Rottweiler

The Rottweiler would suit an experienced owner with a large property who wants a loyal one-man dog that they can enjoy training and socialising.

In common with many large breeds the Rottweiler dog may suffer from a specific stomach condition (gastric dilation volvulus) and hip dysplasia (a condition that can lead to mobility problems). Hip scoring of dogs prior to breeding is therefore important.

Rottweilers need both exercise and training - and plenty of it to keep them happy and healthy. They enjoy long walks in the countryside, and a well-trained and socialised Rottweiler will usually stay very close to their owner. Ensure your Rottweiler is well-socialised and friendly with other dogs before letting them off the lead - and supervise all interactions with other dogs. Some Rottweilers can be problematic with other dogs and may need to be kept on lead around others.

For an adult, two hours of daily exercise is required to include training and brain games.

This is a large, active dog, who needs plenty of indoor and outdoor space, and a well-fenced garden. As he can guard territory from visitors, dog-free access to your front door or letter box for deliveries is important.

Large breed dogs, as well as having large appetites, benefit from a different balance of nutrients including minerals and vitamins compared to smaller-breed dogs. Rottweilers are also prone to bloating and stomach problems. Smaller, more frequent meals can help minimise this risk.

This is one of the easiest breeds to maintain. Give your Rottweiler a good brush down with a rubber glove every now and then – and more regularly during the moulting seasons – and this will suffice.

The Rottweiler is a powerful, active working dog and as such he needs an experienced, firm but fair, owner to make sure he gets all the socialisation and training he needs to be a safe and friendly member of society.

With the right owner, they can be trained to a very high standard, excel in canine sports or blossom with a job to do – in other words be an unbeatable dog. But the amount of work needed to keep them mentally and physically stimulated, and adequately socialised, makes them high maintenance dogs for expert owners.

Not an ideal family dog as while he is usually devoted to his own children, he can easily mistake the intentions of their friends. Plus, in his clumsiness, he can knock over small children. With training and socialisation, the Rottweiler may be able to live with older sensible children.

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.