Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is a large, powerful breed originating from Germany, where it was historically employed as a herding dog and cart-puller.
Today, these impressive working dogs remain popular family companions, recognised for their distinctive black and tan coat, muscular build, and confident demeanour.
25-34kg
Weight
Large
Size
12-14yrs
Lifespan
About the Rottweiler
Standing 51–61 cm tall and weighing 25–34 kg, Rottweilers combine strength with surprising agility and grace. Despite their imposing appearance, this breed is known for a calm, loyal, and deeply affectionate temperament when properly socialised and trained. They are naturally protective of their families and make excellent guard dogs, yet they possess a gentle nature around those they love, particularly when raised with children from an early age. Rottweilers are highly intelligent and respond well to consistent, firm training delivered with patience and clarity. However, they can be stubborn and require experienced owners capable of providing clear boundaries and strong leadership. Early socialisation is essential, as they are naturally cautious around strangers. With over two hours of daily exercise required, they thrive in active households with ample space. A well-raised Rottweiler makes a steady, deeply rewarding companion for committed owners who understand their needs and respect their considerable strength.
Rottweiler at a Glance
- Group
- Working
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 25–34 kg
- Height
- 51–61 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–14 years
- Coat
- Short
- Sheds
- Yes
- Exercise
- More than 2 hours per day
- Origin
- Germany
- Colours
- Black, brown, mahogany
- Typical price
- £600–£1900
Rottweiler Temperament
The Rottweiler is a confident, courageous, and deeply loyal breed that is devoted to its family and naturally protective of those it loves. When properly socialised and trained from an early age, they are calm, obedient, and affectionate companions who can be excellent with children. They are intelligent and willing to work, responding well to consistent, firm training delivered with patience and clarity. Stubborn at times, they require an experienced owner who can provide clear boundaries and strong leadership. Naturally cautious around strangers, early and ongoing socialisation is essential. With the right upbringing, a well-managed Rottweiler is a steady, reliable, and deeply rewarding companion.
Rottweiler Lifestyle
The Rottweiler suits a larger property where they have room to move and thrives with a large garden to explore and run in. They suit both urban and rural settings.
Dog Food for Rottweiler
Top-rated foods for Large breeds, ranked by FurScore. How we score →
Nutrition & Diet
Rottweilers are a rather active dog breed, so they do require a significant amount of physical activity throughout the day. Large breeds of dogs tend to experience problems with joints and bones more often than smaller dogs, that’s why a good formula for large dog breeds should have added glucosamine and chondroitin that can help support the osteoarticular system. . Rottweiler’s particular body shape makes them more prone to gastric volvulus - with slow feeding bowl you can decrease the chances of it happening. Dry food for large and giant dog breeds are also made with stronger jaws in mind - the bigger size of kibble additionally help with mechanical cleaning of the teeth.
Recommended Food for Rottweiler
Rottweiler Food Costs
Estimated based on a typical Rottweiler weighing around 30 kg, using the food prices shown above.
Per day
£5.22 - £5.57
Per month
£157 - £167
Per year
£1906 - £2032
Rottweiler Characteristics
The Rottweiler demands serious exercise and won't be happy with a quick stroll around the block and responds brilliantly to positive reinforcement. They are incredibly tolerant of the rough-and-tumble nature of family life, but are okay left alone for a few hours at a time. The coat requires moderate grooming effort, nothing excessive and sheds moderately. Intelligence is a real hallmark of this breed, and they do best with plenty of mental enrichment alongside exercise.
Rottweiler Pros & Cons
Pros
- Exceptionally loyal and protective, with natural guarding instincts that are hard to match
- Highly intelligent and trainable, capable of excelling in a wide range of canine sports
- Their short, dense coat is easy to maintain and demands very little grooming
- Robust and generally healthy when sourced from responsible breeders who health-test their dogs
Cons
- Their strength and confidence mean experienced owners are a must for effective handling
- Early and thorough socialisation, alongside consistent training, are absolutely essential
- Prone to certain hereditary joint and health conditions that require ongoing vigilance
- Their large size calls for plenty of living space and a good daily exercise routine
