Rottweiler
洛威拿犬
Updated 2026-09-09
At a glance
The Rottweiler is a powerful, confident working dog of German origin, historically a cattle drover and cart-puller and today a devoted family guardian. Well-bred Rotties are calm and self-assured rather than aggressive, but their size and protective instinct make early training, socialisation and daily exercise non-negotiable.
Facts
| Size | Large |
|---|---|
| Height | 56–69cm |
| Weight | 36–61kg |
| Life expectancy | 9–10years |
| Breed group | AKC: working FCI: 2 |
| Role | Working |
| Coat | Short coat |
| Shedding | 3/ 5 |
| Exercise | 45–150min/day |
| Can be left alone | up to 3 hours |
| Companionship need | 5/ 5 |
| Trainability | 5/ 5 |
| Barking | 1/ 5 |
| Good with children | 3/ 5 |
| Good with other dogs | 3/ 5 |
| Heat tolerance | 4/ 5 |
| Cold tolerance | 2/ 5 |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
Hip dysplasia
Commonly reported in the breed; breeders screen hips by X-ray. Ask your vet about hip screening and about keeping your dog lean and fit.
Elbow dysplasia
Commonly reported in the breed; breeders screen elbows by X-ray. Ask your vet if you notice front-leg lameness, especially in a growing dog.
Inherited eye conditions
Various inherited eye conditions are reported in the breed; annual eye examinations by a veterinary ophthalmologist are recommended for breeding stock. Ask your vet about eye screening.
Heart conditions
Certain heart conditions are reported in the breed; breeders may have breeding stock examined by a veterinary cardiologist. Ask your vet about heart checks at routine visits.
Cancer
Certain cancers are reported at higher rates in the breed. Ask your vet about regular check-ups and about any new lumps.
Neuroaxonal dystrophy / neurological DNA-tested conditions
Inherited neurological conditions are reported in the breed and DNA tests exist for some. Ask your breeder which tests were done.
Bleeding disorders
Inherited bleeding disorders are reported in the breed; DNA tests exist. Tell your vet before any surgery.
Behaviour
Calm, confident guardian
The CKC describes the Rottie as fearless with an air of self-assurance — basically calm and confident, with an inherent desire to protect home and family. The AKC adds that a well-bred, properly raised Rottweiler is courageous but not unduly aggressive, and aloof with strangers.
Train early, live indoors with the family
The AKC says leadership, puppy socialisation, basic training classes and living in the owner's home are key to raising a well-mannered Rottweiler; they enjoy swimming, walking and trotting with their people and take readily to carting, herding and tracking.
Energy and exercise
Energy level is rated 3/5 (moderate) on the AKC breed-trait chart. The Royal Kennel Club puts its exercise need at "more than 2 hours per day".
Training and barking
AKC trait chart: trainability 5/5, barking level 1/5. Individual dogs vary; early socialisation and reward-based training are recommended for every breed.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
American Kennel Club — Rottweiler
Breed overview, breed-trait chart, history, official standard summary and health notes from the AKC and the national parent club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Canadian Kennel Club — Rottweiler (Working Dogs)
Origin, temperament, activity level, height/weight, coat and grooming as described by the Canadian Kennel Club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
The Royal Kennel Club — Rottweiler
Breed characteristics (size large, exercise more than 2 hours per day, lifespan under 10 years), plus the recommended pre-breeding health schemes and DNA tests.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
FCI nomenclature — Rottweiler (standard no. 147, group 2)
FCI breed nomenclature entry with the official breed standard PDF in English, French, German and Spanish.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
What owners say
Owner advice is quoted from public community posts and reflects those owners' opinions, not PocketPaw's position. It is unverified and not a substitute for professional advice. Each item links to where it was said.
“The parent club is blunt that training and socialisation are not optional, that a Rottweiler does not do well left alone most of the day, and that a Rottie put in a yard with nothing to do becomes frustrated and hyperactive — give it a job or it will invent one you won't like.”
— American Rottweiler Club — Find a Rottweiler / owner education via breed clubWorldwide2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]Rottweiler — Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]Rottweiler — Choosing a Breed — Canadian Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [3]Rottweiler — Breeds A to Z — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [4]Rottweiler — FCI standard no. 147 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [5]How do I help my dog adjust to spending time alone? — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [6]Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016 (Hall, Carter & O'Neill, Scientific Reports 10:9128) — Nature / Scientific Reports (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [7]Find a Rottweiler — American Rottweiler Club — American Rottweiler Club — Find a Rottweiler / owner education (Accessed 2026-09-09)
Still have questions?
Ask owners on the PawMunity forum — every breed has its own board.
Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.