Facts about Rottweilers

Here are some interesting facts about Rottweilers that you might not have heard before...

The very earliest Rottweiler standard allowed various coat colors including red, blue, grey and 'tiger striped'. White markings were also common. (Learn about rottweilers with red coat color on Red Rottweiler Page)

Rottweilers are slow to mature, and aren't usually considered adult until around 2 years of age. (Sometimes until around 3 years of age)

The average life expectancy for a Rottweiler is somewhere between 7 and 10 years.

Many Rotties 'talk'. It's a low, grumbling sort of sound - not to be confused with growling. I love it when mine do this, and it seems to me that it's a bit like a cat purring!

Rottweilers shed - A LOT! They may have a short coat that looks like it's wash-n-wear, but don't let that fool you. You'll need to groom your Rottie regularly and loose dog hair will become a part of your life.

The Rottweiler tendency to lean against people is a throw-back to the days when they were cattle drovers. They used to lean against the cattle to get them to move in a particular direction.

Between the 12th and 29th Centuries the Rottweiler was also known as the 'Metzgerhund' or 'Butchers Dog' as he was used to protect the Butchers' money on trips to and from markets.

Rotties are working dogs, and they're happiest when they have a job to do. Some activities that your dog can excel at include obedience, tracking, carting, and Schutzhund (a mixture of advanced obedience, protection and tracking.

Rottweilers make great service dogs and many of them work as Police, Search & Rescue, Customs, Guide or Therapy dogs./a-love-of-rottweiler/

Read More

The German Rottweiler

What Makes A German Rottweiler...... German?

There is a simple answer to that question, and it's this ....

In order to be considered German, a German Rottweiler has to be born in Germany, or have parents who are German born with ADRK (Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler Klub) registration papers.

But of course, it's not that easy and this is just the beginning of the story. Given the above statement, then all other Rottweilers born across the world are also 'citizens' of their country of birth, but this doesn't explain why German Rottweilers are considered to be superior.

To fully understand that part, consider a puppy's pedigree as the document that determines the quality of that puppy. A pedigree shows a puppy's bloodlines (or ancestors) - think of it as your pup's 'Family Tree'.

The quality of the dogs in your puppy's pedigree directly affect the quality of your pup, both in terms of looks ('conformation'), temperament and health. THIS is where the superior quality of German Rottweilers is found.

It's also where some of the confusion over German v American Rottweilers is often found. Let's put it this way.....

If your puppy was born in New York for example, he is by definition an American Rottweiler (by birth). But that isn't what determines the size of his head, the quality of his hips, or the type of temperament he has. His bloodlines do that.

If his Sire and Dam are German born and ADRK registered, the chances of your puppy being an excellent representative of the breed are very high - regardless of which country he was born in.

But why is a German Rottweiler so much better than an American (or British, Belgian, Australian etc.) Rottweiler? Why is having German-born dogs in your pup's pedigree so important?

The answer to that lies with the ADRK in Germany. The ADRK is basically the German breed club for the Rottweiler (the 'parent breed club' you could say), and it's main goal is to protect the Rottweiler breed.

What do I mean by 'protect the Rottweiler breed'? Well, the original slogan of the ADRK was

'Rottweiler breeding is, and remains, the breeding of working dogs'

This is an still a very important point today. Always remember that although your little guy or girl may be destined for a life of luxury, as a much-loved family companion, the Rottweiler is a working breed.

Rottweilers shouldn't just look like Rottweilers, they should act and move like Rottweilers too, and have the ability to perform the tasks/duties that the breed was originally designed for.

Read More

Rottweiler Health: Bone Diseases That Haunt Your Rottweiler

1. Hip Dysplasia

Hip Dysplasia

This is a genetically inherited disease that affects Rottweilers. Along with genes, over-vaccination and obesity are the other common causes of this disease. It can range from mild abnormality to extreme dislocation of the joint.

Symptoms

The dog could be limping or bunny hopping for a prolonged period of time.

Prevention

A good natural diet with supplements of chondro-protective medications should help your dog fight this disease.

2. Elbow Dysplasia

It is again a genetic disease, but can also be caused by a bad diet and injury. This disease causes the elbow joints of the front legs being malformed. This is because of the different growth rates of the three bones that form the elbow. This can also lead to osteoarthritis because the malformation damages the bones and cartilages. This problem can be seen when the pup is as young as four months.

Symptoms

One of the common symptoms is lameness of the front limb. Your dog might limp; he/she might stop putting weight on the front leg or drag it while walking. They may also hold the diseased leg away from body when they are walking.

Prevention

It is a lifelong problem and surgery is the only cure. In certain cases surgeries are ideal and can get rid of the disease all together.

3. Panosteitis

Panosteitis is also known as the long bone disease. It can cause sudden lameness in a growing pup or a young dog between 5 and 12 months of age. This disease can cause alternating lameness in one or more legs. The pain and limping can shift over a period of time that could be several weeks to months. The lameness is caused by excessive bone production in the front and hind legs. It generally effects dogs that are subjected a high protein diet.

Symptoms

It can cause inflammation, lameness and limping.

Prevention

Once over 18 months the dogs that are affected from this condition out grow the problem.

Rottweilers are large dogs that are prone to joint and bone diseases. Most of the diseases can be taken care by proper diet. /Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5689380/

Read More

Rottweiler puppy saves Chihuahua from a Coyote !!!

It could have been a dog's breakfast. But in just 30 seconds, the luck of tiny Chihuahua-wiener dog Trixxie turned thanks to the loyalty of a canine friend. 

While the little black chiweenie was lying in the sun about 7am, a vicious coyote hurled across a field and viciously attacked her.

Things weren't looking good, until the struggle caught the attention of a neighbor's dog.

Rottweiler Happy can be seen streaking across the screen, from out of nowhere, to rescue the tiny pooch. 

Through clouds of dust, Happy can be seen charging at the coyote who drops Trixxie. 

As the tiny Chihuahua runs for her life, the medium-sized Happy chases the coyote out of the yard./dailymail/

Video:

Read More

Ulrok - The Rottweiler Adopts An Abandoned Wolf pup !!!

He is a fully grown Rottweiler. She is a tiny wolf pup. 

But that hasn't stopped 18-month-old,150lb dog Ulrok and and eight-week-old cub Beldaran becoming best of friends 

They sleep together, frolic in the sun and even howl at the moon in unison - and their unlikely union brings a smile to the face of everyone who sees them.

Beldaran, who weighs just five pounds, was adopted by the Rottweiler when she was just four days old at the Kisma Preserve in Mt Desert, Maine, USA, after she was rejected by her parents.

Barking mad: Rottweiler Ulrok has become so close to wolf cub Beldarin they even howl in unison

Since then the unlikely pair have been inseparable in everything they do.

Both are rescue animals and spend all of their time together at the reserve where they are cared for at the centre's sanctuary. The organisation takes in creatures of all breeds and all sizes.

Preserve director Heather Grierson, 49, said: 'It's a true love story that has touched the hearts of everyone who visits the preserve.   

'You just can't be in a bad mood when these two are around. It's impossible to look at them and not feel good.'

Beldaran is lovingly described as a 'little accident' by the 12 staff at the sanctuary - who didn't know she was due and believed her rescued parents Gandalf, one, and Kahlani, two, were too young to have babies.

Both parents were handed in to the sanctuary when they were young.   

It is thought they had been snatched from the wild for the purpose of breeding them with dogs to make hybrids - a fad in America.   

'It causes many problems,' said Heather.   

'It's purely for fashion and people don't realise the difficulties of caring for these wild breeds. 

'Then they either dump them or hand them over to us.   

'It was a massive shock when Kahlani gave birth,' she added. 

'We didn't even know Gandalf had it in him and suddenly we had a little wolf pup on our hands.'

Sadly, because of her young age, Kahlani's maternal instincts failed to kick in and she ignored the new arrival.

Heather said: 'We started to get really worried because Gandalf didn't have a clue what to do and we were really concerned he might hurt Beldaran.'

In an effort to get the pup some maternal care, Heather and her team placed Beldaran with another canine at the centre - Yorkshire Terrier Mia - who had just finished raising her own litter and was still lactating.

But the Yorkie wasn't interested either and made every effort to avoid the pup that was being pushed on her. 'That's when Ulrok stepped up,' said Heather.

'Ever since Beldaran's arrival he had been trying to get involved in everything. He would clean her and when she was making her puppy whimpering he would bound over to investigate.

'He had such a massive interest in her that we decided he would be the best option and we could bottle feed the wolf. It worked out brilliantly.'

Now Ulrok - a rescue dog whose previous owners imported him from Europe and gave him up when they couldn't cope - and his new love eat, drink, play and sleep together. 

The duo have also become a huge attraction at the reserve. 

Once Beldaran is full size and can fend for herself, Heather plans to gradually introduce her to a group of adult wolves at the park to make sure she stays all wolf and is not alienated from her own species.

'At this stage it has all been about giving her a paternal figure and Ulrok accepted the role gladly. 

'At 18 months he is still a puppy in his head and he also needed a companion to play with.   

'It was a perfect match. Dogs and wolves are very similar biologically and they both need strong social ties when they develop.

'We'll eventually move Beldaran in with the other wolves in phases but I'm sure her bond with Ulrok will always be there. After all this time together they will never forget each other.'

Once Beldaran is full size and can fend for herself, Heather plans to gradually introduce her to a group of adult wolves at the park

Tough love: the wolf's new 'father' shows the youngster who is boss

Read More

Rottweiler's Tail Standard

A Rottweiler's natural tail is carried hanging while at rest, and often over the back when excited. It normally has a slight curve.

A Rottweiler does not hold it's tail in a stiff position sticking straight out from the body, but it can be captured appearing to stick straight out by a camera, with the picture taken at exactly the right moment, as the tail wags back an forth

    These are the Correct ways a Rottweiler keeps his tail !    

Read More

7 Tips to Bring Home a Healthy Rottweiler Puppy

7 Tips to Bring Home a Healthy Rottweiler Puppy

1. Don't ever buy a Rottweiler puppy from unethical breeders such as pet stores or Internet retailers who know virtually nothing about the breed and its genetic and temperament challenges. These people can often be identified by a tendency to advertise the extreme: Super large Rotties or exceptionally “game,” which is a code word for a dog who’s determined to win any fight he gets into. 
2. Choose a breeder who is not only willing but insists on being a resource in helping you train and care for your new dog. The ARC has guidelines on how to interview and select a Rottweiler breeder and any breeder who can't provide you with this documentation, or who tells you these health problems don't happen in her lines or aren't "really" a concern, is either dishonest or completely ignorant about Rottweilers. 
3. Ask your breeder to see the results of genetic screening tests. The American Rottweiler Club requires its member breeders to screen all breeding dogs for hip dysplasia. The clearance should be from either the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or the University of Pennsylvania (PennHip). ARC also requires breeders to have OFA clearance on breeding dogs' elbows, as those joints can also be dysplastic. Additionally, breeders must have their dogs' eyes cleared each year by the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF). Finally, OFA clearance of the parents' cardiac health is required. 
4. Look for a breeder who will do even more than the required minimum testing. Certification by the American Temperament Test Society (ATT), OFA clearance of the parents' thyroids, and certification that the parents are free of inherited bleeding disorders like Von Willebrand's Disease are all signs of a truly dedicated breeder. 
5. Consider an adult dog from a shelter or a rescue group. Many of the health and behavior problems in Rottweilers aren't apparent in puppyhood, but by adopting an older dog, most of them can be ruled out. In addition, Rotties can live 10 years or longer, so an adult dog will still be a part of your family for a long time to come. 
6. Puppy or adult, take your Rottweiler to your veterinarian soon after adoption. Your veterinarian will be able to spot visible problems, and will work with you to set up a preventive regimen that will help you avoid many health issues. Ask specifically about monitoring your dog for joint problems as well as heart and vision diseases. 
7. Make sure you have a good contract with the seller, shelter or rescue group that spells out responsibilities on both sides. In states with “puppy lemon laws,” be sure you and the person you get the dog from both understand your rights and recourses. 

Read Also:
Rottweiler Puppy Growth Chart
Rottweiler's Health

Read More

Rottweiler saves diabetic girl's life !

Pet rottweiler praised for helping to save diabetic girl's life

GRATEFUL Devan Crawford owes her life to a pet rottweiler.

Diabetic Devan, seven, was on the verge of a hypo – a seizure caused by low blood sugar – when Bruno sensed that she was in trouble.

He alerted Devan’s mum Karen by licking the little girl and sitting by her until she realised what was happening.

Mum-of-two Karen yesterday hailed the three-year-old rottweiler a “lifesaver”.

She said: “Devan is a type one diabetic and has to inject insulin twice a day.

“Bruno is very protective of her. He saved her life because he sensed she was about to hypo. She had just been released from hospital and had been really ill.

“She was lying on the couch and Bruno was all over her, watching her and pacing up and down and sitting by her side. He started licking her and managed to get my attention to go over and check on her.

“It is quite amazing he can sense things that humans cannot.

“It is thanks to Bruno that we got to her on time.”

Karen, 30, from Glenrothes, Fife, spoke out to highlight the gentler side of rottweilers as controversy rages over the breeding of a new “superdog” in Scotland.

The presweiler is a cross between a rottweiler and a rare Presa Canario. Its breeders came under attack from watchdogs and charities.

But Karen, who has had pure-bred Bruno since he was a pup and who owns four-year-old bulldog Bliss, said: “I think it is wonderful what they have done.

“They have created a beautiful breed of dog and there is no reason why they can’t get it recognised as a proper breed.

“I would take one in a shot if I didn’t already have two dogs. They will be amazing dogs and as long as they are treated right by their owners, they will make fantastic loving pets for any family.”

Karen also revealed her mum had at first been furious when she decided to get a rottweiler, saying she did not want one near her grandchildren.

She added: “That was three years ago and now they are best pals. She thinks the world of Bruno and her opinion of rottweilers has totally changed.

“I think it is totally unfair that rottweilers and Presas are branded devil dogs when it’s the owners to blame for their behaviour. You could say that about any dog who is mistreated and becomes aggressive.”

Read More

Leash Training A Puppy

Before you even begin leash training a puppy, you need to get the little guy or gal used to wearing a collar - and then a collar and leash.

A nylon collar is the best choice for very young puppies, but as Rottweilers are fairly sturdy pups, a fairly narrow and soft leather collar is also an option.

Start out by having your pup wear her collar for 15 - 30 minute stretches. If her breeder didn't acclimate her to the feel of a wearing a collar, she may well act as though you just wrapped a python around her little neck!

Scratching at it, pawing at it, trying to 'rub it off' by rolling around on the carpet - they're all perfectly normal reactions. She may even try to run away from the collar (difficult as it's actually attached to her), or sit stock still hoping it will magically disappear.

Your best reaction to her behavior is no reaction! You can try to distract her with a toy or a game, but don't touch or bring attention to the collar in any way. Ignore her complaints, and don't take it off her until she's forgotten about it and isn't fussing about it anymore.

After a few days, you'll be ready for the next step in leash training a puppy - that's actually using the leash! But, don't get too excited..... you still need to take it slowly, and for now all you want to do is attach a light leash to your puppys' collar and let her get used to feeling the weight of it.

In fact, you're not even going to hold the leash just yet.

Simply clip it onto her collar and let her drag it around the house for 10 mins or so at a time. Of course, you need to follow supervise her the WHOLE time she's doing this, as if it gets caught on something, or she gets tangled up in it she could be frightened, or even hurt. And that will set your puppy leash training efforts back somewhat.

For this part of the 'leash training a puppy' process, a light leash is best. 

A leather one is more likely to be chewed and played with, and a chain is just too heavy and could be dangerous. A lightweight (and cheap) nylon collar would be your best bet for now.

After a few days of running around with the leash dragging behind her, your puppy is now ready for you to join in the game. So, at your next leash training session, pick up the end of the leash and start to follow where she leads. She'll probably really enjoy this part!

This is also a good time to take a step up and you, puppy and leash can venture out into the back yard. She needs to feel totally comfortable with all of this before you move on. 

Read More

Rottweiler Training - Tips For New Rottweiler Owners

Training starts TODAY - not at six months!

If you wait until six months - it will be too late. Start the moment you get home. TONE OF VOICE is everything! Speak in a "honey" tone when your puppy is doing what you want - in a "venom" tone when he isn't! It is essential that the change in tone is "split second". The reprimand must be IMMEDIATE, QUICK and SHARP [like its mother would] - or the puppy doesn't associate your scolding, with what it has done.

Remember, do not make allowances for your puppy by letting it do anything you wouldn't want it to do as an adult. ALL puppies will: chew and mouth, pee and poop, dig holes, jump up - that's what puppies do! Your puppy is no different. 

Discipline

This is essential, but you must show your puppy what you want him to do first, then when he understands - praise him! Rottweilers want to please their owners, but occasionally can be quite stubborn. A simple `uh, uh` will usually be enough; sometimes a low growl; but if the puppy is more persistent - a shake over the scruff of the neck and a harsh growl into his face. You should NOT need to hit a puppy, ever.

"Honey" and "Venom"

Try to anticipate what he is about to do and say "uh, uh" or growl [in "venom" tone] when you know he is about to do something wrong - he'll think you're psychic! Then praise him in a "honey" tone the second he stops. TONE of voice is much more effective than shouting or walloping and its the best way to achieve the `rapport` which is so necessary for a good partnership. Develop a "positive" environment - praise him when he gets things right or is just being good - DON`T keep nagging him for getting things wrong.

Going Mental

When your dog has learned exactly what you want him to do, each time you give him a command, mean it, and make sure he obeys first time; then when he does obey - go "mental" with the praise!!

Socialising is vital

The first few months in a puppy's life are crucial. A puppy is like a blank piece of paper - what you put there is up to you. The right kind of socialising is extremely important. Before his vaccinations are complete you can take him to the street corner and just hold him in your arms (away from other dogs) and he will love the fuss strangers will want to make - and soon get used to passing traffic.

Once his jabs are complete, take him anywhere you know they like dogs; go to all public places; outside the supermarket or school is a good place and children will learn not to be afraid of him.

"Mouthing"

Any puppy will chew fingers if you stick them into its mouth! "Mouthing" IS NOT ALLOWED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES and is sometimes misinterpreted as a "bite" by people unfamiliar with the breed. If allowed to continue into adulthood this innocent demand for attention could develop into biting. A harsh growl, or even a scream, should stop this - do not let it develop.

Temperament

Rottweilers are impressive with a strong but sometimes dominant attitude; also they are extremely intelligent and loving. They love to play games as long as you do not let them get over-excited. As they are robust they need plenty of daily exercise, and obedience training will help to channel their exuberant nature. They can be wilful, so members of the family must establish their control over them from an early age, or they may refuse commands. They should be reared with common sense and mutual respect - firmly but fairly.

Dominance

DON`T misinterpret their dominant attitude towards other dogs with an aggressive attitude towards people - the first is their ingrained character; the second is bad breeding or lack of socialising. They can intimidate and dominate other dogs, as well as people - an aspect of their nature which should be controlled from an early age. They prefer humans to be "pack leader" - but if you aren't, they will be! Some men try to dominate their male Rottweilers by staring into their face - direct eye contact intimidates the dog. He doesn't like it, nor would you. He feels threatened by it - do not do it. Never let a male Rottweiler put his head over your neck or back, as he could be trying to dominate you.

Some Rottweilers become possessive over food. If this occurs, try to feed him by hand, or let him take the food from the bowl with your fingers still inside the bowl. If this has been done since puppyhood, he won't resent it.

Aggression

AGGRESSION should never be encouraged at any time. Some people actively encourage their guarding nature and THIS IS WRONG! Your Rottweiler will guard instinctively without any provocation from you. DON`T "wind him up". "Rough housing" and challenges of strength is not the way to control the Rottweiler. Eventually there will come a time when he will resent it, and will want to come out `on top` - but you must always remain "pack leader". His ingrained character needs firmness - not force. Be ASSERTIVE not DOMINEERING. Your `will` must be stronger - not your `physique`.

Exercise

Keep exercise to a minimum to start with - your garden should be enough until jabs are complete. Then little walks, gradually increasing each few days will be enough. PLEASE don't overfeed your puppy - you want a FIT Rottweiler not a FAT one. Don't let him run riot with older dogs, climb stairs or jump from the car. Lift him out or you could cause problems with his joints.

Socialise! Socialise! Socialise!

Daily

Brush your dog as frequently as possible (he will love the attention) and examine ears, eyes, mouth, feet, and touch private parts - this ensures your dog will not resent handling by the vet or anyone else, and is particularly important to maintain "mental" dominance.

PLEASE don't let your puppy into your bedroom or, WORSE STILL start out by sleeping on your bed or sofa. When he's adult, he may resent being pushed off and react as though it's his bed - then you're in trouble!! DON`T START IT.

Punishment

You must keep rolled-up newspapers in every room in the house. When the dog does something wrong, you must immediately grab a rolled-up newspaper - violently hit yourself over the head several times with it whilst saying "bad owner, bad owner, bad owner"! When a dog does wrong, it's usually the human's fault (because he has failed in his training) not the dog's!

Remember - think like a dog!

Video: Amazing Trained Rottie

Read More

Help your Rottweiler to live longer

Once you've brought your new Rottweiler puppy home, you can help him have a long, healthy life by following these guidelines.... 

1) Make sure he gets his puppy vaccinations on time and that he completes the full set of required shots, plus any 'optional' ones that are recommended for the area you live in.

2) Keep him free of canine parasites such as worms, fleas, ticks and more

3) Feed him a premium, properly balanced puppy food (see Feeding Puppies and Best Puppy Food Recommendations for advice)

4) Keep your growing pup/dog 'lean' and continue this into adulthood.Carrying excess weight puts undue strain on the heart and other major organs as well as predisposing your Rottweiler to other health problems such as diabetes.Rottweilers were not bred to be 'giant' or 'XL' dogs, and overfeeding your pup won't make him bigger and stronger. Instead it will simply make him fatter and weaker!  In fact a 14-year study conducted by Nestle Purina PetCare Study (although not specific to Rottweilers) found that leaner dogs live on average 2 years longer than their overweight counterparts.

5) Give him the right amount of exercise and rest

6) You can do a lot to help increase Rottweiler life expectancy by maintaining regular veterinary check ups, vaccinations and deworming. Also, get help quicky if you are concerned about your Rottie's health at any time. Prompt treatment can eliminate or reduce the progress of any condition and saves discomfort, worry and money.

7) I recommend getting your Rottweiler pup enrolled in a dog health insurance plan while he's young and in good condition. It will save you a LOT of money should your Rottie develop a serious health condition or be involved in an accident. It also can quite easily save your pet's life!

8) Neutering or spaying your pup can help reduce the incidence of reproductive order cancers and other problems, therefor increasing Rottweiler life span. However, it seems that early spaying/neutering (prior to one year of age) may increase the risk for certain bone cancers (see this report for more information and explanation).  (Whether this possibly increased risk is balanced out by the decreased risk of reproductive organ cancers I'm not sure but it's something that I will be continuing to study so that I can give you the best information possible)  One other interesting point is that overall female dogs tend to live just a little bit longer than males.

If you are a Rottweiler owner whose dog is lucky enough to have a longer than average Rottweiler lifespan and who has reached the ripe old age of 13 years (human years of course!), then there's an 'Aging Research Initiative' that needs your help!  It's being undertaken by The Center for Exceptional Longevity Studies, Gerald P. Murphy Cancer Foundation and The Center on Aging and Life Course at Purdue University.  The data researchers have this goal - 'to better understand aging and the factors that influence exceptional longevity in dogs and humans' and they're starting with our wonderful Rottweiler breed!

Visit this webpage gpmfc.org to find out how you and your Rottweiler can be involved.

ALSO READ! 
Why don't Rottweiler live longer
Rottweiler's life span

                                               VIDEO: Hungry Rottweiler puppies

Read More

Puppy saves owners life

When Gregory Gould adopted a dog from his friend’s neighbor, he thought he was getting a
companion, not a savior.

However, a savior is exactly what border Rottweiler mix Snickers became when he helped alert police after his owner had collapsed.

Snickers is being honored as one of four 2013 inductees to the Purina Animal Hall of Fame, a list of pets and service animals that have saved human lives.

According to website Mississauga, the dog was found pacing and barking franticallyoutside a neighbor’s house in Oshawa, Ontario in March 2012. Police concluded that the dog lived next door and decided to check out the house. Upon arriving at Gould’s residence, Constable Rob Garnett peered in a window and saw a man’s legs on the floor, according to Snickers’ Purina Hall of Fame profile. Garnett and his partner broke down the door and were able to bring Gould to a hospital. The man suffers from chronic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and had collapsed when the air machine he relies on stopped working properly.

Even more incredible is the fact that Snickers had been locked in when his owner collapsed. Garnett found the glass on the back door of the house shattered and its latch triggered, leading him to conclude that Snickers had repeatedly slammed his body into the door until it broke. The dog also broke through a fence in the backyard in order to reach the street.

“My father has always rescued animals,” Gregory’s son Jeff Gould told Mississauga. “It was his turn to be rescued.”Though memorable for his determination and physical will, Snickers is far from alone in proving the old adage that dogs are man’s best friend. Another of the pets honored by Purina this year, a 12-year-old Labrador mix named Vicious, fought off a cougarthat had pounced on its owner in Trail, British Columbia, according to Durham Region.

Read More

Rottweiler Grooming - The Bath

Unless your Rottie is playing in the mud on a daily basis, or rolling in stuff that smells none too good, then he really doesn't need to be bathed too often.

Also, his sensitive skin is prone to becoming over-dry, and when it comes to Rottweiler grooming it's important to use only very gentle and moisturizing shampoo.

While your Rottweiler is a puppy you will be able to bathe him in the tub quite effectively, but once he weighs closer to 80lbs than 8lbs, it won't be quite so straightforward. Because of that, if you have a walk-in shower it may be a good idea to get him used to being showered rather than dunked in the tub (I speak from experience!).

Either way, just make sure the bottom of the tub or shower stall has a non-slip mat to make him feel more secure and prevent injuries, and use water that is warm but not hot. Keep shampoo away from his eyes, excess water out of his ears and make sure he's rinsed and dried thoroughly before getting out of the nice warm bathroom.

Read More

Rottweilers Temperament

Rottweilers typically like children, especially if they're raised with them. When around children, especially young ones, they should be supervised because they are so big and strong. 

Because of their cattle-driving heritage, they have a tendency to lean and push and can accidentally topple a toddler with a nudge.

 They're probably best suited to homes with older children who understand how to interact with dogs. It's also important to supervise your Rottweiler any time your children have friends over.

 Rotties can be perturbed by loud or rough play between kids and may take steps to put a stop to it, not understanding that "his" children aren't in danger. They may also chase young children who are running.  Always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party.

Teach your child never to approach any dog while he's sleeping or eating or to try to take the dog's food away. No dog should ever be left unsupervised with a child.  When Rottweilers are raised with other dogs and cats, they generally get along well with them. They may have issues with strange dogs or adult dogs that are introduced into the home, being intolerant of same-sex dogs.

 With your training and guidance, however, they should accept new animals peaceably. Keep your Rottie on leash in public to prevent aggression or belligerence toward other dogs. The Rottie is not the best candidate for visiting off-leash dog parks.

Read More

Rottweiler's working style

According to the American Kennel Club Rottweilers have a natural gathering style with a strong desire to control. They generally show a loose-eye and have a great amount of force while working well off the stock. They make much use of their ability to intimidate.

The Rottweiler often carries the head on an even plane with the back or carries the head up but with the neck and shoulders lowered. Some females lower the entire front end slightly when using their eyes. Males also do this when working far off the stock in an open field. This is rarely seen in males when working in confined spaces such as stock yards.

The Rottweiler has a reasonably good natural balance, force-barks when necessary, and when working cattle uses a very intimidating charge. There is a natural change in forcefulness when herding sheep. When working cattle it may use its body and shoulders and for this reason should be used on horned stock with caution.

The Rottweiler, when working cattle, searches out the dominant animal and challenges it. Upon proving its control over that animal it settles back and tends to its work.

Some growers have found that Rottweilers are especially suited to move stubborn stock that simply ignore Border Collies, Kelpies, and others. Rottweilers use their bodies to physically force the stubborn animal to do its bidding if necessary.

When working with sheep the Rottweiler shows a gathering/fetching style and reams directions easily. It drives sheep with ease.

In some cases Rottweilers have begun herding cattle without any experience at all.

If worked on the same stock for any length of time the Rottweiler tends to develop a bond with the stock and will become quite affectionate with them as long as they do as it directs.

The Rottweiler is also exceptionally suited for and is commonly used in the dog sport of Schutzhund.

                                               ROTTWEILER HERDING CATTLE

 

Read More

Rottweiler origin

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.

In Germany on January 13, 1907, the DRK (Deutscher Rottweiler-Klub (German Rottweiler Club)) was established. Shortly after on April 27, 1907, the SDRK (Süddeutscher Rottweiler-Klub (South German Rottweiler Club)) was formed, which later became the IRK (International Rottweiler Club).

The Rottweiler standard was then set. The breed was first recognized by the AKC in 1931. Some of the Rottweiler's talents include: tracking, herding, watchdog, guarding, search and rescue, guide dogs for the blind, police work, carting, competitive obedience and Schutzhund.

                                            Everything about Rottweiler - PART 1

Read More