Dog breed · Working
Rottweiler
A powerful, self-assured guardian that is calm and affectionate with its family when raised with clear, kind structure.
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Breed characteristics
- Group
- Working
- Origin
- Germany
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 35–60 kg (77–132 lb)
- Height
- 56–69 cm
- Lifespan
- 8–11 years
- Coat
- Short, dense double coat
- Temperament
- SteadyConfidentLoyalTerritorial
History
Drover dogs of Rottweil, Germany, that herded cattle and guarded butchers' money on the road.
Appearance
Massive and compact, black with clearly defined rust markings.
Exercise and activity
An hour or more daily plus obedience or scent work; avoid hard exercise while growth plates are open.
Care and grooming
Weekly brushing, careful weight control and continuing training throughout life.
Health considerations
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Osteosarcoma
- Cruciate ligament rupture
- Subaortic stenosis
- Bloat
Honest challenges
Before choosing a Rottweiler
- Treat the breed profile as a starting point, not a guarantee of temperament. Meet the individual and discuss its history, needs and behaviour with the rescue or responsible breeder.
- Check your routine can support the activity described here: An hour or more daily plus obedience or scent work; avoid hard exercise while growth plates are open. Allow for age, weather, health and recovery rather than imposing a fixed target.
- Ask the breeder or rescue and your vet about problems reported in this breed (such as Hip and elbow dysplasia, Osteosarcoma, Cruciate ligament rupture, Subaortic stenosis, Bloat), which of them have recognised screening tests, and the parents' results where relevant. Screening reduces some uncertainty but cannot promise a healthy lifetime. Bloat has no screening test: learn its emergency signs and ask about prevention.
- Plan grooming, veterinary costs and care during holidays. Children and other pets still need careful introductions and supervision whatever a breed's typical rating.
Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.
- RSPCA — animal care and welfare advice across species
- PDSA — veterinary charity pet health advice
- Dogs Trust — dog care, behaviour and welfare advice