Rottweiler

80-110 lbs
22-25"
Germany

Bred in Germany in the 1st century, Rottweilers are descended from German Shepherds crossed with the drover dogs and Mastiffs brought there by Roman soldiers. They were used for herding and guarding cattle, and later for pulling carts and wagons. By the 19th century, they were no longer needed for these jobs, and almost became extinct. Due to various groups, their numbers have risen, and they now enjoy popularity as family and service dogs in many countries. They have a sweet and loyal nature that helped them gain the reputation as excellent companions, while their territorial instincts make them wonderful guard dogs. They do need good socialization and obedience training, or else their dominant tendencies may get out of hand.

purpose Purpose
cattle driver, guardian, draft
history Date of Origin
ancient times
ancestry Ancestry
mastiff, german shepherd, roman drover dog

Rottweiler Health

Sketch of Rottweiler
Average Size
Male Rottweiler size stats
Height: 24-27 inches Weight: 85-135 lbs
Female Rottweiler size stats
Height: 22-25 inches Weight: 80-110 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Osteosarcoma
  • Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
  • Bloat
  • Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
  • Lymphoma
Minor Concerns
  • Entropion
  • Panosteitis
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Von Willebrand's Disease
  • Osteochondritis Dissecans
Occasional Tests
  • Eye
  • Hip
  • Elbow
  • Blood
  • Blood Test
  • X-Rays
  • Eye Examination
  • Physical Examination

Rottweiler Breed History

It is commonly believed that the Rottweiler evolved around 74 AD when Roman soldiers of the 11th Legion of the Roman Empire settled in the Wurttemberg region of Germany. Here, they crossbred German Shepherds with the Roman drover dogs or Mastiffs they had brought with them to herd cattle and guard the camp, creating a large and strong dog that could control large bulls. This area became known as “das Rote Wil,” which referred to the red roof tiles of the small villas in the town, and has since evolved into Rottweil, giving the breed its name. Originally, Rottweilers were used to drive herds of cattle by day and guard them at night, and were later used to pull carts and wagons, and even hunt bear. By the mid-19th century, the railways were being built, which forced cattle driving to be outlawed. Donkeys became the main draft animal, and the Rottweiler began to fall out of favor. The breed gained popularity with butchers, where they again were used to pull carts of meat, and were given the name “Rottweiler metzgerhund,” or Rottweil butcher dog. The breed’s numbers declined significantly, and the breed was in danger of becoming extinct. In Germany, fans of the breed established the International Club for Leonbergers and Rottweiler Dogs in 1899, and by 1901, had created the first breed standard. Rottweilers began to be used as police dogs, and worked to police and guard during World War I. The American Kennel Club recognized the Rottweiler in 1931, and the dog has grown in popularity in the United States. Today, the breed is still used in Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, and Norway as police, customs, guard, and rescue dogs.

Rottweiler Breed Appearance

This medium to large dog boasts a strong, yet compact frame that is stocky, solid, and slightly longer than tall. Males are generally larger, while females are distinctly feminine, but both sexes display boldness, power, and agility. A medium length, wide skull includes strong jaws, a scissor bite, and a broad muzzle. Almond shaped, dark brown eyes are correctly proportioned, giving an alert expression. Ears are triangular and hang down close to the cheek. A broad chest leads to muscled legs that end in round, compact, well-arched toes. The rear dewclaws are often removed, as is the tail, generally to the first or second vertebrae. The Rottweiler boasts a double coat. The outer coat consists of medium length hair that is flat, coarse, dense, and resistant to water. This visible coat is black with clearly defined markings in brown shades from tan to mahogany. The undercoat is present on the neck and thighs, but does not show through the overcoat, and is generally a lighter color in gray or tan, but can be in black as well. 

Appearance of Rottweiler
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Rottweiler eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Rottweiler nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
black Rottweiler coat
Black
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Rottweiler wiry coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Rottweiler Breed Maintenance

The shorter coat of the Rottweiler only needs minimal grooming, even in the seasons when it sheds. Weekly brushing with a bristle brush and an occasional wipe down with a damp towel will keep this breed looking its best. Rottweilers do have fast growing nails that need regular trimming to avoid splitting and cracking. Ears and teeth should also be cleaned regularly. This breed needs both mental and physical stimulation, and lots of family time, or else it can become frustrated and bored, and develop very destructive behavior. Rottweilers will benefit from at least two solid daily workouts that can include long walks, playtimes in a fenced-in yard, obedience training, and games with the family. They are people dogs who do not do well alone and should not be left for long periods of time. The Rottweiler is better suited to colder climates, and it can live outdoors with a proper shelter. In hotter temperatures, these dogs can become overheated. This breed is predisposed to conditions that result from growing too quickly, such as panosteitis and osteochondritis dissecans. As such, the diet intake should be monitored while growing, and adding supplemental calcium may not be recommended. This breed is also prone to obesity which can be prevented through regular exercise and diet regulation.

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Brushes for Rottweiler
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Deshedder
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Rottweiler requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Rottweiler Temperament

The Rottweiler is a confident and fearless dog who is loyal and affectionate with its family. Making a wonderful companion, the breed can be both clownish and laid back with a wait-and-see attitude towards many situations. This dog often follows its favorite person from room to room. The Rottweiler can be territorial, and while he makes an excellent guard dog, he may also be highly suspicious of and aggressive with strangers, even if they are of the child variety. He often attempts to herd children in the family, and he is usually better with school aged children rather than younger ones. The breed may also become territorial with other dogs, and may benefit from early socialization with many people and animals to prevent the behavior from becoming overly aggressive. Obedience training is a must with this breed, and should continue throughout the life of the dog, as untrained Rottweilers can be aggressive and dominant. These are intelligent dogs that are easy to train with regular sessions from an early age. The Rottweiler has a high stamina and is very athletic, and does best with a job to do. This can be as simple as carting the kids around in a wagon, helping to take out the trash, or even just participating in obedience competitions. They do well in the service industry, making excellent herders, therapy dogs, police dogs, and service dogs.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
10 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
75 minutes
activity minutes

Rottweiler Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
3.3 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.50 - $1.90
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$39.00 - $52.00
food bag monthly cost

Rottweiler Height & Weight

6 Months
Sketch of Rottweiler at six months
Male Rottweiler size stats at six months
Height: 20.0 inches Weight: 55.0 lbs
Female Rottweiler size stats at six months
Height: 18.0 inches Weight: 46.5 lbs
12 Months
Sketch of Rottweiler at 12 months
Male Rottweiler size stats at 12 months
Height: 23.5 inches Weight: 72.5 lbs
Female Rottweiler size stats at 12 months
Height: 21.0 inches Weight: 69.0 lbs
18 Months
Sketch of Rottweiler at 18 months
Male Rottweiler size stats at 18 months
Height: 25.5 inches Weight: 102.5 lbs
Female Rottweiler size stats at 18 months
Height: 23.5 inches Weight: 87.5 lbs

Top Rottweiler Breeders

Check out who made our list for the most reputable Rottweiler breeders of 2023.
Top Rottweiler breeder Twin Creeks Rottweilers
Twin Creeks Rottweilers
Vashon, Washington
Top Rottweiler breeder Silverhill Rottweilers
Silverhill Rottweilers
Kenly, North Carolina
Top Rottweiler breeder LUCENE KENNELS
LUCENE KENNELS
Alpine, California
Top Rottweiler breeder 2Infinity Rottweilers LLC
2Infinity Rottweilers LLC
Dallas, Oregon
Top Rottweiler breeder Hidden Oaks Working Farm
Hidden Oaks Working Farm
Oviedo, Florida
Top Rottweiler breeder Von Evman Rottweilers
Von Evman Rottweilers
Groveland, Florida
Top Rottweiler breeder Dreibergen Rottweilers
Dreibergen Rottweilers
Battle Ground, Washington
Top Rottweiler breeder  Bolles Rottweilers
Bolles Rottweilers
Warrensburg, Missouri
Top Rottweiler breeder King Rottweilers
King Rottweilers
Spokane, Washington
Top Rottweiler breeder Ostenberg Rottweilers
Ostenberg Rottweilers
Snohomish, Washington

Rottweiler Owner Experiences

Kobe
1 Year
6 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
dog park
Run
Walk
training
Kobe is very stubborn is hard to train but he likes to play with other dogs at the doggy park
11 months, 1 week ago
brina
4 Months
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Play
my dog is a little bit of stubborn 😂
1 year ago
Luna
4 Years
1 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Testdaf adsf asd fasd asd
1 year ago
Zeus
3 Years
7 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
It’s been a rough patch since we bought him, but slowly getting used to his new environment and family
1 year, 5 months ago
Tennyson
3 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing in the snow
I have allways had goof exp with rottweiler
1 year, 7 months ago
Mike
4 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Run
My dog fore hands are little band,how do I make?
5 years, 5 months ago
2 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Unexpected behavior
5 years, 2 months ago
3 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Play keep away
Play
Run
Brushing
She was careful of new people but once she sniffed you everything was okay. She had a huge thing about balls that if she got one she did not let it go and she would tear it up. She love to play fight. She would also she leafs around and throw them in the air. She was very disciplined and listened amazingly. You never had to tell her twice. She loved to run back and forth to race you and sometimes she would get so excited she would jump on you instead. Cautious but sweet and loving. Didn’t know her own strength at times.
5 years, 2 months ago
3 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Exploring
Walks
Relaxing in the shade
Gentle giant! The guy I had was huge, but very well behaved and trained well. Since it was summer he got hot after awhile and wanted to relax in the shade. Wasn't interested in people or other dogs. He listened to orders and obeyed...very smart breed!
5 years, 2 months ago
5 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
i walk this rottweiler named lexi pretty often. she is super sweet but could certainly protect herself and her loved ones if needed. she's a beast. our walks are so joyous. she just loves to be out in the sun and always finds a tennis ball to chew on during the walk. she always rolls around in the grass too which is very cute
5 years, 2 months ago
1 Year
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Dog Parks
Walks running
Running
My Rottweiler was fun to play with in the dog park. She was very social with other dogs and super sweet. She was a bit of a scaredy cat and would be jumpy when something small would startle her. Because of her size she would tug me really hard.
5 years, 2 months ago
6 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He enjoyed to short walks and snifing around.
He's a very friendly and calm dog. He is very protective of his little brother (which is another breed) and likes to bite his own leash. He enjoys running if I encourage him. Likes to lead. He is not agressive at all.
5 years, 2 months ago
2 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Playing
These lovely doggy loved walking and jogging.
Leader
Jogging
Tricks
When I was a little kid I was very afraid of them usually they used to aggressively bark.People used them as guards, but, i have wag walked them and they are super friendly and lovely dogs full of energy.
5 years, 2 months ago
1 Year
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Meet Love! Love was one loveable pup! I can also tell that Love is one spoiled little girl and her mom loved her very much - and very well deserved to be! I had to take Love's pearl necklace off before going to the park! Love was full of energy and loved played fetch. Love was really good at jumping in the air and catching the ball before it hit the ground!
5 years, 2 months ago
One Year
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
My Rottweiler experience was mixed; she was extremely friendly at times, but when I went on the ground to scratch her belly she growled and that frightened me. She was extremely strong as well, but given the breed, that came as no surprise.
5 years, 2 months ago
2 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She was very hyper, but very sweet. She was smart and sharp, anything I commanded she listened right away. One of the smartest dogs I've walked.
5 years, 2 months ago
5 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
In my experience, Rottweilers are self-assured and very calm. They’re fiercely loyal, protective, strong, and they love a good run. Their knowing gaze belies a young and playful soul. I walked two Rottweilers named Poseidon and Titan. It was always hilarious to me because on our walks people would either stare at them out of love and affection or pure intimidation. Sure, they looked intimidating but were actually very sweet and well-behaved once you earned their trust. I was able to gain their confidence by being patient and by giving them treats and affectionate touches from the beginning. The only time I encountered some challenges was during walks that occurred in the evening. I think the boys were far more territorial and cautious of anyone but their owner coming into their home at night. Totally understandable! They would make great guard dogs or alert dogs.
5 years, 2 months ago
3 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Explore the city
Rottweilers are a fun, high energy breed usually in large sizes. They are very cautious so I usually give them plenty of time to warm up to me. There might be a few barks, but once they understand your intention, they can be friendly and come up to greet you. They work very well with authoritative tones so it helps to channel a calm, assertive energy and speak to them in a friendly, confident tone. Try to keep to a brisk pace when on a walk after business in taken care of. They are intelligent and enjoy challenging walks, obstacles and routes. And they are usually happy to walk by your side and should not be pulling too much, though for those that aren’t taught to leash manners, you’ll find yourself being pulled along by a strong-willed dog. I try to avoid other dogs and humans on the walk since I’m not sure how they will react to others.
5 years, 2 months ago
2 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Tug-of-war
wrestling
Rottweillers are much more loveable than one would expect. Unfortunately a lot of them do not know their own strength and due to high energy *at least with some* need lots of training to keep them docile. They are fiercely protective of their families which can give them a bad reputation but these dogs are incredibly affectionate and loving. They need training to loose-leash walk because walking a dog that is not trained can be difficult without something like a gentle leader. Generally choke chains and pinch collars do not help much with rottweillers possibly due to their thick neck and stubbornness. If given the opportunity and love these dogs can even be good family dogs and loving, happy pets.
5 years, 2 months ago
Saydee
11 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
My Saydee is an unbelievable dog. I have been so fortunate to have had her for 11 years. She has cancer now and is not going to be around for much longer. I will miss her sooo much. She has been a great companion and and my best friend. Saydee was so easy to train and is really great with my Schnauzer and a kitten that was picked up on the side of the road. I don't think I will every have another one that is as sweet and gentle as her. I love her and will miss her when she is gone.
5 years, 1 month ago
Kapone
5 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Swim
Soccer
Kapone is very Different compared to other Rottweilers
3 years, 11 months ago
Cain
18 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Ball
Head strong bull headed possessive hyper
3 years, 1 month ago
Maximus
5 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I have had Max for 5 years. He's the best dog i have ever had. He became my emotional support companion when my dad passed away.
2 years, 5 months ago
Patada
5 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
My bf got me Patada for a present 4 years ago and she's been stuck to my side ever since! She absolutely loves meeting new people and other dogs but sometimes they don't want to meet her. She does have this uncanny knack for making people pet her and I think it's the cutest!
2 years, 2 months ago
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd