Skip to content 
Rottweiler Dog Breed Introduction
Rottweiler(also nicknamed Rottie) is a domestic dog that is considered one of the oldest dog breeds dating back to Roman times. It is regarded as large or medium-to-large. This dog was initially used for herding cattle or driving dogs. Rottweiler originated from the mastiffs of the Roman legions and acquired its name from the old free city of Rottweil.
Up to date, this breed is still used to herd stock in many parts of the world. Currently, Rottweilers also have other roles as guard dogs, police dogs, family pets, and search & rescue dogs. It was ranked as the eight-most popular purebred dog in the US by AKC(American Kennel Club) in 2017.
This is also a powerful breed of dog with a well-developed guarding instincts and genetic herding. Therefore, their potentially dangerous behavior usually results from lack of socialization and training, abuse, irresponsible ownership, and neglect. However, a Rottie may be protective of its territory and may not welcome strangers until properly introduced.
History
Rottweilers are considered one of the oldest dog breeds that date back to the Roman Times. This breed was developed in Germany after a natural crossing between Molossus, a large type of dog and local German dogs. In the native German, Rottweilers were used for driving or herding dogs. They would match the alps with the Roman legions to protect the humans and drive their cattle. This dog acquired its name from the free old city of Rottweil.
They were also referred to as Rottweil butcher’s dog for droving the cattle to town for butchering. These dogs also protected butchers and their cattle from rustlers and bandits. However, their career in driving cattle ended after the invention of the rail road cattle cars in the 19th century. Fortunately, they found new roles as police dogs especially after the buildup of the first World War.
This led to the revival of the interest in the Rottweilers. During the first and second World Wars, this breed was used as guard dogs, messengers, ambulance, and draught dogs. The first German dog club for Rottweilers was founded in January 1914. Other clubs were also formed afterwards including Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler Klub (ADRK) in 1921 which survived world war II.
This club is recognized globally as the home club of Rottweilers. According to ADRK, the first Rottweiler emigrated to the United States in the late 1920s with a German immigrant. The first litter in US was whelped in 1930. AKC registered the first Rottweiler in 1931. This breed also gained prominence after World War II as it was primarily used as an excellent obedience dog.
Rottweiler Lifespan
Rottweilers have a shorter life expectancy of 8-10 years when compared to other breeds of the same size.
Female Lifespan
This breed has an average lifespan of 8-10 years. However, a female Rottweiler may live an average of two years longer than the male counterpart hence having a lifespan of 8-12 years.
Rottweiler Grooming
You may comfortably groom your Rottweiler in your home following meal time and playtime. This will make him exhausted and he will co-operate during the grooming time. This breed sheds heavily twice a year usually in spring and fall and moderately throughout the year. Therefore, brush your pet’s coat once a week to get rid of dead hair while also promoting the growth of new hair. Rottweilers should also be bathed regularly after every 2 to 8 weeks.
Brush the teeth at least twice a week using a dog-formulated toothpaste or canine dental wipes. Regular teeth cleaning prevents excess tartar buildup. Remember to trim the nails at least twice a month. Overly grown nails make running and walking painful for your pet. Using a grinding tool including Dremel is effective in trimming nails.
Rottweilers also have thick and deep muzzles that tend to trap excess saliva in the loose skin under their jaws. When grooming your Rottweiler use an old towel to wipe the flews to prevent saliva strings around your home. This breed is also prone to drooling. Droll cam mix with debris, dirt, and food particles leaving behind a goopy mess on your pooch’s face. Regular wiping of the face is recommended.
Remember to clean the ears of your Rottweiler at least once a week using cottons balls and an ear cleanser solution. Regular cleaning helps to keep the wax and dirt in check. Also look out for odor, discharge, or redness as it may be a sign of ear infection.
Grooming Brush
Use a rubber curry brush or a grooming mitt to remove loose hair or dead hair on the coat of a Rottweiler.
Shedding
Rottweilers shed moderately throughout the year. However, they experience heavy shedding during seasonal change once or twice a year during spring and fall. Regular brushing is advisable at least twice a week during the shedding season. Brushing helps to confine the loose hair in the brush that would otherwise spread around the house. Remember to vacuum the bed of your dog during the heavy shedding season.
Coat
Rottweilers have a double coat, an outer coat, and an undercoat. The outer coat is of medium length, coarse, flat, and dense. The undercoat should only be present on the thighs and neck. It is also important for a dog owner to note that the undercoat should not show through the outer coat. However, a Rottweiler living in hot climates may have acclimatized (adapted) and may be missing the undercoat. This breed’s coat tends to be low maintenance. According to AKC, a Rottweiler’s coat should be short and straight. A long or wavy coat is considered a flaw by the Club.
Hypoallergenic
Even though Rottweilers shed at moderate levels all-year-round, they are not hypoallergenic. They also shed excessively during spring and/or fall which allows the spread of dander around the house. Dander, saliva, urine, hair, and mucus have a protein that causes allergic inflammation in people who suffer from dog allergies. Rottweilers also droll a fair amount which spread saliva on the surfaces. This will also cause allergic reactions in people.
Rottweiler Training
A dog of this breed is intelligent making it easy to train. This breed also has an exceptional strength that is an additional risk factor and should not be neglected. For this reason, Rottweilers breed experts declare mandatory formal training and extensive socialization.
Basic learning manners for this breed may include not beginning during dinner, lying down, being able to heel when visitors come over, and coming when called without getting distracted. While training your dog, try giving it a treat as a reward like a bite of cheese.
Rottweilers have a short attention span. When training, keep your teaching session to about five minutes. Some of the command words that this breed may learn include Stand, down, sit, off, speak, roll over, shake a paw, etc.
Potty training is also effective if your dog has plenty of opportunities to go outside on a regular basis, so that it may learn to find relief in the appropriate place. Leash training should also start once your pet is comfortable wearing a collar.
Training Tips
Rottweilers are naturally protective of their families. Socialization is key to channel their protectiveness and power. This training should kick off when the pup is between the age of 6 to 7 weeks. The puppy should be socialized with its littermates. For this reason, don’t take a pup home before the age of 7 weeks.
Socialization exposes the pooch to different sounds, people, smells, animals, situations, sounds ,and sights. This training may also take a different form including enrolling your pet in puppy obedience classes that will help you in identifying and correcting bad habits. Use positive reinforcement methods such as the use of treats and praise. Avoid use of harsh correction method when training including yelling, punching, kicking, shoving, beating, and use of choke or prong collars.
Remember to teach your Rottweiler basic command words such as sit, stand, off, down, and speak one at a time before proceeding to the next command word. For better understanding and preventing confusion. Crate training, potty training, and establishing a feeding time for your pup helps in housebreaking. A Rottweiler pup should be introduced to a crate from the age of 8 weeks. During this period, the pet should be able to sleep in a crate overnight for at least 5 to 6 hours.
Remember to create positive associations with the crate through use of treats such as cheese, peanut butter, and also praise. Make the crate comfortable by lining it with a comfy blanket. This device helps to keep a Rottweiler safe when indoors and the owner is running the daily errands. Position a crate in a place where they are on-going family activities to prevent separation anxiety. Avoid using a crate as a form of punishment.
Barking
Rottweilers are not vocal breeds like Beagles. They are quiet and calm and their owners may rarely hear them bark. However, they may bark at strangers since they are extremely territorial. A Rottweiler may growl to let you know that they are in deep pain, feeling happy, fearful, or playful. Therefore, the next time that your pet growls be keen and observant of the situation they are in as well as their body language.
Rottweiler Temperament
- Confident.
- Courageous.
- Calm.
- Steady.
- Self-assured.
- Obedient.
- Alert.
- Fearless.
- Good-natured.
- Strong willingness to work.
- Extreme hardness and Adaptability.
Scary
This is an ideal guard dog that is fearless, alert, loyal, and territorial. Rottweilers tend to be scary to strangers due to their territorial temperament.
Height
A male Rottweiler has a height of 24 to 27 inches ( approx. 61 to 69 cm) while a female Rottweiler has a height of 22 to 25 inches ( approx. 56 to 63 cm).
Rottweiler Weight
The weight of Rottweilers should be relative to their height. A male Rottweiler weighs between 110 to 132 pounds (approx. 50 to 60 kg). while a female counterpart has a weight of 77 to 105 pounds (approx. 35 to 48 kg).
Male Weight
A male Rottweiler has a weight of 110 to 132 pounds (approx. 50 to 60 kg).
Female Weight
A female Rottweiler weighs 77 to 105 pounds (approx. 35 to 48 kg).
Types
There are three types of Rottweilers according to the country in which they were bred. This is because the breeding standards may vary. However, AKC only recognizes one type of this breed. The three types of Rottweilers include:
- Roman Rottweilers.
- German Rottweilers.
- American Rottweilers.
Exercise
A Rottweiler is an active type of dog which requires at least two hours of exercise every day. Some of the exercises that your pet may indulge in include running, walking, playing fetch, swimming, and having time in a secure garden as well as plenty of thinking games on top. However, without the opportunity to release the excess energy and to challenge their minds this breed may develop behavior problems. This may include digging, barking, and escaping to explore on their own. However, while exercising a pup, avoid heavy exercise such as hikes and jumping since the bones and muscles are still developing until the age of 18 months.
Aggressive
Rottweilers tend to be more aggressive to strangers since they are very territorial. This is according to a 2008 canine aggression study. This dog is also average in aggressiveness towards its owners and other dogs. That is why the breeders club of Rottweilers emphasizes that this breed should have formal training and extensive socialization.
According to this study, Rottweilers also tend to be more aggressive than average toward strangers. However, according to AKC, a well-trained and socialized Rottweiler is aloof to strangers bearing the attitude of wait and see. Many people also tend to think that Rottweilers are aggressive due to the media portrayal as vicious aggressive dogs in several fictional Tv series and fictional films.
Signs of Aggression
This breed tends to be more aggressive with strangers. Therefore, it is necessary to familiarize ourselves with Rottweiler’s signs of aggression which may include exposure of the teeth, growling, a low body position, and set-back ears.
Rottweiler Bite Force
A Rottweiler possesses a bite force of 328 PSI. The bite force may cause punctures and tears wounds. There is also a possibility of breaking or crushing bones in multiple places.
Biting
Rottweiler puppies are prone to biting and nipping due to their natural herding instincts. These behaviors need to be discouraged to avoid raising an adult Rottweiler that has serious biting problems. Puppies are also likely to bite as they explore everything surrounding them by biting. During teething, this behavior is likely to be experienced often due to the discomfort that the puppy is going through.
Biting should be discouraged before it becomes a habit. Redirection is the recommended method of stopping biting behavior especially for a teething Rottweiler i.e. giving chewing toys for a teething pup that is biting your feet or hands. Bite inhibition has also been a success in preventing biting especially if a puppy stays with its littermates until the age of 8 weeks.
Some of the other breeds of dogs include:
Pug.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Teeth
This dog has a complete set of 42 permanent teeth with scissor bite and the upper incisors closely overlapping the lower incisors. A Rottweiler pup has 28 milk teeth. However, this breed is more susceptible to teeth problems, unlike other breeds. Irregular brushing of the teeth leads to excess tartar buildup which results in various teeth problems such as loosened teeth, foul mouth odor, bleeding gums, malocclusion, retreating gums, and plaque & tartar build-up. A Rottweiler also has a common problem of misaligned teeth which can get in the way of feeding and biting.
Tail
A Rottweiler may either have a natural tail also referred to as undocked tail or a docked tail. A natural tail is slightly long and carried straight or upward curve and hangs when the dog is at rest. According to AKC, the set of the tail is more important than the length. This is because a well-set tail gives an impression of the elongation of the topline which is carried slightly above horizontal when the dog is moving or excited.
Tail Docked
Originally, Rottweilers were used for herding animals and pulling carts. The dog’s tail was cut or docked to protect it while pulling carts. The practice of tail cut is a standard for the Rottweiler. A dog owner interested in tail docking should do it when the puppy is three days old. A docked tail is cut at the first or second joint. However, tail docking has been banned in most common wealth countries.
Rottweiler Health Issues
This is a relatively healthy and disease-free breed. However, a Rottweiler may suffer from Osteochondritis dissecans, a condition that affects the shoulder joints due to the breed’s rapid growth. Apart from Osteochondritis dissecans, Rottweilers may suffer from parvovirus, dilated cardiomyopathy, osteosarcoma, and obesity.
Obesity may have serious consequences including skin disease, heart failure, arthritis, diabetes, breathing difficulties, reduced resistance to disease, and also overheating.
Rottweiler Seizures
Rottweilers are also prone to seizures, a temporary disturbance of the normal functioning of the brain that is normally accompanied by uncontrollable muscle activity. This condition is also referred to as convulsions or fits. Causes of seizures are categorized into; primary, reactive, and secondary. The cause of Primary seizures is unknown, however, it is hereditary. For this reason, it is also known as idiopathic seizures.
Reactive seizures are experienced due to the brain’s reaction to a metabolic problem such as low blood sugar, toxin, or organ failure. Secondary seizures in dogs are a result of brain tumor, trauma, and stroke. A seizure may last to a period of between 1 to 3 minutes.
When a Rottweiler is experiencing seizure, owners are advised against putting anything in the mouth of the dog as it may be a threat to them and their dog. Some of the signs exhibited by a dog that is suffering from seizures include foaming mouth, tongue chewing, hiding after an episode, disorientation, urination or defecation, loss of consciousness, staring, or stiffening of the muscles.
Old Age Symptoms
This breed has an average life expectancy of 8 to 10 years. Once your dog gets to 7.5 years, it is regarded as a senior Rottweiler. The old age symptoms of a Rottweiler include exercise intolerance, stiffness in the elbows or hips, lethargy, losing weight, reduced appetite, increased tiredness, and increased drinking which may be an indication of liver/kidney failure or diabetes.
Stomach Problems
This breed has a sensitive stomach so hypoallergenic diets that meet the high protein requirement are recommended. A Rottweiler is also at risk of having other stomach problems like Gastric dilatation volvulus or bloat. Bloating leads to the stomach twisting itself and it fills with gas. The twisting of the stomach cuts the supply of blood to the stomach and sometimes the spleen. To avoid bloat, owners should not allow their pets to exercise one hour before or after meals, eat one large meal a day, and drink large volumes of water.
Mental Problems
A Rottweiler is a nervous or skittish dog which may be another form of instability that may make this breed potentially dangerous. Therefore, this breed should not be chosen by people who just want a dog to hang around. Therefore, mental stimulation is key in avoiding mental problems.
Mental exercise for Rottweilers may include agility classes, advanced obedience classes, and daily exercise of at least two hours. Furthermore, this breed is also human-oriented and should not be left alone for long hours since it will suffer from separation anxiety.
Back Leg Problems
It has back legs that are straight and not too close together. Furthermore, the hind feet(back feet) are slightly longer than the front feet. If a Rottweiler is affected by hip dysplasia, the back legs move at the same time, instead of one at a time.
Cancer In Rottweilers Legs
This breed is prone to osteosarcoma, a cancerous tumor in a bone. If a Rottweiler has cancer in its legs, a distinct swelling or lameness may be noted. A dog that has cancer in the legs may be reluctant to play, or walk, has a loss of appetite, and is more lethargic.
Genetic Disease
- Hip Dysplasia.
- Von Willebrand Disease.
- Osteosarcoma.
Rottweiler Colors
The color and marking of Rottweilers are very distinctive. The Standard breed of this dog is black with clearly defined markings of a rich tan on the throat, cheeks, muzzles, under the base of the tail, over both eyes, and chest & legs according to FCI. According to AKC, a Rottweiler has mahogany or rust-colored markings that don’t take up to more than 10% of the dog’s body color. In summary, the acceptable colors of Rottweilers are Black, Tan, and Mahogany.
Rottweiler Ears
The ears of Rottweilers are medium-sized, set high on the head, triangular, pendant, and wide apart. Rottweilers have naturally dropped ears and are not prone to standing up. This breed’s floppy ears may have been functional in helping this dog to smell and track cattle while herding. While teething, puppies are prone to pull their ears as a reaction to the discomfort of teething. At times, the ears may start to fold back and then remain that way. Ear taping will assist in retaining the cartilage to fold the correct way.
Ears Cropped
Unlike tail docking, ear cropping is not a standard for Rottweilers. However, some dog owners have the ears of their Rottweilers cropped for purely cosmetic purposes.
Rottweiler Ear Infection
Rottweilers are prone to ear infections due to their floppy ears. Floppy ears prevents air flow to the ear canal which may lead to accumulation of moisture. Covered ear canals also create a dark and humid environment for bacteria to thrive resulting in bacteria or yeast infection. Other causes of ear infections in Rottweilers include excess dirt, wax, or debris, ear mites, hormone imbalances, allergies, physical trauma, and tumors.
Dogs are affected by three types of ear infections, externa, media, and interna respectively. Rottweilers are commonly affected by externa otitis which is the inflammation to the cells located in the external ear. Failure to treat externa otitis may result to interna and media ear infections which is the inflammation to the cells in the inner ear canal and middle ear respectively.
Interna and Media ear infection may result in facial paralysis, deafness, and vestibular signs if left unattended. Some of the common symptoms that a Rottweiler may manifest while suffering from an ear infection include odor, redness, itchiness in the affected ear, dark discharge, shaking of the head, pain, and crusting in the ears. Once a dog owner has spotted this signs, it is advisable to give your Vet a call.
Upon arrival, physical examination will be carried out before taking a swab from the affected ear. If the dog is in too much pain, it may be sedated before the ears are cleaned using a medicate ear cleanser and cotton balls. Apart from ear infections, other ear problems that a Rottweiler may suffer from includes Hematoma, which is the swelling in the ear flap can be painful and require veterinary treatment.
Rottweiler Eyes
A Rottweiler has medium-sized, dark brown, and almond-shaped eyes. The eyelids should not droop and are close-fitting. According to AKC, yellow eyes are considered a serious breed fault as well as another eye color that is not dark brown.
Eye Problems
Rottweilers are prone to develop several eye problems including
Progressive retinal atrophy(PRA) – this is a group of inherited degenerative diseases that affects the photoreceptors cells eventually leading to blindness.
Cataracts – this is an eye problem that affects the eye surface. It starts with a cloudy and opaque membrane on the eye of the dog and may spread to the other eye if left untreated.
Conjunctivitis – also referred to a pinkeye, is an eye disease that causes inflammation to the outer thin clear tissue that is suspended over the eye inner white part that lines the eyelid. Common symptoms of Conjunctivitis include blurred vision, thick discharge, light sensitivity, and red & itchy eyes.
Entropion – this eye problem affects the dog eyelids where the lower or upper eyelid rolls inwards causing the eye rashes to rub against the eye surface including the cornea. Rubbing of the eye surface causing inflammation to the eyes which resulting in pain. Other eye problems suffered by Rottweilers include eye infection, eyelid deformities, cysts, tumors, and growths.
Eyes Discharge
Eye discharge in dogs is medically referred to as eye boogers or gunk. It is normal for Rottweilers to have an eye discharge that is clear or whitish-grey with a water consistency. However, a Rottweiler may experience an increase in eye discharge that varies in color due to abnormal eyelashes, eye infections, allergies, corneal ulcers, and anatomical abnormalities such as glaucoma and ectropion.
Eyebrows
Rottweilers have mahogany dots above each eye on the inner brow ridge described as eyebrows. The eyebrows aid in communication, and intimate strangers and their enemies. The eyebrows look like dots.
Eye Infection
A Rottweiler may suffer from an eye infection that may be caused by viral or bacteria infection. However, Bacterial eye infections are far more common. A bacteria is able to easily invade the eye after trauma to the eye, viruses, and dry eye disease which results in compromised local defenses of the eye.
Most eye infections in Rottweilers are caused by trauma or injury to the eye. An injury to the eye gets infected by the bacteria which prevents wound healing. Bacterial eye infections in this breed may also be caused by foreign bodies including dust, hair, fur, plant material, and debris. Common symptoms of eye infection in Rottweilers include pawing at the eye, redness, swelling of the eyelids, squinting, and discharge.
However, the color of the discharge may vary depending on the cause behind the eye infection. A thick-yellowish discharge is caused by bacteria infection while a clear discharge is a result of viral eye infection. Eye infection also cause an immune response hence you may note that the Rottweiler has a red, squinting, and swelling eye due to inflammation. One of the home remedies for eye infection is flushing the eye using a saline rinses.
Paws
This breed has large paws that are never flat-footed. The paws are also heavy with knuckles. A Standard dog of this breed doesn’t have webbed feet unless it is a crossbreed.
Head
This breed has a skull that is of medium length and relatively broad between the years. The head of a Rottweiler breed grows until the age of two to three years. It is also normal for the head growth to appear disproportionate compared to the body size until all growth is complete.
Head Types
As earlier discussed, this breed has three types of dogs, Roman, German, and American Rottweilers. An American Rottweiler has a slender skull while the Roman and German Rottweilers have a massive skull.
Head Shape
When viewed from the front and above, the head shape of a Rottweiler must resemble a triangle with equal sides and blunt angles.
Rottweiler Mating
Most Female Rottweilers experience their first heat cycle at the age of 12 or 18 months. Unless spayed, a dog will most experience a heat cycle after every 6 months. The heat cycle may last for 2 to 4 weeks. A female Rottweiler may become receptive to the male later in the cycle. However, a dog should not be mated until it is 2 years old.
This will allow it to be emotionally and physical capable of raising puppies. Furthermore, waiting until the dog is mature gives time for the genetically linked faults to express themselves. Before mating your dog, ensure that both the female and stud are not related. Both of them should also be genetically tested to look out for genetic health issues. Some of the common symptoms that a dog exhibits while on heat include increased urination, swollen vulva, bloody discharge, behavior changes, and tail flagging.
Pregnancy Signs
A Rottweiler has a gestation period of 57 to 65 days with an average of 63 days. A female Rottweiler exhibits the following signs when pregnant: nesting behaviors, changes in Appetite, discolored nipples, unusual behaviors, enlarged abdomen, more affectionate, and decreased activity.
Litter Size
A female Rottweiler may whelp a litter size of 6 to 12 puppies. However, some may also have two puppies for their first litter. The largest known litter size for Rottweilers is 18 puppies.
Rottweiler Names
Once a dog owner gets a Rottweiler pup from a responsible breeder or a rescue center, the next best thing is getting a name for the pooch. Some owners may give names inspired by the origin, character, movies, celebrities, books, colors, food, music, or pop culture.
Regardless of the name that a dog owner will settle with, it is recommended to select a name that will freely roll off your tongue and will not be a source of embarrassment when uttered out loud in public malls and parks. Avoid giving you dog a name that rhymes with basic command words to prevent confusion. Remember to give your dog a name that is not used by other household members or people who frequent your home to avoid confusion.
Female Names
- Jenny.
- Alice.
- Sophie.
- Joy.
- Piper.
- Roxy.
- Bailey.
- Nova.
- Bella.
- Daisy.
- Luna, etc.
Male Names
- King.
- Duke.
- Leo.
- Tyson.
- Otis.
- Simba.
- Gus.
- Prince.
- Jackson.
- Thor.
- Diesel.
- Bear, etc.
Rottweiler Food
According to AKC, feeding your pet with human food may have underlying health concerns such as toxicity from allergens, specific food, seasonings, etc. Feeding your Rottweiler with high-quality dog food provides your dog an opportunity for long healthy life. Some of the dog food for Rottweilers include Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition, Nom Nom Dog Food, PureBites Lamb Liver Freeze-Dried Dog Treats, etc.
Feeding
Male and female Rottweilers should feed 4 to 6 cups of kibble per day served twice. It is good to note that the male may need more food than the female counterpart. As for the puppies, they need fewer portions of food in more servings per day.
Rottweiler Allergies
Common allergies that affect Rottweilers include:
Food allergies – true food allergies in Rottweilers will cause an immune response which causes skin conditions symptoms and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Skin allergies – this allergy in Rottweilers is caused by contact, environmental, and food allergies.
Contact allergens – This is an inflammation that occurs when the skin of the Rottweiler comes in contact with an allergen including latex, medication, carpet cleaning detergents, and grooming products. Plastics have also been identified as potential contact allergens for these dogs. So it is advisable to switch to their food and water into a stainless glass or steel bowls. Contact allergens cause excessive scratching, biting, and licking which may lead to hair loss and secondary bacterial infections. The most affected body parts by contact allergens include belly sides and paws.
Environmental allergies – A Rottweiler lacks an undercoat on the back, legs, and belly sides. This makes it more susceptible to environmental and contact allergens. Some of the environmental allergens that cause allergic inflammation in Rottweilers include dust and dust mites, house molds, ragweed, fleas, mites, pollen, grass, and mosquitoes.
Common symptoms for environmental allergies include a runny nose, swollen eyes, and scratching and licking of various body parts including the muzzle, groin, armpits, ears, eyes, paws, between the toes, belly sides, and face. In order to curb this allergy, develop a habit of wiping the coat and paws of tour dog with a damp cloth to remove the allergen present when it returns in the house after an outdoor activity.
Skin Allergies
Skin allergies in Rottweilers may be triggered by food, contact, and environmental allergens. However, skin problems also makes the coat vulnerable to skin inflammation. Rottweilers require a diet with high protein requirement as compared to other breeds. Inadequate protein can result in skin problems. Skin allergies may also be due to flea. Common symptoms of skin allergies include itchy, flaky, and red skin.
A Rottweiler that is suffering from skin allergies is also likely to bite, chew, and scratch at their paws and skin. This breed is also more prone to atopic dermatitis which is an inflammatory skin condition caused by allergies. Skin allergens may also cause dry flaky skin on various body parts including paws, joints, ears, face, underside, and joints. A Rottweiler may also exhibit skin allergies symptoms but it is suffering from seborrhea, eczema, and folliculitis. It is therefore, recommended for a Rottweiler owner to take the dog to a vet once they notice these symptoms for proper diagnosis.
Rottweiler Food Allergies
True allergies in Rottweilers although rare cause an immune response which results in gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and/or vomiting as well as skin conditions symptoms such as hives, pruritus, dermatitis, facial swelling, and crusting lesions.
However, a Rottweiler may also suffer from food intolerance or sensitivities as a result of a gradual response to an offending ingredient in the food including turkey, beef, chicken, pork, fish, dairy products, beef, eggs, corn, colorants, additives, soy, lamb, etc.
Remember, food intolerance does not result in an immune response. Common symptoms exhibited by a Rottweiler that is suffering from food allergies include foot infections, vomiting, ear infections, poor coat and skin, and diarrhea. Dog owners should thus work with the Vet to determine the culprit that is causing food sensitivities or food allergies.
Hair Loss
Hair loss is normal for Rottweilers when they shed in moderate levels all-year round. These dogs also experience excessive hair loss due to seasonal change especially during spring and/or fall. Apart from normal shedding, Rottweilers may experience hair loss due to:
Hypothyroidism – this is a condition that leads to inadequate production of a hormone, thyroxine by the thyroid gland. This hormone helps in controlling metabolism. As a result, the coat is affected which leads to hair loss. This condition is usually experienced by dogs between the age of 4 to 10 years.
Allergies – Rottweilers suffer from different forms of allergies including skin, contact, food, and environmental allergies. Allergies cause excess scratching, licking, and biting due to itchiness and irritation. Biting and licking leads to hair loss, sores, and even secondary infections.
Hormones – During the heat cycle, a Rottweiler is likely to experience an increase in hormones especially in estrogen levels which is likely to cause coat thinning or hair loss.
Stress due to separation anxiety cause anxiousness and restlessness. As a way of relieving some of this tension, a Rottweiler may resort to excessive licking which causes lick granuloma. This is a condition that causes hair loss in the excessively licked body parts.
Mange – This is a condition that results in hair loss, scrabs, and sores due to mites. Mites cause rubbing, itching, licking, and scratching of the affected body parts.
Speed
Based on the fitness level of a Rottweiler, it may run to a speed of between 18 to 25 miles per hour ( approx. 29 to 40 km/h ).
Muzzle
A muzzle is a device that should only be used for a short period. A dog owner is encouraged to put a muzzle on a Rottweiler in a situation where he or she is not sure how the pooch will react to a new stimulus. A dog that is pain is prone to biting. Therefore, when transporting a Rottweiler that is in some kind of pain due to injury or disease use a muzzle.
AKC also encourages dog owners to create positive associations with the accessory through the use of praise and rewards. Therefore, it will be easy to put a muzzle on a dog when it is really needed. Avoid using a muzzle to correct bad habits such as chewing and barking.
Collar
A collar is flexible and allows an ID tag. It is also recommended for a dog that is not prone to pulling. On the other hand, a harness is good for a dog that has certain health conditions including breathing problems, glaucoma, and spinal malformations. A harness is the most preferred device for a dog that pulls on the leash to avoid neck injuries.
Neck Size
A collar rests around the neck. Therefore, the collar size is equivalent to the neck size. The neck size | collar size of a Rottweiler is 24 to 30 inches ( approx. 61 to 76 cm).
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is A Rottweiler A Good Family Dog
Yes, it is affectionate, loyal, alert, and makes an excellent guard dog.
Are Rottweilers Aggressive
Yes, they are aggressive towards strangers and exhibit average aggressiveness to their owners and family members. However, socialization is key in reducing aggression.
How Long Is A Rottweiler Lifespan
Rotties have anaverage lifespan of 8-10 years. However, Female Rottweilers tend to live longer as compared to males.
Rottweiler Quick Facts
- This breed was officially recognized by AKC in 1931.
- Rottweilers are aggressive towards strangers.
- They are prone to suffer from food, skin, contact, and environmental allergies.
- Rottweilers are oblivious to their size and like to sit on laps.
