Rottweiler Breed Characteristics
Height
56 to 69 cm at the shoulder
Weight
80 to 135 pounds
Life Expectancy
8 to 12 years
Coat Colours
Black
Rottweiler
Devoted, calm and courageous
About the Rottweiler
The Rottweiler dog breed is a hard working, go-anywhere do-anything breed. They’re not just strong, they’re also smart and alert to any threats. They’re aloof with strangers and don’t make friends indiscriminately.
These powerful dogs were originally intended to drive cattle to market and pull carts, but these days they are more often seen as family pets. They love the humans under their care and are incredibly devoted to their owners.
While they’re great as guard dogs, those who have earned their trust will find them as affectionate as lap dogs – the only problem being that they’ll try to act like one, despite being ten times as heavy.
Here are some of the qualities you can expect from the Rottweiler, rated from one to five stars. However, all dogs are individuals, and your Rottweiler may not display exactly the same characteristics.
Family Life
5/5
Friendly with Kids
4/5
Friendly with Dogs
2/5
Ease of Grooming
5/5
Exercise Needs
4/5
Prey Drive
4/5
Tendency to Bark or Howl
4/5
Good for Novice Owners
1/5
Apartment Living
2/5
Rottweiler Dog Breed History
The Roman legions used Mastiff-type dogs much like the Rottweiler. The soldiers needed the dogs to drive cattle on campaigns, and it is on the Romans’ conquest of what is now modern-day Germany that the ancestors of the Rottweiler found themselves in the town of Rottweil.
After the Romans departed, the dogs stayed behind, as they had bred with local breeds. These new dogs were smaller than the war dogs the Romans had brought, but equally good at protecting cattle and driving them to market. The Rottweiler dog became the main breeding stock for many other German breeds.
The industrial revolution saw a decline in the need for the Rottweiler as a droving dog, so they found a new occupation as police dogs. The breed’s intelligence and loyalty made it a great match for many demanding jobs, and it still continues to be a great all-around working dog today.
Caring For a Rottweiler
- Temperament: Rottweilers are calm and steady animals, but are also affectionate and may be very clingy toward their family members. They’re aloof and wary of strangers, and are constantly on the lookout for threats.
- Grooming: While their coat is short and easy to maintain, Rottweilers shed heavily and will need frequent brushing to get rid of loose hair and dander.
- Exercise: Rottweilers were bred to work and have high energy levels, so you should expect to have to take your Rottweiler dog out for around two hours of exercise each day.
- Nutrition: Adult Rottweilers are big, muscular dogs and will need three to six cups of dry dog food each day. Rottweiler puppies will need around two to three cups of food.
- Training: Rottweilers love to learn, and love to work. Training them is easy once you’ve found their preferred reward – treats and praise will usually do the trick.
How to Choose a Responsible Rottweiler Dog Breeder
Responsible Rottweiler dog breeders should be able to give you the complete parentage history of any dog you are looking to buy. It’s always better to get your dog from ethical breeders so that you have peace of mind that your dog is tested for and cleared of any genetic issues.
When you are looking for a Rottweiler puppy to buy, try to visit the breeder and see the dogs in person before committing to the sale. Meeting the dam and stud is also a good idea so that you can gauge their temperament, which has a big influence on the personality of the puppies they produce.
Rottweiler FAQ
Can Rottweilers be left alone throughout the day?
No. Rottweilers require a lot of companionship and attention, and need to live in the house with their family. When left alone they can develop behavioural issues.
Are Rottweilers aggressive?
No, well-bred and well-socialised Rottweilers are never aggressive without cause. They can develop aggressive behaviours due to a lack of training or socialisation, which is why they need an owner who can provide them with what they need to become well-behaved, gentle dogs.
Dog Breeds Similar to the Rottweiler
The information is for general use only. For any specific advice or queries, please consult with your veterinarian.
