Every month, we will highlight a popular dog breed at risk for arthritis. We will talk about what we love about them, as well as reflect on how to keep them healthy. This month, we are focusing on the Rottweilers. Also known as Rotties or Rots, they are bold, loyal, athletic and often misunderstood. Learn more about this dog and the several types there are and how to keep them healthy.
Proud Rottweiler parents celebrate National Rottweiler Day during their National Specialty Show hosted in June by AKC’s American Rottweiler Club. Unfortunately, just like other large events, it has been cancelled due to COVID-19. But that does not mean we shouldn’t still celebrate these big beauties. Here are the top 10 reasons we LOVE Rottweilers and why they make such great family dogs, plus how to keep them happy and healthy all through their life.
History
According to the AKC, The Rottweilers is, “a robust working breed of great strength descended from the mastiffs of the Roman legions. A gentle playmate and protector within the family circle, the Rottie observes the outside world with a self-assured aloofness.”
If you look back to their history, you will find these dogs have roots back to the Roman Empire. They are descendants of the Roman drover dog and still look shockingly similar to those dogs even today. They helped guarding their cattle herds while traveling long distances with army-style troops. After the Roman Empire collapse, these dogs began working in a cattle town of Rottweil. They were in charge of protecting all herds from other animals praying on the herd, as well as bandits and rustlers attempting to take them.
While they were fierce cattle protectors of the past. Today, if they are working dogs, they are often found protecting in a variety of ways such as police dogs, guard dogs, personal protectors and even search and rescue dogs. Non-working dogs are often part of a family enjoying the good life.
10 Reasons Rottweilers are the Best Dogs
- Rottties as puppies!! Yes, please!
- Rottweilers are beautiful fully grown too.
- Rotties love to PLAY!
- But they also love to snuggle.
- They are loyal and protective.
- A Rottie is a best friend.
- Is it just me, or are they really good at posing for pictures? They are so photogenic!
- They are smart dogs! They learn quickly and do well at shows.
- They can also be goofy. Check out all these adorable Rotties in their holiday hats!
- Rotties are the best working dogs from search and rescue, airport security, police K-9 Units.
Well, hello, Mr. Officer! Nice Rottie! What’s his name?
Breed Standards
- Loyal, Loving, Confident Guardian
- AKC Breed Popularity: Ranks 8 of 195
- Height: 60-68 cm (male), 55-63 cm (female)
- Weight: 43-61 kg (male), 36-45 pounds (female)
- Life Expectancy: 9-10 years
- Member of the AKC Working Group
Top Health Problems of Rotties
As you can imagine, large breed dogs sometimes have large health problems. While they are usually very healthy dogs, their mobility is often impacted by their size as they age. It is very important to be sure that you keep your Rottie as healthy as possible with key preventative measures. But first, here are the key health problems to know about when it comes to your Mastiff:
- Canine Hip & Elbow Dysplasia. With most Giant breeds, there are a variety of joint issues. There will be joint problems arise, especially in the hip and elbow joints. This causes pain and impacts their mobility.
- Osteoarthritis, or arthritis. Because of the joint problems already mentioned, Mastiffs are at very high risk for osteoarthritis. Arthritis is as painful for dogs as it is for humans. And just like humans, there is something you can do about it. Learn more about arthritis in dogs and check out all the risk factors.
A Closer Look: Rotties and Osteoarthritis
Recently, Royal Veterinary College in the UK conducted a study that showed Rottweilers may be the dog breed most prone to canine osteoarthritis. According to this study, Rottweilers are the most predisposed dog breed to suffer from osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease diagnosed in dogs. This study utilized veterinary records from veterinary clinics utilizing the data recorded in those clinics. It reviewed over 455,557 dogs diagnosed with osteoarthritis in those clinics.Among the study findings:
- Rottweilers are the breed most prone to osteoarthritis. Secondary dogs were Old English Sheepdog and Dogue de Bordeaux.
- Dogs that were above average weight for their breed were nearly 2.3 times more likely to be diagnosed with the condition.
- Males dogs were 1.2 times more likely to have osteoarthritis than female dogs.
The researchers hoped this research will improve diagnosis times for osteoarthritis and help enable dogs suffering from osteoarthritis to be treated earlier and faster.
Rotties are the best!
Now that you know all about Rottweilers, why we love them and how best to take care of them, you are ready to get a friend for life. Do you love Rotties? Share your best pictures on our Facebook. No matter what, give them the best life and lots of love to those amazing, beautiful, loyal creatures.
