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Breed profile

Rottweiler

Calm, confident and devoted. Powerful, so training is non-negotiable.

Adult black-and-tan Rottweiler lying on a concrete floor, looking straight at the camera
Broad head, rust markings and a steady gaze: the classic Rottweiler.Photo: Petruss / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Weight
35–60 kg77–132 lb
Height
56–69 cm22–27 in
Lifespan
8–10 yrs
Group
Working
Origin
Germany
Popularity
#8 US#16 UK · 2025

Known for: WatchdogsWorking dogs

Energy
Shedding
Trainability
Barking
Good with kids
Flat-friendly

Temperament

Confident, Loyal, Calm, Protective.

Health problems to know about

  • Osteosarcoma (bone cancer)
  • Hip and elbow dysplasia
  • Cruciate ligament rupture
  • Aortic stenosis

Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.

Daily care

Daily exercise and structured training from puppyhood. Socialise widely. Check local breed rules and insurance terms.

A good fit for

Experienced owners, homes with space, people who want a devoted companion.

Probably not ideal for

First-time owners, places with breed restrictions, homes without time for training.

Sources

  1. Royal Kennel Club: Rottweiler breed information
  2. VCA Animal Hospitals: Rottweiler
  3. Wikipedia: Rottweiler

Popularity: AKC 2025 registration rankings (US); Royal Kennel Club 2025 registrations (UK, ranked by us). Breed traits are tendencies, not guarantees. Individual dogs vary, and mixed breeds and rescues can be wonderful fits too.

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