Rottweiler Dogs Information

Written by: Debbie Moore

Copyright 1997 to 2010 Dogs and Puppies Central
All rights reserved.

Alternate Names: German Rottweiler, Rottie

Common Misspellings:  Rottwieler, Rotweiler, Rotwiler, Rotwieler, German-Rottweiler, Rotty

Learn all about Rottweiler Dogs and Puppies through our indepth guide to the Rottweiler dog breed. You'll find solid information about Rottweiler dog history, Rottweiler life expectancy Rottweiler dog appearance, Rottweiler temperament and personality, Rottweiler health problems, Rottweiler puppy care, training Rottweiler puppy dogs and more. Also includes important information about choosing a responsible Rottweiler dog breeder.

The Rottweiler is a very robust and beautiful dog. Powerful and fiercely loyal, they are believed to have ties back to the ancient Romans, where their ancestors helped to drive cattle on the long war marches. Today's Rottweiler no longer drives cattle, but has instead become a favored companion animal, particularly in the United States. Owning a Rottweiler requires a great commitment and a lot of responsibility, however, and it's important to research this breed, and your individual dog, very carefully.

Back to Menu

Rottweiler Facts

The Rottweiler Dog Breed In Brief

Country of Origin: Germany

Rottweiler Height: 22 to 27 inches at the shoulder

Rottweiler Weight: 80 to 135 pounds

Rottweiler Color Variations: No variations

Rottweiler Size Variations: Standard only

Rottweiler Exercise Needs: Demanding

Rottweiler Grooming Demands: Minimal

Rottweiler Trainability: Moderate

Rottweiler Life Expectancy: 8 to 11 years

Average Rottweiler Prices: $750 to $2500, depending on Pedigree

Good With Children: Best with older, well behaved children.

Good With Other Pets: No

Breed Group: Working

Back to Menu

Rottweiler Dog History

Believed to be a descendant of the large mastiff-like "drover dog" of the ancient Romans, the Rottweiler's ancestors were used as both herding and pack animals, often traveling with the large Roman armies as they warred with other people. Due to the fact that there was no refrigeration available, the armies had to drive cattle along with them as they moved. These dogs were capable, not only of doing this task, but also of guarding the camp supplies at night.

When the Swabians drove the Romans from the area in 260 A.D., they would keep these drover dogs, allowing them to continue their job of guarding the cattle. Due to the fact that the Swabians relied upon farming and the trading of cattle, the dogs' future seemed secure and, for centuries, they prospered.

In 700 A.D., it was decided that a Christian church be built where the Roman baths had once stood. When the excavation unearthed the red tiles of former Roman homes, the area was renamed "das Rote Wil" (which means "the red tile") and the Roman drover dog became known as the Rottweiler Metzgerhund, or "butcher dog."

The breed would be threatened in the middle of the 19th century, when the practice of driving cattle was outlawed. For several decades, the number of Rottweilers dwindled, with the dogs seeming to have no apparent use any longer. Fortunately, he was picked back up and employed as a police dog at the turn of the 20th century, and this unique breed would be salvaged.

Back to Menu

Rottweiler Dog Appearance

The Rottweiler is the epitome of sheer, raw power. A medium-to-large dog, he is built for strength and endurance, as well as being surprisingly agile for his size. Slightly longer than they are tall, Rottweilers possess a massive bone structure and are built, not only to take a blow or kick from agitated cattle, but also to be able to powerfully leap and dodge incoming attacks. Sadly, this also made them a favorite of those who would breed dogs for the inhumane practice of dog fighting.

Perhaps the most noticeable traits of the Rottweiler would be his massive head and the dog’s beautiful coloration. Rich black with markings that range from rust to a deep mahogany, the Rottie has a beautiful and noble appearance that has long made him a favorite of artists and photographers across the world and through the ages.

Back to Menu

Rottweiler Grooming

The Rottweiler is easy to groom and take care of. While you may get a few stray hairs, here and there, he generally only sheds twice a year; in spring and in fall. Because of this, merely brushing him once or twice a week, gently using a soft-bristled brush, can give his coat a nice shine and your Rottweiler in a beautiful and shiny coat. Trimming his nails is also an important step in dog grooming, and should be started when he is young and can be taught to stand obediently for tasks, such as toenail clipping.

Back to Menu

Rottweiler Exercise Needs

Rottweilers, especially puppies and young dogs, need a substantial amount of exercise. Ideally, they should have access to a sturdy-fenced yard, though they can also benefit from long walks or jogging excursions with their owners, and most Rottweilers enjoy visiting the local dog parks. Many people who own Rottweilers find that obedience and endurance classes are a great deal of fun, for both dogs and owners alike. Rottweilers love to find exercise in any way that they can - this can include climbing or jumping fences or, if left alone and without ample exercise, can also turn to more destructive methods of entertainment.

Back to Menu

Rottweiler Temperament

These massively-built dogs are generally very loving and doting, in regards to their family. While they tend to be very loyal and territorial, unethical breeders have either sought to emphasize this quality in the breed or didn't bother considering temperament prior to breeding, and the result has been a rash of poor quality Rottweilers being sold to the general public. Dogs that exhibit extreme aggressiveness, shyness, nervousness, or are overly jumpy should not be bred, nor should they be considered a suitable pet. A good Rottweiler is friendly, dependable and often tends to have a clowning personality, that strives to please and amuse his owner.

Back to Menu

Rottweiler Training

The Rottweiler grows into a big and powerful dog, very quickly, so it is essential to establish control and teach him basic obedience while he is still a puppy. Be forewarned that this dog is extremely intelligent and crafty, and can often exhibit a great deal of stubbornness. Much like when dealing with a child, you must set rules for this dog to follow and, if he disobeys, you should not let it slip or ignore such behavior. Fortunately, with most, a few stern words will suffice, if he knows he has displeased his beloved human.

Rottweiler Health

Rottweilers tend to be very hearty and robust dogs. While they are not as susceptible to the various genetic disorders many other purebred dogs suffer, there are a few concerns to take into consideration, prior to purchasing a Rottweiler puppy:

Sub-aortic stenosis (SAS)
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
Elbow dysplasia
Hip dysplasia

Back to Menu

Is the Rottweiler Right For You?

Simply put, owning a Rottweiler requires an enormous amount of responsibility and commitment. Due to poor breeding ethics, many of the dogs that are being made available as pets are sub-standard animals or, in other cases, the environment in which some good animals are being raised in is the part that is sub-standard. Because of this, one must be very selective when choosing a Rottweiler puppy.

Rottweilers can be very playful and fun-loving, but when it is a dog that weighs over 100 pounds that's bouncing around the living room, it's fairly easy to see where there can be problems. Remember that the Rottweiler does not care about the good china, nor does he seem to realize his own size and power. For this reason, it is not advisable that an elderly person take on a Rottie as a pet, nor should they be left alone with small children. Not only is there a risk of a dog bite occurring, but your happy-go-lucky Rottweiler puppy can easily knock a small or delicate person down.

In addition to this, the Rottweiler can also be very destructive when left alone for long periods of time. When he's bored, he can chew, dig, and claw, which can lay waste to a yard or a room in no time. It's essential that the dog always has things to play with, and that he is not left alone for too long a period of time.

If you have a lot of time and dedication to devote to this dog, you're sure to find a great companion in the Rottweiler dog breed. While they have received a lot of bad publicity in recent news, they are still an excellent pet for the right household.

Back to Menu

Rottweiler Prices

Average Rottweiler Price: $750 - $1000

Price always varies when it comes to the purchase of a quality, home-raised healthy Rottweiler dog or puppy. It's of utmost importance that you place the most weight on acquiring a great Rottweiler puppy from a highly responsible, reputable breeder, and put the price as a secondary concern in making your decision.

Buying a Rottweiler dog or puppy at a cheap price from a breeder of questionable reputation can be a one-way ticket to heartbreak and great additional expense throughout the dog's life, should your Rottweiler puppy have hereditary health problems or behavior and temperament issues (which very often is the case with cheap-priced puppies). Buying from a highly reputable Rottweiler breeder is your best insurance for acquiring a well socialized, healthy puppy of stable temperament.

Rottweiler prices also will vary according to the puppy's conformation; puppies placed as pets and companions will generally be less expensive as show-quality Rottweiler puppies intended to be shown in conformation.

Back to Menu

Finding Rottweiler Puppies For Sale By Reputable Breeders

If you are ready to add an adorable Rottweiler puppy to your family, be sure to check out Dogs and Puppies Central's directory of Rottweiler Puppies For Sale, where you will find photos and information posted by reputable Rottweiler breeders. We actively screen Rottweiler breeders who wish to advertise on our service by asking that they meet and follow our Guidelines For Responsible Dog Breeders. We also ask for - and check - three references from each breeder.

By performing an initial dog breeder screening, it is our hope that we can help put you in touch with a caring, responsible Rottweiler breeder near you. We cannot physically inspect the premises and dogs owned by breeders advertising with us, so you need to be responsible for doing the final inspection and interview.

Let's stop the cruelty of puppy mills. Please help us keep money out of the hands of puppy mills, back yard breeders and pet stores. Buy your Rottweiler puppy only from a responsible, caring hobby breeder that raises their dogs and puppies in a loving home environment.

When you locate that perfect Rottweiler puppy - please be sure to send us some photos to be included in our growing gallery of Rottweiler dog and puppy pictures!

Back to Menu

Additional Rottweiler Resources:

• Rottweiler Wikipedia Profile
• AKC Rottweiler Breed Profile
• Rottweiler Pictures
• Rottweiler Videos

Back to Menu