Rottweiler Info & Rottweiler Breeders

Rottweilers are considered one of the oldest dog breeds with their orgins going back to Roman times.  They were used as herders or driving dogs and  marched over the Alps with the Roman legions, protecting the humans and driving their cattle.  These dogs mixed with the native dogs in the Rottweil region, in a natural crossing. The Rottweilers main task then became the driving and guarding of the herds of cattle and the defence of their masters and their property. They became known as "Rottweil butchers' dogs" with butchers using the breed for their performance and usefulness which evolved into an excellent watch and driving dog which could also be used as a draught dog to pull carts.  The breed was used in this way until the mid-19th century when railways started to be used to transport stock to market places. 

Rottweilers are still used in herding but after being being identified as highly suitable for tasks set by the police service they are now widely used as police dogs, search and rescue dogs, and guide dogs for the blind. 

Rottweiler general appearance

The Rottweiler is a medium to large size, stalwart dog, neither heavy nor light and neither leggy nor weedy. His correctly proportioned, compact and powerful build leads to the conclusion of great strength, agility and endurance. Rottweiler breeders aim at a dog of abundant strength, black coated with clearly defined rich tan markings.

Rottweiler temperament

Rottweilers can be wonderful companions provided they are handled responsibly and with a good understanding of the dominant nature of the breed.  They are an intelligent dog, extremely hardy and adaptable.

While temperaments can vary, they are generally loyal with strong instincts to protect home and family.  They absolutely require appropriate socialization, obedience training, and supervision, otherwise the combination of the size of a rottweiler and their dominant nature can become too much for many households.   

Most rottweilers will test for position in the family pecking order, and will push these boundaries where there is weakness and inconsistencies.  They require an assertive pack leader who knows how to lead a strong-minded dog.   If this leadership is absent and the rottweiler is allowed to exert dominance there will be issues.  The dogs position should be at the bottom of the human pack where it will be quite happy and respect the whole family. 

The Rottweiler Club of Victoria has detailed information about rottweiler stages of development and socialisation, stressing that socialisation during the first 16 weeks is vital.  Introducing a rottweiler pup to as many different situations as possible during this time is crucial to it's development and long term sociability.   It needs to learn that other animals are not threatening for example. 

At 1-2 years of age a rottweiler pup will start to see other dogs as rivals - a behaviour that should not be condoned and never be considered cute.  Discipline must be firm, fair and consistent and if  confrontations with other dogs are avoided the behaviour will not be reinforced and will settle. 

Rottweilers are strong and muscular and need space and exercise. Appropriate type and amount of exercise is important.  Young rottweilers need  enough exercise so that they are relaxed and to stay lean, but not so much that growing bones, joints, and ligaments are stressed and damaged. Likewise, adult Rottweilers need to be exercised enough to maintain the correct weight, but excessive exercise like running long distances, and exercising in hot or humid weather is not good for the breed, and they can be prone to overheating.

Above all it is important to have a good understanding of rottweiler temperament as they can be a demanding breed.  They require a confident and experienced leader to correctly train and handle them.  

Special thanks to the  The West Coast Rottweiler Club for help with this breed and health screening information. They are happy to be contacted if you have any questions about health tests or anything else Rottweiler related.  We are also very grateful to Sharon Gossage for sharing the beautiful photos you see here.

Check our listings for Puppies for sale here  and click on the links to our breeders below to go to their profile page.  You can also click here to search for Registered Rottweiler Breeders by location.