Rottweiler
Complete Breed Guide
"I’m a big, brawny dog that means business!"
Quick Facts About Rottweilers
Working
80–135 lbs
22–27"
No
Based on current listing prices on Puppies.com. Results may vary.
Overview
Rottweilers (or “Rotties) may have a bad-to-the-bone reputation, but their diehard protectiveness comes from a positive place. These large and powerful pups make it their mission to keep you safe but are surprisingly calm when they aren’t on high alert.
Rottweilers are well known for their big, muscular bodies and diehard desire to protect. They’re frequently used as guard dogs and police dogs because their power and fierceness are enough to intimidate even the bravest intruders. Despite their rough and tough reputation, Rottweilers (or “Rotties”) can be gentle, family-friendly dogs if socialized and trained properly. They are surprisingly obedient and learn quickly. Give them a job, and they’ll be all over it, especially if it involves using their brain or getting their blood pumping. Rotties may seem bad to the bone, but with the right owner and training, they’ll gladly accept your love and keep an eye on everyone in return.
Temperament and Behavior
Rottweilers are loyal and brave dogs who will risk life and limb to defend their families. The breed’s size and power make them the ideal guard dog. Rottweilers need a lot of attention, but they’ll repay the favor. When they aren’t on alert, these pups are usually quiet, observant, and calm. Females bark more often than males, so if you’re bringing a Rottweiler into your home as a watch or guard dog, the girls will be more vocal than their male counterparts.
Coat & Grooming
The Rottweiler has a distinct outer coat of short, thick, coarse fur with a thick layer of hair underneath. All dogs in this breed are black with brown markings. You may find ones with long hair or white chest markings, but these traits are not as common. Because this breed has such short hair, their coat doesn’t require much maintenance. Use a rubber glove to remove hair when your Rottie sheds, but other than that, all your pup will need is basic care.
Lifestyle & Living Conditions
Socialization is the top priority if your Rottie is going to be around kids or other animals. Rottweilers can be good playmates for children, cats, and pets, but they need to be socialized early and have positive experience when they’re young. This breed likes the cold weather but shouldn’t be left outside too long. They also are known to snore loudly, so Rottweilers may not be the best cuddle buddies.
Exercise & Activity
Rotties need daily exercise to get their energy out and their heart pumping. It’s safe to take them running with you in the open country or the woods, as they don’t like to wander far from their families. Rottweilers are very smart and also love sports like swimming, running beside a bicycle, and playing fetch with a ball. Over-exercising a Rottweiler is just about impossible, so have at it!
Characteristics at-a-glance
Ratings are on a scale of 1–10, based on breed standards and typical temperament.
Rottweiler FAQs
Common questions about the Rottweiler breed, answered by our editorial team.
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