Rottweiler
- Height at the withers
- 56 to 69 cm
- Weight
- 36 to 61 kg
- Life expectancy
- 9 to 10 years
- Daily activity
- 75 minutes
- Origin
- Rottweil, Germany
- FCI group
- 2 · Pinschers, molossers and Swiss mountain dogs
What the law says
Category 2 restricted dog (French law of January 6, 1999): dog ownership permit, behavioral assessment, liability insurance, and a muzzle and a leash held by an adult in public.
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- close neighbors: it barks little
- watching over the house
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- a home with cats
- intense heat: be careful in summer
Overview
A large, sturdy and muscular working dog with a black coat and tan markings, known for its strength, its protective instinct and its self-assurance. A loyal guardian, it is deeply attached to its family. In France, it is a Category 2 restricted dog, whether or not it is registered with the French Kennel Club (LOF): dog ownership permit, behavioral assessment, liability insurance, and a muzzle and leash in public places.
History and origins
Descended from Roman droving dogs, developed in the German town of Rottweil as a cattle-driving and guard dog. Known as the “Rottweil butcher’s dog,” it protected the butchers’ money on their travels.
Health
Life expectancy is 9 to 10 years, and its hardiness is average. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Osteosarcoma
- Subaortic stenosis
- Cruciate ligament rupture
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length, smooth coat. Moderate shedding, minimal coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- A few hours, 3 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With cats
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With strangers
- Reserved, 2 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Easy, 4 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Not advised, 1 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Minimal, 1 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- A little, 3 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Average, 3 out of 5
In our lists
Rottweiler FAQ
How big does the Rottweiler get?
The Rottweiler stands 56 to 69 cm at the withers and weighs 36 to 61 kg. It is a large dog.
Does the Rottweiler shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs minimal care.
Can the Rottweiler live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better.
How much exercise does the Rottweiler need each day?
Allow about 75 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the Rottweiler good with children?
Fairly well, preferably with children old enough to respect its limits. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Rottweiler live?
Life expectancy is 9 to 10 years, and its hardiness is average. The main health problems to watch for are hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as osteosarcoma.
Is the Rottweiler a restricted dog in France?
Category 2 restricted dog (French law of January 6, 1999): dog ownership permit, behavioral assessment, liability insurance, and a muzzle and a leash held by an adult in public. All about restricted dogs in France.
