The Long List of Rottweiler Questions (Yes, We Even Address the Nubby Tail Question)

all rottweilers' breed questions
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We answer some of the most common questions people have about rottweilers. Come on, learn something new about these big beauties!

What Were Rottweilers Bred For?

Well, this breed is a working dog breed. Rotties held different jobs over the years. Their main function was driving cattle but they were also used as draft dogs for a long time. While the main job of the breed was herding large livestock, they were also often used to pull small carts. You could go to the local market to buy milk on a rottweiler drawn carriage. A dog cost less than a horse so it made sense at the time. A dog is not going to consume anywhere near the amount of food that a horse would. Also, the dog wouldn’t be intruding on the cattle’s food supply. Yup, grass can be scarce. Plus, while we think of them as carnivores, dogs are actually known for their omnivore tendencies. A dog could eat table scraps and go hunt some small prey outdoors. So in all technicality if you want, you could use your dog for carting we guess? If you’ve done that, hit us up and tell us more about it!

What Is The Lifespan Of A Rottweiler?

These big beauties live between 8 and 10 years. Plan a nice long decade with your pet before you adopt. These dogs are very loyal to their masters and do not deserve to be abandoned.

Is the Rottweiler the right dog for me?

Is the Rottweiler the right dog for me?

When you get a rottie, you get a large, powerful dog that requires extensive socialization from an early age. Because of their size and strength, this type of dog must also be trained for obedience. Rottweilers are “people” dogs. They want to be with their masters, ideally outside having some exercise.

Are they kid-friendly dogs?

The tolerance your pet will have towards children will vary from dog to dog. However, rotties are not the most kid-friendly dogs. If your Rottweiler is well socialized and trained, there should be no problem. These dogs must be taught early on what is acceptable behavior and what is not. The same goes for children. They should be supervised at all times when interacting with such a large dog. You should teach them what is appropriate with the dog and what is forbidden. Because of their large size, inherent desire to “herd”, and a high degree of “prey” drive, we once again advise you to think about how compatible your home is with this breed. Children have a natural tendency to want to run and play. This will get your dog’s attention and not always for the right reasons.

Are they vicious?

A properly bred, socialized and trained Rottweiler is not inherently vicious. However, you should never lose sight of the fact that these dogs are powerful animals. If they are strong enough to pull a cart, they are strong enough to cause some real damage when they are disobedient or harassed.

Are they good with other pets?

Problems should be minimal when a Rottweiler is raised from puppyhood with other pets. If you have an adult rottweiler in the home and want to bring on new pets, it should be done slowly and carefully. Dog to dog aggression is influenced by various factors. Males tend to be less tolerant of other males for example. 

What kind of training do they require?

What kind of training do they require?

Dog training means obedience training that you do with your dog when you have a rottweiler. These dogs really shine when they get a chance to work with their master. Obedience training is often the easiest and most rewarding way to do so. Patience is an important factor in training a Rottweiler.

What about discipline?

The Rottweiler is a sensitive, intelligent and loyal animal and usually wants to please its owner. Occasionally, it can be quite stubborn though, and requires more attention. It is imperative that discipline is consistent and firm without being overly rough. A harsh word will often suffice, although sharper corrections are sometimes necessary. Ownership isn’t for the timid or very busy person who cannot or is not inclined towards careful supervision of his/her pet.

Do they require much exercise?

Do they require much exercise?

The Rottweiler is a working breed. He is generally not happy sitting around doing nothing all day. A large yard with a six-foot high fence is ideal, but adult Rottweilers have been kept successfully in large apartments. The yard is essential if a puppy or young dog is being acquired; it will help to keep the dog exercised and reduce boredom which in turn may prevent destructive behavior. If you don’t have the space, consider a smaller or less active breed. Personal commitment on the part of the owner is the most important thing. People willing to walk their dog on a regular basis will find a more personal and bonding relationship developing than just letting them run by themselves in the yard. Your Rottweiler will require a minimum of two good walks each day (10 to 20 minutes each). Adequate exercise is necessary to maintain the good health of your Rottweiler, as they have a tendency to gain weight without proper exercise.

Are they noisy? Do they bark a lot?

Rottweilers will bark to announce someone is on your property or when animals enter your backyard. They don’t bark without reason which makes them good guard dogs.

Do they shed?

The Rottweiler is a double-coated breed, with a medium length outer coat and a soft downy undercoat. This is a very detailed way to go about confirming that yes, they do shed. Just look at those dogs! Clearly you can tell that there’s a lot of fur shedding that’s going to go on. Spring and fall are the two big moments of the year when they shed their undercoats.

Where should I buy my Rottweiler puppy?

There are various places where you may acquire a Rottweiler puppy, but only ONE place where you should: from a responsible breeder. Need to know about this part of pet ownership? Check out our article on the topic.

Some of the things a responsible breeder should do:

  • Offering a guarantee regarding Hip Dysplasia and Elbow Dysplasia. 
  • Same goes for the eyes.
  • Be a part of a Rottweiler club with a code of ethics.
  • Interview you to know what your lifestyle is like to make sure you are the right fit for their puppies. 
  • You should be able to meet the parents of the litter. 
  • The dogs and puppies are kept in a clean and healthy environment.
  • They will pass on accurate health, breeding and registration records and pedigree records of at least three generations. 
  • They will require that any puppy not purchased as show and breeding stock be made incapable of reproducing.

How much can I expect to pay for a Rottweiler puppy?

Show quality puppies will generally sell for $1,000 to $2,000, with pet prices approximately half the show price.

What Are Rottweilers Known For

The dog could serve multiple purposes. It could be used to herd cattle from the pasture to the barn, in addition to pulling the milk to market. His protective nature made him an excellent farm guardian, as well.

German Rottweiler And American Rottweiler What Is The Difference?

Rottweilers are originally from Germany but there are several standards as far as the breed goes. The Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler­-Klub (ADRK) has strict breed standards. Rottweilers should be suited to assist humans: guide dogs for the blind or disabled, security dogs, working dogs and family dogs.  This translates into a standard for temperament: rotties should be mild and calm. That is why they have such strict guidelines where temperament is concerned. The ADRK has a very strict no docking rule. German Rottweilers cannot have docked tails.

Why Are Rottweilers Tails Docked?

Believe it or not, this practice was meant to improve a dog’s speed and back strength back in the day. Some even gave it some serious medical properties such as the ability to avoid rabies. Since Rottweilers were first and foremost working dogs, tail docking was a very practical way to prevent tail injuries. These types of injuries were common for working dog breeds that faced a great deal of rigorous physical labor.

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10 thoughts on “The Long List of Rottweiler Questions (Yes, We Even Address the Nubby Tail Question)”

  1. I have a Rottweiler he’s a German Rottweiler his name is beast he’s a very well behaved dog well tolerance he is also an obedient dog in a service dog for me I have really bad anxiety and as he is four years old and he is a great dog I would never trade my Rottweiler for a different breed he is my baby and if anybody else ever said that Rottweiler is a bad dogs that is not true

    Reply
  2. I have a 5yr old male who doesn’t like people. He does listen to me and always by my side. I tried training but always went back to always protecting me when anyone is around and couldn’t keep paying for more training. But my Rottweiler is the sweetest boy and I am very happy with the way he loves me. I would never change a thing about my boy.

    Reply
  3. My name is Debbie
    My rottie Gianna is 12 months and she is a big baby. She will not jump in my car but will jump out. Love my baby👍

    Reply
  4. We had a Rottie that died from lymphoma when he was 8.
    He was the best dog we have ever had. I have no negative things to say. He was affectionate, gentle, obedient and FUNNY. He did not have a good first 6 months but he was the best despite his beginning.

    Reply
  5. Rottweilers are great dogs. I have had three and they were the sweetest dogs. They are highly intelligent and will train you if you do not train them. They like to snuggle for a little bit but will leave and check things out around the house. They are strong willed but live to please their companions. They are not much for fetch but will love to play tug rope with you. They can be overly protective so please make sure to socialize them often.

    Reply
  6. I had a long haired black rottweiler that was the love of my life. He died when he was 9 yrs old of liver disease. I miss him every day. It’s been over a year now and I’m thinking of getting a long haired puppy. They are the best dogs ever. The love they show is unconditional.

    Reply
  7. Our Rottie is fairly spoiled rotten. We love her to death. She is going on 10 years old now, and starting to show gray hair in her face around the mouth and chin. She is such a clown and every day at least two or three times a day she gets wound up like a top and starts running and romping all over the room tossing her chew bone in the air, and will go on like that for a minute or two, before laying down to rest. The worst part is she’ll do whenever you are trying to scold her for something, because she knows it will make you laugh. I’m really disheartened by all the articles out there that say she is at the typical top end of the age for a Rottweiler. We will enjoy every day we can get with her though.

    Reply
  8. My rottie is named Terror and is one and a half years old but he’s a total goofball, when we are out walking he tries to “talk” to everyone who passes and lick them, he thinks he’s still a baby but people are now scared of him because of his size.

    Reply
  9. Rottweilers are an amazing breed, our Rottie, Roscoe, was 13 years old when he got cancer. A major heart break for me, we had to euthanise him. He said “I love you” as plain as any human. Love your Rottie be kind and gentle with them They have earned your love and deserve a good life.
    Helen

    Reply
  10. The tail was docked to prevent cattle from grabbing their tails injuring the dog. This is a practice for many herding dogs. I have had 5, 30 years of family friendly companions. Would not consider another breed

    Reply

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