Rottweilers...thinking of getting one?

Rottweilers...the history of the breed.

Did you know that the history of the Rottweiler is believed to date back to times of the Romans? They sure did! This ancient breed is considered to be the ancestor of today's Mastiff-type dogs and of many other modern breeds. Mastiff-type dogs are often referred to as Molossus dogs or Molossers and is one of the best-known breeds of Greco-Roman times. Though the Molossus breed no longer exists in its original form, it's credited with being a crucial link in the development of modern breeds such as the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, Rottweiler, Great Pyrenees, and Bernese Mountain Dog.
The word Molosser originates with the Molosser people, a mountain dwelling people of northwest Greece who were known for keeping vicious hound like dogs.
Over time, the breed migrated to Italy and other parts of the Greek world where they were overwhelming chosen as arena fighting dogs because of their massive size and temper. They we also favored for hunting, herding, protecting, guarding and hauling, carrying the goods of the Romans as they migrated and dominated the landscape.

Great! But where did the Rottweiler get it's name?

Glad you asked! I'll tell you.

Around 2,000BC, the Romans occupied a small German town Called Area Flavila, which was considered to be an isolated strategic military town in Southern Germany. Eventually the town flourished. Town commons, administration buildings and shopping centers were built to accommodate it's growing population. For the people to easily identify the important administration centers in the town, the roofs were made of red tiles and the town was later renamed Rottweil, meaning "red villa".
Because of it's strategic military value, Rottweil was continuously attacked and occupied, time and time again, decimating the Roman population along with their dogs. The survivors of the Molosser breed eventually mated with other local breeds and over time, evolved into two distinct breeds. One breed was a rather large bulky dog which was mainly used for pulling carts (drafting), and as guard dogs. The other was a smaller more versatile dog which was preferred for herding. Over time, this herding dog became a popular dog among butchers because of its protective nature and became known as Metzherhunde, (Rottweil Metzherhunde) or butchers dog. As time passed on the two breeds Molosser and Metzherhunde merged and were called Rottweiler.

So enough of the history lesson, but it's important to know the roots of your dog.

A few things to think about BEFORE you make your purchase!

One huge question you need to ask yourself is, is this dog right for you? Consider where you live. Do you live in an apartment, condo or do you own your own house? Many landlords will not rent to owners of Rottweilers. Not so much because of the bad rap they get (thanks to the press) or because they personally don't like them, but rather because they're insurance companies just won't allow it. And just because you're a home owner, doesn't mean you're in the clear. Your insurance company might not cover the dog either, believe me, I went through it!
When renewing my policy they asked if I had a dog. I said yes, a Rottweiler. They advised me that my coverage might be dropped because they don't cover "high risk" breeds, which a Rottweiler is part of. So after freaking out and shopping around, I found a company that would cover the dog pending an interview. Yes, you heard it right, they wanted to come to my house and hang out with the dog for a while to observe his temper. Well I passed with flying colors as he licked and rolled around on the floor with the insurance agent, but the point is, be sure your covered! I now have a one million dollar policy on my dog which costs an extra $350/year. Not that bad considering the alternative law suit if someone broke into my house and was rightfully attacked!

How much time can you devote to your Rottweiler pup?

They demand a lot!

While cute and fluffy at eight weeks old, these dogs quickly grow into monsters, or as I like to call them, gentle clumsy giants! I unfortunately had to put down my first Rottweiler, Kaizer, about a year ago. He was big, 152lbs and did he like to run! After being without a dog for a few weeks, I decided to get another Rottweiler. After extensive phone calls and researching, I bought a pup and took delivery of him at exactly eight weeks old. At that time he weighed fourteen pounds. He's now ten months old and is already tipping the scales at over one hundred pounds. And unlike Miss Poodle who's content with relaxing on the couch, these dogs require a lot of attention and exercise. Let me repeat myself, ATTENTION and EXERCISE! And if you don't give it to them on a daily basis, they'll find out how to get it themselves! Plan on this dog as being a part of your daily routine or you'll quickly find yourself regretting your decision to get one! Rottweilers . . .still thinking of getting one?

Is a Rottweiler the ideal dog for me? Yes it is!

But is it the ideal dog for you? Do some research, read some books!

For me and my lifestyle, the Rottweiler is the perfect dog. But it might not be right for you. Don't purchase a Rottweiler because you think they're cool, or hip, like the latest fashion trend. Unlike that outdated shirt you no longer wear, trading him in or tossing him out when tired of dealing with him is not an option! If your dog is not responding to you, disobeys, or is a terror around your house then he hasn't been properly trained, exercised and requires your attention. My dogs haven't been perfect, especially my new edition, Kaden. But with the proper training methods and a lot of reinforcement, he's turning out just fine. If you find that the Rottweiler fits you, and more importantly, you fit him, you will never regret having him! He will be the best friend you've ever had!

P.S. Photos in this post are of my late pal, Kaizer. You'll forever be missed, but never forgotten!

Kaizer

What a friend he was!

This is the guy that got me hooked on the breed. A huge marshmallow!

His first day going to work with me!

I had just picked him up in Denver over the weekend. I was living in Breckenridge Colorado at the time

A few pictures...

While living in Colorado.

Top left - His new friend Zeus. Possible the biggest Rottie I've ever seen!
Top right & bottom left - Running around at Lake Dillon, Frisco Co.
Bottom right - Another Monday at work!

He found this baby squirrel

Yeah...Rotties are sooo vicious!

One afternoon in late November, it was getting dark and I went outside to call him in the house. When I usually call him from the deck, he comes running. Not this time. He was laying down with his back side towards the house. I called him, he turned his head, looked at me and then turned back around. I called him a few more times, same thing. So I walked out to him and looked down to find this baby squirrel that had fallen out of a tree between his front paws like he was mothering it.
I brought it in, put it in this old fish tank I had and proceeded to look on online how to care for a baby squirrel. Plenty of info! I couldn't leave it out there. it would die! Not to mention that every article I read stated once the baby falls out of the nest, the mother will reject it. So, I gave it my best shot. Kaizer would come in the office every day and stare at that cage on the file cabinet, whimpering, until I took it down. So these are some photos from one of those days. A gentle Giant!

Just being himself...with a little help from me!

Top left - Yes, that's a bra. She couldn't resist putting it on him!
Top right - He loved peanut butter and I loved giving it to him. Never laughed so hard!
Bottom left - These two little guys were giving it they're all. Kaizer didn't budge!
Bottom right - His last few days with me. He would just lay on the deck and look out over the back yard. He knew it was his time and you could see it on his face. Like he was taking it all in for the last time.

My favorite photos of him...

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A few "MUST READS" if you own, or are thinking of owning a Rottweiler.

A $20 book or a $1,500 mistake?

If your still thinking of getting one, I HIGHLY suggest you read one or more of these books BEFORE you make your purchase. You'll gain a wealth of information without busting the bank! I've personally read "Rottweilers for Dummies", "Rottweilers - Complete Pet Owners Manual" and "The complete Idiots Guide", and they are fantastic! After reading these books, you'll have a firm understanding on weather the Rottweiler is the breed for you.

Topics covered include; Quality breeders, health, why to own a Rottweiler, feeding, understanding the breed, training, housebreaking, care and maintenance, living with a Rottweiler and more.