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Your Pet, Our Passion.

Rottweiler

Strong but loving, the Rottweiler is a docile and laid-back dog that enjoys agility sports and adore always having something to do. Although friendly, they might sometimes be aloof and take their time with making friends with people on the spot, but they do get along nicely with either adults, kids, or other pets.  

The Rottweiler dog breed would suit an experienced owner with a large property who wants a loyal one-man dog that they can enjoy training and socialising. 

Lifespan
8–10 years
Weight
Adult females 38kg; Adult males 50kg
Height
Adult females 58–64cm; Adult males 63–69cm
Colours
Fawn, black, blue, brindle and harlequin
Size
Large
Kennel Club group
Working
The need-to-know
  • Dogs suitable for experienced owners
  • Extra training required
  • Need to be aware of potential health issues
  • Enjoys active walks
  • Enjoys one to two hours of walking a day
  • Large dog
  • Some drool
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Chatty and vocal dog
  • Barks, alerts and may be physically protective/suspicious of visitors
  • Could have issues with unknown dogs but gets along with known dogs
  • May need additional training to live with other pets
  • May need additional supervision to live with children
  • Needs a large garden
  • Can happily live in the city
  • Can be left occasionally with training
This breed may encounter health problems

The Rottweiler breed may suffer from:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia 
- Gastric dilatation volvulus
- Osteochondrosis dissecans
- Cruciate disease which is where the ligaments in the knee become diseased and damaged which can lead to pain and limping.
- Juvenile laryngeal paralysis and polyneuropathy which is a condition where the nervous system deteriorates. The disease affects the nerves in the throat first which can obstruct breathing.
- Subaortic stenosis¹ which is a narrowing of one of the passages leading out of the heart.
- Multifocal retinal dysplasia which is an inherited eye condition that can seriously affect a dogs vision.
- Osteosarcomas which are a serious type of bone cancer.
- Lymphoma² which is a cancer in some of the cells that make up immune system.
- Hot spots, which are patches of skin which become sore and infected.
- Leukoencephalomyelopathy which is a nervous disease affecting the spinal cord.

Priority Kennel Club health schemes and testing: 
- Hip dysplasia screening scheme
- Elbow dysplasia screening scheme 
- Eye screening scheme 

Rottweiler Appearance 

Rottweiler dogs (or 'Rotties') are large, compact dogs known for their solid black coats with clearly defined rust-coloured markings. Rottweilers are strong, agile, powerful dogs for their size, capable of running and jumping with ease. As for the Rottweiler colours, they can be black, blue, fawn, brindle, or harlequin. 

Rottweiler Personality 

While they are not dogs who usually show their feelings, even with their owners, they are unconditionally loyal to their handlers and their families and will naturally defend them and their property. A popular breed with unscrupulous breeders, it's important to find a well-bred, well-socialised pup, as temperaments can vary. The importance of socialisation and training from an early age cannot be overstressed! This breed is not suited to the novice/inexperienced owner. 

Rottweiler Fun Facts 

  • While often the subject of bad press, Rottweilers can make fabulous working dogs and can excel in a variety of jobs. For example, Gunner, a search and rescue Rottweiler received the AKC Hero Dog Award for his lifesaving work at the World Trade Centre disaster in New York. 
  • Rottweilers were on the brink of extinction in the 1800s as a result of industrialization. With the introduction of railroads and paved roads, cattle were much easier to transport and therefore they were no longer needed to help with herding. However, they soon found replacement jobs and went on to serve as police and military dogs. 
  • Famous owners of Rottweilers include Bruno Mars, Leo DiCaprio, Will Smith, and Hayden Panettiere. 
  • A Rottweiler is the protagonist of more than 20 books by Alexandra Day as part of the Good Dog Carl series where he is Carl the Rottweiler, an adventurous dog that has a habit of getting into plenty of mischief. 

FAQs 

Are Rottweilers aggressive? 

Rottweilers aren’t inherently aggressive, and they will not be violent without a reason, but they might not be friendly towards anyone, especially not towards strangers. If properly trained and socialized early with people and with other pets, they can make great family dogs. 

Is a Rottweiler a good first dog? 

Given their large size and aloof attitude, Rottweilers require plenty of training and effort, so they typically need an owner that is aware of their specific needs and will be able to meet them. 

Are Rottweilers good at home alone? 

Adult Rottweilers usually do well by themselves if they’re properly trained. However, it’s best if they’re not left alone for more than 6 hours per day. 

Do Rottweilers bark a lot? 

Although they are typically quite calm and quiet, Rottweilers could get more vocal if they have a valid reason for it.