Rottweiler

You might hear this breed referred to as “Rotties” or “Rotts” by Rottweiler fanciers.
Rottweilers were part of the search and rescue efforts at the World Trade Center site after the 9/11 attacks.
The Rottweiler name comes from a German town called Rottweil. The town is known for its red tile roofs and commemorates the breed with statues and art displays through the streets.
Rottweilers have one of the strongest bite forces of all dog breeds, recorded at 328 pounds per square inch. That’s more than the German Shepherd and American Pitbull Terrier.
The Rottweiler is born with a naturally long tail, which many U.S. breeders dock shortly after birth. European Rottweilers, however, have a beautiful natural tail.
The undercoat of a Rottweiler is waterproof. Though they aren’t considered water dogs, many Rotts love to swim.

Breed Summary

Lifespan

8 to 10 years

Weight

80 - 130 pounds

Energy level

Tri-athlete

Breed Group

Working

About the Rottweiler breed

While there is some variety in their markings, Rottweilers have very distinctive physical features:

Distinctive brown markings on the face (especially those expressive eyebrows), chest, and legs.
Massive square head
Muscular build

Rottweiler personality

The square-headed, powerful Rottweiler is known for its “cool dog” temperament. Confident, and generally aloof with people they don’t know, they’re the James Dean of dogs. Rotties bond deeply with their family and are courageous protectors and guard dogs — but they have a playful and affectionate side too. Despite their large size, they think themselves the perfect lapdog and will often finagle their way on top of you for a cuddle.

Similar breeds

Doberman Pinscher
Bullmastiff
German Shepherd
Boxer
Staffordshire Bull Terrier

History of the Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is a descendant of ancient Roman mastiff-type dogs, helping to guard and herd the livestock that accompanied the legions marching through Europe. In the 1st century AD, some of these dogs stayed behind, in an area along the Neckar River in Germany, which eventually became the town of Rottweil — from which they got their breed name. The dogs became known as “the butchers’ dogs,” as they herded cattle and carted the butchered livestock to market. Butchers would also use Rotties as guard dogs, having them carry the bags of money collected from sales. A thief would think twice before trying to steal money from a Rottweiler!

The Rottweiler breed almost went extinct in the mid-1800s. This was the time of railroad proliferation, making the transport of livestock easier and lessening the need for drover and herding dogs. Luckily the breed was saved when people started training them to work as police dogs instead, a job in which they excel. Rottweilers were used extensively throughout both World Wars as military working dogs and gained popularity around the world.

North American History of the Rottweiler

The Rottweiler made its way to the United States in the early 1930s, with the American Kennel Club officially recognizing the breed in 1935. They ranked in the top five most popular breeds in the 1990s. It’s thought, the media stereotyping them as aggressive dogs knocked them out of the top five in the 2000s. They are currently the 8th most popular dog breed in the United States according to breed registrations. Rottweilers have served in many different working dog roles. They were one of the first breeds used as guide dogs for the blind and served in search-and-rescue roles for disasters such as the Oklahoma City Bombing and the World Trade Center collapse.

Rottweiler Behavior and Training

A Rottweiler is not a dog breed for everyone. They are powerful, intelligent dogs that were bred to be protective, independent, and courageous. It’s up to the human to manage their Rottie’s environment and set them up for success. Training your Rottweiler should begin when they are a puppy and continue throughout their life.

Many people describe the breed as needing a firm hand or an owner who asserts dominance. This is 100% false! Punishment or force-based training is not needed. Once a Rottie understands what you want, they are eager to please. Their motivation to work for reward is much higher than any motivation to avoid punishment. Rottweilers need clear, consistent and positive leadership. For this reason, consider carefully if this is something you are prepared and equipped to provide.

Do Rottweilers get along with others?

Proper proactive exposure to new sights, sounds, people, dogs, and other animals as a young puppy is essential for a Rottweiler’s socialization. Maintain this positive socialization for adult Rottweilers with new people and places. They can be territorial and protective of their family, so it’s essential to maintain positive associations with strangers.

Rottweilers do well with children if they have been properly introduced and socialized as a puppy and beyond. They are known to form a deep bond with their family and act as guardians. Young children and dogs should always be supervised, and it’s helpful for a dog to have their own “safe space” where they can go when they need some quiet time.

Rottweilers can likewise enjoy living with other animals in the home if socialized from puppyhood. Take care when introducing your well-socialized adult Rottie to other dogs and animals, as their size and energy can be overwhelming.

Trainer tip

Pair meeting new people or animals with high-value training treats or a favorite toy, and keep introductions short and sweet so it doesn’t get overwhelming.

Exercise requirements

Daily exercise helps keep a Rottweiler entertained and at a healthy weight. Bred to work, they will excel as a family dog as long as they have an outlet for their exercise needs. Rotties do best with at least an hour of exercise every day. Once fully grown, they can make excellent jogging companions and hiking partners.

Speak with your veterinarian about appropriate exercise for a Rottweiler puppy. Until they are full-grown (bone growth plates typically all close by around 18 months of age), minimize excessive strenuous or repetitive activities like jogging or running — as this can increase the risk of damage to the growing bone and cartilage, causing pain and future joint issues.

Veterinarian tip

While a tired dog might be a good dog, puppy exercise shouldn’t be forced or “pushed” in any way. Follow your Rottie puppy’s lead in the amount of activity they are able to do. If they stop and sit down, it’s time for some rest and recovery. In some cases, they might try to “keep up” with an adult dog, so make sure not to let them push too far and over-exercise themselves.

The Rottweiler breed is at higher than average risk for hip dysplasia. Though many factors play into a particular dog’s risk level (including genetics, nutrition, and exercise), it’s important to discuss the prevalence of hip dysplasia in the line, with the breeder(s) you’re considering. You should also talk to your vet about having your puppy’s hips checked early. This is done with both a physical exam and radiographs (X-rays). The pain, mobility issues, and other negative symptoms of the condition can be minimized with proper diagnosis and surgical and/or medical management.

Mental enrichment needs

Mental enrichment is essential for a Rottweiler, as they are an intelligent breed and love to solve problems. Feeding regular meals with puzzle-bowls, providing interactive toys, and keeping their brain engaged with regular positive reinforcement training will go a long way in preventing unwanted behaviors. Giving your Rottweiler puppy lots of enrichment will prevent boredom and provide them with an outlet for chewing and other normal puppy behaviors.

Common Behavioral Issues

The Rottweiler breed is known to be incredibly smart and often described as “stubborn.” However, a Rottweiler is simply looking for their human to provide the “why” for performing a behavior.

They do best with a consistent and positive approach, as punishment-based training methods often result in fear, aggression, and increased stubbornness. Give them a good reason to do as you ask, with the right positive motivation and by building a strong bond, and they’ll be incredibly obedient and eager-to-please!

Activities for Rottweilers

Rottweilers do well in many different activities:

Herding
Cart Pulling
Rally Obedience
Schutzhund
Therapy Work
Agility
Search and Rescue
Dock Diving

Rottweiler grooming and care

A Rottweiler has a thick double coat, with a shiny topcoat and waterproof undercoat. They have only one coat pattern, with black over most of the body and brown on the face (especially those expressive eyebrows), chest, and legs.

Rottweilers need a minimum of weekly brushing and occasional baths. While they do shed all year long, there is an increase in shedding twice a year, usually in the spring and fall, as their coat changes to prepare for warmer or colder weather.

Regular nail trimming is needed to keep nails at the proper length. Rottweilers have black nails, which can make it difficult to determine how much to clip without causing pain or bleeding. Nail grinding is a preferred trimming method for black nails.

Best Brush for a Rottweiler: Undercoat rake, pin brush