Page 85 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

WORKING DOGS

Rottweiler IN SAFE HANDS

The eagerness of a Rottweiler to please its
HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN
owner makes it an easy and rewarding dog
23–27in 84–130lb 10–11 years
to train. This quality combined with its size
(58–69cm) (38–59kg)
and strength makes it an ideal dog for law
enforcement and security work. Quick to react,
and obedient to its handler, it has sufficient
This big, burly, protective dog makes a good companion strength to restrain even the most persistent
if well socialized by an experienced owner of law breakers. Employed extensively by the
military and police in Germany during WWI,
the Rottweiler was introduced to the US
The Rottweiler is descended from dogs Today, Rottweilers are extensively used
and the UK in the 1930s. They are now the
used by Roman armies to drive cattle on by military and police forces, as guard dogs, police dog of choice in several countries.
long marches. Some of the drovers and and in search and rescue work.
their dogs settled in southern Germany, The Rottweiler has acquired an image
where the dogs were interbred with local as a vicious guard dog and an intimidating
cattle dogs. The breed was centered in the status symbol. However, despite the breed’s
livestock-trading town of Rottweil in great strength, impressive swagger, and
southern Germany, where they were used easily aroused protective responses, it is
to herd and drive cattle, hunt bear, and not naturally ill-tempered. With thoughtful
pull carts as butchers’ dogs. During the training from a firm and experienced owner
19th century these jobs died out and who is alert to potential triggers of aggression,
the breed dwindled almost to extinction. this dog makes a calm and obedient
It was revived in the early 20th century, companion. Rottweilers are more agile
particularly for work as a police dog than their size and sturdy build might suggest,
because of its guarding and fighting instinct. and appreciate plenty of vigorous exercise.

Broad head with Tan markings clearly
well-defined stop defined on head

Small, drop ears
Short, smooth,
shiny coat

Deep muzzle
with firm flews

Broad,
deep chest

Tan chest
markings
Black and tan

Tan markings
on legs

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