Rottweiler Information

use keyboard arrows for additional information about this breed

The Rottweiler is a comparatively large dog breed with a robust, powerful appearance that signifies strength and agility. They are substantial and compact, with a body that is just slightly longer than it is tall. Their deep chest is spacious, wide, and reaches to the elbow. Chest depth of this breed is roughly 50% of the dog’s height. They have oval, well-sprung ribs and a prominent, defined forechest. Their moderately long neck is strong, well-muscled, and slightly arched. Their back is firm, straight, and extends in a straight line from the withers to the croup. Tails of this breed are customarily docked. The breed’s shoulder blades are well laid back and long, and the legs are straight, far-set, and heavily boned. Their thickly padded feet are round, compact, and feature a set of well-arched toes. The angulations of the forequarters and hindquarters are balanced. The Rottweiler’s head is medium in length, broad between the ears, and the forehead line is moderately arched. They have a pronounced stop and a tapered muzzle with a straight bridge. Their broad jaws feature a complete set of teeth that close in a scissors bite. Eyes of this breed are medium-sized, almond-shaped, and moderately deep-set. The preferred eye color is dark brown. The Rottweiler’s medium-length outer coat is straight, dense, flat, and coarse. An undercoat is present on the dog’s thighs and neck, but the thickness of this undercoat will vary according to climate. The coat is shortest around the face, head, ears, and legs. The coat color for this breed is black with markings of rust or mahogany. Female Rottweilers have a smaller frame and lighter build than their male counterparts, but they do not appear weak and their bodies do not lack substance or structure.

User added info

Rottweiler are sometimes wild mostly for puppies. Rottweilers need to be well groomed. If you train rottweilers right they will be good protecting dogs.

add info

Character

The Rottweiler is even-tempered, brave, and loyal. Because of their strong protective instincts, they will defend their family fiercely. While they have a reliable, stable temperament, they are naturally strong fighters. They are confident, serious, and calm. Firm, careful training is vital for this breed. With proper training, the Rottweiler is a loyal, loving companion, but improper training and socialization can result in an overly powerful and aggressive dog. This breed requires a dominant owner. To be truly happy, they need a good deal of human interaction and companionship. They sometimes have a tendency to be aggressive towards other dogs. If properly trained and socialized, this breed is very good with children. While they are leery of strangers, they are very welcoming towards friends and relatives of their family.


This breed is very balanced, tranquil, obedient, brave and easily trained. It may only defend itself of its' master when under attack. It can be used for herding or trained for self defense. They are very gentle and are happy to live with sheep outdoors.

add info

Size

22 – 27 inches

Female: 22-25
add info

Weight

85 – 130 pounds

Male: 95-130 pounds Female: 85-115 pounds
add info

General Health

Like many other large dog breeds, the Rottweiler is prone to hip dysplasia. Other health concerns include ACL damage and entropion. This breed has a propensity to overheat. They typically live for 10 to 12 years.


They are known to have heart problems, eye diseases, thyroid problems, cancer, OCD, HD, and allergies.

add info

History

While the exact origin of the Rottweiler is unknown, it’s highly likely that the breed is a descendant of the Italian Mastiff. It was initially bred in the German town of Rottweil. Throughout the Middle Ages, they were heavily utilized as a herding and guard dog. They nearly became extinct in the 1800’s, but the population made a comeback in the early part of the twentieth century after dedicated efforts were made by the enthusiastic breeders of Stuttgart. The Rottweiler has a number of natural talents including herding, tracking, watching, guarding, carting, police work, competitive obedience, and schutzhund.


They where used as herding dogs 1900 years ago by the Roman army.

add info

Maintenance

The smooth, glossy coat of the Rottweiler is easy to groom and care for. It should be brushed with a firm bristle brush and shampooed only as necessary. This breed is an average shedder.

add info

Ideal Environment

The Rottweiler is content to live in a small household or apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are a comparatively inactive breed indoors, and they are satisfied with a small-sized yard. This breed needs a good deal of daily physical activity. They enjoy retrieving, running, and swimming, and they can never be given too much work to do.


This breed needs a lot of mental simulation. Rottweilers love to work with their masters.

add info

Dog Training!

If you're having problems training your dog or getting control, you should read our review of DogProblems.com. Adam will do whatever it takes to help you whip your dog into shape. I've used them to help with my Great Dane as well as help friends train their dogs. It's the first place I go to help answer users Questions. Many training issues are too extensive to answer in this forum, which is why I refer a lot of the load to his site. Update: I've been using and recommending DogProblems for three years now. I, as well as my users, value the techniques we've learned. I get weekly emails from users who have become better owners from the information they received.

Find your new Pooch

Puppies For Sale Find a Breeder Rescue a Dog
Be the First to take out an Ad! Affenpinscher
Berlin, DE
Die Hobbyzucht im „Butzemannhaus“ ist geprägt von Liebe und Respekt gegenüber den Tieren. Ich sehe meine Tiere nicht...
Be the First to take out an Ad!

Rottweiler Q&A

Ask a Question
Photo

how long are they pregnant

The Rottweiler is just like any other breed and the usual gestation length is 63 days. If the dog goes more than 2-3 days beyond that, a Veterinarian should be contacted. The puppies may need to be delivered surgically. You will notice a drop in the temperature by several degrees from the normal of 101.5-102. This indicates the Mother-to-be will deliver usually within 24 hours. Rottweiler's can sometimes have large litters with as many as 10-12 puppies. If this is the case they can sometimes deliver a few days early.

Photo

My Rottweiler suffers from lymphoma and the vet says many of them do. Any Infromation on this?

it's herititary

Photo

I have an 8 yr. old Black Lab and now have an opportunity to get a 1 yr. old male Rot. Your temperament section says "they have a tendency to be agressive toward other dogs". Is this a trait that can be worked through or would this just be a bad situation for both dogs?

Hi there, I have had four Rotties, My first one I had with 2 cocker spanials, and another female rottie,my third one I got an English pointer puppy as a companian for her when she was 2 years old and they were great mates, at present I have a 7mth old female rottie with my 9yr old English Pointer and they get on great. The English Pointer is top dog which is how I like it. I have found that rotties do not like being the only dog, they are very very social and love human company, my rottie follows me everywhere, she is quite content just to be by my side. All my rotties have had a very strong bond with me. They can also watch TV whereas my Pointer cannot.

Photo

My 9 month old rott is always breathing hard, even when he is laying down. Does anyone know what that is all about?

may be your dog have a heart problem, because rottweiler is prone to chd(chronic heart disease) better to check it up to your nearest vet.!! that is all

Photo

My nine month old rott has started her period, i thought this didn't happen until 1 years old

Just like humans...this can vary. It can happen anywhere from 7 months to 13 months. Don't worry.

Photo

how tall should my 4 month old rottie be?

well i have a 5 month old rottie that is 22-24 inches and weighs about 53lbs but if its a female it could be smaller.

Photo

I adopted a female rottie which I have had for 5 months now. I have had her checked by a Vet and she is healthy. My problem is that I have a hard time getting weight on her. Her hip bones protrude, and you can see her ribs and her spine. I feed her the recommended amount of Iams dog food but I cannot keep weight on her. This is my first time owning a rottie, and thought perhaps it was not uncommom for some.

I use Purina One and i'd start giving the more than the daily value.

Photo

What are the first signs that could indicate that my rottweiler is pregnant?

Photo

i have a 2 year old rottie hes been eating pedigree dry dog food for some time now but for the last few weeks hes been throwing up the food its like if hes cant digest it should i change the brand of food.

have an xray by vet first or try soft food

Photo

I am thinking about a rottie. I have a huge fenced backyard with a mix of sunlight and shade. I don't plan on bringing the dog inside. I live in Atlanta, GA and wondering how well they do in the cold/heat of the seasons.

Don't get a Rottweiler this dog needs socialization with it's human family to leave the dog outside with thyself is counter productive to any dog especially the Rottweiler.

View all Q&A

Rottweiler Photos

Upload a Photo

Recent Products

Relevant Blogs