Don't Be Afraid Of The Big Bad Rottweiler

Article Title: Don't Be Afraid Of The Big Bad Rottweiler
Author: Sharon A Davies

One of the most popular breeds of dogs in both Europe and
America has been the Rottweiler. In America, the Rottweiler has
been one of the ten most popular breeds of dogs for about twenty
years. Part of the reason for their popularity is that they make
great guard dogs. They are suspicious of strangers, but loyal
and kind to the people and property they are protecting. They
are highly trainable, extremely intelligent and look like they
can easily rip a burglar's leg off. What's not to love?

In the past, Rottweilers were used as battle dogs, draught
animals, and to round up and guard livestock. They have received
a lot of press about being attack or guard dogs. Just like the
German Shepherd, the trainability and size of the dog,
unfortunately, makes for an animal that in the eagerness to
please his master will rip somebody's leg off if told to. These
are not dogs for first-time dog owners, anyone with health
problems or apartment dwellers. They are bold, active dogs that
need a lot of interaction with you and a lot of play.

Rottweilers have docked tails for reasons unknown. No source of
Rottweiler information has ever come to a consensus on why the
docking of tails began. Perhaps it was just to make the dog look
fiercer. Perhaps it was because the naturally long tails might
get caught up in harnesses (they used to pull wagons). England
and Wales have now banned the docking of tails for all pet dogs
and hopefully, more countries will follow their lead.

The expression on a Rottweiler's face is in direct contrast to
their powerful, tank-like bodies. Their eyes (always brown) look
curious and full of wonder. Their ears are floppy, like a Jack
Russell's. Some heads are rounder than others, and some are
quite blocky with a Boxer-blunt muzzle. In pet quality or show
quality Rottweilers, the jaw must be strong and look like it
could easily rip off limbs. The jaw is square and the teeth
should meet evenly. No overbites or under bites are allowed.

Rottweilers have to be shown with docked tails. According to
Rottweiler information, the docked tail "honors the breed's
special character". They are chopped off by the breeder and
usually not by a veterinarian when the Rottweiler puppies are
two or three days old, when the bones are still soft. In
England, all Rottweilers born after April 2007 must be shown
with natural, long, curving tails, as docking has finally been
banned.

Rottweilers are alert, curious and highly trainable. They will
eagerly try anything you want them to do, from guard work,
catching a tennis ball to acting in movies. When they are not
overfed and under-exercised, they are calm characters, as steady
as the black and tan rocks they look like. It is important to
keep them exercised. A good Rottweiler is a tired Rottweiler.
They also are calmer, healthier and less likely to roam or pick
a fight with another dog if neutered.

About The Author: Sharon Davies has written hundreds of canine
related articles, including many on Rottweilers. It is hoped
that the http://www.officialrottweilerguide.com/ Rottweiler
breed standard will be changed to ban all tail docking.
http://www.officialrottweilerguide.com/Rottweiler.php Rottweiler
information is readily available in the library and on the
Internet.

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