Rottweiler Dog Breed Information
The Rottweiler dog breed is a powerful, loyal, confident working dog and an excellent guard dog. If you want a confident, dedicated working dog, the Rottie may be the perfect pup for you. The Rottweiler is the eighth most popular dog breed in the U.S., according to the American Kennel Club.
With their strong working instincts and trainability, Rottweilers can be used for guard dogs, herding, agility, therapy work, and more. These hard-working pups love having a job to do but when they’re off the clock, they enjoy cuddling and playing with their human families and can be very affectionate and downright goofy.
Rottweiler Dog Breed Rundown
Height: 24 to 27 inches (males), 22 to 25 inches (females)
Weight: 95 to 135 lbs. (males), 80 to 100 lbs. (females)
Lifespan: 9 to 10 years
Origin: Germany
Personality: Rottweilers are loyal, strong working dogs with an imposing appearance. This breed is calm, confident, and affectionate with family.
Rottweiler Appearance
The Rottweiler dog breed is a muscular, solid-looking dog that’s descended from mastiffs, which you can see from their large bone structure and wide jaws. Rottweilers have short, dense coats and come in one time of coloring - a combination of black and rust (reddish brown). They are athletic, powerful, and agile and have a strong trot, well-muscled hindquarters, broad heads, and alert expressions.
Rottweilers can appear intimidating and make excellent guard dogs, in looks and personality. The imposing stature of the Rottweiler belies her affectionate nature with family.
Some people dock Rottweilers’ tails, and the American Kennel Club’s official breed standard says Rottweilers can have docked or long (natural) tails. Historically, Rottweilers’ tails were docked to prevent them from getting caught when pulling carts. In modern times, some people dock the Rottweiler’s tail for a more fierce, guard dog look or they think that a shorter tail will not get caught when the dog is defending against intruders.
However, there is general consensus in the animal welfare world that tail docking is an unnecessary cosmetic procedure that can put dogs at risk for pain, discomfort, and health complications. The American Veterinary Medical Association states that tail docking is painful and only done for cosmetic reasons for humans, and is an unnecessary procedure that can cause health issues.
Rottweiler History
The Rottweiler dog breed is descended from the powerful mastiffs of the Roman legions. Rottweilers are said to be one of the oldest dog breeds. These strong, sturdy pups were bred for drafting and driving - pulling carts and herding and protecting cattle and their owners.
The ancestors of Rottweilers came to Germany with the Roman troops, and in the region of Rottweil in Germany, they mixed with native dogs to form a hardy working breed. They were bred based on their working ability to herd and protect cattle, property, and their masters.
Rottweilers were also known as the “Rottweil butcher’s dog” as they were bred by butchers in Germany for herding and protection. During World War I and II, Rottweilers were used as police and military dogs and also as messengers and guard dogs. Rotties have also been used in search and rescue work.
The American Kennel Club recognized the Rottweiler as a breed in 1931. Since then, they have become popular as companions, guard dogs, and working dogs in fields ranging from herding to therapy.
Rottweiler Personality
Rottweilers have a calm, confident personality and are protective, loyal, and dedicated to their owners. They are reserved with strangers but very affectionate and even silly with family. Since they have been used for guard dogs and protecting their families, Rotties are protective of their humans and tend to be aloof with strangers.
Rottweilers were bred for their working abilities and they enjoy having jobs to do. Whether you train your pup in obedience, agility, or tracking work, your pup will appreciate the bonding time. These large pups need plenty of socialization to learn who is a friend and how to become a well-adjusted member of the family, so obedience and socialization are important.
Training Rottweilers
The Rottweiler dog breed has been developed for herding and protective skills, and these pups are highly intelligent and trainable. Rotties require a strong leader and early obedience training is important to establish yourself in this role. Rottweilers are generally eager to please and learn quickly, helping them excel at obedience.
Rotties can be territorial and protective, making them great guard dogs. However, socialization is important to temper your Rottie’s territorial nature so that your dog doesn’t see friends and acquaintances who come to your home as a threat.
Most people don’t know that Rottweilers were originally herding dogs, and they often retain these instincts and the desire to work. Keep your Rottie mentally stimulated with training and socialization and you’ll have a happy pup. Agility, tracking, Schutzhund, and obedience are some options for staying busy with your Rottweiler.
Rotties are so close with their humans that they can develop issues such as separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.
Rottweilers can get along well with other dogs given plenty of socialization and training to lessen their protective instincts. Some Rotties can become overly protective of their owners and see other dogs as a threat so training is important to mitigate this.
Famous Rottweilers
Rottweilers are a popular breed and their handsome looks and dedicated personalities have garnered them plenty of limelight.
One of the most famous Rottweilers is Carl, the central character in the children’s book series. The books written and illustrated by Alexandra Day focus on a Rottweiler named Carl and a little girl named Madeleine that he takes care of. The author’s Rottweiler Toby inspired the series, which highlights the gentle nature of the Rottweiler toward children.
Celebrities with Rottweilers
Many celebrities have been charmed by Rotties. Here are some celebs who have owned Rottweilers:
Actor and producer Will Smith is a longtime Rottweiler lover and has five Rottweilers.
Pop star Miley Cyrus is a dog lover and rescued a Rottweiler mix named Happy.
Singer, songwriter and actor Robbie WIlliams had a Rottweiler named Missy.
Singer Bruno Mars adopted his Rottie Geronimo in 2012.
TV personality Brody Jenner has a Rottweiler named Tank.
Rottweiler Health
Rottweilers are generally a healthy breed. They may have some health issues common to larger dogs, such as hip dysplasia. Here are some health problems that Rottweilers may develop:
Hip dysplasia, a painful skeletal disorder in which the ball and socket of the hip joint do not fit together properly.
Osteochondritis dissecans, a condition affecting the shoulder joints, can be a problem due to the Rottweiler dog breed’s rapid growth rate.
Osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, is among the most common causes of early death in Rottweilers.
Parvovirus, a highly contagious and deadly disease of puppies and young dogs, hits Rottweilers harder than most breeds.
Obesity can develop in Rottweilers who are overfed or do not get enough exercise. Obesity can lead to other health issues including arthritis, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Dilated cardiomyopathy, a serious and fatal heart condition that occurs in some large and medium breeds of dogs.
Where to Get a Rottweiler
If you’re ready to adopt a Rottweiler, there are many purebred rescue groups with adoptable pups around the country. Since Rottweilers are a popular dog breed, there are quite a few rescue groups with Rotties for adoption and fostering. Here are some resources to help you find your next furry family member:
American Rottweiler Club is the official AKC-recognized Rottweiler Club in the U.S. and has many resources for Rottweiler owners, fans, and breeders.
R.E.A.L. Rott Rescue is a private Rottweiler rescue in Ashland, Ohio, that takes in Rotties who need homes and helps pair them with their fur-ever homes.
Mid-America Rottweiler Rescue or MARR is a Rottweiler rescue serving the Midwestern states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin.
Rottweiler Rescue Foundation supports more than 45 Rottweiler rescue groups in the U.S. and has a directory of Rottie rescues.
Mountain Rottie Rescue is a Rottweiler rescue with adoptable dogs in the northeastern U.S.
Rottweiler Rescue of Los Angeles is a Rottie rescue with adoptable dogs in the southern California area.
If you’re ready to adopt a Rottweiler, check out our 10 Tips to Prepare Before Adopting a Dog for a rundown of how to get ready for your new Rottie pup.
