Rottweiler

The Rottweiler has a muscular, massive, powerful body. The head is broad with a rounded forehead. The muzzle is well-developed, The wide nose is black. The lips are black and inside the mouth dark. The medium-sized eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The ears are triangular, carried forward. The tail is no longer docked. The chest is broad and deep. The coat is short, hard, and thick. It is black with rust to mahogany markings on the cheeks and muzzle, paws, and legs.

The Rottweiler is probably descended from the Italian Mastiff, which accompanied the herds that the Romans brought with them when they invaded Europe. During the Middle Ages, it was used as a herder, as a guard, messenger dog, draught dog, and for police work. It was bred in the German town of Rottweiler in Wurttemberg. Practically extinct in the 1800s, the breed population began a comeback in the early twentieth century due to the efforts of enthusiastic breeders centered in Stuttgart.

The Rottie is powerful, calm, trainable, courageous, and devoted to their owner and family. Loyal and protective, they will defend their family fiercely if needed, seemingly immune to pain. Serious, even-tempered, brave, confident, and courageous, this breed needs an owner who is strong-minded, calm, but firm and able to handle their massive size. A docile, natural guard dog with a laid-back, reliable temperament. They are highly intelligent and have proven their worth beyond question in police, military, and customs work over many centuries and can be trained for competitive obedience. Because of their size, training should begin when the dog is a small puppy.

The Rottweiler needs plenty of exercise. You can't give these robust dogs too much work or exercise; they thrive on it. They need to be taken on a daily walk or jog. Running in the woods and in open country makes them very happy and they have no desire to wander from you. Swimming or running beside a bicycle are perfect activities for this dog and it also loves retrieving a ball. The smooth, glossy coat is easy to groom. Brush with a firm bristle brush and bathe only when necessary.