Rottweiler — breed guide

At a glance

Group

working

Size

Large

Weight

35–60 kg (77–132 lb)

Life span

9–10 years

Coat

Short, black-and-tan double coat

Living with a Rottweiler

• Moderate energy — a proper walk every day.
• Almost no grooming.
• Moderate shedding.
• Quick to learn.
• Quiet.
• Can do well with children, with care — easier with older kids than toddlers.
• Usually fine with a familiar dog; strange dogs need managing.
• Can live with a cat, with a slow introduction and an escape route for the cat.
• Not well suited to a flat — space, exercise need or voice works against it.
• Better with previous experience behind you.
• Average heat tolerance.
• Handles cold well.

Temperament

Loyal · Confident · Calm · Protective

Health to watch

• Hip dysplasia
• Osteosarcoma
• Subaortic stenosis
• Bloat (GDV)

Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.

Did you know

Medieval butchers tied their money pouches to their Rottweilers’ collars — the safest bank in town.

Questions people ask

Is a Rottweiler good with kids?

With care. Rottweilers generally do well with older children who already know how to behave around a dog; with toddlers, supervise every interaction and give the animal somewhere it can retreat to.

Is a Rottweiler good with cats?

It can work, with management. Introduce them gradually, feed them apart, and make sure the cat has vertical space the dog cannot reach. Plan to manage it rather than assume it.

How much exercise does a Rottweiler need?

A real walk every day, around 30–60 minutes.

Can a Rottweiler handle hot weather?

About average — use normal hot-day sense.