Its name is an address. In the old imperial town of Rottweil, butchers used these dogs to drive and guard their cattle, so it was long known simply as the Rottweil butcher’s dog. Today, a calm, heavy dog often stands on the lead, carefully observing its surroundings while remaining remarkably composed.
| FCI | Group 2 (Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs), Section 2.1 Molossoid breeds, Mastiff type, Standard No. 147, with working trial |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Germany |
| Height at the withers | Males 61 to 68 cm (correct size 65 to 66 cm), females 56 to 63 cm (correct size 60 to 61 cm) |
| Weight | Males approx. 50 kg, females approx. 42 kg |
| Life expectancy | Median 10,6 years in a British analysis of 584.734 dogs (McMillan et al. 2024) |
| Coat | Double coat: medium-length, coarse, dense, firmly close-fitting outer coat with undercoat |
| Colours according to the standard | Black with clearly defined, rich reddish-brown tan markings on cheeks, muzzle, underside of neck, chest and legs, above eyes and beneath tail |
Origins
The FCI standard counts it among the oldest breeds, tracing its origins to Roman times. Dogs crossing the Alps with the legions mixed with local dogs around Rottweil. The result was a droving and guard dog for cattle, also used to pull carts. It was tested for police work in the early 20th century and officially recognised as a police dog in 1910.
Temperament
According to the standard, it is good-natured and peaceful at heart, very affectionate, obedient, biddable and eager to work, while confident, steady and fearless. This combination needs clear, fair guidance. A Rottweiler calmly introduced to many people, dogs and places as a puppy becomes a self-assured companion. Some German federal states impose special conditions on the breed. Before buying, ask your state or municipality which rules apply.
Exercise and activities
The standard describes a trotting dog with a powerful, enduring gait. Long walks are part of every day, as is mental work: tracking, obedience and working-dog sports. Spare it wild jumps and races up stairs while it is growing.
Grooming
The double coat is easy to care for. Weekly brushing is enough, more often during shedding. A lean figure matters more, because every extra kilo is carried on a heavy dog’s joints.
Health
With a median of 10,6 years, the Rottweiler lives considerably less long than crossbreeds at 12,0 years in the large British analysis by McMillan and colleagues. One reason is bone cancer. A VetCompass study of 905.552 dogs from British veterinary practices found an annual osteosarcoma prevalence of 0,84 per cent in Rottweilers, with 26,7 times the odds compared with crossbreeds (O'Neill et al. 2023). An older Rottweiler limping for no apparent reason needs a veterinary appointment promptly. Reputable breeders have the parents’ hips and elbows X-rayed.
Who does the Rottweiler suit?
Experienced, calm people with time for training and dog sports, who want a loyal, watchful companion and enjoy working together.
Who should consider another breed?
First-time owners without support from a good training school, people in very small flats and anyone looking for a dog that trains itself.
Read what restricted-breed rules and 45 kilos mean in everyday life in our in-depth Rottweiler breed portrait. Check whether it truly fits your life with the breed quiz or our book “Welcher Hund passt WIRKLICH zu dir?” (book in German). For the first weeks, there is the free Puppy Starter Pack. If your Rottweiler already lives with you, explore our dog portraits from your own photo, for example as a poster in a wooden frame.
Further reading
- Rottweiler: a restricted breed, a huge heart and 45 kilos of responsibility
- Dobermann: a sensitive shadow with a heart risk
- The socialisation period: why “as much as possible” is poor advice
Sources, accessed on 20.10.2026: FCI-Standard Nr. 147 Rottweiler (fci.be, version dated 24.07.2018); McMillan KM et al., Longevity of companion dog breeds: those at risk from early death, Scientific Reports 2024; O'Neill DG et al., Dog breeds and conformations predisposed to osteosarcoma in the UK: a VetCompass study, Canine Medicine and Genetics 2023.
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