So, you want to know everything about rottweilers? “Everything” is a tall order when it comes to these dogs. As a breed, rotties enjoyed relative anonymity until the 1980s, when their popularity and subsequent numbers skyrocketed. Yet even as the rottweiler became popular, rottweiler lovers of the breed warned people that these dogs weren't for everyone. Rottweilers need a gentle but firm hand in training, and owning a big, protective dog requires responsibility. Even so, rottweilers remained popular.
Their popularity is now on the decline, having dropped from within the top ten to number thirteen in the list of the most popular registered breeds. Part of this is due to the rottweiler's misrepresentation as a vicious breed, and part is due to breed bans (laws against owning a breed) enacted by municipalities. It is partly due to substandard dogs being churned out by puppy mills and backyard breeders. And the decline is also partly due to the conscientious responsible breeders who have educated the public that a rottweiler is not a dog for everyone.
Rotties are protective of their owners and property. They are often reserved or aloof with strangers, but many are cuddlers, too. Rottweilers must be socialized and trained properly. With a rottweiler comes great responsibility — a responsibility anyone with a big dog must accept.
This book will help guide you in selecting the perfect rottie for you and your family. You'll learn about the rottweiler and his unique history, as well as what makes the rottweiler different from other breeds. You'll learn how to find the best rottweiler in terms of health and temperament. You'll find out about the hereditary diseases that plague the rottweiler, many of which also plague other popular dogs. You'll also learn if a rescue rottie might be in your future.
Once you get your rottweiler home, you'll need to know how to survive the first few days and nights with your new pet. Housebreaking doesn't mean breaking the house! You'll learn the quickest method in training your rottie to learn house manners.
Again, training and socialization is vitally important to your ability to keep and enjoy your rottweiler. Without proper training, your rottweiler could become uncontrollable. Without proper socialization, he won't have the means to tell what is normal in his environment and what is dangerous or frightening. Socialization and training are key commitments for every rottie owner.
You'll also learn how to care for your rottweiler and recognize symptoms to various diseases and ailments. What you feed your rottweiler has a lot of bearing on his health and well-being, and here you'll get the low-down on what food is good for your dog. This book also covers what to expect in the later years of your rottie's life and how long he can live.
While owning a rottie means work and responsibility, it is also a lot of fun. In addition to everyday play, you can also learn how to have fun by participating in various activities such as herding, conformation, obedience, Schutzhund, or agility. Even traveling with your rottie can be a pleasant experience; you'll soon learn how.
Does this book cover everything about rottweilers? Well, perhaps not everything, but it's pretty close, especially in areas that pertain to having a rottweiler as a pet. This book is not a guide for the show person — you won't find lists of famous stud dogs or any information about breeding your rottie.
You'll find resources throughout this book, plus helpful tips and facts. The information provided here will make your life easier and make your rottweiler relationship that much more enjoyable. If you're still not sure if the rottweiler is the right dog for you, this book is.