog must understand the difference between the violent behavior of a stranger and obvious aggression.
To train a Rottweiler at home is to teach him to get out of life situations correctly every day. If the kid shows aggression since childhoodit is wiser to contact an experienced trainer or even go through ZKS (protective and guard duty). At the very least, the dog will understand exactly where her skills are useful and relevant.
Maintenance and care
Despite the short coat, the dog can live outside in the winter. The only caveat is a half-closed enclosure for a Rottweiler with a warmed booth, in the open air, the four-legged will hurt and freeze. Naturally, the dog can live in the apartment if you are ready to walk your pet 2-3 times a day and work with him to keep fit. Do not interfere and occupations, swimming, walking out of town, joint walking with large service dogs.
Important! Rottweilers who do not get enough exercise are prone to quickly gaining fat mass, which is detrimental to the heart, joints and overall health.
Grooming is not burdensome. Rottweilers shed, but this process goes pretty quickly, and even combing out a dog is not difficult. Since the spine has a rough structure, the four-legged does not need frequent bathing. It is enough to comb the coat with a stiff brush 1–2 times a week. Representatives of the breed rarely suffer from colds or focal inflammatory diseases. Conjunctivitis, otitis or dental problems are unusual for them. However, good physical health does not reduce the relevance of continuous monitoring of the pet.
Balanced nutrition is a guarantee of strong joints and proper physical development. However, this issue also requires certain experience or at least theoretical knowledge. Although the breed is not prone to allergies, all short-haired dogs have a predisposition to an acute reaction to overeating or improper feeding. The results are poured into dull wool or her the loss, odor from skin or dermatitis. Feeding a Rottweiler with high-quality industrial products will result in serious waste, but will bring less hassle. Experienced owners strongly recommend getting the most out of how to feed a Rottweiler before buying a puppy.
Important! Errors in the preparation of a diet for a puppy can result in serious health problems for the dog at any age!
The average life expectancy of a Rottweiler ranges from 8 to 10 years. The breed sacrificed its "old longevity", paying tribute to fashion and chaotic breeding. In addition to losing 3-5 years of life, four-legged acquired another drawback - a number of breed ailments. By the way, Many typical diseases manifest themselves in old age, and this is another reason for reducing the overall life expectancy. The owner of the Rottweiler should be familiar with the symptoms, scenarios and methods of treatment of the following diseases:
- Joint dysplasia - The diagnosis describes the condition in which the joints are modified. The reason is physical abrasion of the articular, and after and bone tissue. Usually such changes occur on the background of the age-related slowdown of metabolism, and they affect (first of all) the elbow and hip joints.
- Sprain or rupture (gonarthrosis) of the knee ligaments (cruciate) - an injury that can pursue a dog for life, that is, is repeated when taking a certain load. As a preventive measure, the ligaments are strengthened by training from puppyhood, and the load is strictly normalized.
- Osteochondrosis - a complex concept indicating a violation in the articular tissues. The causes and forms of development can be many, ailment can affect different joints.
- Osteosarcoma - bone cancer.
- Retinal dysplasia - changes in the structure of retinal cells due to metabolic disorders. Most often the disease manifests itself in old age.
- Atrophy of the retina - degeneration of retinal cells due to malnutrition. The disease can develop at any age.
- Cataract - clouding of the lens of the eye. It is considered an age-related ailment, it can be sluggish and acute, affecting one or both eyes.
- Inversion of the century (entropion) - far from a cosmetic problem. Due to the incorrect location of the eyelid, the mucous membrane of the eye is constantly injured by the eyelashes, which leads to redness, pain and ultimately to retinal atrophy.
- Diabetes - hormonal disorder associated with the body's inability to utilize glucose. Like people, the disease occurs when there is a shortage of insulin.
- Disruption of metabolic processes - most often, slowing metabolism, leading to problems with excess weight.
In addition to the aforementioned ailments, representatives of the breed have neurological disorders that lead to atrophy of muscle sensitivity. With poor nutrition and in old age, there are often problems with the urogenital system. Rottweilers are prone to overheating and sunstroke. Often there are various skin diseases and benign tumors under the skin (bumps).
Definition
A standard is an official document, which contains the basic norms that characterize the characteristics of any dog breed. In this case, it will be about such service breed of dogs as rottweilers.
In their standard, such features as the structure of the body, appearance, characteristic behavior and temperament are recorded. In addition to the advantages of dogs of this breed, the standard describes the possible deviations from the basic parameters.
By describing some of the shortcomings, you can determine the dog's belonging to the purebred breed lines. The rejected animal can no longer participate in breeding.
A bit of history
While the Rottweiler breed was evolving, the standard parameters were constantly changing. Breeders often changed the requirements for the structure, color and size of the animal.
In 1921, the All-German Rottweiler Fans Club opened, which connected all the existing societies of dog breeders of this breed. Thus, the participants of the new club finally put an end to disagreements and created a common standard with uniform requirements for the characteristics of the breed.
According to this standard, the growth of males should vary from sixty to sixty-eight centimeters, and the growth of females - from fifty-five to sixty-five centimeters.
The standard color of dogs of this breed should be black, with the presence of small spots of tan of a rich brown color. In those days, white spots in the abdomen and chest of the animal were undesirable, but acceptable.
Established in 1970, the standard Rottweiler has undergone some changes in the parameters relating to the color and character of the dog. But in the end, this document differed little from the standard approved in 1921.
At present, the following four standards of the Rottweiler breed are used in the world:
- German,
- English,
- American,
- standard FCI (International Canine Federation).
Moreover, FCI in the preparation of its standard based on the parameters of the breed, described Vsegermanskim club rottweiler fans. In the official document, the FCI indicated the country of origin of these dogs to Germany, and their purpose - protection and service.
Many countries, while drawing up the standard, were guided not so much by these requirements, as by their results and preferences. Consider some types of Rottweiler from different countries.
American view
American breeders used German representatives of the breed, but not of the highest quality, to breed their rottweilers. Therefore, animals often brought back from Germany were rejected for breeding.
Basically, for breeding, American breeders selected rottweilers that were taller than their German counterparts and were more aggressive. Breeders sought to get a guard dog with a chilling exterior.
According to the American ideals, the Rottweiler should look impressive and menacing. And to other people's animals and strangers should be treated with anger. The dog must always be ready to tear apart any creature that encroached on the territory entrusted to it.
Because of the American breeding methods, rottweilers have hereditary health problems. For example, articular dysplasia. But even if the Rottweiler does not have such deviations, it still needs timely education, otherwise the animal’s aggression may get out of control.
American dogs of the Rottweiler breed are extremely hard to get top marks at shows due to deviations from the norms of the FCI standard. Even though most of the rottweilers are classified as representatives of the German variety of the breed.
But this does not prevent them from being popular both in the USA and in Europe. Although many connoisseurs and lovers of the true German breed consider this state of affairs a mockery of animals. In their opinion, American copies pollute the pedigree of purebred rottweilers.
English view
The British, like the FCI, for drawing up their standard took as a basis the German parameters for rottweiler dogs. In principle, the English rottweilers are very similar to the German representatives of the breed.
However, there is a difference in character. As accepted by the true inhabitants of England, the English rottweilers know how to control themselves in almost any situation. And only the order of the owner is able to move them. But this example does not apply to emergency situations when urgent protection is needed for the owner of the dog and his family.
Other varieties
In addition to the American, German and English line breeding, there are other official and unofficial varieties of dogs of this breed. Almost every country where rottweilers were in demand approached their breeding in its own way.
The Rottweilers of the Finnish breeding line have long muzzles and ears, a stocky build and a lighter coat color. Some connoisseurs of the breed believe that the Finns crossed the Russian hounds with the rottweilers to improve their scent. Hence the elongated proportions.
In Austria, purebred rottweilers are used exclusively for military purposes. Dogs of this breed serve in the army, grow, develop and train mostly in the fresh air. Therefore, the goal of the Austrian breeders is to breed a true service dog. Austrian rottweilers work type of building. They are shorter than the classic German rottweilers, well developed physically and do not have excess subcutaneous fat.
In Norway, rottweilers have been living for a long time. The Norwegian Rottweiler Fans Club was opened in 1933, but the first representative of the breed was officially registered earlier - in 1919.
Breeders when breeding Rottweilers faced with such a problem as osteochondrosis of the elbow joint in dogs. After all, the Norwegian rottweilers are owners of a heavy build and longer limbs than is accepted by the FCI standard. Therefore, all dogs brought from Norway are checked for the presence of a similar disease.
The Italian specialized club of rottweilers, which opened in 1979, does not release pedigrees on their dogs. And in the Italian breeding line there are no rules. Because of this, sometimes puppies are born with defects.
For example, many Italian representatives of the breed have disproportionately large heads, small muzzles, a shortened body, and slightly curved front paws. It turns out a sort of mini rottweiler.
Such dogs do not fit the generally accepted standard at all and are not considered to be purebred representatives of the breed. But many people prefer to buy just such dwarf dogs, often without knowing what responsibility they take on. But more on that later.
Deviations from standard rates can occur in any breeding line, regardless of the country. Consider more.
Standard sizes
The FCI standard says that the growth of rottweilers in males varies from 61 to 68 centimeters, and the growth of females varies from 56 to 63 centimeters. According to these parameters, it is customary to distinguish dogs of this breed in the following sizes:
- small - 61-62 centimeters,
- average - 63-64 centimeters,
- large (optimal size) - 65-66 centimeters,
- very large - 67-68 centimeters.
- small - 56-57 centimeters,
- average - 58-59 centimeters,
- large (optimal size) - 60-61 centimeters,
- very large - 62-63 centimeters.
Dogs that meet the standard parameters have every chance to get top marks at shows and give birth to healthy puppies.
Causes of deviations
Sometimes dogs are born that are much smaller than even small ones. Маленький ротвейлер – это не разновидность породы, а следствие серьезных отклонений. Они проявляются из-за ошибок разведения породистых собак, наследственных болезней или родовых травм.Sometimes these puppies appear due to the fact that their mother was poorly fed during pregnancy or during the feeding period.
There are cases when unscrupulous breeders for potential profit attract potential buyers with announcements of selling mini-representatives of the breed. They specifically remove rottweilers with much smaller sizes, without warning about the complications that the owner of such a dog may face.
Possible problems
Buying a mini Rottweiler, you will have to put up with many problems that such dogs will bring. Dwarf animals live, as a rule, not for long. And not only because of genetic predisposition.
Such individuals have weakened immunity, so they are prone to frequent diseases. Such dogs can die even from anesthesia, which may have to be used in the treatment of one of the diseases. The bones of them are very fragile and often break. The owners will have to constantly look after their mini pet.
Owners of small dogs will have to accept the fact that their pets will never participate in any shows or breeding. Such animals are generally better neutered or spayed. Especially bitches. Their bodies can not withstand the burden of pregnancy.
In small dogs, the nervous system is usually impaired. The usual calm that standard dogs of this breed possess is not worth expecting from mini rottweilers. After all, small dogs do not adapt well to the outside world and are subject to constant stress. Therefore, these babies are often broken psyche and they have an evil nature.
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