Rottweiler
A powerhouse with a soft spot for its people.
- Weight
- 80–135 lbs
- Height
- 22–27 in
- Lifespan
- 8–10 yrs
In short
The Rottweiler is a working-group guardian and cattle-driving breed from Germany, weighing 80–135 lbs and standing 22–27 in tall, with a calm, confident and loyal temperament. It needs 60–90 minutes of daily exercise, early socialization, firm consistent training and careful weight management to protect its joints and heart.
Is it right for you?
A great match if you…
- want a confident, devoted guardian for the home
- have experience training large, strong dogs
- can keep up with daily training and socialization
Think twice if you…
- are a first-time owner
- live in an apartment or rental with breed limits
- can't commit to lifelong socialization
The daily plan
- Exercise
- 60–90 min a day
- Training
- 2–3 × 10 min sessions × length
- Treat limit
- 145–215 kcal all treats, 10% rule
At a glance
TrainabilityQuick study8.0/10
EnergyActive7.5/10
Calm at homeSettles well6.5/10
SheddingModerate shedder5.5/10
What sets it apart
-
01
Broad head
A wide skull and strong jaw reflect the breed's drover and guard heritage.
-
02
Deep chest
A broad, deep chest supports stamina and pulling power.
-
03
Rust markings
Distinct tan points over a black coat are the breed's visual standard.
Size & coat
| Specification | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 95–135 lbs | 80–100 lbs |
| Height | 24–27 in | 22–25 in |
| Daily calories | 1,880–2,760 kcal | 1,660–2,200 kcal |
| Lifespan | 8–10 yrs | |
| Coat | Short, coarse, dense double coat with black and rust markings | |
Personality
A calm, confident guardian that is deeply loyal to its people.
How it thinks
Intelligent and willing to work, with strong guarding instincts that need early training and clear boundaries.
At home
Devoted and affectionate at home, aloof with strangers, and best suited to experienced, consistent owners.
Training
-
How often
2–3 sessions daily, 10 minutes each.
-
Socialize early (8–16 weeks)
Socialize between 8–16 weeks, widely and early, with strangers, children and other dogs.
-
Self-control
Teach a solid sit-stay, a leave-it and calm greetings; reward neutral behavior around visitors.
-
What it works for
Use high-value liver pieces for focus, and use kcal budgeting because Rottweilers gain weight easily.
Exercise
Exercise a day
60–90 min
CouchModerateAthlete
Good outlets
- Brisk walks and hikes
- Weight pulling or carting (adults)
- Structured fetch.
Brain work
- Obedience training
- Scent and tracking work
- Puzzle feeders.
Feeding
Large, deep-chested dogs prone to bloat and to weight gain. Feed two or three smaller meals and keep dogs lean to protect joints.
Puppy (4–12 Mos)
- Daily calories
- 1,540–3,400 kcal
- Protein
- 28%
- Fat
- 18%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 155–340 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 8–17 pieces a day
Adult Maintenance
- Daily calories
- 1,450–2,150 kcal
- Protein
- 26%
- Fat
- 15%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 145–215 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 7–11 pieces a day
Active / Working
- Daily calories
- 2,280–3,370 kcal
- Protein
- 30%
- Fat
- 20%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 230–335 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 11–17 pieces a day
Senior (8+ Yrs)
- Daily calories
- 1,240–1,840 kcal
- Protein
- 28%
- Fat
- 12%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 125–185 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 6–9 pieces a day
Compare every life stage
| Life stage | Daily calories | Protein | Fat | Treat limit (all treats) | Saylor's liver, suggested / day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (4–12 Mos) | 1,540–3,400 kcal | 28% | 18% | 155–340 kcal | 8–17 pieces |
| Adult Maintenance | 1,450–2,150 kcal | 26% | 15% | 145–215 kcal | 7–11 pieces |
| Active / Working | 2,280–3,370 kcal | 30% | 20% | 230–335 kcal | 11–17 pieces |
| Senior (8+ Yrs) | 1,240–1,840 kcal | 28% | 12% | 125–185 kcal | 6–9 pieces |
The treat limit is the 10% rule for every treat combined. Saylor's liver is suggested at about 2% of daily calories, as a small topper: liver is very rich in vitamin A, so it should not become a staple. Check with your vet if your dog has a health condition or a special diet.
Health & grooming
| Watch for | Ask the breeder or vet for | When |
|---|---|---|
| Hip and elbow dysplasia | OFA or PennHIP evaluation | Once for breeding stock; monitor lifelong |
| Bone cancer (osteosarcoma) and heart disease | Physical exam and cardiac screening | Yearly; twice yearly after age 6 |
| Bloat and obesity | Risk review and weight tracking | Every vet visit |
| Inherited eye disease | Eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist (ACVO) | Yearly while breeding |
Official health tests for breeding dogs
The OFA's CHIC program asks Rottweiler breeders to test for these. Ask to see the results before you buy a puppy.
- Hip evaluation
- Elbow evaluation
- Eye exam (ophthalmologist)
- Heart exam (24 months+)
Also recommended
- Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis & Polyneuropathy (JLPP)
Grooming Moderate year-round, with seasonal increases
Brush weekly, and more during seasonal sheds. Bathe as needed, clean ears monthly and trim nails every 3–4 weeks.
History
Origins
Roman Drover Dogs
Roman legions' herding dogs mixed with local breeds around Rottweil, Germany.
Standardization
Butcher's Dogs
Rottweil butchers used them to drive cattle and guard money, and the breed was standardized in the early 1900s.
Modern Companion
Guardian and Companion
Today Rottweilers serve in police, service and family roles when well trained.
Questions owners ask
Are Rottweilers easy to train?
Yes, with the right handler. Rottweilers are intelligent and eager to work, but their size and guarding instinct make early socialization and consistent training essential.
How many calories does a Rottweiler need per day?
An active adult Rottweiler (80–135 lbs) typically needs about 1,660–2,760 kcal per day (1.6–1.8× resting energy requirement), while a neutered, low-activity adult needs about 1,450–2,150 kcal and a working dog up to 2,280–3,370 kcal. Adjust to body condition and your vet's advice.
What is the best diet and training treat for a Rottweiler?
Small, fast-eaten, high-value pieces. Keep every treat inside the 10% limit: about 145–215 kcal a day in total for an adult Rottweiler of typical size. If you use Saylor's freeze-dried liver, keep it to a small share of that, roughly 7–11 pieces a day: liver is very rich in vitamin A, so it should stay a topper, not a staple. Adjust for your own dog's size and body condition, and ask your vet if there is a health condition or special diet.
Are Rottweilers good for apartments or first-time owners?
Rarely ideal. Rottweilers are large and powerful, so they suit experienced owners with space more than first-time owners in small apartments.
How much exercise does a Rottweiler require daily?
Most adults need 60–90 minutes daily, with structured walking, play and training. Avoid hard exercise in hot weather and in growing puppies.
What health issues are Rottweilers prone to?
Rottweilers are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, bone cancer, heart disease, bloat and obesity. Keep them lean and screen regularly.
Freeze Dried Beef Liver Dog Treats
Back in stock soon
We're restocking. When it's back, a Rottweiler needs only 7–11 pieces a day, well inside the 145–215 kcal treat limit.
See the productWhere the Rottweiler ranks
Health tests follow the OFA's CHIC program. The treat limit is 10% of daily calories for all treats combined. Every dog is different, so use this as a starting point and ask your vet about yours.
Breeds like the Rottweiler
Closest in size, energy, trainability, calm at home and shedding.
