Dog Breed

Rottweiler

BraniacGuard Dog
Primary image of Rottweiler dog breed
Full Name
Rottweiler
Alternate Names
Rotty
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Life Span
8 - 10 years
Weight
75 - 110 pounds
Description

Rottweilers are steady, good-natured, and fearless. They are devoted and great protectors of their families. They were one of the first police dogs, because of both their size and intensity, but also their trainability. But don't let their size fool you, they are also amazing family guardians and companions as they are loving, faithful, and intelligent. Everyone who has a rottweiler knows how truly goofy they can be.

Origin
Germany
Bred For
Cattle drover, guardian, draft
Attachments
    Family Considerations
    Child Friendly

    Is the Rottweiler good with children?

    Yes, the Rottweiler is very friendly with children. We still recommend introductions to children while they are young so they get used to them, but the Rottweiler naturally loves children.
    Stranger Friendly

    Is the Rottweiler friendly with strangers?

    The Rottweiler is about average in how friendly they are with strangers. They can be timid or protective, but with proper training and socialization can be fine for any household.
    Dog Friendly

    Is the Rottweiler friendly with other dogs?

    The Rottweiler is about average in how friendly they are with other dogs. They can be timid or defensive, but with proper training and socialization can be fine for dog parks and living with other dogs at home.
    Likes to Cuddle

    Does the Rottweiler like to cuddle?

    The Rottweiler loves physical affection and cuddles. If you're looking for a cuddle partner you may have found the one!
    Playfulness

    Does the Rottweiler like to play?

    The Rottweiler is always ready for play! It's important to keep in mind, as they need to be stimulated with games and affection throughout the day.
    Service Dog Ability

    Does the Rottweiler make a good service dog?

    The Rottweiler can be a service dog with the proper training. Rottweilers are not the most common service dog, but they certainly can be if their personality matches- smart, patient, and extremely dedicated to their owner.
    Overall Ease of Breed
    Ease for Novice

    Is the Rottweiler good for first-time owners?

    The Rottweiler would not be the best fit for first-time owners. A breed is only good for first-time owners if it is raised for home companionship, and is open to training and is motivated to please its owner.
    Training Potential

    How well can the Rottweiler be trained?

    The Rottweiler is about average when it comes to training potential. The Rottweiler can be seen in competitions and can have advanced training, but it would require much dedication and oftentimes professional training.
    Amount of Shedding

    Does the Rottweiler shed a lot?

    The Rottweiler is an average shedder. Rottweiler owners will probably still tell you it's a lot of shedding, but certain breeds shed even more.
    Ease of Grooming

    Is the Rottweiler easy to groom?

    The Rottweiler requires some grooming, but less than the average dog breed. Typically you will not need to take the Rottweiler to the pet salon, and occasional combing at home should be enough.
    Exercise Need

    Does the Rottweiler need a lot of exercise?

    The Rottweiler has a lot of energy and getting daily exercise is very important, both for their well-being and for their focus, which is important when you train them.
    Personality
    Intelligence

    How smart is the Rottweiler?

    The Rottweiler is one of the smartest dog breeds. Having a very smart dog is fun, but it is also demanding- they require mental challenge and stimulation just as much as physical exercise.
    Amount of Barking

    How much does the Rottweiler bark? Does the Rottweiler bark too much?

    The Rottweiler barks a lot. This is important to consider with your living situation- will it be ok when you leave them at home alone or will they disrupt the neighbors? The Rottweiler will oftentimes bark just to express their thoughts... even just to be heard!
    Guard Dog Ability

    Is the Rottweiler a good guard dog?

    The Rottweiler can serve as an excellent guard dog. It is both physically intimidating and also enjoys having a "job" to protect its family and property.
    Tolerates Being Alone

    Is the Rottweiler good at staying alone? Is the Rottweiler independent?

    The Rottweiler does not enjoy being left alone for extended periods. They can do well for a couple of hours alone, but may have anxiety for time beyond that.
    Home and Environment Considerations
    Good for Apartment Living

    Is the Rottweiler a good apartment dog?

    The Rottweiler is not a good dog for apartment living for several reasons. It is still possible to make it work if the owner is dedicated to plenty of training and daily exercise, but it may be challenging.
    Size

    How big is the Rottweiler?

    The Rottweiler is a large dog breed. A dog's size is important to consider when it comes to travel arrangements, budgeting for food, and how big of a living space you have.
    Tolerates Heat

    How much does the Rottweiler tolerate hot weather? When is it too hot for a Rottweiler?

    The Rottweiler can tolerate some heat, but should not be over-exposed to hot weather. In general, they can live in hot weather climates, but would do best with air conditioning or at least a fan in their home, especially where they sleep.
    Tolerates Cold

    How much does the Rottweiler tolerate cold weather? When is it too cold for a Rottweiler?

    The Rottweiler can tolerate cold weather well. Play time in the snow or on particularly cold evenings may need to be limited, but overall they can do well in cold climates.
    Potential to Run Away

    Does the Rottweiler try to run away?

    It is natural for the Rottweiler to run away. They are easily distracted and excited, so the urge to run away should be expected and prepared for- a fenced yard is important.
    Physical Characteristics
    General Health

    Is the Rottweiler a healthy dog? The health of a Rottweiler should be measured not just by how many years they live, but also by how many health issues they've had. It is important to know which health conditions your breed is prone to- hip problems, eye problems, bloating, and arthritis are all common dog health problems.

    The Rottweiler has many health problems that should be considered. The Rottweiler can still live a perfectly healthy life, but it's important to consider all of these health risks ahead of time.
    Energy Level

    How energetic is the Rottweiler?

    It seems like the Rottweiler never runs out of energy. If you are looking for a 5 AM run partner, the Rottweiler is your dog! A dog's energy level is one of the most important considerations when getting a new dog, and we would only recommend the Rottweiler for a family where it will get plenty of exercise.
    Amount of Drooling

    How much does the Rottweiler drool?

    The Rottweiler is one of the dog breeds that drools the most. It may not be the most important factor, but something to consider if you live in a home where that may bother you.
    Prey Drive

    Does the Rottweiler have a large prey drive? Does the Rottweiler like to chase birds, cats, and other small animals?

    The Rottweiler has a high prey drive and has a natural tendency to chase after any small animal. Every case is unique, but the Rottweiler may not be the best dog for living with other cats or small animals.
    Athleticism

    Is the Rottweiler atheltic?

    The Rottweiler is very athletic and would be well suited for a family that frequently works out or goes on adventures.
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  1. Working
  2. Mastiff
  3. Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is a purebred dog that belongs to the Mastiff sub group, which falls under the larger Working dog breed group.
Working group: Working dogs encompass a wide range of different breeds- but they all were bred to assist people, so they are used to working hard. It is important for them to feel they have a "job" as their roles traditionally have varied from rescuing people to pulling sleds. Because of their large size and intensity, they may be a handful for first time dog owners. On the other side, they can be trained well, so any owner who can exercise and dedicate to training their working dog, will be well rewarded. A common misconception may be that the working dog's jobs are only in physically challenging jobs; actually working dogs can also make excellent service dogs, since they are also kind and attentive to their owners.
Mastiff sub-group: Masttiff breeds are the world's ancient and giant breed. They are thought to have originated from from Tibet and China, although there is evidence that they have been throughout Europe- the Roman Empire and Greece for thousands of years as well. They were used as big game hunters and noble guard dogs. Mastiffs are not particularly high endurance or energy, but quiet intense in short bursts, which is perfect for protection and property protection. Through the years the mastiff has become more friendly and suitable for families, and their calm and composed temperament can actually be more suitable for a house (or even apartment) than it may seem.

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