Rottweiler Dog Breed Information

Group

Working

Weight

50-60 kg

Height

61-69 cm

Lifespan

9-12 years

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About the Rottweiler

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

Are you thinking about giving a home to a Rottweiler? Whether this is your first dog or you’re a seasoned owner, bringing a new dog into your family is an incredibly exciting time. But it can also be quite daunting.

There are lots of things to think about, is a Rottweiler right for you? How much training do they need? Are they at risk of any health issues? Given their reputation, a Rottweiler isn’t a dog that should be taken on lightly. They are a demanding breed and potential owners must be aware of the commitment they’ll need to provide.

However, with the right training, Rottweiler’s can make wonderful family pets. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know if you’re considering a Rottweiler, so be sure to read on to find out more!

What is the history & origin of the Rottweiler?

The Rottweiler is thought to be one of the oldest breeds in the world. Rottweilers likely descended from drover dogs that were left by Roman Legions in the German area of Rottweil. This Mastiff type dog breed was left behind after the Romans abandoned the area in the 2nd Century CE.

Later on, Rottweiler’s travelled with butchers on buying expeditions, probably from the Middle Ages up to 1900. Their job was to carry money in neck pouches on the way to market.

As well as this, they’ve also served as drover’s dogs, guard dogs, police dogs and rescue dogs. In the early 20th Century, a national breed club was formed to ensure the preservation of the breed.

What is a Rottweiler breed?

Affectionately known as “Rotties”, Rottweiler’s are working dogs, known for their intelligence and confidence. The breed’s historical job as a herder and guardian has given it its tendency to be wary and protective when faced with strangers.

Learn more about: Rottweiler Colours

Who is a Rottweiler best for?

As lovely as Rottweilers can be, they’re not suitable for everyone. You must be dedicated to properly socialising and training your Rottie to prevent any unwanted or even aggressive behaviour later in life. Unfortunately, Rottweilers do have a bad reputation and many people will automatically label them as dangerous.

As a Rottie owner, you’ll most likely have to deal with those who don’t understand them and will judge the breed straight away. Although it’s not fair to judge an entire breed like that, it’s a sad reality that you’ll have to deal with if you choose a Rottweiler.

Because of this reputation, Rottweilers are probably more suited to owners who understand their demanding nature and needs. First-time dog owners may struggle with the breed’s stubbornness and self-assured aloofness and this can be a recipe for disaster.

However, if you know you’ll be able to be a strong leader, you’ll have a wonderful family pet who will do anything to protect you.

Rottweiler Grooming & Shedding

Rotties have coarse, straight, medium-length coats that always lie flat. The undercoat is only underneath the neck and thighs. You should brush your Rottie’s coat every week and bathe him regularly as well to keep his skin and coat in great condition.

He will only shed moderately throughout the year, with two heavy shedding periods, typically in the autumn and spring. He’ll need to have his teeth brushed and a nail trim regularly. For trimming his nails, a Dremel nail file is a very effective tool.

Learn more about: Rottweiler Grooming Tips & Styles

Do Rottweilers bark a lot?

Rottweilers don’t usually bark a lot, it’s just not in their nature. They tend to adopt a “wait and see” attitude before they react to a situation. This isn’t to say they can’t or won’t attempt to protect you it’s quite the opposite.

Rotties are powerful with high levels of confidence, so they are perfectly capable of protecting their families. They don’t tend to bark unless they feel there is a dangerous threat nearby that they need to tell you about.

This is why your Rottie will make a great guard dog. The Rottweiler dog breed is naturally quiet and reserved and you’ll rarely hear them being vocal.

What is the average weight & height of a Rottweiler?

Rottweilers are big dogs, and like other breeds of this size, their rate of growth is very slow so don’t be worried if your puppy still seems small as he gets older.

On average, females can weigh between 35 to 48 kg and stand 56 to 63 cm at the withers. Males tend to weigh between 50 and 60 kg and measure between 61 and 69 cm.

Learn more about: Rottweiler Size & Weight Chart

Are Rottweilers easy to train?

Rottweiler puppies must have their training started as early as possible. Strong leadership, frequent socialisation and training classes are all essential components to raising a Rottweiler into a well-mannered adult dog.

Living in your home is also very important. Rotties are very much “people dogs” who don’t cope well with living outside or being isolated from their humans. As with all dog breeds, your Rottie must get used to strange people and other dogs.

As a Rottweiler owner, you must know that he is very intelligent, trainable, and eager to please. But there may be a stubborn streak too so discipline is essential. This should be consistent and firm but fair. You should never be rough with your Rottie as this may cause aggression.

Rotties can excel in a range of dog sports and they work well with their human partners in lots of practical roles. As this is a working dog breed, they need plenty of mental stimulation.

Learn more about: Rottweiler Training Guide – Crate, Toilet & More Tips!

How do Rottweilers behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Rottweilers are naturally calm, courageous, and confident. This is not an excitable dog, but males, in particular, may be distrustful of dogs that are of the same sex.

You may notice a few differences between males and females. Males tend to be quiet and observant, whereas females are slightly easier to control and tend to be more affectionate.

Learn more about: Rottweiler Temperament & Personality Traits

Does the Rottweiler have any common health issues?

Generally, Rottweiler’s are healthy dogs, but poor breeding practices can put puppies at risk of developing health problems. An ethical breeder will always have potential parents screened for health issues such as hip dysplasia, heart problems, and eye diseases before breeding from them.

There are some genetic conditions that Rottweilers are susceptible to, including:

Hip dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia
Hypothyroidism

Bone cancer can also affect large and giant breeds such as Rotties. If you opt to buy a puppy, make sure to find a reputable breeder who can show you health clearances for the sire and dam. These clearances prove that the dogs were tested for and cleared for specific conditions.

Learn more about: Common Rottweiler Health Issues

What is the lifespan of a Rottweiler?

Unfortunately, the bigger the dog, the shorter its lifespan. Rottweilers are indeed a large breed and their average lifespan is 9-12 years which is quite good for a big breed.

Regular vet checks, daily walks, and a good diet will all help to prolong your four-legged best friends life and ensure you have lots of happy years with him!

How much does a Rottweiler need to be fed?

Rottweilers do well on a high-quality dog food diet, whether you prepare it at home or feed commercially produced food, under supervision by your vet. Just make sure that your dog’s diet is appropriate for his age.

How much your dog needs to eat depends on his build, size, age, and activity level. Just like humans, dogs are individuals and each one will need a different amount of food. Needless to say, an active dog will need more food than a dog who loves snoozing all day!

The quality of the food you buy also matters. Buying premium-quality food means it will nourish your Rottie better and will also go further, keeping costs down!

Learn more about: What to Feed a Rottweiler? Diet & Feeding Chart

How much can you expect to pay for a Rottweiler in Australia?

For a well-bred Rottweiler in Australia, you can expect prices to start at $1,000 to $2,000. However, this price will increase if you want a Rottie from high-quality showing lines.

Learn more about: Rottweiler Prices In Australia

Rottweiler FAQs

Are Rottweilers suitable pets for children?

Rottweilers are better suited to families with older children who understand how to handle them with respect. Always teach your children how to approach the Rottie and not to pull his ears or tail.

Any interactions between them should be supervised, and you should never leave your children alone with any breed.

How do Rottweilers react to other dogs in the house?

If your Rottie is brought up with other dogs and pets they will usually get on well with them. However, they may not tolerate strange dogs that are brought into their home.

Are Rottweilers receptive to obedience training?

Yes, Rotties are highly intelligent and trainable, hence why they’re a popular police dog choice. They do require firm but fair training, but they love to please and will respond very well to training.

Which dog sports do Rottweilers excel at?

Despite their large, powerful size, Rotties are exceptionally agile. As such, they would be great at agility competitions, as well as carting and weight pulling.