When deciding on getting a Rottweiler, it's good to know what you can expect. This page has information on how to care for a Rottweiler. Some of the topics covered include food and nutrition, exercise, vaccinations, grooming, and health problems.

The Rottweiler is believed to be related to the Italian mastiff dog, which was mainly used by the Romans for herding the sheep and cattle, while the Romans invaded Europe. The name Rottweiler comes from the town of Rottweil in Württemberg, Germany where the dog was bred. Rottweilers have many talents and therefore are often used as guard dogs, police dogs, search and rescue dogs and guide dogs for the blind. With the proper training a Rottweiler can also be a great companion and addition to the family. http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/rottweiler.htm

Rottweilers are loyal dogs that are devoted to their family. They are very protective and may be aggressive towards strangers; if you are perceived as an intruder the dog might even attack. When bringing a Rottweiler into a home that has kids, and other pets like dogs and cats, it is important that the Rottweiler knows who the boss is. There needs to be a clear leader in the family. This is the only way the dog will adjust and become a playmate for the kids and accept any other pets. http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/rottweiler.htm

If you choose to make a Rottweiler part of your family, this page might help answer some of the questions you have regarding the care of your new pup.

If a Rottweiler isn't fed a nutritious diet, he may become ill. His diet has to be a proper balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. Good nutrition must start when the Rottweiler is just a puppy. Up until 10 - 12 weeks old a Rottweiler puppy should be fed 5 to 6 times a day. When deciding on a good quality puppy food, talk to your veterinarian, he or she will be able to give advice on the proper food for your puppy. When your dog is at approximately 90 percent of its total weight, you want to switch it to a good balanced adult dog food.

Making the switch from any kind of food should be done gradually, take 7 days in which you slowly switch the food. Adult dogs should be fed twice a day, preferably once in the morning and once at night. You can mix some of the new food with the food your puppy is used to eating and gradually increase the amount. Switching food gradually is important; you don't want to upset your dog's digestive system. After switching to an adult food, monitor your Rottweiler closely, you will know his diet is a good balance if he maintains his weight, has a healthy looking coat and is active. Some people opt to make their own dog food; for more information on this, visit the Mahalo page 'How to Make Homemade Dog Food'.

Keep in mind, that a healthy Rottweiler will live anywhere from 8 - 11 years. Male Rottweilers can weigh between 85 - 135 lbs and females can weigh between 80 - 100 lbs. http://www.officialrottweilerguide.com/Rottweiler_Puppies/Rottweiler_Puppy_Care.php http://www.breederretriever.com/dog-breeds/77/rottweiler.php

In order to have a Rottweiler behave well and be a loyal, fun and loving companion for the entire family, it's important to train it well. Good training should start when the Rottweiler is a puppy, teaching the dog how to behave and be obedient are best done from a young age. Rottweilers need to know who is boss, otherwise they may take over. The owner of a Rottweiler needs to be able to have authority over the dog, they have to be firm yet calm and patient, and be able to handle the size of the dog. If you cannot show the dog who's boss, than a Rottweiler is not the dog for you.

It's best to teach the dog that all members in the family have authority over him, Rottweilers respect the people who have authority over them. Keep in mind that female Rottweilers are easier to control and less aggressive, yhey are also smaller than a male Rottweiler when they reach their full size. If you opt to get a professional to train your dog, make sure they are not too rough when reprimanding the dog, handling the dog too roughly might result in a more aggressive dog. http://www.officialrottweilerguide.com/Rottweiler_Training/index.php http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/rottweiler.htm

EXERCISE:

Another important part of raising a healthy Rottweiler is making sure that it gets plenty of exercise and interaction on a daily basis. Taking the dog for walks or jogs is excellent. Other things you can do is to have the dog run alongside your bike or have the dog fetch a ball that you've thrown. Rottweilers are naturally athletic dogs and will usually participate in all activities you have planned. Try to schedule regular activity, for instance exercising 20 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes at night. If you don't allow the Rottweiler to get any exercise, he is prone to get bored, uncooperative and resentful. He might even stop eating his food. http://www.officialrottweilerguide.com/Rottweiler_Care/index.php http://www.breederretriever.com/dog-breeds/77/rottweiler.php

HEALTH PROBLEMS:

Some minor health issues can include gastric torsion, hypothyroidism and allergies. A common more serious health problem in Rottweilers is hip dysplasia. This is basically a loosening of the bones around the dog's hip area, causing them to deform and cause pain. It can be hereditary but can also be caused by exercising too much at a young age, bad nutrition and injuries. If your dog seems to be in pain, bring him to the vet. They will be able to diagnose hip dysplasia by taking an x-ray. Your veterinarian will also be able to offer advice on treatment and how to make the dog more comfortable. http://www.2ndchance.info/hipdysplasiadog.htm http://www.colossalrottweilers.com/rottweilercare.html

VACCINES: Vaccines are an important part of your puppy's health. They will protect him/her against certain diseases. Some dog breeds are more susceptible to certain diseases. For instance the Rottweiler puppy can get Parvovirosis, Distemper and Crownvirus easier than other dogs. There are several vaccinations your puppy will need within its first 6 months. Have your vet advice you on these. After these shots, yearly booster shots are also recommended. http://www.affinity-petcare.com/ing/htm/perros/vaunacion_perros.asp?area=3

NEUTERING/SPAYING: Rottweilers can give birth to litters of 10 - 12 puppies. If you want to prevent your female dog from getting pregnant, you will need to spay her. For male dogs this process is referred to as neutering. Some of the benefits of spaying (a female dog) are:

• Prevention of future health problems
• Prevention of periods of heat
• In some locations it is cheaper to have a license for a spayed female

The benefits of neutering a male dog include:

• Reduction in behavior problems
• Prevention of health problems
• In some locations it is cheaper to have a license for a spayed female http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/rottweiler.htm http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/health/articles/spaying-or-neutering-your-dog.html