Elaine Waldorf Gewirtz - Rottweiler

CONTENTS

By Allan Reznik, Editor-at-Large, DOG FANCY magazine

Meet the Rottweilera handsome black and tan working dog who can protect livestock, watch over home and hearth, and be one of dogdoms most loyal companions.

Our simple two-page guide gives you all the necessary information about the Rottweilerin 300 words or less!

From military dogs of the ancient Romans to butchers dogs who drove the cattle to market to police dogs in Germany, the Rottweiler has a long and impressive history of loyalty and service to humans.

Find out how to choose a reputable breeder and pick a healthy puppy or how to work with a shelter or rescue organization to adopt a dog. Either way, there are plenty of Rottweilers out there waiting for homes.

You need to puppy-proof (or Rottie-proof) your house, as well as make sure that you have what your new dog needs to be comfortable, such as bedding, toys, and much more.

Your first job is getting your Rottweiler to do the doo where you want him to. Using a cratea.k.a. a modern-day denwill expedite the process.

Selecting a veterinarian means doing some research and planning your Rotties first vet visit. Also, learn what to do when everyday bumps and bruises occur.

Learn how to deal with external and internal parasites, skin problems, and medical and behavioral conditions common to the breed.

With proper knowledge and know-how, you can feed your Rottweiler a sound diet for optimal health and condition at all life stages.

From brushing and bathing basics to nail-clipping instructions, well have your Rottweiler looking his natural best.

Every dog needs basic training to become a well-mannered companion, and additional training advice will help you teach your dog to obey without hassle.

A well-behaved dog isnt just born that way. When problems arise, prompt and appropriate training will turn bad habits into good behavior.

Your Rottweiler has great potential in many sports and activities, whether for competition or just for fun. Harness his energy and build your bond as you train and play together.

Rottweiler, a Smart Owners Guide

part of the Kennel Club Books Interactive Series

ISBN: 978-1-593787-81-3 2012

eISBN: 978-1-593787-98-1

Kennel Club Books, An Imprint of I-5 Press, A Division of I-5 Publishing, LLC, 3 Burroughs, Irvine, CA 92618. Printed in China.

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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS CATALOGING-IN-PUBLICATION DATA

Gewirtz, Elaine Waldorf.

Rottweiler / by Elaine Waldorf Gewirtz

p. cm. -- (Smart owners guide)

ISBN 978-1-59378-781-3

1. Rottweiler dog.

SF429.R7G49 2012

636.73--dc23

2011031139

FOREWORD

K9 EXPERT EDUCATION

If you are bringing a Rottweiler into your home from a responsible breeder or a rescue group, congratulations! You have chosen a strong, loyal, discerning breed that is loved and admired throughout the world. Ironically, the Rottweiler is also one of the most misunderstood and maligned breeds. Rottweilers serve as a perfect example of the damage that can be done to a fine breeds reputation when inappropriate owners are drawn to the wrong dog, neglect his socialization and training, then dispose of the dog when he becomes a burden. Confident, well-behaved Rottweilers in the company of their proud, responsible owners demonstrate to the world what a great breed this can be in the right hands.

It is believed that the Rottweiler descends from the drover dogs of ancient Rome. The dogs traveled with the armies, keeping the herds of cattle intact to feed the troops during their long marches. At night, the dogs guarded the supplies. By the middle of the twelfth century, increased commerce in cattle meant that butchers required dogs to drive the herds to and from market. Rottweilers performed this role admirably until the middle of the nineteenth century, at which time cattle driving was outlawed. This had a profound effect on the breed, and the number of Rottweilers diminished significantly. By 1901, the Rottie had found a new calling as a police dog in Germany.

The Rottweiler has plenty of herding instinct and ability for working with livestock.

The same versatility that the breed demonstrated then impresses us today. Rottweilers are at home in both country and city settings, protecting children, pulling carts, herding stock for farmers, and assisting police. To do this, however, the Rottweiler must be calm, brave, and confident without being unnecessarily aggressive. The American Kennel Club breed standard states that the Rottweiler should respond quietly and with a wait-and-see attitude to influences in his environment. Adaptability is important in the breed.

Unlike glamorous breeds with abundant coats to groom and style, the Rottweiler has a classic look. The breed is medium-large in size, robust, and powerful. The Rotties coat is straight, coarse, dense, and always black in color, with markings in rust to mahogany. The head is broad; the expression is noble, alert, and self-assured. The neck is moderately long and well muscled; the chest is broad and deep. The Rottweiler trots with strong reach in front and powerful drive in the rear.

The Rottweiler standard does not penalize an aloof or reserved dog, as this reflects the character of the breed, nor does the standard fault an aggressive or belligerent attitude toward other dogs, something of which pet owners need to be aware. This is not a breed that lends itself to immediate friendships; however, a shy Rottweiler or one who appears unwilling to be approached must be excused from the show ring. The standard illustrates the ideal temperament of the breed. The Rottweiler is a hard, dominant dog, but he must be calm and dependable. Edginess and fearfulness are not appropriate traits for the breed.

Conscientious breeders socialize their Rottweilers from puppyhood on to be stable companions. Breed rescue groups must monitor the Rotties in their care, particularly the adult dogs, to ensure that they can cope with the rigors of life in active new households. The rescue group from whom you adopt your Rottie should be able to tell you if a particular dog is trustworthy around children, men, women, and other pets.

Allan Reznik
Editor-at-Large, DOG FANCY

With this Smart Owners Guide, you are well on your way to earning your Rottweiler diploma. But your Rottie education doesnt end here. You are invited to join