Breed Profile: Rottweiler

Breed Group: Working Group

Shoulder Height: 24 in.

Weight: 110-130 lb.

Life Span: 8-10 years

Colors: Black, mahogany, rust, tan

Interesting Facts

• Rottweilers were originally bred in Germany to pull carts and herd cattle
• Rottweilers are extremely powerful dogs
• There is a marked difference in size between males and females
• Oftentimes employed as guard dogs; trained alongside German Shepherds as attack and drug dogs by police departments

Overview

Rottweilers are a famous breed dating back hundreds of years. They were one of the first modern breeds developed in Germany and, to this day, they are still extremely popular there. Though popular culture has painted them to be vicious, they are actually one of the best dogs a family can have.

Rottweilers are extremely loyal to their family, protecting them with dogged determination. They crave attention from the humans around them and love it when they are rewarded for a job well done. However, they are socially awkward, tending to keep strangers at arm’s length. It is not recommended that you try to force a Rottweiler into a social situation they are not comfortable with, as they are liable to lash out.

Rottweilers do not have long coats and do not shed very much, so constant grooming is not necessary. Because they are athletic dogs, they do require space to run around and regular exercise, so they are not a good fit for apartments or singles.

Health Facts

Rottweilers are an extraordinarily healthy breed for being such a large dog, but their surge in popularity has resulted in some issues popping up:

• Rottweilers, like any other large breed, are subject to hip dysplasia which can result in arthritis in later life
• Osteochondritis dissecans is a condition that has popped up recently due to increased breeding at puppy mills. This condition can cause gradual decay of the shoulder joints. This condition can be avoided, however, by buying from a reputable breeder who will have their breeding stock checked.
• Rottweiler pups are susceptible to the deadly Parvovirus, a highly contagious disease that can spread to other breeds. Getting your pup vaccinated early on will prevent this from occurring.

Notable Animals

• Rottweilers were the dog of choice of Damien, the unholy antagonist of The Omen film series
• Mel Gibson’s character in Lethal Weapon 3 owned a Rottweiler
• The Rottweiler Jake was recognized by the RSPCA as an animal hero after he attacked and drove off a sex offender who was attempting to rape a woman in Coventry, United Kingdom