Rottweiler (Rottie): Dog Breed Characteristics & Care

The Rottweiler, or Rottie, is a large and rugged dog with a hard-working and confident demeanor. It is known for its muscular body, thick hindquarters, and easy trot. Descended from the mastiffs of the Roman legions, the Rottie can be a gentle playmate and companion, despite its reputation for being dangerous. The breed is a bit aloof but also very intelligent, protective, and loyal to its family. The Rottie can be an excellent working dog, watchdog, or guard dog, too. 

Characteristics of the Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is intensely loyal and protective of trusted family members. This breed also has a playful and affectionate side that it reveals when at ease. Few Rotties have an aggressive nature, despite what some people think. They are usually very calm, loyal, and loving companions to those they trust. However, they may be suspicious of strangers due to their protective nature.

History of the Rottweiler

Though the exact origins of the Rottweiler are not known, it is believed that the breed derived from the mastiff and that its ancestors can be traced back to ancient Rome. They were drover dogs who herded livestock for the army. Later development of the breed occurred in the German town of Rottweil, where it worked as a cattle dog and sometimes a police dog before its popularity diminished. At one time, the breed was referred to as the Rottweiler metzgerhund, which roughly means butcher's dog of Rottweil.

In the early 20th century, the breed was once again used as a police dog and began gaining popularity in the U.S. The hard-working nature of the Rottweiler has made its popularity grow over the years and it is now the eighth most popular breed, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). The breed was recognized by the AKC in 1931.

Rottweiler Care

Rotties can be excellent companions for all kinds of families, including those with children (provided you train your dog to behave around kids and also teach your kids how to safely interact with dogs). The Rottweiler has a drive to work, high endurance, a commanding presence, and potential for territorial behavior. Many Rotties will benefit from some type of "job," such as guarding the home, obedience competition, or tracking.

Exercise

Ideally, a Rottie should get vigorous exercise including walks and playtime for at least two hours a day. A Rottweiler loves to have fun with its human companion so engage in games of hide-and-seek, fetching, and tugging. Just beware that since this breed may be aggressive towards new dogs, your Rottweiler may not be welcome at the dog park.

Grooming

The Rottie's short, somewhat coarse, but shiny hair coat has a moderate shedding rate and requires little more than basic grooming care. Use a curry brush or similar tool to brush your Rottie periodically and keep the coat healthy. Expect heavier shedding in the spring and fall.

Some Rotties will naturally wear down their nails, but it is important that you inspect them regularly and trim the nails as needed. This will keep your dog's feet healthy and comfortable.

Good oral hygiene will benefit your pet. Brush your dog's teeth daily or at least two to three times per week.

Training

It is essential that all Rotties be put on a strict training program to best utilize their intelligence and energy, keeping them happy, healthy, and safe. In addition, proper socialization is imperative and will help your Rottie feel comfortable in many situations. Playing rough with a Rottie could encourage any aggressive tendencies.

Common Health Problems

Responsible dog breeders work hard to maintain the highest breed standards as established by kennel clubs like the AKC. Dogs bred by these standards are less likely to inherit health problems. However, there are some hereditary health issues that may occur in the breed. The following are some conditions to be aware of:

• Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury: A rupture of the ligament that attached the femur to the tibia, the two main bones of the knee joint.
• Hip dysplasia: A condition in which the hip sockets form abnormally.
• Osteochondrosis (OCD): The abnormal development of the cartilage on the end of a bone.
• Entropion: A genetic condition in which the eyelid inverts or folds inward.

Diet and Nutrition

Feed a Rottweiler two meals of 2 to 5 cups of dry food per day. The amount depends on the dog's size, activity level, age, and other factors. Free-feeding isn't recommended because Rottweilers are not good at self-moderation and will tend to put on weight if allowed to eat whenever they want. Obesity will shorten your dog's lifespan, so discuss this with your veterinarian to get a recommended feeding schedule, amount, type of food, and exercise plan.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Rottweiler

If you think you are ready to have a Rottweiler, it's important to do more research first. Get opinions from veterinarians and pet professionals, and ask Rottie owners, responsible breeders, and rescue groups for more information.

No matter the breed, if you adopt a dog, discuss temperament testing (rescue groups and shelters usually do this before putting pets up for adoption). If you are buying from a breeder, ask about the line's temperament history and meet the puppy's mother (and father if possible). Behavior traits can be inherited, but good breeders breed for good temperament. Sadly, some irresponsible breeders will purposely breed dogs for aggression.

The American Rottweiler Club is a great place to start your search for a Rottie. The club's breeder referral coordinator can connect you with a member breeder.

The Rottweiler Rescue Foundation supports rescue groups throughout the U.S. and lists their contact information so you can research adoptable dogs by region. Remember to check the laws of your jurisdiction if you want to adopt a Rottweiler.

You can pay several hundred dollars to adopt or rescue a Rottweiler, but expect to pay a breeder between $850 to $3,500 or even more for a Rottie puppy depending on bloodlines and certain other characteristics.

Rottweiler Overview

More Dog Breeds and Further Research

If you’re interested in similar breeds, look into these to compare the pros and cons:

• Cane Corso
• Boxers
• Bullmastiffs
• Belgian Malinois

Explore the range of dog breeds out there. With a little research, you can find the right one to bring home.