Like many large dogs, the Rottweiler is prone to musculoskeletal disorders. However, most diseases are genetic. Therefore, dogs involved in breeding work must undergo genetic tests.
Here are the diseases that are most common in Rottweilers:
- dental diseases;
- obesity;
- inversion of the stomach;
- hip dysplasia;
- arthritis;
- cataract;
- inversion of the century;
- Wobbler’s disease;
- osteosarcoma;
- lymphoma;
- Addison’s disease;
- parvo;
- subaortic stenosis (heart disease);
- blood clotting disorder;
- kidney disease.
Rottweiler personality
The character of a Rottweiler is made up of three factors: heredity, the presence or absence of socialization, and the quality of training. If you buy a puppy from a trusted breeder, the chances of raising a dog with a calm, balanced character that allows you to easily switch from a waiting position to a furious attack and call back on command are doubled. If a puppy is sold without papers and you cannot trace its pedigree, it is almost impossible to predict future character traits. Most puppies under the age of six months remain sweet and friendly. But with the onset of puberty, the basic instincts will certainly rise, and if an individual is naturally aggressive, it will be difficult to work with it.
The natural boldness inherent in the representatives of the breed makes them the best defenders and bodyguards. But be prepared that the dog can be a little lazy, which is why she loses to shepherd dogs in learning speed. And be sure to check the boundaries of what is permitted, trying to take a leadership position. Especially when it comes to a dog.
Behavior with the owner
The Rottweiler is a dog for a person with a strong willed character, able to set the limits of behavior, while remaining consistent and fair. If the dog feels that the owner is strong and able to influence him, work orientation and submission will appear automatically. The main thing is to create conditions in which it would be profitable and interesting. And then the animal will not hesitate to fulfill any requirement and even sacrifice its life for the sake of the owner.
Behavior with strangers
A well-bred Rottweiler is neutral towards strangers. But when one of them approaches the owner, he takes a wait-and-see attitude and works on command.
The dog doesn’t have to be friendly. The disposition to strangers is not characteristic of the Rottweiler. However, signs of unmotivated aggression and nervousness at the sight of oncoming passers-by or guests in the house should be alarming and immediately eradicated.
Please note: an adult dog remains dangerous even in a deaf muzzle. When attacking a person, the animal knocks him down. At the same time, the force of the impact in the jump is enough to break his ribs or limbs.
If the animal does not know how to control emotions and distinguish between a threat and ordinary everyday communication, urgently contact a dog handler.
Behavior with children
Like any moving object, the child will arouse the dog’s interest. However, it is not entirely correct to talk about a negative or positive attitude towards children. The Rottweiler treats kids the way his owner taught him. At the same time, proper education does not guarantee safety. A large dog may knock a child down while playing or take it for prey. Therefore, contact with preschool children should be stopped – ideally, so that the dog treats babies neutrally – and young and middle-aged children should be taught to interact with the animal in such a way as not to provoke it to aggression.
Behavior with other animals
The Rottweiler is a breed that needs early socialization. The dog must get acquainted with the outside world and learn to interact with relatives from the first days of quarantine. But despite the efforts of the owner, it is impossible to predict the further attitude towards other animals. It all depends on hereditary traits.
Rottweilers of aggressive lines are prone to dominant behavior by nature. It is enough to observe the behavior of puppies in a group with mates: the most lively and cocky will remain so in adulthood.
Rottweilers with a calmer nature are curious about other four-legged animals, and with the right upbringing get along with cats and other dogs. Especially when they grow up with them or when the animal that appeared in the house first is much older.