Rottweiler Dog Breed Guide: Info, Pictures, Traits & Temperament

The Rottweiler is a popular dog, coming in at 8th on the American Kennel Club’s list of most popular breeds in 2020. With years of history as working dogs dating back to ancient Roman times, very few people are unfamiliar with their distinctive stature and markings.

Breed Overview

Rottweilers, also affectionately known as “Rotties,” tend to stir mixed feelings among dog owners. Rottie owners will tell you that their big dogs are as gentle and loving as they come, but less experienced owners can find them challenging. Their strong personalities and protective instincts can cause poorly trained Rottweilers to have misdirected behavioral issues.

Some label this lovable breed as aggressive, but Rotties are not innately “bad.” Instead, they need plenty of guidance to become well-adjusted and socialized. Rottweilers can make incredible companions who will loyally stick by their family with the proper care and leadership.

Rottweiler Characteristics

Rottweiler Puppies

Rottweiler puppies can be expensive. Be wary of breeders selling Rottweiler puppies for low prices; they may not follow the same ethical breeding standards. If you adopt an older dog from a shelter, you can expect to find a Rottweiler at the lower end of the price spectrum. While we deeply support adopting dogs, be aware that, when adopting a Rottweiler, their behavior will depend on their history.

Many owners put Rottweilers up for adoption because they cannot handle them. Some may even have a history of abuse. These checkered pasts may make them less predictable, and they will do better as the only pets in childless homes as they adjust to their new life.

You may also find a Rottweiler for a lower price if you pick a crossbreed. Rottweilers can be successfully crossed with other popular breeds to produce lovely dogs with the desirable Rottie traits. Rottweilers tend to be protective and affectionate at the same time. Be ready for the adventure of a lifetime when you have a Rottweiler pup in your home.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Rottweiler

Despite their poor reputation, Rottweilers are exceptionally loyal and affectionate. They bond deeply with their family unit, and when attached, they are gentle and loving. For such a large breed, they are reasonably low-maintenance pets. They love to spend time with those they adore but may suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.

Outside of their “pack,” Rottweilers are more aloof. They can be skeptical of strangers—humans and animals alike! This may make them seem unfriendly, but their intelligent nature causes them to analyze every new person and situation. Rottweilers do not rush into any situation; rather, they take a step back and check everything out.

This rational nature makes them popular in guard dog positions. They are highly alert and can sense anything out of the ordinary quickly. They are protective of their family and territorial of their home range. They are not afraid to let you know when they are unhappy.

Their superior intelligence and bravery will need close guidance from the first day you bring them home. Channeled correctly, these traits can be helpful. However, improper training can make this behavior troubling, as your Rottweiler will act upon all their feelings, however misguided. They require the strong leadership of their owners.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🧑‍🧑‍🧒

As far as children go, Rottweilers that are exceptionally well-socialized are known to be gentle and protective of them. It would be best to get a Rottie at a young age so they can socialize and play with the kids. Older Rottweilers may take more time to become comfortable around children and should always be supervised closely.

Once bonded, Rotties can be very protective of the children in their families. So much so that they may view other, unknown children as threats while they play. They should also be supervised around kids if they show this overly protective behavior.

Even the very well-behaved and gentle Rottweilers can be accidentally rough with children. Rotties often “bump” others as a display of playful fun but can easily knock over small kids or even elderly family members with their sheer strength.

Socialization should begin early and be ongoing throughout your Rottweiler’s life.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

Poorly trained dogs can form negative associations with other pets and dogs, which can be very hard to break once they are ingrained in them. If adopting a Rottweiler, they would do best if they are the only pet so they can be slowly introduced to other animals.

If an older Rottweiler is brought into the home with established dogs, they may get along better if they are of the opposite sex. They will feel more comfortable if the existing dog is generally submissive and friendly.

On the other hand, puppies can be brought into any household, and with guidance, they can have good relationships with other animals. You can enroll them in “puppy school” when young to socialize with other dogs. At any other age, visits to dog parks, dog daycares, and boarding kennels can also provide essential socialization opportunities for Rotties.

Things to Know When Owning a Rottweiler

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

As large dogs, Rottweilers need a large amount of food to function. Choosing high-quality dog food should provide Rottweilers with all the necessary protein, vitamins, and minerals. Follow the instructions on the back of the food to provide the correct amount for the size and weight of your Rottie.

The amount of food needed will vary based on the dog’s size, metabolism, and activity level. Rottweilers can be prone to obesity if they overeat and do not exercise enough, and it’s vital to adjust the diet accordingly to keep your Rottweiler in optimum health.

Puppies will need specially formulated puppy food to ensure that they get enough calories to promote growth and support development. This development is vital to ensure that Rottweilers are healthy throughout their adulthood.

Rottweilers are known for drooling due to their large lip flaps. This can make eating and drinking a messy activity, so a designated feeding area that is easy to clean is necessary! Rottweilers are also prone to bloat, and gobbling large portions quickly can contribute to the condition. Feeding should be split into 2–3 feeds daily to keep portion sizes lower or a slow-feeder utilized for those who devour their food.

Exercise 🐕

Surprisingly so, Rottweilers need less exercise than you think. Their energy levels are relatively moderate, so 40 minutes of walking a day is enough to satisfy them. This can be one long walk or two shorter ones. The latter will provide more stimulation for your Rottie during the day.

Rottweilers love outdoor activities. Hiking, jogging, swimming are all things they will love to do with you. The adventure and time spent with you will be well appreciated. Be wary of overexercising Rottweiler puppies. They need exercise to keep them lean and stimulated, but excess activity can stress their rapidly growing bones and joints and cause lasting damage.

Exercise can take many other forms. Because of their work and service history, Rotties love to perform “work” tasks and excel at sports such as agility and obedience. This feeling of work and performance gives them a sense of accomplishment and keeps them active.

Training 🎾

Due to their eagerness to please, Rottweilers are easy to train if you know what you are doing! Confidence and firmness are critical; their intelligent nature will pick up on your weaknesses, and they will quickly take advantage of you.

Establishing your dominance as a leader will allow you to have control over your pet despite their size. This needs to be done with firmness and positive reinforcement. Punishment should not be utilized since instilling fear in this breed can lead to aggression.

Training should start at a young age. Once they mature, their size and strength can be problematic, and it’s best to buy a durable leash and harness immediately. You may find that investing in puppy school will do wonders for your puppy and you. These training sessions can help you bond and train together.

Grooming ✂️

Rottweilers have straight, medium-length coats with black and tan markings. Their coat is double layered and is especially thick around the neck and thighs. This is a pretty standard coat and is easy to care for. Weekly brushing will suffice, and they don’t need baths very often unless they get dirty.

Rottie coats will shed lightly throughout the year but shed much heavier twice yearly as the seasons change. During this time, you may want to brush them more often.

Other than that, grooming is simple. Their nails should be clipped as needed, and their teeth should be brushed at least three times a week to keep them healthy.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Rottweilers are generally healthy dogs. However, all dogs have the potential to develop health issues. Some breeds are more prone to diseases and illnesses due to their genetic lines. Specific genetic lines, especially those overbred, often have more instances of disease. When purchasing a Rottweiler, keep their purebred status in mind.

Look for breeders that offer a full health guarantee on their puppies. The breeder’s puppies and parents should be screened for common genetic issues, vaccinated, and examined by veterinarians. It’s also vital to visit the facilities, inspect the parents and puppies, and ask several questions about the dogs’ history.

Male vs Female

There are some significant differences between a male Rottweiler and a female Rottweiler described by long-time owners and breeders. Keep in mind that there are no certainties regarding this. Traits can be shown by either sex regardless of stereotype. However, if you are looking for a particular fit in your life, your Rottweiler’s sex may play a role.

Size

While there is some overlap in the sizes of males and females, generally, males are larger than female Rottweilers. This will affect the amount of food you need to feed and manage them physically. Think about crate sizes, the size of the space in your car, and physically restraining them. Size generally makes little difference to Rottie owners as both genders are large!

Personality

Generally, male Rottweilers are more territorial of their home range. They are also more inclined to exhibit dominant behaviors, which can be displayed as aggression if not correctly trained. Males are also known to bond more closely to just one family member and suffer from separation anxiety from being apart. They can be stubborn and challenging to train, especially in their teenage years. A male Rottweiler is usually more difficult to own but will serve better in a guard dog position.

Meanwhile, females are more family-orientated and bond with all family members equally. This motherly nature makes her less spatially territorial and more protective of individuals. She tends to mature quicker than a male, resulting in a calmer dog that is easier to train. Female Rottweilers are more commonly kept as family pets than males due to their relaxed nature.

Breeding

Males reach full sexual maturity in 16–25 months but are fertile from as young as 6 months. If you intend to breed your dog, it’s best to wait until they are fully mature. If you are not planning to breed, it’s recommended that you have your dog fixed to reduce unwanted breeding behaviors such as aggression and dominance.

Females reach sexual maturity at around 16 months, at which time they will be able to conceive. It’s best to wait until she is at least 2 years old, or even better, 2 to 4 years, so she is mentally adjusted to tackle motherhood. Again, desexing should be considered if there is no intention to breed. This allows for more level-headed dogs with a reduced risk of reproductive diseases (mammary cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer).

3 Little-Known Facts About the Rottweiler

1. They Almost Became Extinct

Rottweilers have a long history with humans. They first emerged in ancient Roman times and have Mastiff heritage. They were utilized to herd and guard livestock. These dogs were the ancestors of the first recognized Rottweilers in Germany (in a town called Rottweil), where they continued their stock and security work, keeping stock safe and secure during movements.

Then, along came industrialization. Farmers began moving their stock via railway, making large stock dogs obsolete. Their numbers dwindled, but Rottie lovers found new ways to keep them around. Using their protective and even-tempered natures, Rottweilers became police, guide, and search-and-rescue dogs. They even worked alongside other famous breeds during the aftermath of 9/11.

2. They Naturally Have Long Tails

Many of us immediately imagine a stumpy tail when envisioning a Rottweiler. However, they’re born with a long, curved tail.

Part of many official dog societies (including AKC), breed standards include short, docked tails. This tail docking is done shortly after birth. Historically, tail docking has been implemented for safety reasons, as tails are often injured on working dogs. Now, it is primarily for cosmetic reasons.

Tail docking is indeed controversial. While it is legal and unrestricted in most parts of the US, it is illegal or restricted for medical reasons only in many other countries.

3. They are banned in some countries.

Unfortunately, the Rottweiler is featured on many “aggressive breeds” lists and appears in dog bite statistics more than other common breeds. Rotties have strong protective instincts and are often misused and mistreated by bad owners, causing this aggressive response.

As a result, they have been targeted by laws and restrictions in some countries to control “dangerous dogs.” Some insurance companies even refuse to insure Rottweilers. Don’t panic; this strange dog discrimination is not very widespread, but prospective owners should consider the Rottweiler’s harmful reputation. Ensure you do your research on your local laws.

Final Thoughts

Overall, there’s a lot to consider when bringing a Rottweiler into the family. They certainly do not deserve their “bad dog” reputation for aggression and biting. But be aware that their intelligence, protective nature, and strength can be misguided if you lack confidence and training experience.

If appropriately trained and socialized, Rottweilers make phenomenal pet dogs. They are unbelievably loyal, loving, and fun. You will never feel unsafe or lonely in the company of these devoted dogs!

Featured Image Credit: Edoma, Shutterstock