The history of the Rottweiler, the appearance, the characteristic features of the dog's behavior, health, advice on care, the nuances of training, interesting facts. Puppy price. These animals originated in one of the cities of Germany. Residents love them and everything connected with them. Much reminds of them here: toys, monuments, monuments. It's nice when you walk down the street, and if there is no live dog, then there is a statue or image of it. Such dogs served people faithfully, from ancient times to this day. They were guards, bodyguards, heavy goods carriers, and just reliable friends. Only by looking at them, we understand that we are safe.
The history of the Rottweiler
In the first century AD, the troops of Claudius Augustus crossed the Alps into what is now southern Germany. Legionnaires, in a short period, captured these lands and named them in honor of their then emperor - the land of Flay. The city became a great reference point - a fortress of the Romans, they called it Roteville. Translated into Russian - red house. In all likelihood, the name comes from the red tile roofs. Later, it was transformed into Rottweil and formed the basis of the breed's name - Rottweiler.
During its long history, the city has repeatedly fallen into the "power" of dogs. In the 17th century, a law was passed that limited the number of dogs per person. The fact is that in those days, an insane number of these animals bred. In 1630, their livestock was counted, and, unfortunately, many were destroyed. In the 19th century, the "element" returned again. Then, for every resident of the city, including the elderly and children, there was one dog.
The law was relaxed, and the butchers began to keep a large number of four-legged friends. The newspapers wrote that it was impossible to walk the streets. Everywhere we ran into flocks of "toothy" ones that behaved aggressively, defending their territory. Naturally, there were cases of bites of the population. Then they decided to fight this phenomenon with the help of a tax.
But the dogs not only frightened the local population, they also worked here. If, for some reason, the animals left the city, the activities of small shops would stop. Butchers, bakers and many others could not do without them. Harnessed dogs, dragged carts weighing up to one ton. Unfortunately, at the end of the 19th century, with the advent of technology, they began to be replaced by cars and railways. Rottweilers became fewer and fewer.
This was the reason for the dog handler Ludwig Beckmann, to write in his work: "The days of the butcher's dog from Rottweil are already numbered and therefore, I do not see the need to describe it." But fortunately, at that time, there was a "boom" in pedigree animals. The first amateur clubs began to open. The Rottweilers were no exception.
The past of these animals is deeply rooted in the history of the Roman Empire. Their ancestors grazed herds in the territory of modern Italy. They came from the Alps to Rottweil. They lived and multiplied in Germany, naturally.
Nobody has sectioned the breed. Until now, sometimes, white puppies are born, which are considered true Rottweilers. This color is not recognized, but such individuals are very much appreciated here. People believe that white-colored kutyats are born to great luck.
Since as a breed, they did not exist then, then all the dogs in the city were called Rottweilers, regardless of their external data. For local butchers, there was only one criterion - the working qualities of the dog. It was necessary: to keep the herd together, to guard it, to transport heavy loads, and so on. The German historian Gerhard Magerd writes that the Rottweiler was not identified at that time, by some external signs. It was just a dog from Rottweil.
Despite the fact that in 260 BC, the influence of Rome was weakened, the town continued to be a strong and large trade and economic center of the region. Butcher fairs were held here. Livestock for sale was brought here from the nearest Switzerland, France and even Hungary. These flocks were accompanied by large dogs that controlled and guarded the livestock. This is exactly what the Rottweilers did.
In 2005, a monument to the Rottweiler was erected by the residents of the city as a token of gratitude. After all, for a long time they accompanied, helped, protected, sometimes of course brought some inconvenience, but no one remembers this for a long time. But they say that the crime in the city was brought out by the Rottweilers. This is not far from the truth.
In Hamburg, in 1901, the sergeant of the police, together with his pet, dispersed twenty people of the sailors who were walking. All newspapers in Germany wrote about the event. This became known to Emperor Wilhelm II, who awarded the "servant" with personal gratitude.
And at that time, such encouragement was significant. After the incident, there was talk that these dogs should serve in the police. As a consequence, in 1910, a society of lovers of police dogs was organized. Since then, they have become law enforcement officers.
Previously, in Rottweil, near the market square, large taverns and in the markets where the dogs brought meat on carts, there were large drinking bowls made especially for them. After all, life without these animals was simply inconceivable.
In Russia, Rottweilers appeared in 1914 and were used to protect domesticated elk from poachers. Oddly enough, but dogs quickly got used to the harsh temperate continental climate.
Description of the appearance of the Rottweiler
Rottweilers, powerful, hardy, fearless dogs, with a serious character and a fairly balanced disposition. They are used as guards and bodyguards.
- Head middle, the forehead is wider and flatter in the upper part, a furrow is visible in the middle. The occipital protuberance is moderate. The cheekbones are well defined.
- Muzzle shorter than the skull. A clear transition from the forehead to the muzzle is visible. The bridge of the nose is straight and wide. The jaws are slightly widened, powerful. Scissor bite. Teeth with strong incisors. The lips are well filled, well fitting and black.
- Nose well developed, with wide nostrils. In profile, flush with the lips, black pigmented.
- Eyes Rottweiler of medium rise, small size, oval shape. The eyelids are dry, taut, black. Saturated, dark brown color.
- Ears set wide, medium, triangular, drooping.
- Neck slightly over average in size, well muscled, without dewlap, with a smoothly arched withers.
- Frame mesomorphic constitution, moderately stretched. The back is muscular and straight. The chest is voluminous, moderately broad in front. The croup is widened, short, smoothly sloping. The belly is not tucked up, the ribs are not visible.
- Tail in a medium-rise Rottweiler, reaches the hocks, can be docked.
- Limbs strong, lean muscles, erect, wide set. The thighs are strong and well filled.
- Paws in the form of a feline, with fingers tightly pressed to each other. The nails are very hard and strong, black. The pads are firm.
- Coat rigid structure, with a slight, short undercoat. The hair is thick, close to the body, shiny. It is longer on the back of the thighs.
- Color usually black with reddish-orange markings.
Characteristic features of the behavior of a Rottweiler
Those who do not know them often say: a bloodthirsty "beast", a monster, a terrible dog. If we consider the breed as a whole, this is slander. There are no killer dogs, there are only illiterate, inexperienced and stupid owners. Of course, from each of the dogs separately, there is a danger. All this happens through the fault of the breeder. A Rottweiler can only be dangerous if the owner has no experience in obedience training.
However, all of the above applies equally to: poodle, dachshund, basset, greyhound and many other varieties. The only difference is that the force of his bite is much more painful, but it is not his fault that it is large and strong. A person should be aware that all responsibility for his pet will fall on him alone, because the Rottweiler can behave quite viciously towards strangers.
Mainly, those who do not like them assert this. Hostile behavior is not a vice, but a natural feature of the behavior of a living being, including humans. In teaching them, such a tendency should be approached with extreme caution, but never suppressed at the root. What is wrong when a Rottweiler defends against an attack from its owner, or, on his command, saves another person from violence?
Who, in this case, can reproach the dog with cruelty and uncontrolled aggressiveness? His makings of a bodyguard can be not only dangerous, but also beneficial to those around him. It's all about whether the breeder has the ability to control his four-legged friend. Does he have enough strength of character, prohibit the Rottweiler from independent actions, and will he be able to correctly direct him in an unforeseen or ordinary situation.
The ability to protect, a gift inherent in some of the characteristics inherent in all canines, but in Rottweilers, this quality was brought up and consolidated on purpose. A watchdog, should be moderately spiteful and combative, in addition, well trained. Dogs are able to protect only what they love or consider their property: the owner, their territory and their toy.
They are very calm and thorough. Pets idolize their owner and his family members. If you lead such a "beast" and teach it properly, you will follow him like a stone wall. The doors of your house will not need to be locked with a key. The Rottweiler will let the thief into the room, but will not let him back. He is a fearless "knight" with a noble heart. He must not only be loved, but appreciated.
Rottweiler breed health
Rottweilers are large enough animals, so they live from 10 to 12 years. The most frequently manifested diseases in them are lesions of the nervous system: epilepsy and encephalitis. Such diseases are hereditary. Individuals of carriers of such genes are removed from reproduction. Also, consider nutrition and thoughtful exercise to raise your pet in excellent health. Treat it regularly for internal and external parasites. Systematic vaccination should also be carried out.
Rottweiler care tips
Since the dog is very serious, it is worth teaching the pet to all procedures from an early age.
- Wool requires brushing two to three times a month to maintain shine and smoothness. During the molting period, this is done more often. It takes place twice a year, for thirty days. Manipulation is best done with a thick-bristled brush, or a mitten for short-haired dogs. They bathe them as they become dirty.
- Ears Regularly remove sulfur using cotton swabs soaked in hydrogen peroxide or other means.
- Eyes wipe, if necessary, with napkins moistened with water or a weak solution of potassium permanganate. If you find severe inflammation or purulent discharge, then immediately contact a veterinary clinic.
- Teeth the Rottweiler has steel, but this does not mean that they do not need to be monitored. Plaque will lead to the deposition of tartar, and then gum inflammation. In addition to cleaning, once a week, prevention can be done with treats. Have the dog chew on the bones from the pressed animal veins.
- Claws pruned once or twice a month. These pets have a fairly tight fit to living tissue. Therefore, if you are not an experienced groomer, contact a specialist.
- Feeding - at your discretion: ready-made concentrate or natural food. For more comfortable eating, dry food should be soaked. The basis of homemade products should include: meat and offal. Milk is only allowed for puppies up to three months old. In adults, it is not absorbed and causes diarrhea. The fish is introduced after three months of age. Rottweiler's favorite delicacy is cottage cheese. From cereals, there can be: rice, buckwheat, rolled oats. Tubular bones are categorically impossible, they injure the digestive tract of the pet. Sweet and human dishes are strictly prohibited.
- Walking - put on from two to three times. As a dog of athletic build, it needs physical activity in the form of training and sports games.
Dog training
In addition to the general course of obedience, any self-respecting Rottweiler must confront the intruder. In Germany, they are trained according to their own system, which is called "Schutzhund". World championships are even held on it. And all actions, both dogs and people, are strictly regulated.
They are very responsible and loyal dogs, but Rottweilers do not obey everyone, and not in everything. It is more difficult to train than other canines. First of all, you need to establish contact with him. The pet must take the side of the owner. In order for him to allow himself to be taught, it is necessary to gain his trust.
To do this, learn to really play with the dog. For example: dog rugby or volleyball. Then, the dog will happily and unquestioningly carry out all your commands. In Germany, a whole system has been built based on this. The delicacy is not used there at all. For each correctly executed command, the owner rewards the dog with a ball or toy.
The same scheme is used in the development of protective techniques. The person who attacks imitates blows, and the Rottweiler wants to take away his favorite toy - a protective sleeve. In competitions, as soon as the helper stops, the animal must also stop fighting.
Interesting facts about the breed
German butchers were always accompanied by Rottweilers. After they sold their market goods on the square, and walked according to the old national custom of celebrating successful deals, they hung the purses with the proceeds on the necks of their four-legged assistants. Not a single thief could even think to steal the good earned by people.
Not all butchers could calculate their strength in the fight against the green serpent. It also happened that a person fell asleep right on the street. If his pet was nearby, he was not considered a vagabond - he was just tired. The police, in this case, did not have the right to take him to the station.
In the USSR, Rottweilers appeared only after the Second World War. Nowadays, they are classified as service dogs and are often used by the army or the police.
Buying and price of a Rottweiler puppy
Like any kids, Rottweiler puppies are gentle and affectionate, but when they grow up they become formidable dogs. Therefore, know that such a pet is not suitable for all people. He needs an authoritative master in whom he will recognize the leader. After weighing all the pros and cons, consider whether you are ready to raise such a serious breed.
You must be prepared for the difficulties in raising her. You need to treat him calmly and adequately. From an early age, teach him to muzzle. Having properly raised a Rottweiler, you will get a reliable bodyguard and a loyal friend.
Always get a baby in a professional nursery, where a good selection is carried out. In such establishments, sick, aggressive individuals are not allowed to breed. Breeders raise animals in accordance with all veterinary requirements.
Do not buy such a dog in the spontaneous market, so you will not save money. You will never know where the dog is from, who its parents are, and if it is healthy. Subsequently, there will be no one to make claims to, and you will get a lot of problems you do not need.
The approximate cost of a Rottweiler puppy will be from $ 400 to $ 1100. The difference in price depends on the requirements for the future four-legged friend. Decide why you need it: for protection, protection, breeding or exhibitions.
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