http://www.rottweilers.co.uk/

History..............

The Rottweiler, (pronounced Rott-vile-er), breed is an ancient one whose history stretches back to the Roman Empire when they were bred and used by the Romans for herding their cattle as they moved across their vast empire. The Roman army travelled through Württemberg in Southern Germany and the small market town of Rottweil. Here they interbred Roman cattle dogs with the indigenous breeds of Rottweil and its surrounding areas which led to versatility of performance. The Rottweiler is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, of herding breeds.

During the Middle Ages the Rottweiler was used for bear hunting and as a cattle herding dog. They had to guard the herd at night, prevent any cattle from straying, drive it long distances by day, and sometimes carry their master’s money around its neck.

Early on Rottweilers were of various colour, including red or grey. Depending on what work they were required to perform, the butcher used large or small dogs. The largest ones being used for pulling carts and the smaller ones for herding and driving animals.

Cattle herding was forbidden by 19th century law, and the Rottweiler was then without its job. They were then used as a draught dog by butchers, and even today when he is no longer used for pulling these little carts, his name continues to be linked with that of the butcher. Their name came from the small town of Rottweil in Wurtenberg, Germany, first of all being known as the ‘Rottweil Butcher’s Dog’ which was later shortened to Rottweiler.

After the driving of cattle was forbidden the Rottweiler population declined until in 1905 there was only one bitch left in the whole of Rottweil. The salvation of the breed came in 1910 when it was used as one of the four police working dog breeds. The other three were the Airedale, German Shepherd and Dobermann (a breed with Rottweiler related and bred from Rottweilers).

Two years later, one police dog gained much publicity by assisting in the arrest of fourteen drunken sailors in a German pub. Since that day the future of the Rottweiler was assured.

The first Rottweiler club in Germany, named DRK (”Deutscher Rottweiler-Klub” - German Rottweiler Club) was created the 13 January 1907, and that was followed by the creation of the SDRK (”Süddeutscher Rottweiler-Klub” - South German Rottweiler Club) on the 27 April 1907 and became the IRK (International Rottweiler Club). The DRK counted around 500 Rottweilers, the SDRK 3000 Rottweilers.

The various German Rottweiler Clubs amalgamated to form the Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiller Klub - e.V (ADRK) which is recognised worldwide as the home club of the Rottweiler.

Since being used as police dogs the breed has become popular with dog owners, and in 1935 was officially recognised by the American Kennel Club. In 1936, Rottweilers were exhibited in Britain at Crufts. In 1966, a separate register was opened for the breed. In fact, in the mid 1990s, the popularity of the Rottweiler reached an all time high with it being the 1st most registered dog by the American Kennel Club.

Today Rottweilers are used in Germany by the Police, Customs and Army. In Denmark they are mainly used for police duties. In Switzerland they are used by Customs, and in Norway some are used for mountain rescue work. They are also used as Border Guards.




What Are Rottweilers Really Like?

If you train and socialise your Rottweiler properly it will be a much loved member of the family giving you much companionship and security.

Rottweilers are very loyal, devoted, warm and intelligent creatures.

As a general fact they are dogs that do not bark unnecessarily and they are proven to be good watch dogs and warn when something isn’t right.

When a Rottweiler is matured, fit and healthy, it is a very calm dog that will love nothing more than to sleep or chew on a bone.

However, there is a downside to Rottweilers. The life expectancy of a Rottweiler is 8-10 years and they do not mature until the age of 2 years old.

Rottweiler health is a concern as they do have a poor immune system, more so as puppies. Puppy Rottweilers should be vaccinated to help them develop proper immunity to fight against common viruses that the average Rottweiler faces in life.

They are also at risk of hip dysplasia, tearing cruciate ligaments and heart problems as well as cancer.

It is so important to give them lots of proper training and socialising when they are puppies. If you fail to do this they can become unconsciously dangerous as adult dogs.

They play hard and can easily injure someone inadvertently. They also herd young children and other animals, bump, or nip them while doing so without meaning harm.

Rottweiler puppies are generally mouthy and you must teach them that this is wrong - more so as then tend to have temper tantrums.

Ensure that your Rottweiler is exercised frequently and will need some form of work (obedience, agility, herding, etc). If they become bored or improperly housed they can be destructive.

Feeding your Rottweiler is so important as this can be the most common reason for illness. Rottweiler puppies require a lot of very good, quality food. Sometimes a young male Rottweiler can eat as much as 8 - 10 cups of high, quality food per day - that’s an impressive 2 - 2 1/2 lbs!

When shedding they leave black “mouse balls” everywhere.


Rottweilers and Children


Rottweiler dogs are okay with children when they are trained correctly and well socialised.

The following training points should be considered when bringing up puppies and children together:

Do not let a small child pick up or carry a Rottweiler puppy. Puppies, like babies, are afraid of falling. They will often squirm and fight to free themselves. If successful, they may break a leg. (Vet bills are not cheap). If panicked they may even bite. Remember, in this case, it is not the puppy’s fault, but yours for allowing the situation to progress to the point where the puppy can no longer cope with it.

Encourage children to get down on the puppies level on the floor for fun and games. They can play all they like without either one getting hurt and the puppy is free to move away when he has had enough. A child may not realise the fact that he has inadvertently cornered the pup and set in motion a series of instinctive behavior mechanisms.

Do not expect the puppy to absorb endless punishment in the form of constant noise or teasing. He will learn to defend himself unless he has some place to go such as a crate, bed, corner or run where he can go when he does not want to be disturbed. Make certain that everyone understands that he is not to be disturbed there - and then make sure that he is not. He will come back out when he is ready.

Do not leave your dog unattended in the garden with small children no matter how trustworthy you may think your pet dog is. Although Rottweilers do enjoy children more so than many other breeds, they are not a miracle dog and must be treated the same as any other large dog when around children.

Do enlist the help of your child in the training of the dog. It will increase his sense of self importance, his concern and knowledge of animal behaviour. “If Bruno wakes then please take him outside right away so he won’t make a mistake in the house”. ”Watch him please in case I don’t notice, okay?”

Do insist that other children who come to play abide by the same rules that you expect of your own.

Do teach the dog to sit before he is given food or a treat, and to wait for an “okay” to take it. Your Rottweiler puppy will grow quicker than your toddler. If the sit stay becomes automatic they will sit before a child with food, hoping but never touching.

Never allow a small child to take the puppy’s food or bone as this could create a problem later when the puppy has grown into an adult dog.

Do give your Rottweiler simple obedience training so that he will be spared random scolding and confusion. Let children use the words “DOWN” and “SIT” as pleasant commands to a puppy and make sure the puppy is rewarded with a brushing or a tummy rub by their young master.

Do not expose an innocent passerby to your dog’s protective tendencies. Do not leave your Rottweiler and your small child outside a shop and expect them to take care of each other. Some well intentioned stranger may be bitten.

Do increase your child’s sense of responsibility and pride of achievement by letting him help as much as he can. Do not expect him to know what to do. Guide him.

Excellent info!
A rep for you :2431:

:2431: thanks lol.... only trouble is, reading about all these different breeds makes me want them all :2445: .... i still havent met paulas rottie, stan, yet :nhy:

I LOVE Rotts :love:
Super dogs as long as they're raised properly, they need a firm but fair hand or at least our Shadow does :2431:

Shadow is a great looking dog

Thanks hun, as soon as i see him again.. i'll make sure i have me camera with me :love: Hopefully soon cos Xsara and I are meant to be going to the beach with Shadow and my wee bruv

Lynne's brother's dog

My brothers Rott Shell is called Shadow

and why havent we got lots of piccies of him on the forum :shutittt: ....


my mates brother has a male rottie called diesel lol.... ive never met him but apparantly hes a handful...

I've put pics of him on before

have i seen them :thinking: ...

i could be having a blonde moment and just forgotten or i have completely missed them

Was months ago, will put more on in a bit :love:

ooh nice one hun.... look forward to that

Oh nice article, would say thanks but cant see the button so gave you some rep :2445:

Shadow is gorgeous Shelley, I always look forward to his pics we'll def have to sort something out, I've told Stan all about you, keep meaning to meet up then never do :2445: