The Rottweiler is known as an imposing, confident animal and as a breed is very popular for its ability to protect humans and property. The Rottweiler is also incredibly bold and self-assured meaning that it tends to be a very headstrong and stubborn animal when it comes to training. If you are considering a Rottweiler you need to be aware that as a pet it can often be very domineering and can be reserved, even wary of strangers.

The protective nature of the Rottweiler is a great advantage in many situations and the dog may become overly protective if it feels that a member of its family is being threatened, it may also try and "herd" children. You need to remember that the Rottweiler is a powerful breed that requires adequate socialisation, consistent training and regular exercise in order to be the best pet that it can be. If you are looking for a loyal family member and a guardian then the Rottweiler is the right breed for you.

The phrase "the dark guardian of the family" was used many years ago to describe the Rottweiler but it is still as apt today as ever. However, if you do decide that a Rottweiler is the dog for you, it's really important to understand that you will have to take on long-term responsibility with this breed. A puppy Rottweiler may look really cute but in reality they grow up really quickly and before you know it they have turned into a strong, almost arrogant animal born with the instinct to protect its owner and home. As these animals grow up to be really big, some even reach 100lbs it is essential that time and effort it put in to properly train them.

When it comes to training a Rottweiler you need to be firm yet sympathetic. You will soon find that your pet is quick to learn but this also means that they can also learn bad behaviours. If your pet does start to display learnt bad behaviour the only way to stop this is to use kind yet consistent training, using even training supplies.

A family environment is perfect for a Rottweiler. This breed needs a lot of human contact and will not be happy if left alone for long periods of time. Most dogs will get on with children but the children need to be taught not to aggravate or tease the animal and as with all dogs, play should be supervised.

The male Rottweiler is a lot bigger than the female; it is also a lot heavier, stronger and arrogant. You will need to practise more intense training with the male than the female and most breeders will agree that a male Rottweiler is not suitable for those who have not owned such a strong breed in the past. In fact most breeders will not sell a male to first time dog owners or those without experience of owning large dogs. Females are a lot easier to handle in general and can be quite maternal towards members of the family.

The Rottweiler is thought to have been developed from Roman cattle dogs and was interbred with indigenous breeds to create more versatile animals. The Rottweiler was used for bear hunting during the Middle Ages and the name is thought to come from the little town of Rottweiler in Wurtenberg, Western Germany.

As long as the dog has been well-socialised it will accept cats, other dogs and other household pets. Friends and relatives of the family will normally be welcomed as long as they are used to outsiders coming in. A great way to befriend a Rottweiler is by giving them treats, like bully sticks. These are a great source of protein and helps keeps teeth and gums clean.

By Jennifer Elmakis - Benefits of Bully Sticks for dogs - all natural dog treats are 100% natural source of protein, a healthy dog treat, and the stick promotes clean teeth with healthy gums. If you have any additional questions or would like more information on Bully Sticks, dog chews or organic dog food, please contact us at