Rottweiler Breed Guide
Also known as: Rottie, Rotty, Butcher's Dog
Powerful guardians with gentle hearts, Rottweilers are confident, loyal working dogs whose calm nature and protective instincts suit experienced, committed owners.

Quick facts about this breed
Size
Large
Weight
35-60 kg
Lifespan
8-12 years
Energy Level
High
Family Fit
teens_adults
Shedding
Moderate
Size
Large
Weight
35-60 kg
Lifespan
8-12 years
Energy Level
High
Family Fit
teens_adults
Shedding
Moderate
About Rottweilers
The Rottweiler originated in Germany during the Roman era, where they were used to drive cattle and later became known as Rottweil butchers' dogs for their role in driving cattle to market. These powerful dogs were also used for protection and cart pulling.
Rottweilers are large, powerful dogs with short, black coats marked with rust-coloured patches. They're known for their confident, calm temperaments and strong protective instincts.
These dogs are loyal, intelligent, and make excellent family pets for experienced owners. They're naturally protective and make excellent guardians while remaining devoted to their families. They require substantial exercise and mental stimulation, excelling in obedience and protection work. While generally healthy, potential concerns include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and certain heart conditions. Early socialisation and consistent training are essential for these powerful dogs.
Complete Care Guide for Rottweilers
Expert advice on keeping your Rottweiler healthy, happy, and thriving at every stage of life.
Providing optimal nutrition for a Rottweiler requires careful attention to their unique dietary needs and physical characteristics. These powerful, muscular dogs thrive on high-quality protein sources, primarily from named whole meats or meat meals, which support their substantial muscle mass and energy requirements.
Portion control plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy weight and development, particularly during the critical puppy stage. Growing Rottweilers need precisely measured meals that provide adequate nutrition without excessive calories that could strain their developing joints. As adults, their portions should align with their activity level, age, and overall health status.
Food sensitivities can present challenges for some Rottweilers, manifesting as skin irritation or digestive issues. Monitoring your dog's response to different ingredients helps identify potential allergens, allowing for dietary adjustments when necessary. Many owners find success with limited-ingredient diets or foods specifically formulated for sensitive stomachs.
Essential fatty acids, particularly omega-3 and omega-6, contribute significantly to coat health and immune function. Including these nutrients, along with a comprehensive spectrum of vitamins and minerals, supports overall wellbeing and helps maintain the breed's characteristic robust constitution.
How healthy is your Rottweiler?
A two minute quiz for your personalised results and health plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about Rottweilers from our community of pet parents
Rottweilers are known for their confidence, courage, and calm demeanour. They are naturally protective and may be reserved with strangers, but they are typically very affectionate and loyal with their own families. Rottweilers are intelligent and highly trainable, but they require consistent, positive reinforcement training methods from an early age to ensure they grow into well-behaved and sociable adult dogs.
Rottweiler Blog Posts & Guides
Expert advice and tips specifically for Rottweiler owners
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