Rottweiler
About the Rottweiler
Temperament
Physical Characteristics
| Size Category | Large (50-100 lbs) |
|---|---|
| Height | 22-27" |
| Weight | 80-135 lbs |
| Coat Type | Smooth |
| Coat Length | Short |
| Colors | |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
High (60-90 min/day)
60 minutes per day recommended
Grooming
Moderate - Weekly
Mental Stimulation
★★★★★Needs plenty of mental challenges
Drooling
★★★★★Living Conditions
Cost of Ownership
| Purchase Price | $1,500-$2,500 |
|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $1,600/year |
Costs vary based on location, breeder, and individual needs. Annual costs include food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.
Health Considerations
Like all breeds, Rottweilers may be prone to certain health conditions:
Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage many health issues.
Best For
- Families with Children
- Active Owners
- Guard Dog
May Not Be Ideal For
- Apartment Living
- First-Time Owners
- Sedentary Lifestyles
Guides for your Rottweiler
The story behind the Rottweiler
The Rottweiler's ancestors are generally traced to drover dogs that accompanied Roman armies across the Alps, herding the cattle that fed the legions. In the town of Rottweil in southern Germany, descendants of these dogs became indispensable to butchers, driving livestock to market and hauling carts of meat; the breed was long known as the Rottweiler Metzgerhund, the butcher's dog. Railways nearly ended the trade and the breed with it, but early twentieth-century German clubs revived the Rottweiler as a police and service dog, roles in which it excelled. It served in both world wars as a draft and guard dog and later became one of the world's most popular guarding companions.
Originally bred for: Cattle droving, Cart pulling, Guarding. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.
Feeding a Rottweiler
Use a large-breed puppy diet aimed at measured growth, because rapid weight gain strains developing joints in so heavy a dog. Adults thrive on controlled portions twice daily and should stay genuinely lean, as bulk accumulates readily here.
Watch for: Heavy, deep-chested dogs warrant calm feeding, discouraged gulping and a rest before exercise. Some Rottweilers show sensitive digestion or itchy skin on very rich diets, though nothing is universal. Involve your veterinarian in nutritional decisions.
Start with the Rottweiler feeding guide, then compare our picks for the best dog food for large breeds.
Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket, and a slow feeder bowl if your dog inhales dinner. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.
Living with a Rottweiler
Day to day, the basics matter most: how much exercise your dog needs, how often to get out for a walk, and how much sleep is normal.
For play and enrichment, browse chew toys built for strong jaws and interactive toys for rainy days.
Gear that fits the breed makes life easier: a well-sized dog bed, a properly sized crate.
Raising a puppy? Work through crate training and the teething timeline — or see how old your dog is in human years with our dog age calculator.
Want the long read? Our full Rottweiler breed profile covers temperament and living needs in depth.