Let's talk Rottweilers

Despite their fierce reputation and formidable size, the Rottweiler is a loyal and devoted breed with an affectionate, obedient and surprisingly gentle temperament. Nonetheless, thanks to their fearless disposition, natural intelligence and powerful frame, they are also one of most popular guard dogs in the world. As a result, Rottweilers tend to do best with an experienced owner who can take on the role of ‘pack leader’.

Official name: Rottweiler

Other names: Rottie, Rottweiler Metzgerhund, Butcher’s Dog of Rottweil

Origins: Germany

Rottweiler standing looking beyond camera in black and white
Drooling tendencies

Low

 Warm weather? Low
Grooming needs Very low Cold weather? Medium
Shedding level Medium
 Suited to apartment living? Very low
Barking tendencies Medium Can stay alone?* Low
Energy Level (high, low, medium)* High Family pet?* Medium
Compatibility with other pets Medium

* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed specifics should be taken as an indication.

For a happy healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socializing your pet as well as covering their basic welfare needs (and their social and behavioral needs).

Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.

Contact your breeder or veterinarian for further advice.All domestic pets are sociable and prefer company.

However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.

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Illustration of black and brown Rottweiler from side
Male
1 m 61 cm - 1 m 69 cm Height
43 kg - 61 kg Weight
Female
1 m 56 cm - 1 m 64 cm Height
36 kg - 45 kg Weight

Baby age Birth to 2 months
Puppy age 2 to 8 months
Adult age 8 months to 2 years
Mature age 2 years to 5 years
Senior age 5 to 16 years

Rottweiler mid-air running over grass

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Get to know the Rottweiler

All you need to know about the breed

Often depicted in films and in the media as an aggressive or dangerous dog, the personality of the Rottweiler couldn’t be more different in real life. While it’s true that they are strong, powerful and can be trained to tackle a criminal if required, they are generally big softies at heart. With the right guidance from an experienced owner, they are docile, respectful and very gentle dogs who will soon become a devoted companion.

Naturally protective of their clan, Rottweilers form very strong bonds with their human families. But, as existing owners will attest, they have a great sense of playfulness too. They enjoy snuggling up with their preferred humans and will even try to sit on your lap if you let them.

One of the oldest breeds in the world, the history of the Rottweiler dates back to Roman times when they were used for herding cattle. Today, as well as being a much-loved family pet, the Rottweiler’s powerful, bulky frame and innate intelligence means they are often utilised as guard dogs. Always tuned in to what is going on around them, they respond well to working situations.

As well as being a popular choice for the police, they are often seen at the side of security guards, and are used as search-and-rescue dogs, too. Undoubtedly, this has added to their reputation.

With their statuesque size, the Rottweiler certainly makes a formidable sight. Large, muscular and energetic, they are also very beautiful animals. Sporting a smooth dark coat, peppered with flecks of rust, they have expressive, dark-brown eyes and a powerful, waggy tail.

One other thing to bear in mind with the Rottweiler is that they do need plenty of exercise. Ideally, they should have a minimum of two hours physical activity every day. Yes, at least two hours. But as long as they get this, along with the right training and socialisation, they are sure to become an integral member of your family pack.

Rottweiler standing in tall grass

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2 facts about Rottweilers

1. Busting the myths

Any potentially dangerous behaviour in Rottweilers almost always stems from either a bad owner or a lack of socialisation and training. So these are important considerations for this breed, especially given their immense strength. For more information on training your Rottweiler, see below.

2. All in the breeding 

During the 1990’s, the Rottweiler became one of the most sought-after dogs in the US and this resulted in many less than ethical breeders – leading to animals with health problems and/or a bad temperament. It’s always worth investing the time to find a respected and trusted breeder.

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History of the breed

One of the world’s oldest dog breeds, the Rottweiler is originally descended from the Molossus, a type of mastiff. Back in Roman times, these sturdy dogs were used to herd cattle and keep guard. Later, they accompanied the Roman legions on their epic journeys across the Alps. When the Romans reached Germany, where they set up colonies, their dogs met and mixed with the native breeds. This resulted in the Rottweiler that we know today.

Named after the small town of Rottweil, which became a centre for cattle commerce, the dogs continued their work as herding animals. However, they were also adopted by local butchers as a dependable draught dog – and even became known as Rottweiler Metzgerhunds (butcher dogs).

Later, in the early 1900’s, Rottweilers became the favoured choice for the police service – paving the way for their reputation as a guard dog. They were officially recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1931, but it wasn’t until after World War Two that their popularity really took off. Of course, they went on to become equally renowned as a household pet.

Interestingly, Rottweilers were also among the first guide dogs for the blind – and, more recently, they have been celebrated for their search-and-rescue work. Now, despite the rather negative depiction they often receive in the media, they are a firm favourite among dog-lovers worldwide.

Rottweiler puppy standing looking at camera in black and white

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From head to tail

Physical characteristics of Rottweilers

1. Head

Skull is of medium length, and broadest between the ears, with a well-developed nose.

2. Eyes

Dark-brown eyes often arched above with two spots of rust-coloured fur.

3. Body

Powerful, muscular body with a firm and straight back and thickly-muscled hindquarters.

4. Fur

Medium-length, double coat is coarse and flat with black and tan markings

5. Tail

Long and slightly bushy tail balances out the breed’s impressive frame.

Two Rottweilers, one standing, one lying down, on grass

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Things to look out for

From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Rottweiler

Watch out for wear and tear on their limbs

One of most common health problems in Rottweilers is a hereditary condition called ‘hip dysplasia’ – a malformation of the joint. When this occurs, dogs will often show pain or lameness on one or both rear legs, though that isn’t always the case. In later life, the condition can often lead to arthritis. However, a reputable breeder will have the hips and elbows of all parent dogs X-rayed, thereby minimising the risk. High-quality nutrition, regular exercise and maintaining a good weight in your Rottweiler can all help to support healthy joints.

They can also be prone to a specific stomach issue

Like other large-breed dogs, Rottweilers can be at risk of something called gastric dilatation-volvulus (or ‘bloat’). This is a potentially serious condition caused by a build-up of excess gas in the stomach. Thankfully, there are plenty of preventative measures that can be taken. For example, as it can often be triggered by eating and/or drinking too much in one go, their food allowance should be divided into several meals a day. Also, a specially designed bowl can help slow their eating. Importantly, your Rottweiler’s exercise should also be left as long as possible after mealtimes. Symptoms can include a distended abdomen, excess salivation and retching – and, as immediate treatment is vital, your vet should be consulted right away.

Look out for any unexpected lumps or bumps

Like all dogs, Rottweilers can sometimes develop growths or masses on their body. While these are often nothing to worry about, such as warts, cysts or fatty lumps, they can in some cases be ‘mast cell tumours’ – a form of cancer that should be treated as soon as possible. Rottweilers can also be susceptible to a type of bone cancer called osteosarcoma, which is more common in larger dog breeds. As it most often occurs in the shoulder, wrist or knee area, one of the first symptoms is usually limping. So, as always, it’s important to look out for any unexpected changes in your dog – and, as early detection is key, the sooner you can get them to the vet, the better.

Healthy diet, healthier dog

Puppy
Adult
  • When choosing food for a Rottweiler, there are many factors to consider: their age, lifestyle, activity level, physical condition, and health including potential sickness or sensitivities. Food provides energy to cover a dog’s vital functions, and a complete nutritional formula should contain an adjusted balance of nutrients to avoid any deficiency or excess in their diet, both of which could have adverse effects on the dog. As giant-sized breed dogs have a higher risk of a condition called gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), where the stomach becomes overstretched and rotated because of excess gas, usually caused by overfeeding during a meal, it’s recommended when they are puppies to split the daily allowance into three meals and try to keep this routine into their adult years. Clean and fresh water should be available at all times. In hot weather and especially when out exercising, bring water along for your dog’s frequent water breaks. The following recommendations are for healthy animals. If your dog has health problems, please consult your veterinarian who will prescribe an exclusive veterinary diet.
  • A Rottweiler puppy’s requirements, in terms of energy, protein, minerals and vitamins, are greater than those of an adult dog. They need energy and nutrients to maintain their body, but also to grow and build it. During their growth, Rottweiler puppies’ immune system develops gradually. A complex of antioxidants - including vitamin E - can help support their natural defences during this time of big changes, discoveries, and new encounters. Their digestive functions are different from an adult Rottweiler’s, too: their digestive system is not mature yet so it is important to provide highly digestible proteins that will be effectively used for the building of bones, tissues, and organs. Prebiotics, such as fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), can support digestive health by helping balance the intestinal flora. It is important to choose a kibble with an appropriate size, shape, and texture to make their food easier to grasp. Giant-sized puppies, whose growth period is long and intense, are especially susceptible to skeletal and joint problems, including limb defects, bone deformities, and joint lesions.
  • The first part of growth (up to 8 months) is mainly concerned with bone development, although the muscles also start to grow. A food with an adapted calorie content to support a high growth rate while at the same time avoiding excess weight gain will help minimise the risk of excessive weight. Note also that neutering is a factor in overweight dogs. A balance of energy and minerals (calcium and phosphorus) during this first phase of growth will contribute to promoting bone mineralisation in order to support bone consolidation and the development of healthy joints. Although the calcium content in the food needs to be increased, giant-sized breed puppies are more sensitive to excessive calcium intake. It’s important to understand then that adding any ingredients to a complete food formulated for the growth phase is at best unnecessary and at worst dangerous for the animal, unless prescribed by a veterinarian.
  • In the second growth phase, from 8 months old, an adapted protein and L-Carnitine content will also help support muscle development. Throughout their life, it is important to avoid feeding Rottweilers human foods or fatty snacks. Instead, reward them with kibble taken from their meal allowance, and strictly follow the feeding guidelines written on the package.
  • As with many giant-sized breed dogs, Rottweilers are prone to digestive sensitivity, and their body weight can create stress on their joints throughout their lifetime. Rottweilers’ nutritional needs then should include high quality protein and a balanced supply of dietary fibre to help promote optimal digestibility, as well as glucosamine, chondroitin, and antioxidants to help support healthy bones and joints.
  • A formula enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA-DHA, will help maintain healthy skin, and an adapted taurine content is important to support healthy heart function.
Rottweiler puppy on grass with toy in its mouth

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Caring for your Rottweiler

Grooming, training and exercise tips

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As highly muscular and athletic dogs, adult Rottweilers need plenty of exercise and interaction to keep them in peak condition, both mentally and physically. To help burn off some of that excess energy, and for a zen state of mind, they will need at least two hours of exercise each day. Ideally, they will also benefit from a wide secure space where they can charge around at full pelt and let off some steam. As Rottweilers can be just as playful as puppies even into adulthood, they will appreciate games in the garden too. They also enjoy swimming if there is a safe place for them to do so.

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With their medium-length double coat, the Rottweiler requires weekly brushing to keep their fur in peak condition. For most of the year, moulting is fairly moderate – although it can be more noticeable at the Rottweiler’s seasonal shedding times in the spring and the autumn. Be prepared for some drooling too. They will benefit from regular baths – though, given the size of the Rottweiler, many owners choose to book them in for professional grooming sessions. The Rottweiler’s nails should be trimmed as needed, ears checked regularly and teeth brushed as often as you can manage – at least two or three times a week but daily if possible. The key with this is to get them used to it when they’re young so they know that it’s nothing to fear.

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Starting from a young age, it’s important that your Rottweiler recognises you as ‘pack leader’. Otherwise, he’ll think he’s ‘top dog’. For this reason, the Rottweiler is not a good choice for first-time owners. However, with a kind but firm human, and the right training, the Rottweiler puppy will grow into a happy, confident adult. Also, as the Rottweiler has a natural protective instinct, it’s important to socialise them early on so they’re at ease with other people and animals. Highly intelligent, they learn quickly and will enjoy the mental stimulation of training classes. For best results, always use positive reinforcement and reward-based techniques.

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All about Rottweilers

Although opinions can vary on this topic, female Rottweilers are generally viewed to be a little bit gentler and less boisterous than the males. But with the right training – and importantly the right owner – both genders can make devoted pets. On a related note, it’s also worth thinking about the pros and cons of sterilisation. For example, this can reduce aggressiveness in both males and females, though there is a greater risk of weight gain if the diet is not monitored. Lastly, one other benefit of choosing a female is that they typically live a couple of years longer.

With their thick double coat, Rottweilers do okay in winter weather but are still more sensitive to the cold than you might think. They can also struggle in hot temperatures, so their exercise should always be timed accordingly. Access to shade and an ample supply of water are musts. So, despite that tough-guy reputation, Rottweilers are more sensitive to weather extremes than you might expect.

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Sources

1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/

2 - Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020

3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/

4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book

5 - American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/