Although some breeds of dogs look pretty much alike, the Rottweiler is highly distinctive and easily recognizable. The Rottweiler breed standard firmly outlines what defines a show worthy form of pet quality Rottweilers. Just because a Rottweiler might not meet the physical breed standard doesn’t mean they won’t make good pets. A spayed or neutered Rottweiler will be healthier, calmer, less attractive to thieves and pays attention to you more.

Variety is not encouraged in the breeding of purebred Rottweilers. Breeding Rottweilers to the breed standard is a lot like cloning without the laboratories. Any variation is usually in size, weight, amount of red-rust tan, coat thickness, roundness of head and, of course, character. Ideally, Rottweilers are one hundred pound black and red bricks on legs. They used to pull wagons, so their bodies resemble draft horses with slimmer legs. They are solid muscle and their coats usually gleam. They should exude controlled power.
The body of the Rottweiler should look like a canine tank on legs. They are solid muscle, stand square, with a deep chest and powerful limbs. Dewclaws must be removed in show dogs. A moving Rottweiler should give the impression of being on the case, ready to defend his master and family at a moment’s notice. The paws are comically huge on puppies, but are still large and broad on adults.

A point neglected in many typical Rottweiler information websites and books is that they are born with long, fluffy tails that gently curve over the back. Sadly, this lovely tail must be docked in order to show Rottweilers in both Europe and America. However, England and Wales are leading the way in 2006 by banning tail docking on all pet dogs. The reason why Rottweilers’ tails were docked is unknown – possibly it was to avoid an enemy from getting a hand-hold, as Rottweilers were used for battle, for pulling wagons and for guarding livestock.
Rottweilers have undeservedly gotten the reputation for being vicious. It is true that they make good guard dogs, but they are gently and forgiving with their families and usually with all children. They can be taught to attack, but it is not in-born. Rottweiler breeders are now breeding for a breed standard character as well as a breed standard body. More and more, only Rottweilers with gentle temperaments are allowed to breed (although puppy mills are still a problem, but not so much with Rottweilers anymore due to their size).

If Rottweilers don’t get regular exercise, and plenty of it, they can become like little children who are kept indoors on a day they’ve eaten too much caffeine and sugar. The Rottweiler gets very exuberant to the point of hyperactivity, and often do not know their own strength. They are not the best breed of dog choice for the first time dog owner, for those of a shy or timid personality, or for those with physical problems.

The Rottweiler has gotten a reputation they do not deserve. Rottweilers would not be in shelters if their owners took time to learn some Rottweiler information before bringing home the dog or puppy.

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