Every month I showcase a breed of animal I think deserves a little attention. I only do this to heighten interest and add a little bit more knowledge about a deserving breed. Someone who normally visits this site to see the pet portraits, or cat astrology, can take a look at a breed of animal that means so much to a large percentage of the world. You may own one, you may not, or you may be considering owning one. I hope this enlightens you to another beautiful animal perfected over the years. This month I bring you the Rottweiler.

The Rottweiler   V-2 Ch No-Bil's Anatasha Vom Snowden, CD, CGC

The Rottweiler was then used to pull carts, herd cattle and transport the butcher's monies when returning from the market.When the practice of herding and cart pulling became outlawed on public roads. The breed almost became extinct in 1800. Those that were left showed their worth as police service dogs and the Rottweiler was then bred again for army work and as a guard dog.

The breed became popular in the early twentieth century due to enthusiastic breeders centered in Stuttgart. The modern Rottweiler is one of the most popular breeds belonging in the working group. It is a medium-large dog with a massive, powerful body. Size for males measuring between 24-27 inches tall and weighing between 80-95 pounds. The muzzle is well developed with a scissors bite. Dark brown eyes give it an expression of good will and loyalty which it is known for. The ears are triangular in shape and carried forwad on the head. Tails are usually docked. The coat is short, hard, thick and black in color with markings ranging from Tan to Mahogany on the cheeks, muzzle, paws, and legs. The Rottweiler is very strong for its size and obedience training and socialization is a must. Their temperament should not be shy or viscious. They are natural clowns but can be reserved with strangers. They are balanced, tranquil, obedient, brave, and easily trained. It becomes vicious only when its master is attacked, especially if children are involved as a Rottweiler is particularly affectionate with children.

The Rottweiler, like all other breeds, have their share of gremlings. They are known to have weak immune systems and therefore are susceptible to viral infections. Also, hip dysplasia, entropion, ectroplon, missing teeth and cancer can be found in this breed. Purchase or breed only from stock that has been OFA hip certified and have a clean bill of health. Life expectancy for the Rottweiler is between 9 - 11 years. Rottweilers have large litters and litters of twelve puppies are not unusual.

The Rottweiler is not a breed for everyone. They require socialization, training and a firm but loving hand. This is a breed most happy when given something to do. Daily walks and enrollment in a group obedience class is a good choice for this breed. if this breed is not properly socialized, behavior and temperament problems may ensue.

The Rottweiler can be seen today as a family guardian, Schutzhund working dog, police dog, cattle herder, therapy dog, agility/obedience dog, tracking dog, show dog, and all around work dog.

Recommended Reading
1. The Complete Rottweiler - Muriel Freeman
2. The Book of the Rottweiler - Anna Katherine Nicolas
3. Video- Let's Talk about Rottweilers - Joan Klem

The breed is suffering due to bad owners, bad training practices, as well as unethical breeders. If you are considering a Rottweiler as a pet, to show, or to breed, please follow these links for more information on this beautiful dog:
Schnellfeuer Rottweilers - our dogs are our pets first, competitors second. All of our dogs are selected for their outstanding temperament. In our opinion, this the key element in competitive dog sports, breeding programs, as well as the family pet. It's not the sole factor, but the main one.
Rottweiler Underground Railroad - RUR's goal is to help transport and do home checks for rescue rottweilers that are traveling out of state to their new homes.
Rottweiler Home Page - This site has everything you could possibly want to know about the Rottie. Product information, standards, clubs, your Rotten kid's health, even what to feed your Rottweiler. Don't miss it.
Rottweiler's Reign Supreme - Don't miss the beautiful poem in tribute to Rottweilers entitled Ol' Man and His Rottweiler. There is a national rescue site where Rottweilers available for adoption throughout the country are listed. And lastly visit the breed specific Legislative site. Here you'll keep abreast of all the states/regions in the US that are proposing or have passed legislation that is breed-specific. ie., Banning the ownership of Rottweilers etc.
Abrewin Rottweiler's Home Page - This site has a Rottweiler fact page that goes more indepth about the characteristics of this breed and it's qualifications.
Thunder Valley Rottweilers - Pictorial Pedigrees(c) are a terrific way to present your dog or to announce an upcoming litter. What better format to give out when you get asked for a pedigree of your dog! Don't forget to look at the beautiful pictures of her resident pups!
Stone Fort Rottweilers - Questions to ask breeders; If you don't read anything else on this page make sure you read this. Also read about considerations before breeding your Rottweiler if you are planning on breeding your Rottweiler. This site has also put together a list of books that will help you with this breed.
Dawn and the RottnKids - "The reason I have Rotties is because I fell in love with this wonderful breed of dog. My web page is a place to come and meet me and my Rott-n-kids. There are many great links to other great Rottie sites along with veterinary information along with other related dog sites. Please feel free to email me with any questions."
Tanglewood Rottweilers - breeds for quality and true working ability. Be sure to see the puppy pictures.
The Rottweiler and Pug Place - Pictures of beautiful Rottweilers (and don't forget her Pugs) Information about the Swedish Rottweiler Club & The Swedish Pug Dog Club. More information about the Rottweiler's standard and history. Check out the cool java applets, too.
No-Bil's Rottweilers - Nora Pinkerton and her husband, Bill are located in Orlando, Florida. Their Rottie's lines are basically German and they are a Code of Ethics breeder. They are active in conformation & obedience and belong to the Medallion Rottweiler Club (MRC), the American Rottweiler Club (ARC) and the Orlando Dog Training Club (ODTC).
Sweet Revenge's Home Page - Read the story of Lacey the Rottweiler (along with her Lhasa Apso buddy, Chloe) at this page. They both live together with Tish in Muskegon, Michigan.
Dot's Place - Meet these Australian Rottweilers and the people who take care of them. Watch Trevor and his daughter, Pepper, and his buddy, Scout grow up. See how they cope with cats in the household, too!
Join the Rottie-L mailing list - Unfortunately, Rottweilers have a bad public reputation. This list is used to disseminate truthful information describing what Rottweilers are really like. Discussions about health, socialization, and training are appreciated, as is information that can be used educate the general public on these wonderful dogs.

Still not enough information? You'll find all you need by following this ring! And if you have a Rottweiler on your site, you can join the ring, too! Check it out.