Rottweilers, also lovingly referred to as “Rotties,” are gentle and diligent protectors. They are sleek and muscular with strong, steady legs. Their coat is short and comes in a sleek black color with rust markings. This breed has its roots in ancient Rome, where they were cattle herders for Roman legions.
As in all breeds, poor breeding and training practices may lead to aggression, but a well-raised Rottie will be calm, confident, and a little bit silly. Early socialization and training will help them harness their instincts in a positive way.
Active, not passive early training is part of a Rottie’s road to a successful adulthood. Socialization and obedience training are as key as lots of quality time with their humans. They are “people dogs,” who do best with their people by their side. They are an intelligent breed that trains well, as long as discipline remains consistent and firm, never rough.
While this is a physically imposing dog breed, it’s important to be aware of their sensitive nature. They do not tolerate extreme temperatures very well, especially heat. And, they definitely will not be a well-balanced or well-behaved dog if left alone for long periods of time. If you live in an apartment, this dog breed is not for you because they prefer lots of space. Although generally friendly, they will be skeptical of large crowds of strangers and noisy environments.
Rottweilers have a lifespan of 9-10 years. Like all breeds, they are susceptible to some health conditions, which for the Rottie, include hip dysplasia, eye and heart conditions, and cancer. Regular wellness exams, as well as proper diet and exercise, play a large role in the health of your pet.
If you are a first-time dog owner, this dog breed may be a challenge. Although very intelligent, they are a dog that requires the presence of a strong pack Alpha or they will attempt to assume that role.Obedience training is a good idea for owners who are not heavily experienced in training dogs.
Smart and willing to please, the Rottweiler is a highly trainable dog breed. Begin this breed’s training as soon as you bring the puppy into your home. This will help avoid the development of any bad habits.
It will also be vital to curb this large dog’s want to bark and howl early in life, as the larger they get, the more it can become a nuisance. Make sure you properly train this dog breed to be comfortable on the leash. Otherwise, the powerful Rottweiler will be walking you!
Rotties have a medium-length coat that lies flat against their skin. There are some areas, like their neck and thighs where they have an undercoat. Rotties are light shedders and frequent brushing helps to keep this under control. Their teeth should be brushed a few times per week and nails trimmed several times per month.
It is best to start young with their grooming care, as this will help them tolerate it as adults.
Rottweilers are very athletic and muscular. They should be exercised on a daily basis. They love walking, hiking, and swimming. There are also excellent working dogs that do great as herders and as participants in formal competitions.
Rottweilers are large dogs, weighing in at 80-135 pounds with a height of 22-27 inches. Males are typically on the larger end of that scale while females are smaller.
This dog breed generally lives 8 to 11 years.
The Rottweiler’s name comes from their history working as cattle dogs in the town of Rottweil. They were also among the first dog breeds used as guide dogs for the blind.
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