Rottweiler

From Pet Encyclopedia

Rottweiler

Origin of Breed

Germany

Breed Nick Names

Rottie

[edit] Introduction

The Rottweiler dog breed is a large breed of dog which originates from Germany, it was originally bred as a herding dog. In the UK Kennel club the Rottweiler is classed in the Working Dog Group.

[edit] Origin and History

The lineage and ancestors of the Rottweiler is not documented on official record anywhere. Bearing this in mind, it is suspected and theorized that the Rottweiler is from the line of drover dogs that were native to the ancient Rome region. The drover dog has been depicted as have Mastiff-type traits such as dependability, ruggedness, hard working, extremely intelligent and profoundly strong guarding instincts.

The Rottweiler breed that we know today is not the same as the original Rottweilers. Roman Emperors had many, many conquests and invasions throughout Europe using extremely massive armies full of thousands of men. The ability to feed these men and protect the army supplies was of utmost importance for the success of the Roman armies.

During the time of the invasions, there was no method for refrigeration of meat to feed the soldiers. Armies had to rely on their food sources, such as cattle, staying alive and ‘on the hoof'. As a result, the Rottweiler became a very popular and liked dog because with it's Mastiff-type traits it could herd and lead the ‘on the hoof' food supplies as well as guard and protect the herds and supply divisions of the armies during the evening hours.

There were numerous conquests and invasions from the Roman army but one of particular interest is the invasions during A.D.74 where the route was focused on the Alps located in today's Southern Germany regions. This territory was called Are Flaviae and provided excellent climate, rich and fertile soil along with a central localized location. It is interesting that history points to the very significant role that the awesome fearless Roman drover dog played during this journey from Rome to the wilderness banks of the Neckar River .

Historical accounts of the time period indicate that the ancestors of the initial Roman drover dogs were used to guard herds and assist the Romans for the following two centuries. Also, Circa A.D. 260 history reports that the Swabians defeated the Romans from Are Flaviae and took over the city. With the resulting agriculture and cattle trading as a primary occupation there was even further need for this dog breed.

Approximately A.D. 700 the building of a Christian church ordered by a local duke on the former Roman baths unearthed Roman villa red tiles. In order to differentiate the town from others in the area, the church named it das Rote Wil (meaning the red tile), a origin of the present day word Rottweil.

Rottweil's control as both a cultural and exchange center increased significantly and without challenge throughout the twelfth century. The success of the Rottweil's new booming business led to a virtually all-new town built with intricate fortifications above the Neckar River . This increased security from the fortifications lead to an increase in the cattle trade as well as a larger population of butchers in the vicinity. A natural result was that more of the Rottweiler breed was necessary for herding the cattle back and forth between the markets.

[edit] Appearance

Above average size, stalwart dog. Correctly proportioned, compact and powerful form, permitting great strength, maneuverability and endurance.

Appearance displays boldness and courage. Self-assured and fearless. Calm gaze should indicate good humor.

Head and Skull Head medium length, skull broad between ears. Forehead moderately arched as seen from side. Occipital bone well developed but not conspicuous. Cheeks well boned and muscled but not prominent. Skin on head not loose, although it may form a moderate wrinkle when attentive. Muzzle fairly deep with top line level, and length of muzzle in relation to distance from well defined stop to occiput to be as 2 to 3. Nose well developed with proportionately large nostrils, always black.

Eyes Medium size, almond-shaped, dark brown in colour, light eye undesirable, eyelids close fitting.

Ears Pendant, small in proportion rather than large, set high and wide apart, lying flat and close to cheek.

Mouth Teeth strong, complete dentition with scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Flews black and firm, falling gradually away towards corners of mouth, which do not protrude excessively.

Neck Of fair length, strong, round and very muscular. Slightly arched, free from throatiness.

Forequarters Shoulders well laid back, long and sloping, elbows well let down, but not loose. Legs straight, muscular, with plenty of bone and substance. Pasterns sloping slightly forward.

Body Chest roomy, broad and deep with well sprung ribs. Depth of brisket will not be more, and not much less than 50 per cent of shoulder height. Back straight, strong and not too long, ratio of shoulder height to length of body should be as 9 is to 10, loins short, strong and deep, flanks not tucked up. Croup of proportionate length, and broad, very slightly sloping.

Hindquarters Upper thigh not too short, broad and strongly muscled. Lower thigh well muscled at top, strong and sinewy below. Stifles fairly well bent. Hocks well angulated without exaggeration, metatarsals not completely vertical. Strength and soundness of hock highly desirable.

Feet Strong, round and compact with toes well arched. Hind feet somewhat longer than front. Pads very hard, toenails short, dark and strong. Rear dewclaws removed.

Tail Previously customarily docked. Docked: Docked at first joint. Strong and not set too low. Normally carried horizontally but slightly above horizontal when dog is alert. Undocked: Strong and not set too low. Normally carried horizontally but slightly above horizontal when dog is alert. May hang when dog is at rest.

Gait/Movement Conveys an impression of supple strength, endurance and purpose. While back remains firm and stable there is a powerful hind thrust and good stride. First and foremost, movement should be harmonious, positive and unrestricted.

Coat Consists of top coat and undercoat. Top coat is of medium length, coarse and flat. Undercoat, essential on the neck and thighs, should not show through top coat. Hair may also be a little longer on the back of the forelegs and breechings. Long or excessively wavy coat highly undesirable.

Color Black with clearly defined markings as follows: a spot over each eye, on cheeks, as a strip around each side of muzzle, but not on bridge of nose, on throat, two clear triangles on either side of the breast bone, on forelegs from carpus downward to toes, on inside of rear legs from hock to toes, but not completely eliminating black from back of legs, under tail. Color of markings from rich tan to mahogany and should not exceed 10 per cent of body color. White marking is highly undesirable. Black pencil markings on toes are desirable. Undercoat is grey, fawn, or black.

Size Dogs height at shoulder: between 63-69 cms (25-27 ins); bitches between 58-64 cms (23-25 ins). Height should always be considered in relation to general appearance.

Faults Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Note Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

[edit] Temperament

Good natured, not nervous, aggressive or vicious; courageous, biddable, with natural guarding instincts.

[edit] Health

Related health issues:

Hip Dysplasia

Elbow Dysplasia

Entropion

Ectropion

Cancer

Cruciate Ligament Rupture

Retinal Dysplasia

Demodectic Mange

[edit] External Links

http://www.rottivana.co.uk/index.php http://www.rottweilerwelfare.co.uk/Health%20Issues.htm http://www.yazashrottweilers.co.uk/page12.htm

[edit] References