Rottweiler
Updated December 2, 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
Good with Kids
Jump to Section
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
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.
Grooming
Rottweilers have a short, straight, coarse coat that is low-maintenance. They do shed, more heavily in the spring and fall.
Weekly brushing with a rubber curry brush or a short-bristle brush will help remove dead hair and keep their coat shiny and healthy.
Bathing should be done as needed. Over-bathing can strip the natural oils from their coat.
Nails should be trimmed regularly, about every 3-4 weeks, to prevent painful overgrowth and cracking.
Their pendant ears can trap moisture and debris, so they should be checked and cleaned weekly to prevent infections.
Training
Rottweilers are highly intelligent and trainable, but they require a confident owner who can provide firm, fair, and consistent leadership. Early socialization and puppy training classes are essential.
Positive reinforcement techniques work best. They are eager to please their chosen person and respond well to praise and rewards.
Due to their guarding instincts, it's vital to teach them to discriminate between normal situations and actual threats.
Training should be an ongoing part of their life to keep their mind engaged and reinforce good manners.
Diet
A high-quality, protein-rich dog food formulated for large breeds is essential. The diet should be appropriate for the dog's age (puppy, adult, or senior).
The amount of food will vary depending on size, age, activity level, and metabolism. Adult Rottweilers typically eat 4 to 10 cups of food a day, divided into two meals.
They are prone to bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), so it's best to feed them smaller meals twice a day and avoid vigorous exercise around mealtimes.
Monitor their weight and body condition to prevent obesity, which can lead to joint problems and other health issues.
Exercise
Rottweilers are powerful, athletic dogs that need a lot of exercise. Plan on at least two hours of exercise daily.
They enjoy long walks, jogging, hiking, and swimming. A securely fenced yard is important for them to run and play safely.
Beyond physical exercise, they need mental stimulation. Activities like obedience training, tracking, and puzzle toys can help keep their sharp minds occupied.
They want to be with their people, so they thrive on interactive play and activities with their family rather than being left alone in a yard.
Environment
Rottweilers are best suited for a home with a securely fenced yard. They are not ideal for apartment living due to their size and exercise needs.
They are 'people dogs' who need to live indoors with their family, not isolated in a kennel or backyard.
Their protective nature means early and extensive socialization is a must to ensure they are well-behaved around strangers and in new environments.
They can be adaptable to different climates but their black coat makes them susceptible to overheating in hot weather.
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
Are Rottweilers good family dogs?
Yes, when well-bred, properly trained, and socialized, Rottweilers can be loving, loyal, and protective family companions. They are often gentle with children in their own family.
How much do Rottweilers shed?
Rottweilers have a double coat and are average shedders, with heavier shedding periods in the spring and fall.
Are Rottweilers aggressive?
Rottweilers have a natural guarding instinct, but they should not be uncontrollably aggressive. Proper training and extensive socialization are essential to ensure a well-mannered dog.
Are Rottweilers easy to train?
Rottweilers are very intelligent and learn quickly, but they can be stubborn. They require a confident, consistent trainer who uses positive reinforcement.
How much exercise do Rottweilers need?
They are a high-energy breed needing at least two hours of daily exercise, including walks, running, and play.
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.
Looking for a Rottweiler?
Connect with responsible breeders, rescue organizations, and pet adoption services in your area.