Rottweiler: a generous and devoted dog that humans often don’t deserve to have around

The Rottweiler is a dog descended from the molossi that accompanied the Roman legionnaires engaged in the conquest of Europe, a noble and ancient breed. Having also arrived in southern Germany where the town of Rottweil is located today, the legionnaires’ dogs began to interbreed with local dog breeds. Here, where animal husbandry and agriculture were the driving activities of the local economy, these dogs led and defended the herds. And again, they protected couriers carrying cash from robbery attempts.

Breeding gives way to industry: the Rottweiler from herdsman becomes rescuer

In the early twentieth century, a historical period characterized by progressive industrial development, the Rottweiler was “fired.” Thanks to the development of railroads, livestock traveled by train and the Rottweiler almost totally lost its role as handler and guardian but new prospects opened up. In 1921 the General Federation of German Rottweilers Club was founded and even then the Rott was employed by the German police as a police dog. From policeman to soldier was a short step: during the two World Wars, these dogs took on the delicate task of spotting the wounded. Starting in the 1930s, the Rottweiler also landed overseas, in America, then England and gradually all over the world. In Italy, the land of its ancestors, it did not officially return until 1939, when the first 8 Rottweilers were registered. Greeted by admirers with great enthusiasm, it is still one of the most bred breeds today.

The Rottweiler is a champion of olfactory research.

It is a dog breed that has gained notoriety not only for its impressive physical presence, but also for its extraordinary olfactory abilities. Thanks to a highly developed respiratory system, these dogs are able to identify and distinguish a wide range of odors. Their ability to follow scent trails has been proven in numerous scenarios, including searches for missing persons and sniffs of illicit substances. This peculiarity makes them particularly well suited for challenging and complex search operations, also strengthened by their balanced temperament and keen intelligence.

In addition to its physical gifts, the Rottweiler is known for its distinctive character

Peaceful, loyal, protective, Rottweilers are able to adapt to different situations. As much as they are peaceful, reliable and inclined to establish deep bonds with their humans, they are unfortunately still perceived as aggressive dogs when in reality, they possess a mild temperament that makes them exceptional companions in life. Often stigmatized due to unfounded prejudices, Rottweilers are extremely sensitive dogs who need to interact with their humans to whom they bond devotedly.

Rottweiler is robust dog but watch out for recurring diseases

Rotts are extremely hardy dogs but like all purebred dogs are prone to some recurring diseases:

dermatological
Osteo-articular (hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis, ruptured cranial cruciate ligament)
epilepsy
hypothyroidism
stomach torsion
brachycephalic syndrome

Regular, periodic checkups allow asymptomatic diseases to be detected at an early stage, when they are more easily treatable and thus ensure early diagnosis to protect the animal’s health.

To have your Rottweiler scheduled for a checkup or vaccine prophylaxis, contact the veterinary doctors on our staff who are always available.

We would also like to remind you that Clinica La Veterinaria is always open h24 every day including holidays and with First Aid service from 8 pm to 8 am.