The FCI standard gives about 50 kg for males and about 42 kg for females; Wikipedia gives 50-60 kg for males and 35-48 kg for females. Hill's and VCA give 80-135 lb (about 36-61 kg) for the breed overall.
A compact, muscular dog built for strength, agility and stamina, a bit longer than it is tall. The outer coat is dense, coarse and lies flat over an undercoat, staying shortest on the head, ears and legs and growing slightly longer on the back of the hind legs.26
Coloursblack with rich tan (rust to mahogany) markings263
Personality what they are like
At heart a good-natured, calm dog that is deeply loyal to its people and keen to have a job. It carries itself with quiet self-assurance and tends to stay reserved and watchful with strangers while being a soft, playful companion at home. Clever and sometimes a little stubborn, it thrives with an experienced owner who gives clear, consistent, reward-based guidance.27458
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High. The Royal Kennel Club and PDSA suggest more than two hours of exercise a day, mixing walks, play and brain work. Obedience, tracking, agility, herding and cart pulling are all good outlets for its working drive.98410
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Easy coat care: a weekly brush removes loose hair, with extra brushing during the spring and autumn moults. Trim nails regularly and brush teeth often. Early socialisation and steady, positive training from puppyhood are the most important parts of its care.8549
Home where they are happiest
Best in a house with a large, secure garden; can live in town or country. Prefers cooler weather and can overheat in the heat, so shade, water and calmer exercise are needed on warm days. Should not regularly be left alone for more than about four hours.958
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete dog food, usually split into two meals a day. Puppies do well on a large-breed growth formula that supports steady growth; adults need good-quality protein and portions adjusted to age and activity to stay lean.84
Company who they like around
Bonds strongly with its family and wants to be with them, often leaning against people or trying to climb onto laps. Usually does best with older children, and early, ongoing socialisation helps it get along with other dogs; supervise it around small pets.8411
The story where it all began
The breed is thought to trace back to mastiff-type dogs that travelled with Roman legions over the Alps, herding the cattle that fed the troops and guarding camps. The Romans used Rottweil (then Arae Flaviae) as a trading post, and local dogs there mixed with these drovers' dogs. Over the following centuries they became the butchers' and cattle dealers' dogs of Rottweil, driving stock to market, pulling meat carts and guarding purses. When railways replaced cattle droving in the mid-1800s the breed dwindled, and by 1882 only one was shown at a dog show in Heilbronn. Demand for police dogs just before the First World War revived it, and it was officially recognised as a police dog in 1910. German breed clubs formed from 1914 and merged into the ADRK in 1921. A German immigrant bred the first US litter in 1930, the AKC recognised the breed in 1931, and the UK opened a separate register in 1966. Today Rottweilers work as police, service, rescue and therapy dogs and compete in many dog sports.2310
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
Cattle dealers used to tie their money pouches around their Rottweiler's neck on the way home from market, trusting the dog to keep it safe.11
2
The modern name of the town of Rottweil is linked to the red roof tiles found there.10
3
By 1882 the breed had become so scarce that only one Rottweiler appeared at a dog show in Heilbronn.10
4
The Rottweiler was the most registered breed with the American Kennel Club in the mid-1990s.3
5
Many Rottweilers lean against their people, a habit often linked to their cattle-herding past.11
6
The FCI standard still expects the breed to pass a working trial.1
7
A Rottweiler is the star of the children's picture-book series 'Good Dog, Carl'.3
8
A therapy Rottweiler named Wynd won the AKC Award for Canine Excellence in the therapy category in 2015.11
Where the name comes from the story behind it
The breed name comes from the town of Rottweil in Germany, where they were known as 'Rottweiler Metzgerhund', meaning 'Butcher's dog of Rottweil', as they were used by butchers to herd cattle and pull carts.3
Famous ones stars of the breed
Wyatt Rottweiler who played the role of 'Cujo' in the 1983 film adaptation of Stephen King's novel.3
Name ideas for your new friend
BrunoMaxRexLunaRockyDukeMiaZeusAtlasNovaOdinSasha
A day in the life told by a Rottweiler
I woke up with my human still in bed, so I gave a soft grumble to say good morning. They laughed and said I'm a big softie. After breakfast, we went for a long run in the park, and I made sure no one got too close to my human. I even found a stick and brought it back, but then I decided to keep it. My human played tug-of-war with me, and I let them win a little. Back home, I curled up at their feet while they worked. When a stranger came to the door, I gave a low woof to let them know I'm here. My human said I'm the best guard dog, but I'm really just a big teddy bear. Now I'm snoring, dreaming of more adventures tomorrow.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
FCI
Standard No. 147, Group 2 (Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs), Section 2.1 Molossian type, mastiff type; with working trial; definitive acceptance 1 Jan 1955; current standard published 15 Jun 20181
ADRK
Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler Klub, formed in 1921 from a merger of earlier German clubs (DRK founded 1914, SDRK 1915)3
The Royal Kennel Club
Working Group; separate breed register opened in 196612
AKC
Working Group; added to the AKC stud book in 1931; first AKC standard 193510
Popularity AKC rank 8 of registered breeds (same rank as 2024)13
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Rottweiler. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
Bathevery 10 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseAbout 60 minutes a dayevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
Treats they will love homemade and simple
Rottweiler tip
Choose low-fat, highly digestible treats and keep them small, as Rottweilers are prone to obesity and sensitive stomachs. Always account for treats within their daily calorie allowance.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Rottweiler, and at what times?
Feed your Rottweiler a complete dog food split into two meals a day, as this suits their digestive system. Puppies do well on a large-breed growth formula with three to four smaller meals. Follow the food label for amounts and check with your vet to keep your dog lean.8414
What should a Rottweiler eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A good-quality complete dog food with protein adjusted to age and activity is best. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, so keep these away from your dog.8415
How often should I bathe a Rottweiler?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 10 weeks, or as needed if your dog gets dirty. Overbathing can strip natural oils, so stick to a gentle dog shampoo.16Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Rottweiler need brushing?
Brush your Rottweiler weekly to remove loose hair, and daily during spring and autumn moults. Their double coat insulates them, so shaving is not recommended.8549Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Rottweiler's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every four weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick, and ask your vet or a groomer to show you if unsure.16Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Rottweiler need?
This breed needs more than two hours of exercise daily, mixing walks, play, and brain work. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests about 60 minutes a day, but adjust to your dog's energy and consult your vet.98410Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Rottweiler's teeth and ears?
Brush your Rottweiler's teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture or dirt. Never push anything into the ear canal, and ask your vet for a dental care routine.16Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Rottweiler live?
Rottweilers typically live between 8 and 11 years. Senior years usually start around age 7, so schedule annual vet check-ups to keep them healthy.45Pet Wiki plan
Is a Rottweiler good with children and other pets?
Rottweilers bond strongly with their family and usually do best with older children. Early, ongoing socialisation helps them get along with other dogs, but supervise them around small pets.8411
Can a Rottweiler be left alone?
This breed should not regularly be left alone for more than about four hours, as they bond closely with their family. If you need to be away longer, arrange for a dog walker or pet sitter.958
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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