The Rottweiler is a working dog that originates from Germany.  Always a working dog, the Rottweiler has been used for many tasks, from pulling carts and herding cattle in the past to military and police tasks today.



Rottweilers are powerful and athletic dogs.  They stand between 22-27 inches and weigh between 90-110 pounds.  Their coat is short, coarse, and dense, always black in color with distinctive tan markings.  Often Rottweilers are born with back dewclaws, which are generally removed when their tail is docked.


The history of the Rottweiler is said to begin as far back as the Roman Empire.  As Roman legions spread across Europe they also traveled with cattle for meat, and dogs to work the cattle.  Eventually their travels brought them to the small market town of Rottweil.  What would become the early Rottweiler was a cross between the Roman war dogs, local sheepdogs, and molosser types from England and The Netherlands.  They proved their worth by both driving and protecting the cattle, as well as cart pulling.  As Rottweil grew, so did the demand for the dogs that had become known as the Rottweiler Metzgerhund, or Butcher’s Dog.

In the middle of the 19th century, however, the Rottweiler fell on hard times.  Driving cattle had become outlawed, and the railroad quickly replaced the need for dog carts.  The need for the working dog ceased, and the number of Rottweilers declined so far in numbers that only a single dog appeared in the 1882 dog show in Heilbronn, Germany.

It was not until 1901, when a combined Rottweiler and Leonberger club was formed that their luck began to change.  The first standard for the breed was written, and the dog found favor as a police dog.  Today, the Rottweiler is one of the most popular breeds worldwide.


The Rottweiler is a courageous and loyal breed, highly devoted to its family.  Firm and knowledgeable training at a young age is essential for this breed, and an inexperienced owner could end up with a powerful an aggressive dog.  Some lines are more aggressive then others, and while breeders strive to lesson this trait, a potential owner needs to be aware of this.  They are natural guard dogs, highly intelligent, and with the right owner make excellent pets.  Early socialization is a must, both with people and other dogs; this breed tends to be dog aggressive.  Generally Rottweilers do well with children and other pets, provided they have been raised with them present from puppy hood.


In general the Rottweiler is a hardy breed, but there are several known health issues they suffer from.  They are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, subvalvular aortic stenosis, osteosarcoma, hypothyroidism, and bloating.  The average lifespan of a Rottweiler is 11-12 years.

A Rottweiler can adjust to apartment life, but only if they are regularly exercised.  They are fairly inactive indoors, and do best with at least a small yard.  An active breed, Rottweilers need plenty of exercise, daily walks are a must, and they thrive if able to join you on a jog or run.

The Rottweilers short coat requires very little grooming.