The Belgian Mastiff , also known as the Chien de Trait Belge , Mâtin Belge and Belgian Draught Dog , is a breed of mastiff -type dog from the Low Countries that was used as a draught dog .
61-502: The Belgian Mastiff is a large, powerful dog that stand between 69 and 78 centimetres (27 and 31 in) and weight between 45 and 50 kilograms (99 and 110 lb). The breed is muscular and heavy-boned with a large head and thick neck. Their tails are typically docked to prevent them from being damaged whilst pulling carts. The Belgian Mastiff's coat is short, smooth and loose fitting; they are typically fawn or brindle in colour, with dark masks and white markings also known. In character,
122-527: A "Disqualifying Fault" along with "kink tail, ring-tail, with strong lateral deviation." When seen from the front, the front legs are straight and not placed close to each other. The forearm, seen from the side, stands straight and vertical. The slope of the shoulder blade is about 45 degrees. The shoulders are well laid back. The upper arm is close fitting to the body. The forearm is strongly developed and muscular. Pasterns are slightly springy, strong but not steep. The front feet are round, tight and well arched,
183-907: A "medium / large" breed, according to the FCI standard the Rottweiler stands 61–69 cm (24–27 in) at the withers for males, 56–63 cm (22–25 in) for females, and the weight must be between 50 and 60 kg (110 and 132 lbs) for males and 35 and 48 kg (77 and 105 lbs) for females. Weight must be relative to height. One study published in 2008 found that male Rottweilers have higher confidence, sharpness, and defense and play drives than females. A 2008 study surveying breed club members found that while Rottweilers were average in aggressiveness (bites or bite attempts) towards owners and other dogs, it indicated they tend to be more aggressive than average toward strangers. This aggression appears correlated with watchdog and territorial instincts. In
244-628: A 1996 paper that docking tails puts dogs at a disadvantage in several ways. First, dogs use their tails to communicate with other dogs (and with people); a dog without a tail might be significantly handicapped in conveying fear, caution, aggression, playfulness, and so on. Leaver and Reimchen, in 2007, found that longer tails were more effective than shorter tails at "conveying different intraspecific cues, such as those provided by tail motion". It has also been suggested that certain breeds use their tails as rudders when swimming, and possibly for balance when running; so active dogs with docked tails might be at
305-411: A Rottweiler is a trot. Therefore, the Rottweiler is a trotter. Trotting in this breed is by no means a fault and is required. This movement comes naturally to the Rottweiler and should appear as such; any deviation may lead to a disqualification in the show ring. While walking, the Rottweiler's legs, both front and hind, should move in a straight forward and backward manner. As with the straight movement of
366-404: A Rottweiler is always "black with clearly defined markings of a rich tan on the cheeks, muzzle, throat, chest and legs, as well as over both eyes and under the base of the tail" The American Kennel Club calls for mahogany or rust-colored markings that do not take up more than ten percent of the dog's body color. All Rottweilers standard to AKC specifications have one mahogany dot above each eye on
427-399: A disadvantage compared to their tailed peers. Videos comparing docked and undocked dogs running and jumping show that dogs who are docked have to work harder to compensate for the loss of the tail. Canine pathologist and sports-medicine expert Prof. Chris Zink believes the extra stress imposed on the joints can have long-term health consequences. In 2007, Stephen Leaver, a graduate student at
488-430: A dog of abundant strength, black coated with clearly defined rich tan markings, whose powerful appearance does not lack nobility and which is exceptionally well suited to being a companion, service, rescue and working dog." The skull is of medium length, relatively broad between the ears. The forehead line is moderately arched as seen from the side, with the occipital bone well developed without being conspicuous. The stop
549-550: A draught animal became increasingly obsolete throughout the 20th century and the ravages of the two world wars further took their toll on the breed. It is believed it became extinct in the second half of the 20th century. Prior to its extinction, the breed was recognised by the Société Royale Saint-Hubert and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale , in recognition of its supposed extinction
610-534: A draught dog. The buildup to World War I saw a great demand for police dogs , which led to a revival of interest in the Rottweiler. During the First and Second World Wars , Rottweilers saw service in various roles, including as messenger, ambulance, draught, and guard dogs. The Deutscher Rottweiler-Klub (DRK, German Rottweiler Club ), the first Rottweiler club in Germany, was founded on 13 January 1914, and followed by
671-530: A positive light. They are also featured in the children's book series Good Dog, Carl by Alexandra Day . In an event widely reported by the media, a two-year-old UK Rottweiler named Jake owned by Liz Maxted-Bluck was recognised for his bravery by the RSPCA . The dog was out walking with his owner when they heard screams. Jake chased off a man as he molested a woman on Hearsall Common , Coventry , in July 2009. He located
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#1732858258282732-672: A reasonably good natural balance, force-barks when necessary, and when working cattle uses a very intimidating charge. There is a natural change in forcefulness when herding sheep. When working cattle, it may use its body and shoulders and for this reason should be used on horned stock with caution. The Rottweiler, when working cattle, searches out the dominant animal and challenges it. Upon proving its control over that animal it settles back and tends to its work. Some growers have found that Rottweilers are especially suited to move stubborn stock that simply ignore Border Collies , Kelpies , and others. Rottweilers use their bodies to physically force
793-570: A separate register was opened for the breed. In fact, in the mid-1990s, the popularity of the Rottweiler reached an all-time high, as it was the most registered dog by the American Kennel Club. In 2017, the American Kennel Club ranked the Rottweiler as the eighth-most popular purebred dog in the United States. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale gives the following description of the Rottweiler standard: "Rottweiler breeders aim at
854-459: Is a breed of domestic dog , regarded as medium-to-large or large. The dogs were known in German as Rottweiler Metzgerhund , meaning Rottweil butchers ' dogs, because their main use was to herd livestock and pull carts laden with butchered meat to market. This continued until the mid-19th century when railways replaced droving . Although still used to herd stock in many parts of
915-526: Is a skin condition found in red point dogs such as the Rottweiler. An American study reviewing over a million cases presented to 27 veterinary teaching hospitals in North America found the Rottweiler to be prediposed to canine hip dysplasia , with 10.53% of dogs having the condition compared to 3.52% overall. This same study found the Rottweiler to also have the second highest prevalence of cranial cruciate ligament deficiency (CCLD) with 8.29% of dogs having
976-472: Is commonly used in many dog sports including Agility and Schutzhund . A 2022 study in England of patient records found the average life expectancy of the Rottweiler to be 8 years, lower than the average of 12 years. A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 10.6 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for crossbreeds . A 2024 Italian study found a life expectancy of 9 years for
1037-504: Is due to the increase in serious spinal trauma reported in field dogs with undocked tails. Three provincial veterinary associations have bans on their veterinarians performing tail docking, ear cropping, and most cosmetic surgeries: Three Provincial veterinary associations with ear cropping bans are open to a future ban of tail docking: Rottweiler The Rottweiler ( / ˈ r ɒ t w aɪ l ər / , UK also /- v aɪ l ər / , German: [ˈʁɔtvaɪ̯lɐ] )
1098-409: Is illegal, and no dog with cropped ears can take part in any Kennel Club event (including agility and other non-conformation events). Tail docking is also illegal, except for a few working breeds; this exemption applies only when carried out by a registered veterinary surgeon. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 makes the docking of dogs' tails a criminal offence, except for working dogs such as those used by
1159-516: Is illegal, or restricted, in many countries. Some dog breeds have naturally occurring bobtail lines. These appear similar to docked dogs but are a distinct naturally occurring phenotype. Historically, tail docking was thought to prevent rabies, strengthen the back, increase the animal's speed, and prevent injuries when ratting , fighting , and baiting . Tail docking is done in modern times either for prophylactic , therapeutic , cosmetic purposes, and/or to prevent injury. For dogs that work in
1220-511: Is illegal. The Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 contains provisions prohibiting the mutilation of domesticated animals. However, the Scottish government has carried out a consultation on this issue and declared that they intend to legislate to bring the law in Scotland in line with the law in England and Wales, meaning that there will be an exemption for certain breeds of working dogs. This
1281-463: Is relatively strong. Frontal groove not too deep. The Rottweiler nose is well developed, more broad than round, with relatively large nostrils and always black. The muzzle should appear neither elongated nor shortened in relation to the cranial region. The ratio between the length of the muzzle and the length of the skull is about 1 to 1.5. The nasal bridge is straight, broad at the base and moderately tapered. The lips are black and close fitting with
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#17328582582821342-400: Is roomy, broad and deep (approximately 50% of the shoulder height) with a well-developed forechest and well sprung ribs. The flanks are not tucked up. The FCI 2018 Standard states: In natural condition, strong, level in extension of the upper line; while paying attention, when excited or while moving it can be carried upward in a light curve; at ease it may be hanging. While positioned along
1403-611: The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association . These organizations have also called on breed organizations to remove docking from all breed standards. Critics point out that kennel clubs with breed standards that do not make allowance for uncropped or undocked dogs put pressure on owners and breeders to continue the practice. Although the American Kennel Club (AKC) says that it has no rules that require docking or that make undocked animals ineligible for
1464-466: The Rottweiler Handbook , Joan H. Walker states that "The Rottweiler is very territorial", meaning that the owner will have to regularly work with the dog to control its territorial aggressiveness. According to the American Kennel Club, Rottweilers have a natural gathering style with a strong desire to control. They generally show a loose eye and have a great amount of force while working well off
1525-534: The University of Victoria , published a paper on tail docking which found that tail length was important in the transmission of social cues. The study found that dogs with shorter tails (docked tails) would be approached with caution, as if the approaching dog was unsure of the emotional state of the docked dog. The study goes on to suggest that dogs with docked tails may grow up to be more aggressive. The reasoning postulated by Tom Reimchen, UVic Biologist and supervisor of
1586-573: The Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler Klub (ADRK, General German Rottweiler Club ) in 1921. This was officially recorded in the register of clubs and associations at the district court of Stuttgart on 27 January 1924. The ADRK is recognised worldwide as the home club of the Rottweiler. In 1931, the Rottweiler was officially recognised by the American Kennel Club . In 1936, Rottweilers were exhibited in Britain at Crufts . In 1966,
1647-661: The Belgian Mastiff is described as a tireless worker with strong protective instincts; they are not known to be particularly friendly to anyone but their masters. Little is known about the Belgian Mastiff's ancestry except that it is believed to be descended from French mastiffs introduced to the Low Countries at some point. The breed was seen throughout Belgium and the Netherlands pulling carts , often delivering milk, butter, meats and vegetables. The Belgian Mastiff's role as
1708-565: The Fédération Cynologique Internationale has placed the breed on its suspended breeds register and the Société Royale Saint-Hubert stated it "may be extinct"; holding out hope that surviving specimens may be found, they maintain the breed's listing. Docking (dog) Docking is the removal of portions of an animal's tail . While docking and bobbing are more commonly used to refer to removal of
1769-541: The United Kingdom. A dog docked before 28 March 2007 in Wales and 6 April 2007 in England may continue to be shown at all shows in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland throughout its life. A dog docked on, or after, the above dates, regardless of where it was docked, may not be shown at shows in England and Wales where the public is charged a fee for admission. Where a working dog has been docked in England and Wales under
1830-522: The United States), disputes these justifications, saying "These justifications for docking working dogs' tails lack substantial scientific support. In the largest study to date on tail injuries in dogs the incidence was 0.23% and it was calculated that approximately 500 dogs need to be docked to prevent one tail injury." Docking of puppies younger than 10 to 14 days old is routinely carried out by both breeders and veterinarians without anesthesia. While
1891-465: The attacker and his victim in thick scrub, chased off the attacker, led his owner to the scene, then stood guard over the victim until the police arrived. The attacker was convicted of serious sexual assault and jailed for four years. Jake was nominated by police for the bravery award and medallion after the incident. Det. Con Clive Leftwich, from the Coventry police station, said: "From our point of view Jake
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1952-573: The benefits of injury prevention and infection prevention, while also maintaining enough tail length to be used for social communication. Robinson, however, is not a veterinarian or researcher but the owner of American Sentinel K9, which derives income from dogs who have been docked. Docking has been condemned by the American Veterinary Medical Association , the American Animal Hospital Association, and
2013-465: The breed compared to 10 years overall. A survey of breed club members found the most common cause of death in the Rottweiler to be cancer, with more than 45% of deaths in the breed being attributed to cancers. The Rottweiler is prone to several skin conditions these include: acral lick dermatitis , calcinosis cutis , lupoid onychodystrophy , malignant histiocytic sarcoma , systemic histiocytosis , vasculopathy , and vitiligo . Follicular lipidosis
2074-436: The condition compared to an overall rate of 2.55%. For dogs diagnosed with both conditions the Rottweiler once again had the second highest prevalence with 1.34% having both hip dysplasia and CCLD compared to 0.3% overall. Another American study of over a million and a quarter of a million hip and elbow evaluation records in dogs over the age of 2 years found a prevalence of 20.1% for hip dysplasia and 38.1% for elbow dysplasia ,
2135-543: The corner of the mouth not visible. The gums should be black, or as dark as possible. Both the upper and lower jaws are strong and broad. According to the FCI Standard Rottweilers should have strong and complete dentition (42 teeth) with scissor bite , the upper incisors closely overlapping the lower incisors. The zygomatic arches should be pronounced (but not exaggerated). Upper and lower jaw strong and broad. Strong, complete dentition (42 teeth) with scissor bite,
2196-599: The creation of the Süddeutscher Rottweiler-Klub (SDRK, South German Rottweiler Club ) on 27 April 1915 and eventually became the IRK (International Rottweiler Club). The DRK counted around 500 Rottweilers, and the SDRK 3,000 Rottweilers. The goals of the two clubs were different. The DRK aimed to produce working dogs and did not emphasise the morphology of the Rottweiler. The various German Rottweiler Clubs amalgamated to form
2257-534: The docking was performed to prevent future injuries, and the case was dismissed for lack of evidence otherwise. Although cosmetic docking was still considered unacceptable by the RCVS, no further disciplinary action was taken against vets performing docking prior to the implementation of the ban. In Northern Ireland , legislation known as Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 made tail docking illegal except for certain working dogs. In Scotland, docking of any breed
2318-536: The dog is alert, the forehead may be slightly wrinkled. Faults: Hound-type head. Narrow, light too short, long, coarse or excessively molossoid head; excessively broad skull, (lack of stop, too little stop or too strong stop). Very deep frontal groove. Foreface long, pointed or too short muzzle (any muzzle shorter than 40 percent of the length of the head is too short). split nose; Roman nose (convex nasal bridge) or dish-faced (concave nasal bridge); aquiline nose, pale or spotted nose (butterfly nose). Pincer bite. Molars of
2379-470: The field, such as some hunting dogs , herding dogs , or terrier dogs , tails can collect burrs and foxtails , causing pain and infection and, due to the tail's wagging, may be subject to abrasion or other injury while moving through dense brush or thickets. Bones in the tail can also be broken by pulling or impact in the field, causing spinal injury to the tail. The American Veterinary Medical Association (the largest veterinary professional organization in
2440-555: The front feet. Toes are strong, arched, as tight as the front feet. According to the FCI Standard: The Rottweiler is a trotting dog. In movement the back remains firm and relatively stable. Movement harmonious, steady full of energy and unrestricted, with good stride. However, "sluggish action while trotting" is considered a "Severe Fault". According to the American Kennel Council the traditional gait of
2501-401: The inner brow ridge, on the cheeks, one strip on each side of the snout; cheek markings do not cross over the bridge of the nose, the top of the nose should remain black. The markings on the face should move down onto the dog's throat. On the chest, a Rottweiler will have two downward-facing triangular marks. On each front leg, the marks will stretch from the forearm to the toes. On the hind legs,
Belgian Mastiff - Misplaced Pages Continue
2562-629: The leg, the tail reaches approximately to the hocks or is a bit longer. Historically the tail was traditionally docked at the first or second joint. However, docking is now banned in most countries and this is reflected in the FCI Country of Origin Breed Standard. Although once "preferred" in early Standards, in 2018 the FCI Standard was amended to classify the Natural Bob Tail (aka "Stumpy") as
2623-476: The legs, the path the Rottweiler moves in should also be straight. The Rottweiler's gait is all about balance and effectiveness as the breed is still used as a herder today. The coat consists of an outer coat and an undercoat. The outer coat is of medium length, coarse, dense and flat. The undercoat should be present on the neck and thighs. The undercoat must not show through the outer coat. Rottweilers living in hot climates may have acclimatised and may be missing
2684-404: The markings will begin on the inside and move outward onto the stifle, then out onto the hock stretching to the toes as well. AKC standards recognize that the black base color is not completely voided on the rear pasterns. There is a patch of rust or mahogany underneath the tail that resembles a triangle as well. A thin strip of black should be present on each of the Rottweiler's toes. Technically
2745-453: The native dogs in a natural crossing. The main task of the Rottweiler now became the driving and guarding of the herds of cattle and the defence of their masters and their property. This breed acquired its name from the old free city of Rottweil and was known as the "Rottweil butcher's dog". The butchers bred this type of dog purely for performance and usefulness. In due course, a first rate watch and driving dog evolved which could also be used as
2806-512: The pads hard, nails are short, black and strong. When seen from behind, the rear legs are straight and not too close together. When standing free, obtuse angles are formed between the dog's upper thigh and the hip bone, the upper thigh and the lower thigh, and the lower thigh and metatarsal. The upper thigh is moderately long, broad and strongly muscled. The lower thigh is long, strongly and broadly muscled, sinewy. The hocks are sturdy, well-angulated, not steep. The hind feet are slightly longer than
2867-508: The police force, the military, rescue services, pest control, and those used in connection with lawful animal shooting. Three options were presented to Parliament in March 2006 with Parliament opting for the second: Those convicted of unlawful docking are liable to a fine of up to £20,000, up to 69 weeks of imprisonment, or both. Prior to the ban, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS),
2928-585: The practice is currently opposed by the American Veterinary Medical Association . Today, many countries ban cropping and docking because they consider the practices unnecessary, painful, cruel or mutilation . In Europe, the cropping of ears is prohibited in all countries that have ratified the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals . Some countries that ratified the convention made exceptions for tail docking. Show dogs are no longer docked in
2989-415: The regulatory body for veterinary surgeons in the United Kingdom, had stated in the 1990s that they considered tail docking to be "an unjustified mutilation and unethical unless done for therapeutic or acceptable prophylactic reasons." In 1995, a veterinary surgeon was brought before the RCVS disciplinary council for "disgraceful professional conduct" for carrying out cosmetic docking. The surgeon claimed that
3050-454: The respective regulations, however, it may be shown where the public is charged a fee, so long as it is shown "only to demonstrate its working ability." It will thus be necessary to show working dogs in such a way as to demonstrate their working ability and not conformity to a standard. A dog legally docked in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, or abroad may be shown at any show in Scotland or Northern Ireland. In England and Wales , ear cropping
3111-416: The second highest in the study. One study found the Rottweiler to be prediposed to gastric dilatation volvulus . However another study did not find a predisposition. The Rottweiler is often portrayed in media as being dangerous or aggressive. Some films and television shows, such as Lethal Weapon 3 , the 1998 film Half Baked , and the hit HBO show Entourage , have portrayed Rottweilers in
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#17328582582823172-405: The show ring, standards for many breeds put undocked animals at a disadvantage for the conformation show ring. The American breed standard for boxers, for example, recommends that an undocked tail be "severely penalized." The AKC position is that ear cropping and tail docking are "acceptable practices integral to defining and preserving breed character and/or enhancing good health," even though
3233-441: The stock. They make much use of their ability to intimidate. The Rottweiler often carries the head on an even plane with the back, or carries the head up but with the neck and shoulders lowered. Some females lower the entire front end slightly when using their eyes. Males also do this when working far off the stock in an open field. This is rarely seen in males when working in confined spaces such as stock yards. The Rottweiler has
3294-426: The stubborn animal to do its bidding if necessary. When working with sheep, the Rottweiler shows a gathering/fetching style and reams directions easily. It drives sheep with ease. If worked on the same stock for any length of time, the Rottweiler tends to develop a bond with the stock and will become quite affectionate with them as long as they do as it directs. The Rottweiler is also exceptionally suited for and
3355-436: The study, was that dogs who grew up without being able to efficiently transmit social cues would grow up to be more anti-social and thus more aggressive. H. Lee Robinson argues that reported concerns of tail docking lack empirical evidence, and is primarily supported by animal rights activists that lack experience with working dogs. Robinson suggests that docking the tail of working dogs at approximately one half length provides
3416-425: The tail, the term cropping is used in reference to the ears. Tail docking occurs in one of two ways. The first involves constricting the blood supply to the tail with a rubber ligature for a few days until the tail falls off. The second involves the severance of the tail with surgical scissors or a scalpel. The length to which tails are docked varies by breed, and is often specified in the breed standard. Docking
3477-479: The tails of some working dogs are docked to prevent injury or infection, the tails of larger dogs commonly used for guard work or protection work (not to be confused with patrol work where a handler can provide secondary aid) may be docked to prevent their tails from being grabbed in a fight. This is most common in the Rottweiler , Doberman Pinscher , Bandog , Cane Corso , Boerboel , etc. Robert Wansborough found in
3538-449: The undercoat. Rottweiler coats tend to be low maintenance, although they experience heavy shedding before their seasons (females) or seasonally (males). According to American Kennel Club breed standards, a Rottweiler's coat is short and straight. A coat that is long or wavy is considered a flaw to the AKC. The colour and markings of a Rottweiler are very distinctive. According to the FCI Standard
3599-412: The underjaw not standing in one line. Severe Faults: Too molossoid type and heavy general appearance. The neck is strong, of fair length, well-muscled, slightly arched, clean, free from throatiness, without excessive dewlap. The back is straight, strong and firm. The loins are short, strong and deep. The croup is broad, of medium length, and slightly rounded, neither flat nor falling away. The chest
3660-400: The upper incisors overlapping the lower incisors. The eyes should be of medium size, almond-shaped and dark brown in colour. The eyelids are close fitting and should not droop. The ears are medium-sized, pendant, triangular, wide apart, and set high on the head. With the ears laid forward close to the head, the skull appears to be broadened. The skin on the head is tight fitting overall. When
3721-547: The world, Rottweilers are now also used as search and rescue dogs , guard dogs , and police dogs . According to the FCI Standard, the Rottweiler is considered to be one of the oldest surviving dog breeds. Its origin goes back to Roman times. These dogs were kept as herder or driving dogs. They marched over the Alps with the Roman legions, protecting the humans and driving their cattle. In the region of Rottweil, these dogs met and mixed with
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