Got a Rottweiler? Check your pet with Pawcode
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Dogs
Rottweiler
A powerful, loyal guardian with a calm core.
The Rottweiler is a robust, ancient working breed descended from Roman drover dogs, later used to herd livestock and pull carts in the German town of Rottweil. Confident, loyal and steady, it is a natural guardian that, with proper training and socialisation, is an affectionate and devoted family dog.
OriginGermany
SizeLarge
Life span9–10 years
Weight35–60 kg (77–132 lb)
CoatShort, dense double coat
Temperament & personality
- Loyal
- Confident
- Calm
- Protective
Rottweilers are calm, self-assured and deeply devoted to their families, often aloof and watchful with strangers. Their strength and protective instinct demand early socialisation, consistent leadership and positive training. Well-raised Rotties are gentle, biddable and even goofy with their people, but they need an owner who understands large guardian breeds.
At a glance
Activity level2 / 3
Affection3 / 3
Shedding2 / 3
Grooming needs1 / 3
Vocalness2 / 3
Scale: low to high (1–3)
Grooming & care
The short coat is easy to groom with weekly brushing, shedding moderately year-round and more heavily twice a year. This is a powerful, active breed needing substantial daily exercise and mental work, plus careful weight management to protect the joints of such a heavy dog.
Common colours
- Black with rust/mahogany markings
Good with
- Families
- Children
- Other pets
- First-time owners
- Apartment living
Health tendencies to watch
Every breed has predispositions. These are things worth discussing with your vet — not diagnoses.
- Hip and elbow dysplasia — screening strongly advised
- Elevated risk of certain cancers, including osteosarcoma
- Aortic stenosis and other heart conditions
- Bloat (gastric torsion) and cruciate ligament injuries
Informational only. Pawcode is not a veterinary service and does not replace professional advice.
Fun facts
1
Roman legions used their ancestors to herd and guard cattle across the Alps
2
They were among the first guide-dog and early police-dog breeds
3
Their name comes from the German town of Rottweil, a Roman cattle-trading hub
Frequently asked questions
Are Rottweilers good family dogs?
Yes, with responsible ownership. Well-bred, well-socialised Rottweilers are loyal and affectionate family guardians, but they need experienced handling, training and structure.
Do Rottweilers need a lot of training?
Absolutely. Their size, strength and guarding instinct make early socialisation and consistent, positive training essential.