Rottweiler
Other names: German mountain dog, Rottweiler Metzgerhund, Rott, Rottie

The Rottweiler is a rustic dog with a robustness proportional to his size. He is strong, powerful, and courageous. He is also a protector, particularly loyal to his social group, and suspicious of strangers. Once they have him in their confidence, however, he is an adorable, friendly and affectionate dog, especially among children. Unfortunately, he is the victim of a bad reputation that describes him as naughty and dangerous. This is a 2nd category dog breed, thus he is subjected to strict regulations. His education needs to be initiated at an early age and it needs to be coherent and structured.
Key facts about the Rottweiler
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Origins and history
His ancient origin is common to that of all the molossoid-types which have, as their ancestor, the Tibetan Mastiff. Dogs of the molossoid type were present in Germany under different names that varied according to the region. His name comes from the town of Rottweil, where the former “butchers' dog” was common. He helped, accompanied, and protected butchers and their animals. At the beginning of the 20th century, the use of a Rottweiler to drive and watch animals was prohibited. However, he is extremely versatile and is employed to stand guard, defend his master, and perform other activities such as dog-sledding. During the First World War, he was used by law enforcement for his many skills, and he became very popular internationally.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 2 - Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs
Section
Section 2 : Molossian type
Physical characteristics of the Rottweiler
Adult size
Female : Between 22 and 25 in
Male : Between 24 and 27 in
Weight
Female : Between 93 and 110 lb
Male : Between 99 and 119 lb
Coat colour
The coat is black with some patches of tan (brown-red) on the cheeks, snout, eyes, chest, limbs, and at the base of the tail.
Type of coat
The fur is mid-length but shorter in some areas.
The outer coat is tight, hard to the touch, compact, and smooth. The undercoat is soft and should not be exposed.
Eye colour
The eyes are dark brown.
Description
This dog breed is robust, of medium to large size, and has a massive, muscular body that is capable of incredible strength, flexibility, and endurance. The jaw is very strong and powerful, so owners need to stay vigilant.
Good to know
This breed is regulated, in some places, by law. Owners who want to adopt a dog like this must respect several things:
- Get a holding permit with a qualified canine educator
- Register the dog
- Get him a rabies vaccination
- Take out liability insurance
- Perform a behavioural evaluation of the dog with a veterinarian when he is between 8 to 12 months of age
- Don’t leave him alone with children, or allow minors to walk him alone
- Keep abreast of local dog-related bylaws
- Keep the dog on a lead and wearing a muzzle
It is not uncommon to see the term "Royal Rottweiler". However, no difference is officially recognised between the different sizes; therefore, the Royal Rottweiler does not exist. This term is often used by unscrupulous breeders to add value to their dogs.
It is the same for the white Rottweiler which is often considered rare. Otherwise known as the Snow Rott, you should know that Rottweilers with a white mark on their chest are certainly rare, but it is a defect that invalidates the official standard. The same goes for Rottweilers who have long fur coat.
Therefore, you must be careful when adopting a Rottweiler. You need to avoid falling into the “rare dog trap”. All dogs of this breed are pretty much the same. There is just one official category of Rotts, so nothing justifies an increase in the selling price.
The Rottweiler is a common parent in mixed-breeds. Discover 10 of the most popular Rottweiler crossbreeds.
Temperament
Behaviour of the Rottweiler
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Rottweiler to adopt

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Compatibility
Price
The price of a Rottweiler varies according to his origins, age and gender. They cost on average £920 when registered with the Kennel Club.
A monthly budget of £60 is necessary to offer this dog a quality diet and all the veterinary care that he needs.
A Rottweiler’s budget should also allow for additional vaccinations, one or more behavioural evaluations, and subscription to an insurance policy.
Grooming
This dog is very easy to maintain; a simple brush will maintain the beauty and shine of his coat.
Too many baths, however, could damage the coat.
Shedding
Loss of hair is moderate but is more intense during moulting periods such as autumn and spring.
Nutrition of the Rottweiler
A rich diet is mandatory for this large dog so that he develops and maintains his strong bones and powerful musculature.
Whether his meal consists of dry (kibble) or raw foods, the quantities must be adapted to his body type, age, daily energy expenditure, and physical condition to avoid obesity.
The puppy's diet will define his adult health, and must be rich enough to support his rapid growth.
It is advisable to provide two meals a day to avoid him eating too much in one meal. Also, have him eat in a raised bowl to encourage better digestion.
Health of the Rottweiler
Life expectancy
The Rottweiler lives for about 9 years.
Strong / robust
He is particularly robust, enduring and strong. He is rarely ill.
Withstand heat
The Rottie is not good at tolerating heat and will need to remain cool, so he should avoid intense physical stimulation when temperatures are rising.
Provide fresh water and renew it regularly.
Withstand cold
This big chap is very resistant to bad weather thanks to the tight fur and undercoat, which give him good protection against the cold.
Tendency to put on weight
This dog’s greed can sometimes play tricks on him, but a balanced diet and regular physical activity will allow him to keep his weight in check.
Common illnesses
- Fragile growth; since they grow fast, it can lead to skeletal deformations
- Congenital heart diseases
- Ocular disorders (progressive atrophy of the retina, ectropion and entropion)
- Stomach dilation/torsion syndrome
- Bone cancer
- Lymphosarcoma (cancer of the lymphatic system)
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
Frequently asked questions
Is the Rottweiler a good family dog?
The Rottweiler is an excellent family dog because it is loyal, protective and affectionate. This breed is particularly gentle with children but do keep in mind that, with any dog, you should never leave a child alone with your dog without supervision.
Is a Rottweiler a good first dog?
The Rottweiler isn't the best breed for first time owners. However, as long as you are willing to learn everything about the breed and training is consistent then the Rottweiler could potentially be a good first dog for you.
Are Rottweilers hard to train?
The Rottweiler is very intelligent and has a strong personality, therefore it can be a little bit challenging to train. Now, with that being said, early training and sociabilisation will help your dog in his training sessions. Make sure you are consistent, use positive reinforcement, keep him entertained and never use violence.
What is the price of a Rottweiler?
The price of a Rottweiler will vary according to the origins, gender and age of this breed. If a dog is registered with the Kennel Club, the price will be on average £920. If the dog isn't registered with the Kennel Club, it will cost on average £600 to buy a Rottweiler.
How long do Rottweilers live for?
The lifespan of a Rottweiler is between 8 to 10 years.