Rottweiler Origin

Known in Germany as the “butchers’ dog” due to their livestock herding and butcher cart pulling duties, the Rottweiler dog breed descended from cattle-driving mastiff-type dogs.

History suggests the Roman legions left behind the breed in Rottweiler Metzgerhund, Germany, when the Romans abandoned Germany in the 2nd century CE.

Germany embraced the Rottweiler dog breed as a robust working dog.

After WW1 the breed grew in popularity and now grace the homes of many around the world.

The Rottweiler Dog Breed History

• Rottweilers were once “Roman Drover Dogs”. When the Romans journeyed across Europe, they made exceptional use of herd dogs to drive and guard cattle.
• Rottweilers are named after a town in Germany. Rottweiler Metzgerhund is where this loyal and courageous breed of dog inherited its name. 
• Rottweilers nearly became extinct in the middle of 1800. The near-extinction of the Rottweiler was blamed on industrialisation as railroads and roads were built – making it much easier to transport herds of stock.

• Rottweilers are well-known in fiction. “The Good Dog Carl” book for children is a familiar series about a Rottweiler.

Rottweiler Personality

Rottweilers are well known for their protectiveness and aloof confident traits. Making them perfect guard dogs.

Rottweilers are one of the “V8s” of the dog world.

For this reason, the breed requires good training and strong leadership to grow into well-rounded adult dogs.

They are a strong, robust breed known for their gentle nature with those they love.

Positive training is a must and should continue for the lifetime of the dog. As with all dog breeds, Rottweilers will not respond well to harsh punishment forms of training.

Rottweilers are loyal, brave, and very protective of those they adore.

Being a highly intelligent breed, your Rottweiler will benefit from the company of their pack – AKA you and your family. Rottweilers are known to be silly and incredibly loving toward their families.

With their big lips and goofiness, they thrive in busy homes that love the great outdoors.

Personality Traits – Rottweiler Breed

Rottweiler Temperament

Being a natural guard dog, the Rottweiler dog breeds temperament can be very protective.

For this reason, Rottweilers are best suited to dog owners with a decent amount of experience, particularly with training and socialisation.

However, they make loyal and loving pets in suitable homes with a confident and calm predisposition.

The Rottweiler dog breed is not overly aggressive if trained and loved correctly. 

Rottweilers can be slightly aloof; however, they are well-known for their silly side. They adore playing and acting the clown, bringing happiness and joy to those who invite this wonderful breed into their homes. 

Rottweiler Dog Breed – Common Behavioural Problems

A bored dog will quickly become destructive and exhibit symptoms such as nuisance barking, digging, chewing, and escaping.

Consider boredom-busting techniques, such as rotating your ‘home alone’ toys daily, and ensure you exercise your Rottweiler correctly. 

It is also imperative that you correctly train your new Rottweiler puppy.

As with any dog breed – aggressive forms of training can lead to a fearful aggressive dog.

Rottweilers are natural guard dogs. If trained incorrectly, this can lead to an overly aggressive tendency towards strangers or those they deem suspicious.

As a large and powerful dog, playful mouthing as puppies should also be limited and discouraged. 

The Rottweiler puppy will be clumsy, as with all fast-growing larger breeds. Their legs and large paws commonly cause them to stumble and trip during play.

It’s important to remember that your pup will grow into a hefty large dog. Discouraging ‘cute’ puppy behaviour, such as mouthing and jumping, is vital as your pup grows and matures into a fully grown dog.

Rottweiler puppies need as much socialisation as possible.

Rotties have been known to be highly suspicious of other dogs and need as much interaction with people and other pets as possible to prevent future problems. Puppy preschool is highly recommended.

If you are experiencing behavioural issues with your Rottweiler, it is crucial to seek professional advice from an experienced dog trainer.

All behavioural problems can be overcome with patience, understanding, and good training practices. 

The Rottweiler Dog Breed – Most Defining Features:

• Large-Bodied: Rottweilers are large. This is often why many are attracted to the Rottweiler dog breed. They are intimidating-looking guard dog that has a bark to match.

• Muscular: Rottweilers have an athletic and robust build.

• Droopy Lips: A Rottweiler’s droopy lips can attract a fair bit of drool, mainly if something delectable is around.

• Rottweiler Coat Colours: Rottweilers are predominantly black with brown faces, paws, and chests.

Adopting a Rottweiler

There are many Rottweilers for sale, but it’s always important to remember a few things.

So, when looking for Rottweiler Breeders in Australia, have a lookout for these specific things:

• It’s in your best interest to look out for breeders with good reviews and longstanding history.
• Look out for breeders who don’t often have litters available.

• Breeders who are knowledgeable about Rottweilers.

• Breeders who would like you to meet your new Rottweiler’s parents.
• A good breeder will interview you to ensure you meet their requirements as a responsible dog owner.
• Also, check their club affiliation and ask questions regarding their breeding reputation.

Use this guide when looking for a breeder you can trust. 

It may seem better to go to a shelter when wanting to adopt a Rottweiler. Still, shelters usually only consist of adult dogs, and purebreds are more challenging to find, but there are always exceptions. 

Adopting through a shelter or rescue should be considered when: 

• In search of an older dog. Adult Rottweilers have already matured in training; they adapt to their new homes more efficiently than any puppy Rottweiler would.
• You consider giving a puppy another chance at a comfortable life. There are plenty of adorable dogs in need of a home around the country.