Rottweilers are the Best! (The Best Dogs Ever)

By: Elaine Landau
Publisher: Lerner Publications
Publication Date: August 2010
ISBN: 978-0761350590
Reviewed by: Deb Fowler
Review Date: September 2010

Some people are fascinated by Rottweilers, or Rotties for short. They are large, strong dogs that are “mostly black with rusty orange markings on their face, chest, and legs.” There have been all kinds of rumors spread around that claim they were bred as attack dogs or that they are scary, but it’s simply not true. If you ever encounter one with poor manners and a lousy disposition, more than likely they were “poorly trained and bred.” Of course the Rotty won’t welcome you with open arms when you first visit him at a friend’s house, but after a while you’ll find they are “good natured and even tempered.” If you love a dog that is smart, hardworking, gentle and playful you may have found your dog.

The history of these dogs is fascinating and you’ll learn that even “the Roman army used dogs like them.” The Rotties that we are familiar with today came from Germany in the 1920s. In addition to making a great pet, they were once wartime dogs during WWI, they “made fine police dogs,” are used as therapy dogs, and have been used in search and rescue. The American Kennel Club (AKC) places this breed in the working-group. You’ll learn just what this breed needs and you’ll easily be able to figure out if you can handle one. If you are a couch potato, you can forget about Rotties. You’ll learn about their training needs, the importance of “getting a well-bred Rotty,” you’ll learn about their personalities, a list of things they will need before they come home, the importance of proper veterinarian care, what to feed them, and their other basic needs.

This is a fascinating overview of the history, life and needs of a great, fun-loving dog, the Rottweiler. Many youngsters become interested in certain breeds of dogs, but the author does stress the need for a proper fit with each family. For example, when discussing the personality, we learn that they are very strong-willed and “must be well trained to make good family pets.” I liked the way the book “introduces” this dog to children, including everything from history to the fact that it will need “hugs and love.” Of course if you are planning to add a Rottweiler to your household you will need to purchase a breed specific book. The photographic layout of the book makes it fun and very interesting.

Quill says: This is one in the series, The Best Dogs Ever. If you’re want to fill in the “dog” section in your library or classroom, this is one fun series you may wish to consider!