Working group

Rottweiler

Confident, loyal and powerful — a calm guardian with a soft side.

Rottweilers are strong, intelligent working dogs bred to drive cattle and guard property. They are devoted, affectionate family dogs when well bred and trained, but their strength and protectiveness require responsible ownership.

Height
22–27 in56–69 cm
Weight
80–135 lb36–61 kg
Life expectancy
9–10 years
Size
Large
Group
Working
Origin
Rottweil, Germany

Coat: Short, coarse double coat. Colours: Black and tan, Black and mahogany, Black and rust.

At a glance

Exercise Requirement3.5 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"4.0 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability4.0 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation4.0 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level4.5 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness2.5 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety3.5 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness2.5 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive3.0 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking2.0 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level3.5 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden2.0 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency3.0 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability2.0 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness2.0 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level4.0 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

Rottweilers are calm, confident and courageous. They bond closely with their families and can be playful and clownish at home. They are naturally reserved with strangers and protective of their home.

Without early socialisation and consistent training, that protectiveness can become a problem. They can be dominant with other dogs. They need an owner who is calm, consistent and committed.

Living with a Rottweiler

Exercise

At least an hour of daily exercise, including walks and training. Avoid forced running while young.

Grooming

Weekly brushing with a rubber curry or bristle brush; heavier shedding in spring and autumn. Check ears and trim nails regularly.

Training

Essential. Start socialisation and obedience early, and keep training consistent throughout life.

Kids & other pets

Loyal and protective with their own children; supervise with young kids due to size. Can be selective with other dogs.

Time alone

Tolerates moderate alone time with exercise and secure fencing.

Home fit

Best suited to a house with secure outdoor space; apartment living is hard on this breed and its neighbours.

Is a Rottweiler right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Rottweiler matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Take the Breed Fit quizTry Dogsona →

Health

With good breeding and care, a Rottweiler typically lives 9–10 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Osteosarcoma

    Bone cancer is more common in Rottweilers than most breeds.

  • Hip and elbow dysplasia

    Screened parents help reduce risk.

  • Subaortic stenosis

    An inherited narrowing below the aortic valve that strains the heart; parents should be cleared by a cardiologist.

  • Cranial cruciate ligament tears

    Common in heavy, muscular dogs.

  • Juvenile laryngeal paralysis and polyneuropathy (JLPP)

    An inherited neurological disease; DNA testing is available.

Ask a breeder for

  • Hip and elbow evaluation
  • Cardiac examination
  • Eye examination
  • DNA test for JLPP

Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Rottweiler; American Rottweiler Club. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $1,500–$3,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Food, medication and anaesthesia are dosed by weight, so every vet visit costs more for a big dog.
  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

Rottweilers descend from Roman drover dogs that accompanied armies across the Alps. In the German town of Rottweil, they drove cattle to market and guarded butchers’ money — earning the name “Rottweiler Metzgerhund” (butcher’s dog).

When railways replaced cattle drives, the breed declined, but it found new roles as a police and military dog. The AKC recognised the Rottweiler in 1931.

Did you know?

  • Rottweilers were among the first breeds used as police dogs.
  • They were once used to pull carts for butchers.
  • Many Rottweilers “rumble” — a low, contented grumble when happy.

Library guides for Rottweiler owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

Are Rottweilers good family dogs?
Yes, when well bred, socialised and trained. They are affectionate and protective.
Are Rottweilers aggressive?
They are protective, not inherently aggressive. Poor socialisation can create problems.
How big do Rottweilers get?
Males weigh around 95–135 lb and females 80–100 lb.