Hi Folks

Having never owned a Rott before (had GSD's)I am unsure about his size, he is currently 8 months old and 85lbs.... Does that seem about right for a male of that age? He is 24.5 inches at the shoulder and looks pretty well proportioned to me!!

At what age do Rotts reach full height before filling out? Also I have heard of the 'head 'splitting' to give that square look, is that a true reflection of the breeds maturing process or an 'old wives tail'? If any breeders/owners out there have checked the age to weight ratio of their own dogs, what was the eventual size (shoulder) and weight been that they finished at...... Any other general Rott info will be gratefully appreciated..

Cheers

Sound like he’s right on track, Marc. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

He should reach his full height around 1 year. Might grow another inch or so by 2 years. Full weight is reached between years two and three, generally.

Never heard about this ‘head splitting’. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

I’m guessing he’ll end up 26 ½ at 110 pounds.

Thanks

The 'head splitting' comment is I think about the sqaring off (broadening ) of the skull.... Do you find that as a Rott matures his head widens or do you find that they retain the shape (but larger) that they had as a pup?

110lbs sounds fine to me, I dont like the big fat Rotts you see, I much prefer smaller and quicker!! How about the temperament, do you observe that it changes as the dog gets older????

Cheers

Mark your pups seems to be on the right track, like most popular breds the Rotties definition has change several times to the liken of America #1 bred.

At one point the Rottie helded the title by the AKC as the number 1 bred registered. Which usually spells the downfall of that popular bred. The big and sqaure head look and over size body was once popular here in America.

During its reign as the #1 bred, it became 2nd only to the pit bull as the most dangerous dog to man. Most of these case with both breds were due to poor handler skills,people that wanted the fashion of the day or people that wanted the dog to remain the cute little puppy. Once the dog was full grown it was tied outside and forgotten, except for bragging rights "Yeah I got a Rottie, he's mean and hughe". An accident waiting to happen.

At one time there seemed to be a fondness for the 130 - 150 lb black bear looking Rottie. These animals were so over weight that they could only run a short distance before hevy like they'd ran a marathon. My neighbor had such an animal.

I've seen recently the bred returning to its more natural size, look and temperment.

Your pup will probably be 26" 110-115 lbs, this is the size (and smaller) where they are the best athlete a Rottie can be. My female is about 90lbs and very atheletic and powerful. Most people that have raised both say that the Rottie acts and thinks more like an Lineman (smart but rather go through ya) and the GSD is more of a Line backer (fast and strong but has a plan of attack). You will see.

Have fun training. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I'd like to add my opinon on a boarder scale, to me the Rottie is the best mulit-purposed Mastiff (with the exception to the rare SA Boerbole and maybe the AM bull dog) there is no other Mastiff that has the total packages like the Rottie. Now days.

He's not quite a GSD but he is the next best thing, sorta like picking sport cars the Porsche targa tubro 911 (gsd, can do it all lighter, powerful and fast) or Ferreia Mondlea V12 (heavy, powerful and kinda fast). But still the best of the best. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

 Quote:

Originally posted by Don B. Ackerson
He's not quite a GSD but he is the next best thing, sorta like picking sport cars the Porsche targa tubro 911 (gsd, can do it all lighter, powerful and fast) or Ferreia Mondlea V12 (heavy, powerful and kinda fast).

Hmmm...I own(yes will admit to it) a Rotti (house pet) so this is NOT an anti-Rotti post..but second best to a GSD...I'm not going to put Mals, Dutchies and Mal/X Dutchie/X breeds ahead of a GSD, but to save the fights(relax Van..LOL) they will out work a Rotti any day.

I actually like Rottts as home defense dogs. Lower drive levels, somewhat lazy compared to the other breeds. They do not need the over-driven working training of many GSD's or other breeds mentioned here.

Again, I like Rotties....really, but when was the last time a dept called me or any other K-9 trainer I know looking for one???....hmmmmmm.....yes I know there are SOME, but not MANY. The good ones are out there, but just too few to make a difference.

As for size, they are great if I need my dog to go through a 6 foot fence..not so good at going over the 6 foot fence..that is unless I get a small crane to lift them over.. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

 Quote:

Originally posted by New England K-9 - Josh Lewis:

 Quote:

As for size, they are great if I need my dog to go through a 6 foot fence..not so good at going over the 6 foot fence..that is unless I get a small crane to lift them over..

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> True, not big jumpers. But then again, my male GSD would rather just lower his head and ram his way through a fence than jump it (even though he knows he could). Guess maybe he's got some of that Rottie hard headedness (literally)! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Dogs with thick bone usually don't "fill out" till after their second year.

You will notice that Rotty block head really take shape between 18 months and 36 months.

Same goes for those funny looking black and red things some people breed and call GSDs.

Thanks Guys

Really helpful replies. What is living with an adult Rott like against a GSD and how does the temperament alter after they fully mature??

I am going to Sch training (schutzhund training is tiny in the UK)after he has an OCD operation on his elbow... The training will start after his recovery at about 11 months or so. I have noticed so far he is not highly driven and also a bit lazy..

Is that normal for most Rotts?

He seems to be quite territorial even at this young age, but also lovely and friendly with people... Sounds ideal doesn't he, I think maybe I have been lucky!!

Cheers

 Quote:

Originally posted by Mark Holloway:
I am going to Sch training (schutzhund training is tiny in the UK)after he has an OCD operation on his elbow... The training will start after his recovery at about 11 months or so. I have noticed so far he is not highly driven and also a bit lazy. Is that normal for most Rotts?

Some aspects of SchH training start very early. There are three phases to the sport, each having many different specific elements. It's not like you just show up at a club and say "today I start SchH training". You need to build a relationship and a foundation.

Be prepared for an honest evaluation of your dog. Not all dogs, especially Rottweilers can or should be trained in SchH. Most are better suited for other endeavors. Training a Rottweiler in SchH generally requires much more time and effort, so you need patience and dedication.

Having said that, I train in a club that works mainly with Rottweilers. (About 10 of them) A good dog regardless of the breed is fun to work, but Rottweilers really have something special.

Good luck.