Rottweiler
Updated August 11, 2025
Rottweiler
Updated August 11, 2025
The Rottweiler is a loyal, loving, and confident guardian. Confident and courageous, they require experienced handling, firm training, and plenty of socialization to be a well-mannered family member.
Loyal, Devoted, Confident, Courageous, Calm
80-135 pounds
22-27 inches
9-10 years
Black and Mahogany, Black and Rust, Black and Tan
At a Glance
Maintenance Level
Friendliness
Energy Level
Good with Kids
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About Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is a loyal, loving, and confident guardian. Confident and courageous, they require experienced handling, firm training, and plenty of socialization to be a well-mannered family member.
What Makes Rottweilers Special
The Rottweiler is a robust working breed of great strength descended from the mastiffs of the Roman legions. A gentle playmate and protector within the family circle, the Rottie observes the outside world with a self-assured aloofness.
A well-bred and properly raised Rottie will be calm and confident, courageous but not unduly aggressive. The aloof demeanor of these world-class guardians can be intimidating to strangers, but they are loving and loyal to their own people.
Rottweiler History & Origin
The Rottweiler's ancestors were Roman drover dogs who accompanied the legions through the Alps, herding their cattle. In the German town of Rottweil, they became the 'Rottweiler Metzgerhund,' or Butcher's Dog of Rottweil, used to pull carts and guard money.
The breed's history dates back to the Roman Empire, where they were used as herding and stock protection dogs.
They were named for the cattle town of Rottweil, Germany, where they drove cattle and pulled carts for butchers.
The breed nearly became extinct during the Industrial Revolution as railroads replaced cattle drives.
Dedicated German breeders revived the breed in the early 20th century, and it became known as an excellent police and working dog.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the Rottweiler in 1931.
Rottweiler Characteristics
Individual Variation
Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Training Needs
Health Issues
Shedding Level
Rottweiler Appearance
The Rottweiler is a medium-large, robust and powerful dog. He is a black, compactly built dog of great strength, agility and endurance.
His build suggests both power and athleticism. The distinct rust or mahogany markings on his face, chest, and legs stand out against his black coat.
Physical Features
Ears
The ears are medium-sized, pendant, triangular, and set high on the head. When the dog is alert, the ears are carried level with the top of the skull.
Eyes
Their eyes are of medium size, almond-shaped, and should be dark brown, projecting a confident and noble expression.
Nose
The nose is broad rather than round, with relatively large nostrils and is always solid black.
Coat & Build
Coat Length
Rottweilers have a short double coat. The outer coat is of medium length, coarse, dense and flat. The undercoat is present on the neck and thighs and should not show through the outer coat.
Coat Color
Always black with clearly defined rust or mahogany markings. The markings appear over the eyes, on the cheeks, on each side of the muzzle, on the chest and legs, and under the tail.
Tail
The tail is traditionally docked to a medium length where the practice is permitted. If undocked, it is carried horizontally in extension of the backline.
Rottweiler Temperament
A well-bred Rottweiler is calm, confident, and courageous, never shy. He has a self-assured aloofness and doesn't make friends with people immediately or indiscriminately. Instead, he takes a wait-and-see attitude with new people or situations.
With his family, he's affectionate, often following them around the house. This is not a highly excitable dog. He has an inherent desire to protect his family and property, but should never be aggressive toward people without cause.
Early and continuous socialization is crucial for this powerful breed. Consistent training from a firm but fair leader will shape them into a well-mannered companion.
Their intelligence makes them highly trainable, but they can also be stubborn. They excel in various canine sports, including obedience, tracking, and herding.
Despite their formidable appearance, Rottweilers can be playful and even clownish with their families. They thrive on being part of family activities and can be gentle and patient with children when raised with them.
Temperament Traits
Good With
Health
Rottweilers have a lifespan of 9–10 years. They are generally healthy, but like all large breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. Responsible breeders screen their stock for conditions the breed can be prone to.
Common Health Issues
Preventive Care
Regular vet checkups, proper nutrition to maintain a healthy weight, daily exercise, and screening for genetic diseases.
How to Care for a Rottweiler
Rottweilers are powerful, intelligent dogs that require significant commitment to training, socialization, and exercise. They are not for novice owners but can be a loyal and loving companion in the right hands.
Living Conditions
Space Requirements
A home with a large, securely fenced yard is necessary.
Climate Adaptability
Prefers cooler climates and requires shade and water in warm weather.
Apartment Living
Unsuitable for apartment living.
Best Suited For
Best suited for experienced, active owners who can provide strong leadership and include the dog in family life.
Training Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Specialized Care Guides
Puppy Care
Requires early, extensive socialization, puppy training classes, and a diet formulated for large-breed puppy growth.
Senior Care
May require joint supplements, a diet lower in calories, and less strenuous exercise. Regular vet check-ups are critical.
First-Time Owner Tips
Not recommended for first-time owners due to their strength, intelligence, and need for firm, experienced handling.