The Rottweiler is a Molossian dog breed selected in the German town of Rottweil on the Neckar river during the 19th century, where this dog was used for the storage of butchers' meat and for the towing of small carts used for the transport of goods.

Average life: 8–10 years

Ideal weight: males 55 kg; females 42 kg

Origin: Germany

Temperament: Obedient, Courageous, Affable, Faithful, Self-confident, Balanced, Alert, Confident, Peaceful

Weight: Female: 35–48 kg, Male: 50–60 kg

Height: Female: 56–63 cm, Male: 61–69 cm

It is black and tan with short and hard hair. The weight varies from about 50 kg of the male to about 42 kg of the female. Compared to many other molossoids, the rottweiler drools less and, having a short coat, it is not a big problem to keep it in the apartment.

The Rottweiler was born from the molossoids bred by the Romans, they were abandoned in the Rottweil region, where they met with other local dogs. The breed, as it is known today, was selected in the nineteenth century in the German city of Rottweil, starting from Bullenbeisser type dogs, used for the tasks of custody and management of herds and guarding the slaughtered meat warehouses, often called rottweiler Metzgerhund ( "Rottweil Butcher's Dog"). In Europe the breed became popular in the early twentieth century thanks to passionate breeders from Stuttgart, while in the United States it risked extinction shortly after its introduction.

This dog is described as balanced, protective and determined, trainable, courageous, independent and faithful to the owner to whom he abundantly reciprocates the affections and the care that is offered to him.

In any case, the instinct to defend the territory is very strong in this dog, and his reaction against what he perceives as territorial threats can be fatal.

This breed was among those listed in the List of dangerous dog breeds, currently no longer in force after the Martini ordinance of 2009 where reference is no longer made to the aggressiveness of the dog based on the breed to which it belongs.

The Rottweiler is primarily a guard and self-defense dog.

Being a defense dog it is also a companion and it is essential that it is close to the owner who must educate him (rather than train) by socializing him, already as a puppy, with other dogs, people, the elderly, children and other animals. The more varied and positive experiences he will have had as a young man, the more balanced he will be as an adult.

Although perfectly capable of carrying out guard activities, it is advisable not to abandon him to himself relegating him to a garden, enclosure or apartment for too many hours of the day and avoid keeping him tied to the chain. Left to grow at the mercy of himself, the dog would risk becoming overly aggressive and uncontrollable even with people who do not threaten his property.

It is preferable to follow a good "dog / master" education and basic obedience course. Given the character, it is advisable to set the relationship with grace, consistency and discipline; determination, but without violence or abuse, especially in the training phase. Having in mind what you want to get from training, without improvising and using instructors or dog schools of proven experience.

The Rottweiler, or by now simply called Rott by fans, is one of those dog breeds that are reputed to be bad and dangerous. It's true? Yes and no.

It is true when someone threatens his master or his family, or his home. It's true when he feels threatened himself.

It's true when he meets some other dog who wants to dominate over him. It's true when we don't take care of it right. It is a dog that does not tolerate being left alone for many hours or staying in chains. The Rottweiler is a dog that needs to feel closeness with his owner and to create a relationship of trust with him.

Like all animals, it needs to be loved and have someone who really takes care of it. It is not a dog for everyone and anyone who is thinking of taking one must take into account that he is not bringing home a war machine.

For everything else, that it is a bad dog, it is absolutely false. It fits well in the family, especially the female Rottweiler, it adapts to living outside in the garden (ideal since it needs to exercise a lot) as well as in the apartment (but you have to take it out often).

Especially females have a strong maternal instinct, so no fear even for children. In this regard, however, it is imperative to pay attention especially if children are small, given the size of the dog.

The Rottweiler is a dog that must be socialized from an early age and that still needs training, even minimal.

For this it needs a master who knows what it means to have a dog of this breed, or in any case knows how to be firm and decisive but also sweet and kind.

He is intelligent, calm and also very obedient if he has established a good relationship with his master. Of German origin, these specimens are not only used as guard dogs, but also in the police force and the army.

Rottweilers are classified as one of the oldest breeds. They accompanied the Ancient Romans through Germany, leading the cattle and checking the outposts. Many were abandoned and, in the city of Rottweil in southern Germany, they became the breed known to us. Rottweilers are assigned to the mastiff family. In more recent times they have been used for the selection of the Dobermann Pinscher.

From the beginning they were used as working dogs: they drove cattle to the market, pulled carts, guarded the farms and carried money hidden in belts wrapped around their necks back and forth from the market. Today they serve in the areas of safety and as conduction dogs.

The breed almost became extinct at the turn of the century, when smaller, therefore easier to maintain, breeds of dogs began to replace them in many of their jobs. Fortunately, some careful breeders revived this breed, which is now one of the most popular in the United States. A series of illustrated books for children published in the United States tells the story of the Rottweiler Carl and the adventures lived together with his master.

To be such large dogs, Rottweilers are easy to keep, even if they are predisposed to obesity if they don't move enough. Coat care is minimal, most of the time a quick weekly grooming is enough. Some Rottweilers drool a lot, especially large males with hanging lips.
One of the most important things to remember is that they must undergo continuous and prolonged socialization in order to become good companions for a family. Training is an obligation and must begin from an early age. Their courage is taken for granted, but it can be misdirected. It is not the ideal breed for those who adopt a dog for the first time. Rottweilers love to work and will be happy to compete in virtually all dog sports, from obedience tests, to guarding flocks, to pulling weights.

It is important to expose the dog immediately to other pets, including dogs, and to children. Rottweilers are often very protective of their family's children and should be kept under control if they are together with a group of children. This is a breed that should be purchased only from recognized and reputable breeders, because its wide diffusion has led to temperament and health problems. Life expectancy is around 12 years ..