Rotties 101

Working group

Strong, courageous and protective, the Rottweiler has a face that says “Make My Day” and a heart that belongs to family. Intelligent and agreeable, the breed is relatively easy to train and athletic enough to enjoy an active life.

Nationwide Outline Icons Vibrant Blue Heart 24x24pxWhat we love about Rotties

Big goofball until you mess with their people.

Because of the breed’s suspicious nature towards strangers, early socialization and manners training helps to mold model canine citizens. They do best with families experienced with large, determined dogs. Rottweilers do best with energetic regular exercise and do well in a variety of canine sports. They’re generally good with children and with other family pets, but because of their large size they may be too much dog as adolescents for small children and elderly relatives.

Energy level
Energy LevelEnergy Level
Bark level
  • bark-very-vocalVery vocal
  • bark-talkativeTalkative
  • bark-as-neededAs needed
Size
22 to 27 inches tall
Group Size X large
Lifespan
9 to 10 years
020
Weight
80 to 135 lbs
0150

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Mature adult Rottie

5 years to 6 years

Risk level for common Rottie conditions

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Cruciate ligament tear (knee)

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Bone cancer

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Hip dysplasia

Senior Rottie

7+ years

Risk level for common Rottie conditions

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Bone cancer

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Splenic cancer

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Lymphatic cancer

Rottie puppy

0 to 1 year

Risk level for common Rottie conditions

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Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid)

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Hip dysplasia

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Foreign body ingestion

Young adult Rottie

1 year to 4 years

Risk level for common Rottie conditions

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Hip dysplasia

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Ear infection

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Trauma

Mature adult Rottie

5 years to 6 years

Risk level for common Rottie conditions

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Cruciate ligament tear (knee)

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Bone cancer

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Hip dysplasia

Senior Rottie

7+ years

Risk level for common Rottie conditions

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Bone cancer

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Splenic cancer

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Lymphatic cancer

Rottie puppy

0 to 1 year

Risk level for common Rottie conditions

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Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid)

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Hip dysplasia

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Foreign body ingestion

Young adult Rottie

1 year to 4 years

Risk level for common Rottie conditions

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Hip dysplasia

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Ear infection

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Trauma

2-Rottweiler laying down GettyImages-179126101

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In the aftermath of the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, many dogs were deployed to Ground Zero in New York City. One was Gunner, a search and rescue-certified Rottweiler, who arrived Sept. 17 with his owner/trainer John Randall, a combat-wounded U.S. Army veteran. Gunner served as a therapy dog, performing tricks to bring smiles to the faces of first responders on site.

Rottweiler coat care and colors

The coat of the Rottweiler is easy to care for: Sleek and short, all it needs is weekly brushing and an occasional bath to keep it in perfect condition. The distinctive markings don’t offer much in the way of variety: The Rottie is a black dog, with three colors of accent markings: rust, tan or mahogany.

Many predominantly black dogs have black nails, making it sadly too easy to hit the vein in the middle of the nail, called the quick, during trimming. Grinding the nails instead of clipping may be the best way to avoid pain or bleeding. Avoid wrestling matches in adult dogs by acclimating puppies to having their feet handled and nails attended to.

Do Rottweilers shed a lot?

All dogs shed, some a little and some a lot. Rottweilers shed minimally. The perception of how much a dog sheds is typically related to how much fur ends up on clothing, furniture and carpets. Regular brushing and bathing as needed will reduce your Rottie's shedding.

Should I trim my Rottweiler's coat?

Your Rottweiler doesn't need trimming. Brushing and nail trims will keep your Rottie looking great.

How often should I bathe my Rottweiler?

There’s no need to wait until your Rottweiler is filthy or stinky to bathe them. Healthy Rotties do well with 1 to 3 baths monthly, though may be bathed as often as weekly, or as little as a few times a year depending on the dog. You can extend the time between baths with regular brushing.

Rottie exercise & training

Loves walks

Exercise level

A well-trained Rottweiler is an excellent partner for walk or runs. As with many dark-coated dogs, though, heat may be a problem for them.

Independent study

Trainability

Rottweilers are intelligent, but they may trust their own judgement more than yours. Consistency is key to teaching good manners.

Rottie fun facts

Top girl names for Rotties

100%

of Rotties are female

0%

of Rotties are male

Top boy names for Rotties

Nationwide loves Rottweilers of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

Other breeds like Rotties

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