Courageous, loyal and competent, the Rottweiler is a formidable specimen indeed. The breed’s background in various types of work makes it versatile and adaptable. And with Rottweiler pet insurance, dogs of this breed can also make for an excellent addition to the family. We’ll take a closer look at some of the breed’s characteristics on this page.
The workhorses of the dog-breed world, Rottweilers (or their ancestors, at least) marched with Roman armies into Germany – at which point they played the role of police dog. In fact, the name of the breed is reminiscent of this era. ‘Das Rote Wil’ means ‘the red tile’ and is in reference to the red-tiled villas that characterised the Roman baths found in southern Germany.
Within Germany, Rottweilers were originally bred for driving cattle to market. Later, the breed adapted to pulling a butcher’s cart – a slightly different task for an otherwise similar industry. And it wasn’t until the advent of the locomotive that Rottweilers developed the need for a new line of work.
The breed regained popularity after WWII and underwent a resurgence.
Today, Rottweilers make loving, loyal pets with a penchant for hard work and a protective nature.
Just be sure to take out an appropriate Rottweiler insurance policy to protect your pet’s health and wellbeing.
Our dog insurance plans offer coverage for up to 90%* of eligible vet bills, a 21-day cooling-off period, friendly customer service, and the added perk of 2 months free on any new pet insurance plans.
Given the background of the Rottweiler, it should come as no surprise that this breed makes a formidable guard dog. They’re large and fearless, with powerful jaws. Needless to say raising a Rottweiler requires plenty of obedience training to ensure that houseguests and the postman are treated with appropriate respect.
A typical Rottweiler is calm, courageous and self-assured. Whilst unlikely to make fast friends with strangers, a Rottweiler will shower its family members with love and affection. However, it’s worth noting that this dog fares best with an assertive master who understands the fundamentals of obedience training.
As with any dogs that are suitable to military or police training, your Rottweiler requires lots of early socialisation with other pets and strangers. Given the breed’s formidable size and stature, this provides others with assurances and helps them feel more comfortable around the dog.
Average Height
Female: 56-63 cm
Male: 61-69 cm
Average Weight
Female: 35-48 cm
Male: 50-60 cm
Temperament
Devoted, alert, self-assured, confident, calm, obedient, fearless, steady
Lifespan
8-10 years
Known Genetic Issues
Hip and elbow dysplasia, some types of cancer, enhanced susceptibility to parvovirus
Country of Origin
Germany
Exercise Requirements
Daily exercise such as an extended walk or a run is essential to the health of this breed.
Coat
Hard, thick and short double coat
Coat Colours
Black and tan (sometimes black and mahogany)
Specific Care Requirements
In order to maintain a healthy disposition, the Rottweiler requires plenty of positive human interaction and (in some cases) structured tasks or work to accomplish.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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hesitate to get in touch with Pet Insurance Australia. We offer a range of coverage options to ensure
your pet enjoys a long and happy life with the family.
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