Rottweiler

Rottweilers are a large dog breed with a broad head, short fur, and wide-set eyes. Members of the working group, Rottweilers are thought to be descendants from mastiffs of ancient Rome. Today, they’re one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S.

This breed stands 22–27 inches tall and weigh 80–135 pounds. Female Rottweilers are typically smaller than males. The typical Rottweiler lifespan is 9–10 years with proper care.

Caring for a Rottweiler

Caring for a Rottweiler requires knowledge about their grooming, dietary, exercise, and mental health care requirements, as well as their potential for health problems.

Rottweilers are loyal and slow-maturing dogs (typically reaching maturity at 12–18 months of age) that need at least 60 minutes of exercise every day. A Rottie, as the breed is often called, is also an intelligent dog and can easily become bored. They must receive enough mental stimulation to stay engaged and prevent unwanted behaviors (like chewing your furniture).

A Rottweiler’s coat is short and black with tan to mahogany accents. You’ll often see them with a bobtail, though this isn’t genetic. Rottweiler puppies are born with a tail, but some pet parents choose to surgically dock their dog’s tail. This is a controversial practice the American Veterinary Medical Association (AMVA) opposes.

Rottweiler Health Issues

Rottweilers can be prone to many health problems. Routine veterinary exams are essential for keeping this breed healthy, and pet insurance may be a good investment when bringing home a Rottweiler puppy.

Obesity

Rottweilers are prone to obesity, so pet parents need to be diligent about their dog’s mealtimes and portion sizes. Ask your veterinarian about the best food for your Rottie and how much they should eat every day.

Your veterinarian can help you determine the best weight management plan for your dog. This includes monitoring your dog’s diet and exercise routines as well as their treat intake, and ensuring they do not eat table scraps or another pet’s food.

Obesity in dogs can lead to many other health problems (or make existing problems worse), so it’s essential your Rottweiler stays at a healthy weight.

Canine Hip or Elbow Dysplasia

Rottweilers are known to experience elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia.

• Elbow dysplasia affects the elbow joint, with symptoms including swelling, lameness in the forelimbs, abnormal gait, and an elbow bulging to the side.

• Hip dysplasia is when the hip joint to become loose, causing lameness, limping, a cracking or popping sound from the joints, and a bunny-hopping gait.

Both conditions can lead to arthritis if not properly treated. Some dogs may need surgery, while others do well on medical management with pain medication, joint supplements, and/or weight loss.

Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture

A dog’s cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is similar to a human’s anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Due to their large size and high energy levels, Rottweilers commonly rupture their CCLs—just like humans tear their ACLs.

This injury is best treated with orthopedic surgery, followed by lifelong joint supplements and physical therapy.

You can reduce your Rottweiler’s risk of a CCL rupture by:

• Avoiding high-impact activities (such as running on hard surfaces or playing tug-of-war)

• Maintaining a healthy weight

• Engaging in low-impact exercise (like walking, swimming, and nose work)

Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is a painful, metastatic, and aggressive bone cancer that Rottweilers are predisposed to. If you see any signs of swelling, pain or lameness in your Rottweiler, take them to your veterinarian for an evaluation as soon as possible.

Osteosarcoma is usually diagnosed through a physical exam and radiography. It can be treated effectively if it’s diagnosed at a very early stage.

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)

Rottweilers are also predisposed to gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), a severe case of bloat in dogs, because of their deep chests and relatively narrow abdomens. GDV occurs when the stomach bloats with gas or food material. This swelling allows it to rotate, blocking bloodflow to major abdominal organs.

GDV is fatal if not treated immediately. Go to the vet or emergency veterinarian clinic ASAP you notice any signs of GDV, which include:

• Inability to settle/get comfortable

• Decreased appetite

• Drooling

• An enlarged abdomen

• Retching without vomiting

A preventative surgical procedure, called a gastropexy, is often recommended by veterinarians to pet parents of at-risk breeds. Talk to your veterinarian about performing a gastropexy during your Rottweiler’s spay or neuter surgery.

Entropion

Entropion is a common eyelid condition in which the eyelids curl inward. This causes the eyelashes to point toward—and rub against—the cornea (the eye’s outer layer).

Unless this condition is surgically treated, entropion causes constant eye irritation and excessive tearing. It can also increase the risk of corneal ulcers and eye infections.

Subaortic Stenosis

Heart murmurs are abnormalities that a veterinarian may find during your Rottweiler’s physical exam. This condition may be caused by subaortic stenosis (SAS), which can lead to sudden death, especially in undiagnosed, untreated puppies.

If a veterinarian diagnoses your dog with any cardiac abnormalities, consult with a veterinary cardiologist as soon as possible. Some cardiac diseases can be managed with lifelong oral medications.

What To Feed a Rottweiler

The first rule of feeding any dog, including a Rottweiler, is to offer food that matches their life stage. A puppy should be fed a puppy food, an adult dog should be fed an adult dog food, and a senior dog should be fed a senior dog food.

Choose a dog food that is approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Some pet food companies have even developed diets specifically for Rottweilers, and these are generally appropriate. Your veterinarian can help you choose the best food option for your dog.

How To Feed a Rottweiler

Rottweiler puppies should be fed three to four times a day to prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). They also require calories sufficient for growth and metabolism maintenance. Feeding a puppy diet is recommended until your Rottie reaches 12 months of age, then transition them to an adult formula.

Adult Rottweilers can be fed two times a day. It’s important to stick to measured, scheduled feedings to help stave off obesity. Feeding your Rottie multiple meals also helps prevent bloat and GDV, which have a higher chance of occurring if your dog eats one large meal per day.

Other tips for avoiding life-threatening GDV include:

• Avoiding elevated food bowls

• Not exercising your Rottweiler immediately before or after a meal

• Trying a slow feeder bowl if your dog is eating too much, too quickly

How Much To Feed a Rottweiler

Appropriate caloric intake is important to keeping your Rottweiler at a healthy weight. Your AAFCO-approved dog food packaging will have portion guidelines, but your veterinarian is your best resource. A vet will assess your Rottweiler’s body condition and can provide an individualized caloric intake recommendation.

Nutritional Tips for Rottweilers

It’s important to consult a veterinarian regarding the best dietary supplements for your dog. They may recommended supplements for Rottweilers such as:

• Omega-3, -6, and -9 fatty acid supplements, which support joints, the coat, and cardiac function.

• Joint supplements containing glucosamine, chondroitin, and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), which help prevent arthritis.

Behavior and Training Tips for Rottweilers

Rottweiler Personality and Temperament

The typical Rottweiler temperament ranges “from natural clowns, affectionate to almost everyone, to the very reserved one-person dog,” according to the American Rottweiler Club (ARC). Each dog is an individual, and breed only makes up about 9% of any dog’s overall behavior.

That said, Rottweilers are generally quiet, gentle, and calm dogs. According to the ARC, the breed is known to follow their pet parents around the house and desires close companionship.

Rottweiler Behavior

This breed was originally bred as a working and guardian dog, so they have historically had a propensity to be protective. This means they may develop a barking habit whenever they’re in an unfamiliar situation or meeting a new person.

Socializing your Rottweiler puppy early and consistently is vital to having a well-mannered dog. Always use positive reinforcement and rewards when your dog is well behaved.

Rottweilers can also develop undesirable behaviors like excessive barking or chewing when bored. Make sure your dog gets enough mental stimulation through exercise (at least one hour per day), training sessions, playtime, and toys.

Rottweiler Training

Because Rottweilers are smart and eager to please their humans, they learn new commands very quickly. Again: Positive reinforcement is the recommended training method for all dogs, as it provides consistent and long-lasting behavioral memory.

Begin socializing your Rottweiler puppy as soon as you bring them home, and continue introducing them to new environments, people, and animals throughout their life. This will help your pup learn that new things don’t need to be scary.

Fun Activities for Rottweilers

• Running

• Hiking

• Camping

• Dock diving

• Tracking

• Agility

• Obedience training

Rottweiler Grooming Guide

Don’t be fooled by the Rottweiler’s short, smooth coat—this breed sheds quite a bit. But even with heavy shedding, the grooming needs for a Rottie are more low-maintenance than fluffier dog breeds.

Skin Care

Rottweilers aren’t prone to any skin conditions, but contact your veterinarian if you notice anything concerning. They should only need baths as needed, like if they get muddy while on a hike. 

Coat Care

Rottweilers have a medium-length coat that sheds a lot. This means that weekly or even daily brushing might be necessary to help manage their coat health and control the amount of dog hair around your home.

Eye Care

When doing your weekly brushing, check your Rottie’s eyes for excessive tearing or blinking, discharge, and irritation. These can all be signs on entropion, which the breed is predisposed to, or another eye problem.

Ear Care

Because Rottweilers have floppy, folded-over ears, they can get debris and moisture trapped in their ear canal. Regularly cleaning their ears with a veterinary-approved cleaner can keep their ears healthy and prevent infections from setting in.

Teeth Care

Brushing your dog’s teeth brushing at least three times every week is required maintenance for good oral health. Begin brushing your puppy’s teeth when they’re young to get them used to the routine. Always use a dog-specific toothpaste—never a human toothpaste, which can be toxic for pups.

Dental cleanings under anesthesia are typically recommended annually after Rottweilers reach 2 or 3 years old.

Considerations for Pet Parents

If you choose to bring a Rottweiler into your life, consider several important questions:

• Do you have the space for a big Rottweiler to comfortably live in my house?

• Can I dedicate at least one hour every day to exercising a dog?

• Am I able to give a dog the socialization, training, and mental stimulation they need to be confident and happy?

• Do I have the budget to address any health issues that may arise with my Rottweiler?

• Do I live in an area that allows Rottweilers, or are there breed-specific bans in my community?

Featured Image: Adobe/Sven

Rottweiler FAQs

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