How To Know When Your Dog Is Sick

Most dog owners will notice any sudden or odd changes in their dogs normal behaviour but it is useful to know the specific symptoms to watch out for.
If you dog shows symptoms of excessive drinking, sudden loss of appetite, continual vomiting or diarrhoea, or unusual

lethargy then these should be obvious enough to raise your concern.
Discharge from the eyes or inflamed eyes, a shallow or rapid breathing pattern or perhaps persistent coughing can all be signs of something serious.
Typically when a dog is sick or ill they will show a raised temperature, indicated by a hot, dry nose. If your dog has a high temperature or even a very low temperature you should seek professional advice from your veterinarian.
Do be aware that a dog's temperature will be raised after strenuous activity or excitement and will not therefore be a reliable indication to its health.
If you are unsure you can take your dogs temperature yourself and this is taken rectally with a suitable thermometer. A dogs normal resting temperature is 101.5F, although if your dog is a hairless breed their temperature could be one or two degrees higher.
To take your dogs temperature choose a time when your dog is calm. You will need to ensure your dog is firmly held to prevent them from sitting down onto the thermometer. Smear the thermometer with vaseline or suitable lubricant and insert it into your dogs rectum about an inch.
Any reading above 102.5F or any reading below 100F should be regarded with concern and veterinarian advice should be sought.
If you known or feel your dog is ill make sure you keep them calm and display a reassuring manner until you get them to the veterinarian. Dogs can be very sensitive to your tone of voice and will pick up any worry or anxiety in your voice and manner.
Understanding your dogs needs and keeping a watchful eye for symptoms of sickness and ill health will ensure you can take swift action and ensure you dog is cared for sooner than later.
For further advice on looking after your dog or puppy, visit Dog and Puppy Care.
For full details on dog training, care, health and diet, visit Dog and Puppy Training, Care, Health and Diet.
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The Leonberger: Large Lion Dog

The Leonberger is a breed which comes from the city of Leonberg near the foothills of the Black Forest of Germany. The Mayor of Leonberg, Heir Heinrich Essig, developed this dog for one reason only, he wanted to breed a dog that would resemble the lion depicted on the crest of his town.

He accomplished this by breeding a Saint Bernard to a Newfoundland, then breeding the offspring to a Pyrenean Mountain dog, in 1907. He thus produced what the rest of the dog world considered a "crossbreed". However, the good looks and personality of the dog won over the hearts of many and it soon became popular not only in Germany but throughout Europe. The dog has the web foot typical of the Newfoundland and the burly good humor of both the Newf and the Saint, while the Pyrenean Mountain dog contributed some herding and guarding instinct. The Leonberger very nearly became extinct during the World Wars. Great Britain and the United States imported dogs of the German strain and continued to breed this distinctly different dog. It has since become registered by all of the European Kennel clubs. Registry in the American Kennel Club has begun with the first step being recognition by the F.S.S. (Foundation Stud Service) of the A.K.C.

The Leonberger is a fairly healthy dog, the only consideration being that there may be a tendency to hip and elbow dysplasia. The United States Leonberger club recognizes that this is a breed that should be x-rayed before breeding and most of the breeders involved with this unique dog work hard at making sure that their puppies are sold on contracts to spay or neuter a pet dog.

The Leonberger indeed has the appearance of a lion to a certain extent. It is a large dog, weighing in at 80 to 150 pounds. The face has a distinguished looking black mask and the hairs of the body often have a black tip to the ends. The color is fawn to light golden to deep red. The coat is double in nature with a dense undercoat, however it is a coat which does lie close to the body and should not be groomed to the appearance of a "stand-off" coat such as the Chow chow. The tail is long, extending to the top of the hock and is carried at "half mast" when moving. The breed sports a mane around the neck and the top of the back, although it is not as outstanding as the mane of an actual lion.

Truly the character of this dog is rather like that of a lion, being regal and somewhat aloof in nature, preferring his family "pack" to all others but accepting of strangers when properly introduced. He is gentle and congenial but makes a good watchdog, with a deep and resounding bark to warn of intruders. Strong enough to pull a cart and with the swimming characteristic of the Newfoundland, this is a versatile and enjoyable dog that brings faithfulness and a true working dog's sense of loyalty to his people.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Dogs
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Introducing a New Baby to Your Dog

Before your baby arrives, imagine what your dog’s behavior might be around an infant.

Plan your schedule. Dogs like routine. Establish a schedule for your dog before the baby arrives and stick to it.

Schedule should include:

1. Walking times.
2. Play periods.
3. Mealtimes
4. Anything else you can think of.

You might be too tired to walk the dog early in the morning after being up and down all night with the new baby. You might want to change the walk time with your dog before the baby arrives. You may need to arrange with a friend to help with the dog just after the baby’s arrival. Maybe a teenager would like a few extra dollars for walking your dog. You might not ever need the help, but it is wise to plan ahead in case you do. The planning, of course, is great for your dog, but it is more for your own personal comfort.

A dog on a routine and well exercised is less likely to be competitive of the new baby. The dog on a routine may also be less demanding of your attention.

Your baby is going to be napping on the couch or lying on the bed. Teach your dog to stay on the floor unless invited up with a clear command.

Watch your words! For your dog’s whole life before the baby he has probably heard things like: “what a good little boy.” You have taught him certain words are just for him. Now the baby arrives. You say something like: “mommy’s good little boy.” The dog suddenly runs up for you to pet him. You push him away. The dog becomes confused. Avoid the confusion by developing some new key phrases for your dog and only the dog. Make this change as soon as possible.

Games in the house: If you have played ball with your dog in the house he will most likely jump over about anything to get to the ball you threw out. With a baby or a toddler in the house as well, these types of games are best outdoors. An unpredictable bounce of a ball can lead to an unanticipated pounce on baby by the dog.

Be careful about giving your dog extra attention because you know that soon a baby will be in the house and you might not have as much time to spend with your dog. Dogs get use to the extra attention really quick. When the attention has to be suddenly shifted to the new baby, it is unfair to the dog and sets a stage for competition between the dog and the baby. A good rule to begin to follow before the baby arrives is no more than ten minutes of attention per hour when you are home.

You want your baby’s arrival to be a welcome event. Speak kindly to the dog as you to into the baby’s room. Include the dog in what you are doing whenever possible. Be extra warm and kind to the dog when he is around the baby or toddler, and the rest of the time, in the beginning sort of ignores the dog. He will associate time around the baby as being an enjoyable time for everyone.

Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. She publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. Sign up at Stain Glass Shih Tzu. Designer Dog Clothes are offered at: http://www.littleguysdogclothesshop.com

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Ring Worm in Dogs

Ringworm is one of the most common diseases in pets, especially dogs. Unlike its name, Ringworm is not a worm but fungi called Dermatophytes that thrives on dead tissues present on skin surface and follows circular path to spread infection.

Ringworm is an infectious skin disease and your pet usually picks it up from his surroundings like kennels, rodent burrows or from other animals who are already infected. There are about 35 species of ringworm that can affect dogs. The most common is ‘Mircosporum Canis’, which accounts for majority of ringworm cases

One symptom of ringworms in dogs is a lesion on the skin that looks like a rapidly growing circular patch of broken hair. The patch may look inflamed and may appear to have dandruff-like flakes on it. The most common areas where it can occur are face, ear tips, tails and paws.

If you find any of these symptoms, take your pet to the veterinarian. He may diagnose the disease by plucking hairs from the infected area and examining it under ultra violet light. On finding fungi traits, he may advise some anti fungal pills or topical medications for your pet

Humans need to take some precautions since ringworm is an infectious disease. Be sure to keep kids away from an infected pet, and adults should wear gloves when handling any items that have come in contact with the animal. Also keep your dog neat and clean and clip his hairs short since longer hairs promote unhygienic conditions.

Although, ringworm is a mild disorder the problems due to its infectious nature and slow recovery time can be problematic.

Ring Worms provides detailed information about ring worm, human ring worm and more. Ring Worms is affiliated with Dry Skin Lotion.

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Why You Should Adopt A Dog

Dog adoption is made easy through the countless animal welfare organizations and animal shelters existing in every city across the United States. With literally thousands of adoptable dogs listed, a prospective dog owner can select to adopt a dog that needs a wonderful family to go to and be loved. In fact, when you search through these shelters and find a puppy, you are doing a great service to the community and to the local dog rescue or animal shelter that you went for your dog, cat, kitten, or puppy adoption. Thus, you should not hesitate! You should go today to your local area's shelter facilities and practically support dog and puppy adoption. But before you exit such a life-saving premise, you should first consider some important factors that will shape your decision.

In fact, you are interested in getting a dog from a shelter you can increase your chances of completing a successful adoption if you make some observations and you are not afraid to ask the shelter's personnel some necessary questions. Begin by visiting the shelter several times and watch the interaction of the staff members with the animals. Pay attention to how they treat, clean and behave to them and if possible keep notes of their attitude towards the dogs in general and the one you are considering of adopting in specific.

A buyer who chooses to adopt a shelter animal instead of buying a puppy should be just as careful in his choice and as selective of a place to adopt as the puppy buyer should be in his choice of a breed and a puppy. This is mainly due to diseases and lack of proper care. Although dogs are vaccinated against common canine diseases when they enter a shelter, they do not always receive immediately the appropriate vaccinations, especially if they have been already exposed to a disease while roaming the streets. In addition, if the shelter keeps each dog in different compartments, but a chain type of fence separates them from each other-meaning that their nose can be in direct contact-then illness are possible to be transferred from one dog to another. Furthermore, if their feces are not picked up regularly and their cells are not cleaned properly, worms and other feces-spread diseases are possible. Thus, ask the shelter's veterinarian to perform a thorough background physical check on the dog you have set your eyes on and take proof of their vaccination before exiting the shelter or clinic.

Finally, you should be aware that owning a dog is a big responsibility. Apart from their need to be fed regularly depending on their size and breed, dogs have to be taken outdoors, and they often require medical care. Although it is a disaster that many people fail to recognize these and other issues beforehand, you should not decide to adopt a dog based on an impulse. It has to be a well-thought decision that takes under consideration how much time you have available everyday, what is your current lifestyle, and which are your living accommodations. Thinking beforehand where the dog shall live once it enters your house premises is as important as teaching your kids not to be afraid of the hairy new family addition-some children might even get jealous or afraid of a new dog. Plan ahead, research extensively and be well-prepared in order to enjoy for many years to come the amazing company and unique companionship a dog can offer to everyone in your family.

Kadence Buchanan writes articles on many topics including Pets, Home, and Family

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Flea Prevention

Fleas are annoying, but they can also cause health issues with your pet. A single flea can quickly multiply and will infest all household pets, as well as furniture, carpet and the yard. A female flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day. It’s best to avoid fleas at all costs. With cats, keep them indoors and away from other pets. If you have a dog, use a topical application such as advantage. Follow the instructions and apply the topical (skin) application on a consistent basis. In northern climate begin applying in early spring and ending in late fall. If you live in an area where the temperatures do not get below freezing, apply topical applications throughout the year. The topical applications are usually applied every 4-6 weeks between the shoulder blades. Even with topical applications, you need to routinely inspect your pet and bedding areas for fleas, and you may need to bath your animal with anti-flea pet shampoos or treat your yard. Fleas can easily be passed from a dog to a cat.
A flea looks like a tiny mosquito, but you cannot kill it by swatting. A single flea can bite your pet more than 400 times in a day. Typical pet reactions to flea bites include rashes, allergic dermatitis—which can lead to hair loss. The skin of your pet may “blacken” if the condition remains untreated. Fleas can also carry and infect your pet with tapeworm and can cause anemia, a weakened blood condition. Some pets and people are allergic to fleas and may have a stronger reaction.
If you find a flea on your pet, deal with it immediately. Remember a single female flea can lay 50 eggs a day. Also, for every flea you see, there may be ten more. Anytime a pet has fleas you need to treat all pets in the home by either using a flea dip, shampoo or powder. On a daily basis vacuum or steam clean the pets bedding area as well as all other area that may be infected. Throw away the vacuum bag every time you vacuum by placing the bag in a tightly wrapped plastic garbage bag. Keep the garbage bag away from your house or in a tightly sealed garbage can away from your pets. Treat the yard with spray or crystals designed to kill fleas. Doing a little on-line research can help you locate organic yard solutions. Select treatments that will kill fleas and ticks but make sure the product is free of organophosphate or it’s derivatives. According to the National Resource Defense Council (NRDC.org), pet collars and products using organophosphates can be harmful to you and your pet.
If you have a young or ill pets or young children be very careful about the type of product you use and the amount apply to your pet. Young and ill pets are the most susceptible to toxic levels of a product. Children are also at risk around certain chemicals. Both pets and children can suffer brain damage due to toxic levels. There are many good sources on-line for organic solutions and to determine toxicity levels of flea treatment products. You may want to start with the following http://www.answers.com/topic/centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention.
Kate Garvey has been involved in animal welfare most of her life. She has written numerous articles and books. She is available for freelance and ghostwriting work. If you'd like to reserve a copy of her upcoming cat care book, view other pet care tips, or find animal welfare organizations, please visit her website http://www.kategarvey.net/
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Dog Food Recall Spurs New Federal Law

Newly proposed legislation would give the FDA power to order a dog food recall for tainted products with the important step of mandating an early system for notification accompanied by fines for lack of compliance.
This important step may grant the FDA, powers previously non existent, to regulate the dangers inherent in potentially tainted dog food.
The new proposed federal law would grant the FDA power to:
• Demand an immediate dog food recall for contaminated dog food. Presently the FDA has to wait for dog food companies to recall tainted dog food voluntarily and remove these products from store shelves.
• Initiate an early system for notification when tainting occurs in dog food products that are currently on the market. The system would be enhanced by the FDA working with veterinarians and other organizations to collect data and reports of problems as soon as they become evident to the marketplace and without waiting for dog food manufacturers to make this information known. The current dog food crisis spread it’s poisonous tentacles for several weeks before dog food manufacturers confirmed existence of a problem. This delay endangered the health of thousands of dogs worldwide.
• Implement federal requirements for the labeling of dog food. At the present time, there are very lax or virtually unenforceable dog food labeling requirements. For more information on dog food labeling see http://www.dogs-4life.com/dog-food-labeling-better-than-human-food,-industry-claims.html
• Enhance the power of the FDA to regulate the importation of food. The current dog food recall revealed the lax reporting and almost non existent regulation of imported proteins and other ingredients from suppliers in China which caused the poisoning, kidney failure and death in dogs.
Currently the FDA inspects less that 1.5% of all food imports. A new certification program would require companies that export to the United States to have safety standards and would permit the FDA to inspect their plants. Companies not in compliance could have their certifications revoked and their products would be ineligible for shipment to the United Sates for use in dog food or for human consumption.
• Have access to corporate records for use during investigations of potentially contaminated dog food
The current state of affairs in the dog food industry is an indication of a problem that has been widespread for decades. Taking advantage of lax regulation, inadequate labeling requirements and a powerful marketing effort, dog food companies have peddled unhealthy garbage to unsuspecting dog guardians since the industry’s inception in post war America.
That the horrific death of our dogs due to kidney failure caused by poison dog food has forced this issue to the front page of news organizations worldwide is no surprise to many dog nutritionists and professionals worldwide.
The unsavory ingredients touted as a safe healthy and natural diet for our dogs is sadly, frequently nothing more than industrial and slaughterhouse waste.
Whether this new proposed legislation is passed remains to be seen. If it is, it will be just the first step in forcing dog food companies to manufacture food that truly is healthy and not a danger to the health and longevity of our dogs.
Until that day comes, one of the best ways to assure that your dog is eating a healthy and nutritious diet is to prepare a home made dog food diet. It’s easy and your dog’s health, and your purse will both be thankful. To learn more about the necessity of feeding your dog a healthy and natural diet visit: http://www.dogs-4life.com/raw-vs-kibble.html.
We used to feed our dogs commercial dog food that was promised to be healthy and safe, Then our small 8 year old dog died of a sudden illness. We learned what was in her dog food that could be dangerous and we immediately stopped feeding it to our best friends. Find out what’s in your dog food at http://www.dogs-4life.com/dog-food-that-kills.html This article may be reproduced unedited with the author's link displayed.
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How City Dogs Can Become An Apartment-Dweller's Best Friend

Moving to the city? Wondering if Fido will continue to be your best friend?
Fear not. A city dog will be your best friend during the move -- helping you explore the city, meet the neighbors and never feel alone.
What makes a happy city dog?
After living with dogs in apartments and talking to dozens of owners in my urban dog parks, I have come up with the following 5 reality checks.
(1) Size of the dog vs. size of your apartment
Size is not important (unless your landlord or condo board has rules).
How big is too big? I have met 70-pound couch potatoes and 9-pound balls of energy. Small dogs can be noisier and can shed more than big dogs -- sometimes!
Of course, in a 500-square-foot apartment, you may feel crowded if you invite a Great Dane to share your space. But some people who do.
(2) Exercise Needs
How much exercise will Fido need? Even in a big house, your dog would need to leave for exercise.
Dog trainers warn us: running around a house or yard is not enough. Dogs need to walk to bond with their owners.
Ironically, city dogs often get more exercise than their country cousins. Last week at the dog park, an owner said, When we lived in a big house with a yard, Rover would just hang out, doing nothing. Now we walk 4 or 5 times a day. We visit the dog park 3 times a week. He is much happier, stimulated and even thinner!"
Of course, some dogs tend to be couch potatoes. Others need two or three hours a day -- running at full speed. Investigate before adopting. And decide where you will take the dog for exercise.
(3) Socialization
City dogs cannot afford to be wimps, wusses and shrinking violets. City dogs encounter neighbors, both canine and human, in elevators and on sidewalks. You don't want to referee fights on a regular basis, let alone pay huge fees for doggie damage.
Okay, I am biased. I recommend getting a shelter dog from a rescue group, preferably a dog that has spent time in a foster home rather than just a cage. It is easier to work with a dog's existing temperament than to start over.
Some owners choose a puppy so they can create a city dog. Frankly, this option does not always work. I met a dedicated owner who adopted a beautiful pure-bred puppy several years ago. The owner chose a breed known for its calm temperament.
That dog is terrified of traffic, noise and new experiences.
My little rescue mutt, Gracie, was born and bred in the country. She took to urban living with gusto, rides buses as if she were born on one and doesn't raise an ear at a fire siren. She's become a certified city dog.
(4) Learned behaviors.
Let's face it: a trainer tends to be a crucial part of an city dog's entourage.
Are you willing to sign up for obedience training? Many behaviors (such as nuisance barking) can usually be ended with training But some behaviors are tougher to change than others.
I recommend meeting with a trainer before you formally adopt the dog. If your dog displays destructive or hostile behavior, decide if you have the patience and lifestyle to work with the dog for change.
Frankly, it's not easy. Dogs change personality once they join a new home. My dog Gracie developed chewing issues she had never displayed in her foster home. On the other hand, a foster mom told me, "I am caring for Spot because he was considered aggressive. But in my home, he is sweet, gentle and loving."
(5) Time out for the Owner.
City dogs can drain the energy of the most dedicated owner. You need escape outlets.
Luckily, most cities have a wide choice of dog parks. You'll also find overnight boarding and doggie day care options. Get to know them. Every so often you can turn Prince your little Prince or Princess over to run around while you shop, relax or get some work done --a real treat, especially in the rain.
Dog Fanatic and Copywriter Cathy Goodwin wrote Dog Health at Home, a resource to care for your sick, injured and senior dogs, in memory of her first dog who crossed the bridge recently. Download your copy at http://www.dog-health.org/dogbook.html
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Tips To Stop Leash Pulling

At some point in time most dog owners will encounter the problem of their dog pulling on the leash. This sometimes happens at the most inopportune of times and can become both an issue for the owner and the dog as well.

The best procedure for putting a stop to leash pulling is to start training your dog for the leash at an early age. When you first start taking your dog on walks try not to be predictive with where you're going and what you're doing. If you notice that your dog is about to head out to the end of the leash, turn direction and go in the opposite way he or she is doing.

Make sure that when doing this that your turn of direction happens before the leash gets tight. Doing this consistently and on every walk, especially in the beginning, your dog will learn to pay attention to what you are doing instead of going his or her own way. Thus, you'll be putting a stop to leash pulling problems before they even become a problem.

One of the most effective methods for putting an end to your dog's leash pulling habit is the start and stop method. The real beauty of this method is the simplicity of it. When your dog begins to pull on the leash, stop walking and have him or her heal. That's it. There is nothing more to it than that.

Continue doing this every time your dog pulls on the leash and over time the leash pulling problem will become less and less. As with all aspects of training a dog, consistency and repetitiveness is important. Dogs are creatures of habit so use that habit to your advantage to putting an end to your dogs leash pulling.

An important thing to remember when leash training your dog is to not allow frustration guide how you react when things aren't going as well as planned. Your dog will feed off of your negative emotions, in turn adopting a similar frustrated attitude and can easily become nervous. At which point, anything you're trying to teach will not be learned and most likely turn into a set back.

Regardless of what method you use when trying to put an end to leash pulling or trying to prevent it from happening, when your dog does something positive, reward him or her positively. Positive reinforcement via treats, praise or a combination of both will go a long way to improving any training you're trying to accomplish.

Matt operates the dog information website A Happy Dog

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7 Easy Tips for Training Your Puppy

Some people think training puppies is hard. I beg to differ. Training any puppy can be hard or easy. How you approach your training and handling of the puppy will make a world of difference.

Training Tip #1 - Always keep an eye on your puppy. If you supervise your puppy he or she can't use the bathroom in the house, they can't chew things up, and you can be there to take them out when they need to go.

If you can not supervise your puppy investing in a quality dog kennel is suggested.

Training Tip #2 - Let your puppy drag a leash. Buy a 5-6 foot nylon web leash and let your puppy drag it around. This way you can stand on the leash to keep your puppy around you. Tether the puppy to a chair or door so you can supervise them while you are busy.

Training Tip #3 - Handle them. Touch their paws, rub their ears, check their teeth, pick them up and check their belly, touch their hind end. These will get them used to being examined by the vet, handled by the groomer, by children and adults.

Training Tip #4 - Put them on a feeding schedule. A good friend of mine always says, "What goes in on a schedule, comes out on a schedule." By putting your puppy on a feeding schedule he or she will go to the bathroom on a schedule making house training much easier for you.

Feeding schedules also help prevent food bowl aggression and obesity.

Training Tip #4 - Socialize your puppy. Early socialization is critical for proper development of your puppy. If you do not get them out in the world they will never learn how to behave in the world.

My rule of thumb is to take them every I possibly can between 8-14 weeks and I continue this socialization until maturity.

For younger pups consult your vet for safety precautions. Usually you can start socializing your pups with other dogs after they have started their second set of shots. Again, check with your vet before you do this.

Training Tip #5 - Use motivation to teach basic things like sit, down and roll over. Teaching your puppy to sit, lie down and roll over are great ways to begin formal obedience training with your puppy.

Rolling over and laying down are also submissive positions that will help your pup learn how to remain calm and see you as the leader as they mature.

With the use of positive reinforcement and motivational techniques you can work with almost any age and see results.

Training Tip #6 - Use hand signals. Along with verbal cues you want to use hand signals. This will help your puppy understand what you want them to do. Dogs are masters at reading body language. It makes sense to use it early on to start teaching your puppy behaviors.

Training Tip #7 - Avoid rolling your puppy on their back or practicing "alpha rolls." One popular concept today is leadership. Many people mistake leadership with dominance. Dominance and leadership or not the same thing and practicing dominant handling techniques like the Alpha Roll is not in you or your pups best interest.

Instead, lay them on their side and teach them to relax on cue. This will help you in the long run establish yourself as the leader and teach them how to remain calm under stressful situations like the vets office, the groomer, and in situations that cause your puppy stress.

In Conclusion Socialize your puppy as often as you can and start to touch them alot to help with handling and stressful situations they are going to encounter on a daily basis.

By taking the time to properly work with your puppy you will save yourself a lot of frustration as they grow older.

Jason Mann is a professional canine instructor. He operates Top Dog K9 Training Solutions based in Lexington, KY.
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The Rottweiler, Guardian and Protector

The Rottweiler is a breed whose history is somewhat shrouded. One theory has it that the ancestors of the breed were the dogs which were brought to Europe as War Dogs by the legions of Rome and some were left behind as the Legionnaires marched onwards. In any case, in the city of Rottweiler, a flourishing commercial and agricultural marketplace in southern Germany, for many centuries there was a breed of dog with the general appearance of the Rottweiler of today. This dog was used for its droving abilities and as a guardian against marauding animals and thieves. The animal was such an excellent protector against thieves that it has been noted in history that the moneybags for trade at the market were carried around the necks of these dogs.

The Rottweiler of today is noted for its high intelligence and trainability. In Germany, which requires strict control of the breeding population and is the home of the Ring Sport of Schutzhund, the Rottweiler is a superior competitor and often a strong contender for some of the highest titles. The dog has gained in popularity in the United States where it has continued to serve mankind in many areas, including a dog for military use, a guide dog for the blind, a police dog, a search dog and a family guardian and pet.

The Rottweiler should have a compact and muscular appearance. The head is square with a definite stop and bold look to the eye. The ears are folded over neatly and set high and are not overly long. The neck should be of solid proportion and strongly set on the shoulders, which should be well laid back for strength and pulling power. All in all, the entire appearance should be one of strength and solid power. The color of the Rottweiler is shiny black with rich tan markings above the eyes, on the cheeks and jaws and upper chest, a tan blaze mark should appear between the forelegs and on all four legs.

The character of the Rottweiler is willing, anxious to please and highly intelligent. He is also quite a happy dog, playful and with great spirit, never tiring of fun and games as long as it is with people that he loves. He is somewhat of a clown as a puppy and young dog, often not maturing and becoming "steady" until after the age of two. He will give great affection to people that he considers belong to him and will remain faithful and loyal. This is a dog that must be brought up as a social dog however, for he carries within his genetic history a fierce guarding and protective instinct and needs to learn early on that people are to be his charges and are not a threat. The Rottweiler has great strength and courage and a protective nature and when this is channeled in the right direction he will be the faithful guardian he is meant to be. However in the hands of an ignorant or irresponsible owner, this dog can do great damage because of those same instincts.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Dogs.

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