Rottweiller breed guide: Care, training, and fun facts
Breed guide overview
About Rottweiler
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About the Rottweiler breed
The Rottweiler has a history dating back to Roman times, where they were used to drive cattle and pull carts for butchers. The breed gets its name from the town of Rottweil in Germany, where they were used as working dogs. Over the centuries, their roles expanded, and they became guard dogs, police dogs, and search-and-rescue dogs.
Weight, height and life expectancy
Males typically weigh between 43kg and 61kg, while females generally range from 36kg to 45kg. In terms of height, Rottweilers stand between 56-69cm tall at the shoulder. The breed's average life expectancy is around 8 to 12 years, though factors such as health, diet, and exercise can influence their lifespan.
What is the temperament of a Rottweilers like?
Rottweilers are confident, loyal, and protective dogs known for their calm and courageous nature. They form deep bonds with their families, often displaying affectionate and playful behaviour with those they trust. Intelligent and eager to please, they respond well to consistent training and require proper socialisation to manage their natural wariness of strangers.
While generally calm indoors, Rottweilers are energetic and need regular exercise to stay physically and mentally fit. They are highly attuned to their environment and sensitive to their owner’s emotions, thriving in a stable and loving household. With their strong protective instincts and imposing presence, they make excellent guardians, but clear leadership and boundaries are essential to bring out their best qualities.
Our Rottweiler Community
"Bubbles is a sweet, energetic girl. She loves people, children, and dogs. She loves treats and playing with a ball. Bubbles gets very excited and tends to play with her paws. Bubbles is really smart and knows a lot of command".
Bubbles' owner, Ana from Bristol
"Kobe is a cute and friendly 3 year old Rottie, who loves to play tug, play with balls and loves attention and belly rubs".
Kobe's owner, Harleen from Egham
How much exercise does a Rottweiler need?
Rottweilers are active, intelligent, and strong dogs that require moderate to high levels of exercise to stay healthy and happy.
They typically need about one to two hours of exercise daily, which can be divided into multiple sessions. This exercise should include a mix of activities to meet their physical and mental stimulation needs. Walks, jogs, and playtime in a secure area are great for physical activity, while training sessions, puzzle toys, and games like fetch or hide-and-seek can help engage their minds.
It's also important to provide them with opportunities to socialise, as they thrive on interaction with their owners and other dogs.
Do Rottweilers need a lot of grooming?
Rottweilers are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. They have a short, dense double coat that sheds moderately year-round, with heavier shedding occurring during seasonal changes (spring and fall). Regular brushing, about once a week, is usually enough to keep their coat healthy, remove loose hair, and distribute natural oils. During shedding seasons, brushing more frequently can help manage the extra fur.
Bathing is needed only occasionally, typically every 6 to 8 weeks, unless they get particularly dirty or develop a doggy odor. Their nails should be trimmed regularly to prevent overgrowth, and their ears should be checked and cleaned to avoid infections. Additionally, brushing their teeth a few times a week is important for maintaining oral health. Overall, while Rottweilers don't need intensive grooming, regular maintenance is key to keeping them looking and feeling their best.
Are Rottweilers easy to train?
Rottweilers are generally considered highly trainable, but their intelligence and strength require an experienced and consistent approach. They are smart, eager to learn, and naturally loyal, which makes them responsive to training when done correctly. However, their independent nature can sometimes make them appear stubborn, especially if they sense inconsistency or weakness in their handler.
Early socialisation and training are crucial for Rottweilers. Introducing them to various people, environments, and other animals at a young age helps them grow into well-mannered, confident adults. Positive reinforcement methods, such as treats, praise, and play, work best with Rottweilers, as they respond poorly to harsh or punitive training.
Due to their strength and protective instincts, training should emphasise obedience and control. Commands like "sit," "stay," "come," and leash manners are especially important. With the right approach, a Rottweiler can excel in obedience training, agility, and even advanced tasks like search and rescue or therapy work. An experienced, patient, and consistent owner will find them a joy to train.
What do Rottweilers eat?
Rottweilers require a balanced, high-quality diet to maintain their health, energy, and muscular build. Their meals should primarily consist of protein to support muscle development and energy needs. High-quality commercial dog food, whether dry kibble or wet, formulated for large-breed dogs, is a convenient and nutritious option. Some owners also choose to supplement or replace commercial food with a homemade or raw diet. However, this should always be done under the guidance of a veterinarian or canine nutritionist to ensure the right balance of nutrients.
Their diet should include proteins from sources like chicken, beef, fish, or lamb, along with healthy fats for skin and coat health, which are often derived from fish oil or flaxseed. Carbohydrates, such as brown rice or sweet potatoes, provide energy, while vitamins and minerals from vegetables and fruits support overall well-being. It's essential to ensure portion control to prevent overfeeding, as Rottweilers are prone to obesity. Fresh water should always be available to keep them hydrated.
Are Rottweilers healthy?
Rottweilers are generally healthy dogs, but like many large breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Their lifespan is typically around 8 to 12 years, and with proper care, many Rottweilers live long, healthy lives. However, some common health concerns that affect the breed include hip and elbow dysplasia, which are conditions where the joints don't develop properly, leading to arthritis or pain. They may also be susceptible to heart conditions, such as dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition that affects the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently. Rottweilers can also face issues like bloat (gastric torsion), which is a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists, and some eye conditions, including cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy.
Regular vet checkups, a well-balanced diet, and appropriate exercise can help prevent or manage many of these health concerns. Responsible breeding practices can also reduce the likelihood of genetic conditions, so it's important to choose a reputable breeder who screens for health issues in their breeding dogs. While Rottweilers are strong and resilient, attention to their health and well-being can help ensure they live a long and happy life.
Vet top tip
Rottweilers are confident, loyal, and protective dogs with a calm yet courageous temperament. They form strong bonds with their families and are affectionate with those they trust. Intelligent and eager to please, they are responsive to training and need proper socialisation. Energetic and alert, they require regular exercise and thrive in a stable, loving environment. With strong protective instincts, they make excellent guardians when provided with clear leadership and boundaries.
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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog's health, contact your local vet.
