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Rottweiler Breed Guide & Rottweiler Insurance

By Christy True and medically reviewed by Cathy Barnette, DVM
published: October 13, 2022 - updated: April 24, 2023 • 5 min. read
Rottweiler

Introduction to Rottweilers

With a large size and loyal disposition, Rottweilers are wonderful companion dogs that are excellent at guarding and also loving household pets. These are strong, working breed dogs that are muscular and powerful. Although some people believe that Rottweilers are aggressive dogs, they are actually very trainable and can be gentle giants with the right human companions by their side. But to help your Rottweiler live a long and happy life, it’s a good idea to be aware of breed-specific health concerns and the best practices for taking care of this type of dog.

Protect your pet

Size of Rottweilers

Rottweilers are large dogs that can weigh as much as a human adult when fully grown. Adult male Rottweilers typically weigh between 95 and 135 pounds, while standing 24 to 27 inches tall. Female Rottweilers weigh 80 to 100 pounds and are about 22 to 25 inches tall when they reach adulthood. Many Rottweilers continue growing until they reach two years of age.

Here’s how big you can expect your Rottweiler to get when fully grown.

Weight Chart3 mo6 mo9 mo12 mo24 mo
Male Rottweilers40-45 lbs.66-77 lbs.86-98 lbs.95-110 lbs.100-130 lbs.
Female Rottweilers28-35 lbs.50-68 lbs.64-86 lbs.72-100 lbs.75-110 lbs.
Rottweiler puppy

Characteristics of Rottweilers

Rottweilers are intelligent dogs that are loyal to the people they love. They are friendly with family members and even kids; however, they are not typically as friendly with other dogs, and they don’t like being left alone. Rottweilers do best in moderate temperatures that aren’t too hot or too cold, and they have high physical needs that require a good amount of exercise each day.

In general, Rottweilers are calm and confident dogs that are courageous and have a strong desire to protect their homes and families. They also have a strong desire to work hard and need a job to do to feel fulfilled and happy.

As you get to know a Rottweiler’s personality, here’s what you can expect based on his or her breed characteristics:

Breed CharacteristicLevel (High, Medium, Low)
Affectionate with PeopleHigh
Good with KidsMedium
Good with PetsLow
Need for ExerciseHigh
Energy LevelHigh
Intelligence LevelHigh
Able to Be TrainedHigh
Amount of BarkingHigh
Amount of SheddingModerate

History of Rottweilers

Rottweiler running

Although Rottweilers are most closely associated with German culture, the breed can actually be tied to the ancient Roman Empire. The Romans bred distant ancestors of the Rottweiler from Asian mastiff-type dogs. These dogs were bred to be tough, sturdy, and excellent herders. The dogs made their way to Germany after conflicts with Germanic armies, ultimately to the cattle town of Rottweil, Germany, where the dogs found steady herding work to do. They were named after this town and worked with livestock until their jobs were replaced by railroad cattle cars in the 1800s.

Since then, Rottweilers have been used as police, military, and protective guard dogs in various settings. They also often find work as guide dogs for people who are blind and as search-and-rescue dogs following accidents and natural disasters. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the Rottweiler as a breed in 1931. Some dog lovers make a distinction between German Rottweilers and American Rottweilers, with the German version being slightly larger and blockier than the American-born dogs.

Rottweiler standard information

Rottweilers are among the most recognizable breeds of dogs because of their large size, muscular bodies, large heads, and black and tan markings. They have a larger frame and heavier bone density than many other dogs, and correct proportions are judged on these dogs in shows and competitions.

Rottweiler white background

Here is an overview of the breed standard information for Rottweilers:

Head:

  • Medium length, broad between ears
  • Noble, self-assured, and alert expression
  • Medium, almond-shaped eyes
  • Medium, triangular-shaped ears
  • Straight bridge muzzle, broad at base
  • 42 teeth (20 upper and 22 lower)

Neck, Topline, Body:

  • Powerful and muscular neck
  • Firm and level back
  • Roomy, broad, and deep chest
  • Short, deep, and well-muscled loin

Forequarters:

  • Long and well laid back shoulder blades
  • Round and compact feet
  • Thick and hard pads
  • Short, strong, and black nails
  • Dewclaws may be removed

Hindquarters:

  • Long, broad, and well-muscled upper thighs
  • Rear pasterns nearly perpendicular to ground
  • Hind feet a bit longer than front feet
  • Dewclaws must be removed

Coat:

  • Straight, coarse, dense, medium-length outer coat
  • Undercoat not showing through outer coat
  • No trimming

Color:

  • Black with rust or mahogany markings
  • Gray, tan, or black undercoat
  • Rust markings should not exceed 10 percent of body color

Gait:

  • Trotting gait that is balanced and powerful
  • Effortless and efficient motion
Rottweiler with a child

Caring for Rottweilers

Rottweilers are not the most adaptable dog breed in the world, but they can do well in various environments if properly socialized and cared for. They need plenty of exercise and a job to do, but this can be accomplished with a small yard and with daily walks, runs, or swims. Rottweilers can become destructive if they don’t get the level of activity they need on a regular basis.

Here are some general tips for taking the best care of a Rottweiler:

Best Living Environments:

  • Apartments okay if taken out to exercise each day
  • Some living environments may have breed restrictions that involve Rottweilers
  • Best in homes with a yard
  • Do well with children when they grow up with them
  • May be able to live with other dogs and cats if raised with them from an early age

Type of Exercise:

  • Daily walks or runs
  • Running beside a bicycle
  • Swimming in safe bodies of water
  • Chasing after balls
  • Running in the woods
  • Not the best breed for off-leash dog parks

Mental Enrichment:

  • Playing fetch with family members
  • Rottweilers thrive on mental stimulation and learning new things
  • Cuddle time with family members

Training Strategies:

  • Pet parents must be very dedicated to training and socializing
  • Fairly easy to housetrain
  • Use positive reinforcement and stick to a consistent training schedule

Grooming Tips:

  • Easy to groom a Rottweiler’s smooth and glossy coat
  • Use a firm bristle brush occasionally
  • Rubber hound mitts and soft bristle brushes also work well
  • Only bathe when dirty, not excessively
  • Average shedding compared to other breeds
  • Trim nails every few weeks

Common health problems of Rottweilers

Rottweilers typically live for eight to 12 years, but you can give your dog the best life possible by being aware of potential health problems and addressing them early. If you purchase a Rottweiler from a breeder, ask if the parents have a clearance from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation, an OFA cardiac exam, and hip and elbow evaluations from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.

These are some of the most common health issues that arise with Rottweilers:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • von Willebrand’s disease (blood clotting disorder)
  • Aortic stenosis
  • Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)
  • Osteosarcoma
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Panosteitis (growing pains in puppies)
  • Allergies

Diet and nutrition for Rottweilers

Rottweiler chewing

Due to the large size of Rottweilers, these dogs need between four and six cups of dry dog food per day (depending on the caloric density of the diet). Divide this total amount of daily food into two meals for the morning and evening. Rottweilers are prone to overeating and weight gain, so monitor when and how much your dog is eating rather than leaving food out throughout the day.

Where to adopt or purchase Rottweilers

You will often find Rottweilers and Rottweiler mixes at animal shelters and that are in need of adoption. The American Rottweiler Club offers resources for finding a Rottweiler and information about local Rottweiler clubs. There are numerous rescue organizations dedicated to this breed of dog, including R.E.A.L. Rottweiler Rescue and Adopt a Rott.

If you prefer a purebred Rottweiler, check out the American Kennel Club Marketplace to look for a new puppy from an AKC-registered litter and breeders who follow responsible breeding rules and regulations. Responsible breeders are in good standing with the American Rottweiler Club and make sure their dogs are screened for genetic diseases.

Related breeds 

If you love the idea of bringing a Rottweiler into your home, you might also be interested in other similar and related dog breeds that share characteristics with these dogs. Here are some examples to consider:

Pet insurance for Rottweilers

Pet insurance is important to have throughout all stages of your Rottweiler’s life so that you can be prepared for accidents and illnesses as they happen and that become more concerning with age. Healthy Paws offers Rottweiler pet insurance with no maximum annual or lifetime payouts, and most claims are processed within two days. With Healthy Paws by your side, you can worry less about how to pay for veterinary treatments for your Rottweiler’s breed-specific conditions, genetic conditions, and alternative care. Tell us a few details about your Rottweiler to see pet insurance rates today.

Christy True and Tomas
By Christy True

Christy has been writing about pets for Healthy Paws for 35 dog years. She also coordinates media requests. A background in journalism may be why she enjoys writing about offbeat animal studies and the latest viral pet trends. She has been owned by several dogs, and she volunteers with a local dog rescue. Outside of work, she can usually be found sliding down a mountain near her home in Bend, Ore.

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cathy barnette
By Cathy Barnette, DVM

Cathy Barnette, DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine), is a veterinarian and freelance writer based in Punta Gorda, FL. She graduated from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, then headed to North Carolina, where she spent fifteen years working in small animal general practice. Cathy recently returned to her home state of Florida and now dedicates her working hours to creating educational content for pet owners and veterinary team members for Healthy Paws Pet Insurance LLC & the Healthy Paws Foundation. Cathy is passionate about making complex medical information accessible to pet owners, allowing them to partner with their veterinarians to make informed decisions about their pets' health. Cathy is a member of both the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Medical Writers Association. In addition to her human family members, she shares her home with one dog, two cats, and a dove. Cathy Barnette on LinkedIn

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