Rottweiler
Despite their size and fearsome reputation, the Rottweiler has an affectionate, obedient and docile temperament.
About the Rottweiler
Rottweilers are large, muscular and active dogs who are always alert to what is happening around them. Although they can take a while to warm to strangers, they make loyal and rewarding family pets.
Rottweilers started out as cattle dogs that drove herds to the great cattle markets of southern Germany, however, over the last few decades, they’ve become one of the most popular defence dogs in the world.
Source: key facts and characteristics sourced from Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)
Breed specifics
- Country
- Germany
- Group
- FCI Group 2, AKC Working Group
- Size category
- Very large
- Avg life expectancy
- 10–12 years
Loving / Even-tempered / Friendly / Loyal / Obedient / Enthusiastic / Confident / Alert
Key facts
A Rottweiler's life story
Find out more about the obedient Rottweiler in each stage of their life.Up to 18 months
Rottweiler puppy
Rottweiler puppies are intelligent, friendly and enthusiastic, making excellent family pets when well socialised. It is important to note that Rottweilers are not recommended for first-time owners, however, as even from a young age they need to be handled by someone with knowledge of the unique needs of large, powerful dog breeds.
Training
Rottweiler puppies are extremely fast learners – this can be both a positive and a negative. To ensure your puppy doesn’t develop any negative behaviours, training must start as early as possible to take advantage of the puppy’s natural capacity for learning.
From 18 months
Rottweiler adult
Adult Rottweilers are well suited to a range of roles. Whether as a companion, service or working dog they will need proper training and socialisation to ensure they are happy and well adjusted.
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
Exercise
Once your Rottweiler reaches adulthood, they will require a minimum of two hours of exercise per day. At home, Rottweilers will need regular access to large, secure gardens to expel any excess energy.
These energetic dogs require both mental and physical stimulation to maintain healthy and happy lives, so games or tracking and obedience exercises are highly recommended – the Rottweiler’s intelligence means they will excel at any canine activity they are involved in.
Working Rottweilers
Adult Rottweilers are used all across the world as service and working dogs, as well as making wonderful family companions. Calm, confident and courageous, Rottweilers can be seen in the armed forces, or as police dogs.
At home, the Rottweiler’s extreme loyalty and natural instincts make them incredibly well suited to protecting their owners and property with vigilance.
Rottweiler health
Rottweilers are considered ageing dogs when they reach eight years old. With age, your Rottweiler may experience some hearing loss and and vision impairment.
This is common in older dogs but will impact their lifestyle and how much they are able to do. You may also notice reduced motivation to exercise, often due to stiffer joints, so it is important to make sure your ageing dog is kept comfortable to ease any joint pains.
