Dog class - Working
Average height - 22 to 27 inches
Average weight - 80 to 100 pounds
Size - Large
Coat - Double coated: straight, coarse, dense overcoat that sheds a lot.
Average life span - 10 to 13 years

The Rottweiler is a medium to large dog, with a broad Mastiff-like face, powerful jaws, powerful neck, shoulders and chest, and robust build. They are black with beautifully symmetric rust markings. The males are much larger than the females; the females should look powerful but distinctly feminine.

The Rottweiler is a powerful and loyal dog with protective instincts, making for an excellent companion and protector. The breed requires a great deal of responsibility, however, as its intelligence and excessive strength can be very dangerous if not controlled by a experienced master. Some Rottweilers may be good with children, but the dog's natural inclination to "bump" and "herd," dating from its origins as a German herding dog, may cause injury if the dog is left unchecked with the infirm or small children.

The Rottweiler tends to bond to his owner and a small circle of family and friends. They are often suspicious of strangers, or may even be aggressive with them. But this depends on the breeding and training. There are many Rotties that are used in visiting animal programs at nursing homes. These dogs have learned to be at ease among strangers.

The Rottweiler descends from the drover dogs of ancient romes, often accompanying the Roman Legions across the Alps to herd cattle an guard the camps. The German town of Rottweil, named for its red-tiled roofs, is the former site of one of these roaming Roman camps. The cattle trade flourished in Rottweil during the 1800s, increasing the demand for and importance of the Rottweiler Metzgerhund ("butcher dog:). After the development of the railroad, these dogs were used less frequently. However, they gained popularity as police dogs in the 1900s. Although relatively unknown in the United States through the 1970s, the 1980s witnessed an explosion in the dog's popularity, making it the second most popular AKC (American Kennel Club) breed since 1992.

The Rottweiler is much less into "horseplay" and more in to disciplined walks and simple companionship. It is important to keep your Rottweiler well contained, although they should not be chained up as this may cause insubordination and aggressiveness. You should walk and play with your dog often. Temperament varies within the breed, but attentive training and early socialization will help nurture a fun-loving, often clownish pet.

Rotties are good walking dogs, since they like to walk or at most break into a slow, loping trot as their main gait. Most are not into running much, especially since running can be hard on the hips of such a robust, heavy-boned dog. But some more energetic ones can be good jogging companions.

The Rottweiler is a very loyal, intelligent dog. When it has accepted you as its leader through proper socialization and training, it tries very hard to please you. Rotties are quick to learn dogs that excel at obedience training. If properly bred and socialized, Rotties can be very good with strangers and other animals. They are excellent watchdogs and guard dogs - the size and voracious bark alone can intimidate most would-be intruders.

The Rottweiler can, through proper and early training, become a fantastic watchdog and companion for the committed, experienced owner. A really excellent Rottie is calm, loyal, very affectionate, appropriately protective of family, and a joy to own.

Rotties were bred to be companions to humans, and suffer emotionally if left outdoors and away from human contact. Good training and socialization are a must!

Because Rotties can be such low-key dogs, and rather inactive indoors, they can live in small houses and even apartments, provided they are given plenty of outdoor exercise daily.

Some common health concerns for the Rottweiler include the following: Hip Dysplasia (developmental disease of the hip joints), elbow dysplasia (developmental disease of the elbow joints), Osteochondrosis Dessicans (disease of bone formation leading to lameness and arthritis), Panosteitis ("growing pains" or "pano"), entropion (inverted eyelids), hypothyroidism, Von Willebrand's Disease (hereditary bleeding disorder similar to hemophilia; diagnosed through blood screening). In addition, the Rottweiler may suffer from bloat, or stomach torsion, which is a twisting of the stomach that can be fatal if not treated immediately.

Be sure any dog you obtain comes from OFA certified parents with a rating of at least good.

The Rottweiler is a powerful dog, often stronger as an adult than its owners. The dog can be a family pet and good with children with proper training and socialization (of the children and the Rottie). They require plenty of training time, a firm leader who will provide positive reinforcement, and a lot of attention. DO NOT USE harsh training methods, this can make a Rottie aggressive. If you are unable to commit time and patience to appropriate training, it is not recommended that you own a Rottweiler, especially with children.

The Rottweiler can be very aggressive and uncontrollable if trained or bred improperly. This breed is best for experienced owners and is not good with aggressive games or horseplay. In addition, your dog's docility will depend on continual socialization and companionship.

Lots of continual training and companionship required to foster a productive, happy relationship with this breed.

Further Rottweiler Dog Resources