Character of the Rottweiler: who is better to take a bitch or a dog?

The character of a dog depends on heredity and breed characteristics, but proper upbringing and training is also of no small importance. In this article we will tell you about the natural characteristics of the breed and how to properly start raising and training your pet.

Rottweilers are considered one of the most ancient breeds. They drove herds, guarded houses and borders. Much was left behind and, in the city of Rottweil in southern Germany, they became the best working breed. Rottweilers are classified as mastiffs and played an important role in the development of the Dobermann much later.

1. Country of origin : Germany
2. Height at withers : male: 61–69 cm, female: 56–63 cm
3. Weight : male: 50–60 kg, female: 35–48 kg
4. Lifespan : 8-11 years
5. Use : Service Dog, Watchman, Companion Dog, Shepherd
6. Other names : Roti, butcher's dog, Rottweiler-Metzgerhund

Content

• The main character traits of a Rottweiler: female or male?
• Rottweiler character

• Basic commands
• Raising a dog

In this article you will learn what features of character and behavior are inherent in the Rottweiler. After studying this information about the temperament and disposition of a Rottweiler at different ages, you will get an idea about the breed. Find out how the character of a bitch differs from the behavior of a dog. We hope our article will help you figure out which gender of puppy is best for you.

Dossier

Adult height: male 61-68 cm, females 56-63 cm. Weight: male 43-59 kg, female 38-52 kg. Characteristic color: black with red or reddish tan. Coat length: short. Life expectancy: 8-11 years. Advantages of the breed: loyal, intelligent dog, good watchman and security guard. Difficulties of the breed: slow, can be aggressive, eats a lot. Average price of a Rottweiler: $300-1000. Classification: large breed, service dog, herding dog, guard dog, guide dog, rescue dog.

The main character traits of a Rottweiler: female or male?

The Rottweiler puppy is an active and restless pet. If you take care of and train your puppy, you can avoid pampering. Constant damage to things does not indicate the baby’s bad character, he is just very active and needs somewhere to throw out his energy. You can buy toys for him, he will be active with them, direct his energy to playing with them. Already from 3-4 months (the time of socialization), he is able to perceive the general rules of education. At this time, it is important to begin socializing and training the dog.

Breeding

Breeding Rottweilers is not the easiest thing to do. And it’s not just that raising a litter, which can include nine or more puppies, is expensive, both morally and financially.

Difficulties begin already at the stage of selecting a partner: he must not only be good in appearance, but also have a balanced temperament and a character typical of the breed.

In addition, the dog must be completely healthy and come from lines free of dysplasia and other hereditary diseases.

Usually, dogs occur 11-14 days after the start of estrus.

Mating is carried out in the territory that the male considers his own: there he will feel more confident . In this case, both dogs must wear collars, and the bitch must also have a muzzle.

If the dog is vicious, then he also needs a muzzle.

If everything went as it should and the mating was successful, then approximately a two-month waiting period for the puppies begins, which ends with the birth of 3 to 12 babies.

Rottweiler puppies are relatively small in size, and therefore females of this breed give birth on their own and quite easily .

A female dog can be bred no earlier than she is one year and eight months old, and a male dog no earlier than one and a half years old.

Bitch: character

There is an opinion that Rottweiler bitches have a more submissive and gentle character. But experts believe that character largely depends on heredity and individual characteristics. There are always exceptions, bitches with a very difficult character, and there are males with an easy-going and submissive character. But still, there is a difference in the behavior of the sexes. There are advantages and disadvantages for female and male genders.

Advantages:

• Strong relationship with owner and home
• Emotionally sensitive perception
• Girls are smarter and smarter than boys
• Accepts training tasks well
• During walks, he runs less in the bushes
• Doesn't rush at strangers
• The breed is ideal for breeding, just one assessment from the exhibition is enough

Flaws:

• Sly
• Periodic menstruation

Purpose

During World War II, Rottweilers were harnessed to transport weapons and sacks of coal. Nowadays, these animals serve in the army and police. It is also believed that this breed is best suited for rescuing people after earthquakes, tsunamis and other destructive disasters. Some dogs are used as guard dogs or as guide dogs for blind people.

Male: character

Advantages:

• High performance, very durable
• Solid appearance, a big plus for exhibitions
• Persistence in achieving results in the learning process

Flaws:

• Independent and more stubborn than a girl. Requires more strict training than a girl.
• To fulfill your physical and natural needs, you need a longer time for walks. According to physiology, he is not capable of quickly emptying the bladder.
• Can run away from its owner if it smells a female in heat.
• During the period of estrus in females, fights with other males are possible.

Gender selection

When choosing a Rottweiler puppy, you need to consider its gender. After all, there is a significant difference between males and females.

Males are larger than females, they look impressive. This is a big plus for show dogs. And the impressive appearance combined with security qualities will scare off any intruders. Their shortcomings are excessive stubbornness and aggression. Males are suitable only for experienced owners who can tame a headstrong pet.

We should not forget that it is common for male dogs to suddenly run away after current females.

Bitches will also require leadership qualities from their owner. However, they are more trainable and bond more strongly with their owners. The disadvantage of female dogs is periodic estrus. On such days, the bitch's behavior deteriorates. Also, the owner of the bitch will have to deal with pregnancy and childbirth in his pet.

Is it possible to influence and correct the character of the Rottweiler?

Raising and training a Rottweiler is of great importance, as soon as you bring him into your home. Do not allow people to chew things, stop attempts to pester strangers while walking, do not allow them to eat from someone else’s hands, pick up food from the floor, or beg for food from you while eating. It is forbidden to jump on and bite people, even to show your love. Only training and proper upbringing will change a dog’s character for the better. The puppy training process is based on the method of motivation, encouragement and praise. It is prohibited and unacceptable to treat the dog harshly during training.

Color variations

The only acceptable standard color for a Rottweiler is black and tan..

But, besides him, from time to time dogs with non-standard colors are born, such as pure black, gray, brindle, reddish fawn, golden, white.

Also, Rottweilers may have white markings of varying sizes, located on a main, darker background.

CAREFULLY!

Any other colors other than black and tan are considered a defect in the breed: such dogs are not allowed for exhibitions or for breeding.

How to raise a Rottweiler puppy

If you train your pet correctly, then over time you will get an obedient dog that will follow all commands and delight you every day. Experts believe that several factors may influence the Rottweiler’s susceptibility to following various commands:

• pet's temperament - the speed of the pet's reaction to stimuli, both positive and negative;
• character - how exactly the dog resists various unpleasant influences;
• obedience - the dog’s ability to accept human leadership;
• vigilance - the speed with which the dog notices potential danger, both in relation to itself and in relation to the owner;
• aggressiveness - the pet’s ability to react hostilely to potential danger;
• curiosity - interest that is developed when a dog feels, hears and sees something;
• sociability - the ability to interact with people;
• possessiveness is the interest shown by animals in certain objects, for example toys.

How quickly your dog will learn commands depends on which traits predominate in the character of a Rottweiler puppy. By paying attention to the character traits of your animal, you can find an approach to it and adjust its behavior in certain situations.

• Eagerness will get you nowhere . You should not try to teach your Rottweiler puppy all the commands at the same time; you need to learn the commands one by one. You need to have patience and act methodically. You should not scold your pet at the moment when he makes mistakes, and when he succeeds in something, then the pet should be encouraged.
• Don't hit . It is prohibited to use physical punishment against a pet. You should limit yourself to variable intonation, but avoid shouting. Once the Rottweiler puppy is three months old, it is allowed to use a light spank as punishment while saying the phrase “Ew.” It is necessary to punish immediately when the animal commits an offense, and not after it, since the animal simply will not understand what exactly it was punished for.
• Subsequence . The main goal is to ensure that the pet follows the command the first time. Commands should be pronounced clearly and in an even voice so that the dog understands and obeys you. All family members should be involved in raising the dog, but they must act together. It is forbidden to allow situations in which you scold the puppy, and another family member praises him or simply does not pay attention.
• Pamper . Remember to reward your Rottweiler puppy with a variety of treats and praise when he has done what is asked of him.

Origin story

The ancestors of Rottweilers were herding dogs of the Molossoid type, which appeared in ancient times..

They were also widely used as hunting and guard dogs, thanks to which the suitability for a wide variety of work was established in the breed at the genetic level, which later, already in the 20th century, made it possible to further expand the scope of Rottweilers: they began to be used in police work, as rescue dogs, as well as for guard duty.

In the Middle Ages, the main task of Rottweilers was herding livestock, driving them to another pasture and protecting them from predators . These dogs were also used on farms in Germany to transport goods and as bodyguards and fighters.

In those days, when breeding dogs, people paid attention only to their working qualities, which is why they often practiced crossing Rottweilers with other Molossians.

Before the adoption of the modern standard, the dog population was distinguished by a wide variety of colors and was unequal in size and type of build.

Basic commands

You will use some commands more often, others less often. But they will still come in handy to easily interact with the Rottweiler and even keep him safe in various situations.

• Aport. One of the most difficult teams. Many people perceive it as very easy and simple, but with many dogs you will have to work hard. This skill is used for other exercises: searching, searching, selecting an item and many others. Usually they are all used in service. When working out a command, “Aport” and “Give” are used, and a gesture is also used.
• Give. On the command “Give” the dog must give up the object.
• Lie. A connecting command that needs to be learned for other commands. In addition, it will not interfere at home or on the street.
• To me. You will need to use this command quite often. So start with it immediately after your Rottweiler puppy has learned his name. Never call the dog to punish, and do not scold if it comes on its own, even after mischievousness before it. This behavior on your part may alienate the animal.
• Place. A puppy or an adult dog must clearly know where his place is located. He can sleep anywhere, if you allow it, of course, but he must know this command. You can use it outside the home, marking the place with a leash or your favorite toy.
• Near. It is possible to teach your pet the “Near” command at any age, be it an adult dog or a small puppy. When you move to a new home, you should immediately think about training your puppy.
• Sit. One of the very first commands that a Rottweiler puppy should learn.
• Stand. The command is useful in everyday life, for example, for combing a dog.
• . The prohibiting command is one of the most mandatory and taming it begins from the first day the puppy appears in the house. Requiring the command “Fu!”, “No!”, “No!” - immediately stop the unwanted action.

Health and major diseases, life expectancy

Rottweilers are strong and resilient animals.

However, they are predisposed to a number of diseases, including the following ailments:

• Dysplasia.
• Osteochondrosis.
• Retinal atrophy.
• Cataract.
• Turning of the eyelids.
• Obesity.
• Diabetes.

In addition, these dogs do not tolerate extreme heat well and can easily overheat or get sunstroke.

The average lifespan of Rottweilers is 10-12 years .

Proper care and good living conditions can prolong the life of a Rottweiler.

Raising a dog

Education is the process of shaping Rottweiler behavior acceptable to the owner, when this behavior is not regulated by commands.
During upbringing, a dog develops relationships with its owner, family members, passers-by, behavior in the house, on the street, and relationships with other dogs. The training process begins immediately when the dog first appears in the house and continues throughout the dog’s life. Regardless of the dog's breed, it must be trained. Just as people do not like ill-mannered people, dogs should also know what is allowed and what is not allowed. Raising a dog is a rather complex process, which is not limited to learning just a few commands. The main goal of education is that the dog should become pleasant to talk to. In addition, it must be manageable at some points, otherwise it will be very difficult for the dog owner. In the broadest sense of the word, dog training is about teaching the dog commands such as “Bad” and “No”. But besides this, the dog must know what is good and what is bad, even in those moments when the owner is not around. Some believe that the Rottweiler only understands commands, but cannot generalize. Only those who, as a rule, never had dogs, and studied them only in laboratory conditions, in which dogs were not able to show their full potential, are convinced of this, as well as those who, due to their personal qualities, were unable to establish a relationship with pet. In real life, the Rottweiler is a pack animal and therefore, like any other pack animal, needs to communicate with members of its family. In this situation, the dog’s family members are people. It is quite stupid to think that if a dog caresses you, this means that his skin is itching. In order for a dog’s nervous system to function normally, it needs affection, love, communication, and praise. In addition, so-called “inhibiting factors” are required, because if the dog is allowed everything, then this will not lead to anything good. When raising a Rottweiler puppy, you should pay attention to the genetic characteristics of the breed. A family is a pack in which there must be a leader, in this case the leader is a person. The leader punishes, plays, feeds, caresses, praises and scolds. All other members of the owner's family are ranked by rank. At that moment, while the puppy is small, all other family members are senior to him. However, in the process of growing up, around the age of one year, the dog begins to look for its place in the hierarchical pyramid. Naturally, she will try to take the step that is as high as possible. She can do this with the help of force, in the case of large dogs, or with the help of cunning, as small dogs do. The more ill-mannered the dog is, the more difficult this process will be. If the owner from the first days shows his pet that the one who has the power is right, then he will turn out to be a frail neurotic or an evil beast with whom you will hardly communicate with joy. A Rottweiler puppy must understand that he must obey people, since they love him, feed him, and raise him. Understand that prohibitions are not the whim of the owner, but a way to protect everyone from trouble. The main influence on the dog should be the voice. From the first days of being in your home, the puppy must realize that you love him, and if you raise your voice, then this means that he is doing something wrong. One of the best incentives for a pet is considered to be a treat, which should be given out for good behavior and listening to commands. Character of the Rottweiler: who is better to take a bitch or a dog?

Vaccinations

The lifespan of a large breed dog is about 8-10 years. Sometimes this figure can increase for another 3-4 years. Due to their brutal appearance and fairly large build, Rottweilers give the impression of being strong and hardy. However, this breed of dog has plenty of its own diseases.

Innate immunity acquired through mother's milk protects the puppy for up to two months after birth. Further, starting from the age of two months, it is necessary to develop the acquired immunity of the dog through timely vaccination.

This measure will further help protect not only the dog’s body from various types of diseases, but will also protect the household members themselves from possible health problems. Agree, an unvaccinated dog infected, for example, with rabies, will pose a threat to others .

The vaccine is usually placed either in the scruff of the neck or in the hip of the puppy. For each dog, the veterinarian creates a special medical passport, which records all the procedures performed. According to the vaccination rules, Rottweiler puppies must be vaccinated against:

• rabies;
• adenovirus;
• leptospirosis;
• parainfluenza virus;
• parvovirus enteritis.

The first vaccination for a puppy is carried out at the age of 6-8 weeks. This is usually done by breeders, so most likely your puppy will already have his first vaccination. Booster vaccinations will be needed every three weeks until the puppy is 20 weeks old. Further, up to two years, revaccination is done against plague, parvovirus and parainfluenza virus.

Intelligence

This dog, as befits standard German breeds, is distinguished by excellent discipline, attentiveness, the ability to perceive education and an unbending will.

Breeders and professional breeders claim that in terms of training, the Rottweiler breed is one of the most susceptible. Representatives have developed intelligence and excellent memory. Thanks to this, they can make independent decisions depending on the circumstances. Rottweilers can react to any troubles that arise without panic.

Representatives of the breed are ready for hard work. By the way, the level of intelligence directly depends on the physical form of the dog. If a Rottweiler (boy or girl - it doesn’t matter) performs all kinds of tasks, then it will develop.

Representatives of the breed are endowed with adaptive abilities. Dogs can adapt to the rhythm of the owner’s life, knowing his emotional state and habits.

External data

What is a Rottweiler? Let's start describing the breed with its appearance.

The Rottweiler is a compact and proportionally built, strong dog. The main qualities of the breed are irrepressible energy, endurance and strength. The dog's movements, regardless of body weight, are light and free.

In order not to make a mistake and choose a real representative of the breed, and not a cross between a Rottweiler, you should know the main characteristics of the standard. So, the height of males at the withers is on average 65 cm, females - 60 cm. And the average weight of a Rottweiler is 47-48 kg.

The head can be of several types: heavy, normal, light and proportional. The ideal option is the average length of the skull, a pronounced transition from the forehead to the muzzle, ears located at a sufficiently large distance, and a moderately protruding frontal part of the skull.

An important indicator of the breed is the proportionality of the dog’s body and its head. A distinctive feature of the dog is its strong, wide jaws, which provide it with an almost “death” grip.

The Rottweiler's muzzle is wide at the base and narrows towards the tip of the nose. Teeth are the real “weapons” of the breed. There should be 42 of them in total. Dogs have a scissor bite.

The ears are medium in size, triangular in shape, set wide and high. The eyes are almond-shaped, dark, medium in size. The front edges of a dog's ears should lie close to the cheekbones, making the shape of the skull even wider.

The coat is generally black. But there are unique tans with reddish or reddish shades. The coat consists of undercoat, as well as outer and guard hairs.

Popular nicknames for boys and girls

The Rottweiler is a breed bred in Germany, and among its ancestors were ancient Roman hunting and herding dogs.

Therefore, German and Latin names are very suitable for these dogs.

Boys

Axel, Baden, Vivat, Gard, Dukat, Siegfried, Irwin, Kaiser, Lex, Maximum, Nord, Oscar, Pard, Rein, Stefan, Tref, Ulrich, Franz, Caesar, Edwin, Julius, Janus.

Girls

Alpha, Berta, Vita, Greta, Delta, Zena, Iris, Quinta, Lotta, Monica, Nika, Olivia, Parma, Rhonda, Stella, Troy, Ursula, Frida, Ceres, Erica, Juno, Jasper.