Rottweiler Dog Breed: Size, Personality and More

Rottweilers, often affectionately referred to as ‘Rotties,’ are powerful, protective, and loyal dogs, renowned for their guarding instincts.

They are thought to have descended from mastiffs of ancient Rome more than 2,000 years ago. They were originally used to herd livestock for the Roman army.

The Romans often stopped in what is now Rottweil, Germany, which served as a significant center for livestock trade in the south. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Rottweilers became valuable working companions in this region. They herded livestock in butchers’ yards and helped pull heavy carts loaded with meat to market.

This breed has been crossed with other developing breeds throughout the centuries, including the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, the Bernese Mountain Dog, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog, and the Appenzeller Sennenhund.

During the Industrial Revolution, the demand for workers evolved, leading to changes in various roles. In the 20th century, the German Police Dog Association began employing Rottweilers due to their bravery and loyalty. 

Eventually, people recognized that this courageous breed could also be a devoted household companion. In 1930, a German immigrant named Otto Denny bred the first litter of Rottweilers in the United States.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) ranks this breed as the ninth most popular in the U.S.

Rotties will benefit from a high-quality dog food specifically formulated for larger breeds with protein as the main ingredient. Read more about what to feed Rottweilers on our best foods for Rottweilers page, collated by our expert team.

General Characteristics: 

• Origin: Germany
• Size: Medium to large
• Height: 22 to 27 inches
• Weight: 80 to 135 pounds
• Lifespan: 9-10 years

Appearance: 

• Coat: A double coat consists of an outer layer made of medium-length hair that is flat, coarse, dense, and water-resistant.
• Colors: Black, featuring distinct markings in various shades of brown, ranging from tan to mahogany.
• Build: The breed is medium to large in size and has a strong, stocky, and solid frame.

Rottweilers Temperament: 

• Loyal and Protective: Rottweilers possess a natural guarding instinct and form strong bonds with their families.
• Calm but energetic: Generally calm at home in a loving household, yet still highly energetic and playful even into adulthood. Make sure you have plenty of time to play with your Rottweiler!
• Intelligent: They are smart dogs and easy to train, but this will need to continue throughout their lifetime.
  

Training and Exercising: 

• Training: Rottweilers require proper training from birth to remain fit and healthy, along with firm, consistent handling. They learn new commands quickly.
• Exercise: At least 2 hours a day of exercise varied exercise.

Grooming: 

• Shedding: Moderate shedders with regular brushing to maintain a healthy coat.

Interesting Facts: 

• The Rottweiler breed came close to extinction in the mid-1800s due to the rise of railroads, which reduced the need for herding dogs. Fortunately, the breed was rescued when people began training Rottweilers to work as police dogs.

• A calm and quiet breed, Rottweilers are not vocal dogs; many owners rarely hear their Rottweiler bark. They will bark if there’s a reason but usually respond quietly to their surroundings.

• Rotties are known to be ‘leaners’. They will often lean their body weight against family members like they would against cattle to guide them back into position.

• The Rottweiler is considered one of the oldest dog breeds, tracing its origins back to Ancient Rome. Rottweilers accompanied invading Roman legions over the Alps, safeguarding both soldiers and their livestock.

Rottweilers Price:

The average cost of a Rottweiler in the U.S. varies depending on the dog’s pedigree, the breeder’s reputation, location, and whether the dog is intended for show, breeding, or as a pet. Here’s a general guide:

Show Quality or Breeding Quality Rottweilers

Price Range: $1,500 and $2,500

Prices for top-lineage puppies can reach as high as $4,000 or more.

Rescue or Adoption:

Adoption Fee: Around $100 and $500

Fees can vary depending on the organization, the dog’s age, and whether the dog is already spayed/neutered.