Rottweiler

Rottweiler Feature

The Rottweiler is a type of working dog, originating in Germany. These dogs are known for their large size, impressive strength, and faithful nature.

Rottweilers grow up to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 80 and 130 pounds. This breed typically lives between 8 and 11 years.

Although Rottweilers are loving and loyal, they’re not suitable for novice owners. Their strength and power make them more suited to people with previous experience with large dog breeds. These dogs require a lot of exercise and stimulation, so they’re ideal for active households.

Rottweiler Quick Summary

rottweiler smiling

Common Names:Rottweiler, Rottie
OriginGermany
Breed GroupWorking dog
SizeLarge
Height22–27 inches
Weight80–130 pounds
ColorsBlack, tan, mahogany, rust
CoatStraight, coarse, double coat
Life Expectancy8–11 years
TemperamentDevoted, protective, confident, self-assured
SheddingModerate
Barking TendencyInfrequent, and typically to alert owners

Rottweiler Appearance

Rottweiler appearance

Rottweilers are large, muscular dogs with broad chests and impressive physical strength. These dogs tend to be black with tan, mahogany, or rust patches. Rottweilers are recognized by their large heads and wrinkly, short-muzzled faces.

Height and Weight

Rottweilers grow up to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 130 pounds. This breed tends to reach its adult height and weight at around one year old. At six months old, you can expect your Rottweiler to weigh between 60 to 70 pounds. Male Rottweilers typically weigh slightly more than females.

Coat

Rottweilers have a short, coarse double coat with tan, mahogany, or rust markings. These markings appear over the eyes and on the cheeks, legs, chest, and under the tail.

Rottweiler Origins

Rottweiler Origins

Rottweilers descend from the mastiff-type dog, Molussus, which originated in Germany. Over the years, Molussus dogs mated with other breeds, and the Rottweiler was created. Because of its strength, the Rottweiler was originally used by butchers to pull meat carts around town.

After rail transport replaced carts, Rottweilers were used in police work before eventually coming to the US in the 1920s where they were bred as companion dogs. This breed reached peak popularity in the 1990s.

Rottweiler Personality and Temperament

Rottweiler personality

When properly trained and socialized, Rottweilers are incredibly loving, caring, and gentle towards owners and strangers.

However, Rottweilers are self-assured and protective of their owners, making the dogs standoffish or even aggressive towards strangers if not properly raised. Discipline, boundaries, and early socialization are vital for a well-rounded and peaceful Rottweiler. These needs make the Rottweiler more suitable for experienced owners.

Taking Care of a Rottweiler

Rottweiler bathing

Taking care of a Rottweiler is moderately difficult. These dogs require lots of training and socialization, and their exercise needs mean they’re only suitable for active households.

Rottweilers enjoy being around their owners, which makes the dogs unsuitable for owners that spend lots of time away.

Food Needs

Rottweilers need a high-protein diet that includes chicken, turkey, fish, and lamb. These dogs thrive on a minimally processed diet. Rottweilers need two nutritious meals per day, and an active Rottie needs 2,100 calories, total, daily.

Grooming Needs

Because this breed’s hair is short, its grooming needs are light. For a healthy coat, brush your Rottweiler at least once weekly. Rotties should be bathed every two to eight weeks.

Exercise Needs

Rottweilers are large and active, so they need at least two hours of exercise every day. This exercise can include walking, running, or playing outdoors.

Because of their extensive exercise needs, Rottweilers are not suited to living in small spaces or houses without yards.

Mental Needs

Rottweilers require a large amount of mental stimulation. Exercise and play games with your dog regularly to keep it mentally stimulated. Puzzle toys are an excellent way to keep Rottweilers occupied. Without sufficient mental or physical stimulation, Rottweilers can become destructive.

Common Health Concerns

Rottweilers live long, healthy lives if looked after properly. However, they are prone to the following health issues.

  • Heart problemsAortic stenosis is a narrowing of the aorta, which can cause heart murmurs, and, occasionally, sudden death. Rottweilers are known to suffer from various heart problems, so ask your breeder about heart problems in the Rottie’s family before buying
  • Cruciate ligament damage — Cruciate ligaments are located within the knee joint. In Rottweilers, these ligaments can become damaged or injured. Symptoms include difficulty walking and knee pain. If you observe these symptoms, take your Rottweiler to the veterinarian immediately, because the damage may require surgery
  • Elbow and hip dysplasia — Dysplasia occurs when a joint doesn’t fit properly together, which can cause arthritis. Symptoms in an affected Rottweiler include pain and leg weakness. Treatments include physiotherapy and, in some cases, surgery

How to Train a Rottweiler

Rottweiler training

Despite being intelligent and eager to please, Rottweilers are stubborn and can be difficult to train.

This breed responds best to training that uses positive reinforcement, so reward good behavior with food. If your dog isn’t motivated by food, use toys or affection instead. If training isn’t firm and consistent, the Rottweiler may not comply.

In rare cases, Rottweilers can behave aggressively to protect their owners, so introduce your Rottweiler to a vast range of people and situations in its first year to make sure it grows up to be a well-rounded, peaceful adult dog.

Rottweilers’ strength can make them difficult to walk, so train them to stay by you when walking by using treats. Training your dog to return to you quickly when called is a must and should start as soon as possible.

Rottweiler Price

Rottweiler puppy

Rottweilers are relatively expensive because reputable breeders work hard to breed a kind, loving temperament into these strong dogs.

How Much Is a Rottweiler?

A Rottweiler costs $1,000 to $2,500. Puppy mills may sell Rottweilers for a much lower price, but these places should be avoided because dogs bred there may be prone to health issues or aggression.

Rottweilers from adoption centers can cost less than $500. If you’re adopting one of these dogs from a rescue center, ask about the history of the dog before committing.

How Much Does it Cost to Raise a Rottweiler?

Because of their large size, Rottweilers cost more than smaller dogs, mainly due to large food costs. In the first year of owning a Rottweiler puppy, expect to pay up to $2,000 for equipment, food, and vaccinations.

The annual cost of owning a Rottweiler after the first year should drop to up to $1,000 per year, but this amount varies depending on the health needs of the individual dog and whether you need dog-sitting or dog-walking services.

Should You Get a Rottweiler?

Rottweiler puppy on the grass

If you can give a Rottweiler the discipline, exercise, and attention it needs, you’ll be rewarded with a loving, loyal family dog. However, if you don’t have the time, space, or experience for a large, strong-minded dog, a Rottweiler may not be the right dog for you.

Rottweilers Are Suitable for:

Rottweilers are suitable for active households with a yard in which the dog can play. This breed needs two hours of exercise a day, so any potential Rottie owner will need the time and energy to provide the dog with adequate exercise, or the money for a dog walker. Without the necessary stimulation and exercise, a Rottweiler can become destructive.

Rottweilers are best suited to owners with previous experience owning a large dog. Because of its strength and stubbornness, this breed is suitable for owners with knowledge of dog training and the ability to be firm and disciplined.

Rotties are suitable for families if the dog is socialized early. If you raise your Rottweiler pup around your children, the dog will learn to be loyal, protective, and loving towards the children.

Rottweilers Are NOT Suitable for:

Rottweilers love being around their owners, so they’re not suitable for people who spend a lot of time away from the dog. Because of their complex care and training needs, Rottweilers aren’t suitable for first-time dog owners.

 

This breed’s size and strength mean Rottweilers aren’t always suitable for households with very young babies because the dog may accidentally hurt the baby.

About John Woods 300 Articles
John Woods is the founder of All Things Dogs, member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, graduate in Animal Behavior & Welfare and recognized author by the Dog Writers Association of America.

1 Comment

  1. We have got a female rottweiler called luna. She is a great family dog great with kids. She sometimes gets over excited and knocks them over – but we know when shes going to have zooms now so we sit kids down.

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