Rottweiler
The loyal and loving Rottweiler is popular amongst many dog lovers. Their strong stature and beautiful nature make them a family winner and an outright breed favourite in many countries.
Rottweiler At A Glance
| Lifespan | 8-10 years |
| Temperament | A confident and courageous breed of dog who adores their humans. |
| Suitable | An experienced dog owner dedicated to training and daily exercise. |
| Health | Generally a healthy breed of dog. However, like all dog breeds, the Rottweiler can be predisposed to specific health conditions. |
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Trainability
The Rottweiler, commonly called the ‘Rotty’, are easy to train and thrive from working alongside their owners. As a working breed, it’s no surprise to see these black beauties working as security and police dogs across the globe. However, as a powerful breed, training is a must. As well as socialisation from puppyhood. They are one of the V8 power-houses of the dog world and will require extensive training, socialisation and exercise to prevent any possible problems. This is not the breed for beginner dog owners. Suppose you intend to invite a Rottweiler into your home. In that case, you will need a comprehensive understanding and dog experience to ensure the breed is handled correctly so they grow into a well-rounded adult dogs. A Rotty requires a strong leadership and love.
Grooming
The Rottweiler is easy to groom but will shed during seasonal changes. Getting into the habit of grooming your pup twice a week will dramatically decrease the amount of hair on your dog and around your home. These dogs don’t typically smell but will benefit from a bath every few months unless they have rolled in something particularly stinky! Start nail clipping early so that your fully grown dog will tolerate his needed monthly nail maintenance.
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Common Health Complaints – Rottweiler
Rottweilers are typically healthy dogs, but like any dog breed, they can be prone to certain health complaints. Responsible breeding practices and regular veterinary care are essential to maintaining the health of your Rottweiler. Some common health concerns associated with the breed include:
- Hip Dysplasia: A genetic condition where the thigh bone doesn’t fit into the hip socket correctly, leading to lameness, pain and arthritis. Treatment typically involves surgery to correct the defect. Responsible breeding can help reduce the incidence of Hip Dysplasia.
- Elbow Dysplasia: Like Hip Dysplasia, this condition can affect the elbow joint of the Rottweiler, leading to pain, lameness and arthritis. Treatment can include weight management surgery and medication, depending on the severity of the condition.
- Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer): Rottweilers are a particular breed more predisposed to the onset of osteosarcoma, a malignant type of bone tumour. This condition is most often seen in older dogs. Treatment can involve amputation alongside chemotherapy.
- Heart Problems: Some Rottweilers may be prone to certain heart conditions, including aortic stenosis, commonly found in larger breeds. Depending on the condition, many heart conditions are treated with lifelong medication and veterinary monitoring.
- Hypothyroidism: A common condition affecting many breeds, including the Rottweiler, that is caused by an underactive thyroid gland, which can lead to weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems. Treatment typically involves medication to correct the hormone.
- Gastric Torsion (Bloat): known as Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV), Rottweilers can also be predisposed to this life-threatening condition commonly affecting deep-chested dog breeds, caused when the stomach fills with gas or food and twists. Immediate veterinary attention is needed, and often emergency surgery is required. Prevention is vital. Teaching your pup to eat slowly and preventing exercise before and after meals is essential.
- Panosteitis: Also known as puppy growing pains, this is a condition where there is inflammation of the long bones in young dogs, causing lameness. Common in large, fast-growing breeds like the Rottweiler, treatment can involve pain medication and rest. Most dogs will grow out of this condition over time.
- Entropion: Commonly affecting certain breeds, such as the Rottweiler, caused when the eyelid rolls inward, irritating the eye. It can also be a hereditary condition. Treatment can involve surgery to correct the affected eyelid and specialised eye drops.
- Allergies: Like many dog breeds, Rottweilers can also be prone to allergies, manifesting as skin irritation, itching, or gastrointestinal issues. Removal of the allergen (when possible) and diet changes, medications, and medicated shampoos may be required depending on the offending allergen.
- Dental Issues: Rottweilers can present dental problems, including gum disease and tooth decay. Regular dental care is essential, including professional teeth cleaning and inspection.
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Exercise Requirements
As a large, powerful dog, a bored Rottweiler can spell disaster for your backyard. So, adequate exercise and training are crucial to prevent destructive behaviours. Rotty’s love to run and play, so a good off leash romp is very beneficial, as too, a good brisk walk twice daily. They can habitually put on additional weight, so care needs to be taken when it comes to treats and exercise during the winter months. They thrive on routine and training, so keep this in mind when considering the breed.
Intelligence
The Rottweiler is known for their high intelligence levels, making them a wonder to train and work alongside. A well-bred Rottweiler will be intelligent and calm with a good temperament. However, seeking a good breeder is imperative (see below). They also require an intelligent, educated, experienced owners to ensure they grow into a well-behaved and happy dog.
Family Friendly
Rottweilers are naturally protective of their loyal and loving owners, and when bred, trained and socialised correctly, the breed is well-known for being an excellent family dog. They are caring and affectionate and make great family pets. As with all breeds, socialisation is vital to ensure your Rotty responds well to life in a busy home. Rottweilers that have grown up in a house full of loud children, running cats and other pets will tolerate and love them. However, if they have not been socialised with children or other dogs and cats, it can cause problems.
Indoor/outdoor?
The breed doesn’t typically cope with hot or freezing weather. So, if you consider keeping your pup outside all day, the correct shade and warmth must be considered. Only exercise your Rotty during the cooler parts of the day to prevent overheating and heatstroke. They are beautiful house dogs and will happily sleep the day away when exercised and trained correctly.
Responsible Breeding
It is vital to only source your new Rottweiler from a reputable breeding establishment to ensure your puppy is healthy. Ask all the important questions about hereditary conditions listed above, and, if possible, ask to see Mum and Dad. You can also contact your local Rottweiler breed club and research your chosen breeder. Your breeder should have proof that they regularly test their dogs for genetic diseases and to ensure that the dogs they are breeding from have sound temperaments. It may take a little more time than a quick purchase, but it can save you and your family from the heartache a sick puppy can bring.
Contact PIA for Pet Insurance
PIA is a family owned pet insurance company for Australia, and we have a long and successful history of helping owners care for their Rottweilers. Contact us today to learn more about our range of simple, flexible and affordable cover options.
