BREED KNOWLEDGE
ROTTWEILER
Country of Origin: The Rottweiler (affectionately called 'Rottie') originates in the Roman Empire, where it was used to herd cattle. The name derives from the small
town of Rottweil, Germany. The Rottweiler nearly went extinct in the 1800's, but today it has come back in popularity and is used as a police dog, guard dog, herd
dog, and tracker. It is a very strong, courageous, seemingly invulnerable breed. Famous fictional Rottweilers include the puppet Triumph the Insult Comic Dog
from The Conan O' Brien Show and the family pet in Ferris Bueller's Day Off.
Size: The Rottweiler is 56-69 cm (22-27 in) in shoulder height and weighs 38-59 kg (85-130 lbs). Rottweilers have a broad head with triangular ears, and a
docked tail leaving several tail vertebrae. Rotties are built for strength and endurance; their bite force was measured by 'National Geographic' to be the strongest
among all breeds tested.
Coat: The Rottweiler has a distinct short, thick, coarse outer coat, with a thick under layer. It must always be black with brown markings. Occasionally there are
long-haired Rottweilers, or Rotties with a white chest marking, but these traits are considered undesirable.
Character: The Rottweiler is brave, loyal, obedient, protective, watchful, and strong. It will risk life and limb to defend its family. Rottweilers are powerful and
usually serious, requiring frequent attention. Rotties are often silent, observant, and serene, but females may bark more often than males.
Temperament: If properly socialized, a Rottweiler makes a good playmate for children and gets along well with cats and other household animals. This is all
contingent on whether the dog has had positive experiences with them when young, however.
Care: The Rottweiler requires little coat maintenance; use a rubber glove to remove hair when the Rottie sheds. The ears must be kept clean, and the claws must
be kept short. The Rottweiler enjoys cold or cool weather, but shelter must be provided. Rotties need frequent socialization. They tend to overeat and snore, so
sharing a doghouse will probably be out of the question. Rotties live 10-12 years and may have large litters of 12 or more puppies.
Training: The dominant nature of the Rottweiler makes it necessary that its trainer is calm, consistent, firm, and fair. Rottweilers are eager to learn, and
obedience training is an absolute requirement. The Rottweiler is very intelligent and can excel at a variety of sports in addition to its capacity as a guard dog and
watch dog.
Activity: The Rottweiler requires daily exercise. Take it with you to run in the open country or the woods, as it does not wish to wander far from its family. Rotties
also love to swim, run beside a bicycle, or catch a ball. Over exercising a Rottweiler is just about impossible, so have at it!

DOBERMAN PINSCHER
Country of Origin: The Doberman Pinscher (also known as a Dobermann or affectionately called ‘Dobe’) was bred in Germany in the late nineteenth century,
almost exclusively as the work of one man—Louis Dobermann. Dobermann was a tax collector who sought to breed an alert guard dog for personal protection.
Within a decade, a breed similar to the modern Doberman Pinscher had been created, popularized, and imported to America. In America, it became a popular
guard and police dog, and later a well-admired show dog. By the late 1970’s, the Doberman Pinscher was the second most popular breed in America. Today, it
serves mostly as a pet. Famous Doberman Pinschers include Zeus and Apollo, ‘the lads’ from ‘Magnum, P.I.’. Doberman Pinschers are the official combat
dog of the U.S. Marines.
Size: The Doberman Pinscher is a medium to large sized dog with a shoulder height of 63-72 cm (25-28 in) and a weight of 27-45 kg (60-100 lbs). Some
Doberman Pinschers weigh over 100 pounds, usually serving as guard dogs or police dogs. The Doberman Pinscher has a long, wedged shape head,
almond-shaped eyes, a flat skull, and erect ears (which may be cropped). They have small, round feet and docked tails.
Coat: The Doberman Pinscher has a short, stiff, smooth, coat. It can be black, brown, or fawn, all with tan markings. Black and tan is most common. Markings
are usually found on the muzzle, legs, feet, and chest. The Doberman Pinscher is an average shedder.
Character: Doberman Pinschers have a tendency to become very loyal and devoted to one particular person. They are brave and intelligent, making excellent
guard-dogs. Doberman Pinschers are not bullies or violent by nature, but they are highly protective and can be pushy if left unchecked.
Temperament: If properly socialized, Doberman Pinschers get along well with children, other dogs, and other household pets. Doberman Pinschers should
be socialized when young. They are uncomfortable with strangers and do not take kindly to unwanted visitors. Dobes require a dominant owner to ensure they
do not become overly aggressive. They are honorable, fearless, and devoted, making fine companions.
Care: The Doberman Pinscher must have its claws kept short. The teeth should be brushed regularly and checked periodically for tartar. Remove dead hairs
from the Doberman Pinscher’s coat with a knobbed rubber glove during shedding. Dobes are susceptible to Von Willebrand disease (a blood disorder), hip
dysplasia, and obesity. They are also sensitive to cold, and should not be left to live outdoors in cold climates. The white Doberman Pinscher may be more
susceptible to deafness or blindness, but this is disputed. The Doberman Pinscher has a life span of 8-12 years, and has litters of 3-8 pups.
Training: The Doberman Pinscher must be trained carefully, thoroughly, and consistently. One should never hit a Doberman Pinscher, and should avoid
pressuring the dog during the early stages of training. Females may be more stubborn than males.
Activity: The speed and tremendous stamina of the Doberman Pinscher make it ideal for a variety of outdoor sports. It requires frequent exercise and will not be
satisfied with daily walks around the neighborhood. The Doberman Pinscher is not suited to apartment life.

AMERICAN PIT-BULL
crossing Bulldogs with an older Terrier line. The American breed was reared largely for illegal dog fighting (the ‘Pit’ in Pit Bull likely derives from fighting pits) in
the United States and was recognized as a distinct breed in 1936. American Pit Bull Terriers became popular with ranchers and farmers for protection,
companionship, and catching hogs and cattle. Despite its media reputation for ferociousness, the American Pit Bull Terrier is an affectionate dog which has
risen to popularity as a pet. The American Pit Bull Terrier’s natural aggression is directed toward other dogs, not humans, and even this can be overcome
with training. They often serve as search dogs or police dogs.
Size: The American Pit Bull Terrier has a shoulder height of 46-56 cm (18-22 in) and weighs 22.5-32 kg (50-70 lb). American Pit Bull Terriers have highly set,
pointy ears which may be cropped, a broad head, wide cheeks, short back and tail (undocked), and wide, straight forelegs. They are very stocky, muscular, and
powerful. The American Pit Bull Terrier has round eyes and teeth that form a scissor bite. Unlike the American Staffordshire Terrier, they are allowed nose
leather of any color. The American Pit Bull Terrier is usually taller but with smaller head and bones.
Coat: The American Pit Bull Terrier has a short, shiny, and stiff coat. Any color is acceptable, however red and beige with highlights, either with or without
white highlights, is preferred. Less favored are black and tan, liver, or any color combination that is more than 80 percent white. The American Pit Bull Terrier
sheds an average amount.
Character: The American Pit Bull Terrier is loyal, tough on itself, and tenacious. It has a lot of stamina and makes a good watchdog. American Pit Bull
Terriers exude strength and agility. They are stubborn and fearless, but very gentle and kind with family.
Temperament: Provided proper socialization has taken place, the American Pit Bull Terrier gets along fine with children and with cats or other household
pets. Behavioral training and rearing alongside other pets is important for socialization, otherwise they may be eager to fight other dogs, especially when
challenged. They make great home protectors. The American Pit Bull Terrier is usually friendly with strangers when their owners are present. It makes a good
family dog as long as the family can handle its boisterousness. It highly desires its owner’s attention and approval.
Care: The American Pit Bull Terrier’s coat should be cared for by removing dead and loose hairs periodically with a rubber brush. American Pit Bull Terriers
can live outdoors but prefer indoor life with a family. Be sure to keep the dog attended outdoors due to public perception. American Pit Bull Terriers live 10-12
years and have litters of 5-10 puppies.
Training: The American Pit Bull Terrier must be taught at an early age not to pull on the leash, as it becomes very strong when fully grown. It can learn a great
deal if consistently trained. Intense socialization at an early age is important. American Pit Bull Terriers are obedient and have a very strong desire to please
their owner. Training should be patient, respectful, and firm.
Activity: The American Pit Bull Terrier needs plenty of exercise. It enjoys running alongside a bicycle or catching a ball or Frisbee. It also enjoys playing fetch.
The American Pit Bull Terrier can live in an apartment as long as sufficient attention and exercise is provided.
Dog Training, Obedience Training, Personal Protection Dogs, Police Dogs, Tracking Dogs, Canines. German Shepherds. Belgian Malinois, Dutch Shepherds, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Pit Bulls, Presa Canario, Cane Corso
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