The Rottweiler is a breed of working dogs that originated in southern Germany in the 19th century and were primarily bred to drive cattle. It is believed that the first Rottweiler came to the United States in the 1920s, and the popularity of this breed increased after World War II. Due to their characteristics and nature, Rottweilers later began to get engagements in military, customs, and police work. They also proved to be good family dogs and protectors, although many have the opposite opinion.
Although Rottweilers are strong and healthy dogs, they can have certain health issues. Below is a list of diseases that have been reported in this breed over the years. The list is not arranged according to any special criteria, which means that there is no higher risk of developing health issues that are at the top of the list and vice versa.
Common Health Issues in Rottweilers
- Orthopedic issues: hip dysplasia, arthritis, elbow dysplasia, osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), panosteitis, cruciate ligament rupture, intervertebral disk disease
- Eye problems: ectropion, entropion, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
- Heart diseases: aortic stenosis, cardiomyopathy
- Cancer: osteosarcoma, lymphosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, melanoma, mastocytoma
- Neurological diseases: degenerative myelopathy, epilepsy, juvenile laryngeal paralysis & polyneuropathy (JLLP)
- Bloat/Gastric Dilatation-volvulus (GDV)
- Hypothyroidism
- Skin disorders: demodectic mange, pyoderma, sebaceous cysts, wet eczema
- Von Willebrand’s disease
- Obesity
- Coldwater tail
- Parvovirus
- Chronic diarrhea
- Addison’s disease
- Kidney disease
- Urinary infections
The purpose of this list is to inform Rottweiler owners about health problems that could potentially occur in these dogs. This doesn’t mean that these health issues will definitely occur in your dog, but it’s good to know what to look out for when it comes to your dog’s health. There are a few things you can do to keep your dog as healthy as possible.
Rottweilers gain weight easily, so they need a certain amount of physical activity every day, at least in the form of a half-hour walk. In order to stay in good shape, in addition to physical, they also need mental stimulation. Rottweilers enjoy performing a variety of exercises and tasks that give them a sense of accomplishment. They will do almost anything you ask of them, but if you neglect these dogs and don’t set them any tasks, they will find a way to have fun on their own, mostly by digging holes in the yard or biting furniture.
Quality nutrition and regular visits to the vet also play an important role in maintaining the health of dogs.
Rottweilers are strong, intelligent dogs that many consider dangerous and unpredictable, but with the right owners, they can be very obedient and loyal. In order to achieve this, Rottweilers need to be socialized from an early age and get used to the various situations they will encounter throughout their lives. People often decide to get a Rottweiler because of its attractive appearance, but that’s the wrong approach. Those who have never had a dog before should skip the Rottweiler and opt for another breed. A Rottweiler needs a consistent and solid owner who will know how to teach him to listen and to keep him under control.