A guide for Rottweiler owners

Guide to owning a Rottweiler

Known for their size, strong build and fiercely loyal personalities, the Rottweiler has become one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. As with a lot of larger breeds, there are many misconceptions about Rottweilers (affectionately known as Rotties). People believe them to be aggressive, dangerous dogs that are difficult to train. Is this a fair judgement? Or are they simply misunderstood gentle giants?

In this article, we’ll be looking at all aspects of this commonly misunderstood breed, from their temperament and training requirements, what food is best to keep them healthy and happy, common Rottweiler health issues and more.

History of the Rottweiler breed

Widely regarded as one of the oldest breeds, the Rottweiler is descended from mastiffs brought to Germany by Roman legions. The ultimate hard workers, Rottweilers were originally bred as drovers (cattle driving dogs), later, due to their protective nature, they would accompany butchers, carrying their money, acting as a guard dog or herding cattle.

Due to widespread industrialisation in the mid-1800s, we almost said goodbye to Rottweilers altogether as they were almost made extinct. Roads and railroads were improved and so there was no longer a need for protection, or for such a large breed to be herding cattle.

Fortunately, they were brought back from the brink, and in more recent times, they’ve been put to work in search and rescue, as guard dogs and even as part of the police due to their strength and loyalty.

Today, most Rottweilers have put their working heritage behind them and are living the life of luxury as loving family pets. An extremely sociable breed, Rottweilers thrive being part of ‘the pack’, seeking out their family members’ affection at every opportunity.

What is the lifespan of a Rottweiler?

As a prospective Rottweiler owner, or someone who’s just curious about the breed, one of the first questions you might find yourself asking is “how long do Rottweilers live?”. Of course, this can vary depending on lots of factors, but as a general rule you can expect them to live to around 8-10 years which is similar to other breeds of their size.

Considered a slow maturing breed, again, due to their size, many may not reach full size and weight until around two or three years and are thought of as ‘senior’ at around seven years of age.

What is the behaviour and temperament of a Rottweiler?

Of course, every dog is unique. They have their own personalities and backgrounds that can influence the way they behave and the way they react to certain situations. However, there are certain character traits that many Rottweilers share.

Not recommended for first time owners, these lovable giants thrive with consistent socialisation in order to fit in with the family. With their size, muscular stature and high intelligence, their needs could easily overwhelm a novice owner, or someone who isn’t willing or able to provide patient, consistent guidance and training from a young age.

Ideally, a Rottweiler should be exposed to as much as possible from a young age. Including other animals and pets, children and people outside of the immediate ‘pack’. They are a very protective breed, and ensuring lots of supervised socialisation and exposure training will ensure they don’t see these things as a threat and act inappropriately.

Bred to work, Rottweilers really do thrive when given ‘jobs’ to do. Whether that’s learning a new trick, sniffing out new scents on a long rambling walk, competing in working dog sports,  or even simply learning how to be the perfect companion.

Most Rottweiler owners will tell you that they are loving, playful and devoted family pets. They are very social dogs who can experience separation anxiety if left alone, often following their family from room to room so that they can be a part of the action. If there are times when they’re left at home alone, be sure to leave them lots of toys and games to keep their attention, and gradually build up the time they’re left.

As with a lot of big breeds, they may forget their size from time to time, channel their inner lapdog and try to curl up on your knee at any time. This can also mean they play quite boisterously and aren’t always suitable for those with very young children.

What is the typical size, height, and weight of a Rottweiler?

As stated above, Rottweilers are large dogs. They have a strong, muscular build and are slightly longer than they are tall, with both male and females being roughly the same size at each age.

Rottweiler height ranges by age

Many factors can affect their height, but the chart below will give you an idea of the average size at different ages.

Rottweiler weight ranges by age

As with other large breeds, Rottweilers are not considered adults until around two years of age. They may reach their full height at one year old, but will continue to fill out until two years.

Weights vary slightly between male and female, and can be impacted by lots of things. The below table shows the average Rottie weight at various life stages.

How often should a Rottweiler be exercised?

Every dog requires exercise to keep them fit, healthy and happy. Their exact needs depend on their age, personality, and any health concerns that they have.

Puppies require a lot less, more gentle exercise than adults. Such as light walking and free play, this is more than enough for a growing pup. Walking should reflect their age too, a four-month-old dog should be walked for less time than a ten month old for example.  This is because their joints and bones need time to grow strong, and over exertion can lead to damage or weakness in limbs and joints as an adult.

Requiring at least two hours of high-quality exercise per day, preferably split across the day, adult Rottweilers will be happiest and healthiest in homes that can accommodate their needs. Pent up energy can lead to destructive behaviours, as well as obesity that can have further repercussions on their health. Daily exercise should include walking, playtime and mental stimulation too.

A walk with your Rottweiler gives them the opportunity to sniff out new smells, explore new areas, and it’s a great way to involve the whole ‘pack’ too, which your sociable dog will love. Be sure to allow your dog to smell around and discover new things, rather than pulling them away, as this will keep their minds active too. Being strong dogs, activities such as swimming, running, working dog sports, or tug of war are good options for keeping them active too.

Just like with people, senior dogs may not need, or be able to tolerate, the same amount of type of exercise as they used to. However, it’s still important to keep them active to avoid health problems such as weight gain. When they reach their senior years, it’s best to go at their pace, and keep an eye out for signs of tiredness as overexertion can be just as damaging as a sedentary lifestyle for your ageing dog.

At every age, keeping their minds busy and focused is important too. Rottweilers are incredibly intelligent and thrive on training and mental stimulation and can easily become bored. Teach them a new trick, hide their treats in a puzzle game, or give them a chew toy to keep them occupied. They can even be taught commands such as ‘clean up’, so that it’s not just down to you to put their toys away at the end of play.

With all forms of exercise, be it physical or mental, you should take your own pet’s abilities and needs into account. Look out for signs of tiredness such as panting and heavy breathing, sitting, or laying down when stopped, falling behind when walking, or lack of attention and interest in toys and games.

When should a Rottweiler be groomed?

Rottweilers are a relatively low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. Their short, thick coats are prone to shedding, however brushing once a week should be more than enough to keep them looking their best. Grooming also offers a great opportunity to bond, and check for lumps, bumps or signs of skin issues or parasites.

You should be checking their ears and eyes regularly, looking out for signs of infection like redness, swelling, smells or discoloured wax. Be sure to check for things like soreness and irritation, or excessive licking of the paws that could be signs of allergies.

Brush their teeth regularly too, just like people, this is important to keep teeth and gums healthy, breath fresh and for keeping tartar build up at bay.

What is the best diet for a Rottweiler?

To help your Rottweiler live their healthiest, happiest lives, it’s important to understand what type of food is going to help them thrive.

Healthiest diet for a Rottweiler

Like all dogs, Rottweilers will benefit from a diet that’s nutritionally balanced and species-appropriate. It should be tailored to their life stage, ensuring they’re getting all the vitamins and minerals needed no matter their age.

A healthy, balanced diet will also help them to maintain a healthy weight. This will ensure that they’re avoiding obesity-associated illnesses such as joint inflammation, and conditions like hip and elbow dysplasia.

Prone to gastrointestinal issues, meals made without things like grains, legumes, or other ingredients that can be difficult for dogs to digest will help reduce the risk of things like obstructions, constipation, sickness, and diarrhoea.

Raw feeding diet for Rottweilers

The best diet for your Rottweiler is based around a menu that’s complete and packed full of all the nutrients that they need to thrive. A raw diet may also aid the prevention of common health issues for Rottweilers such as dysplasia, dental problems and eye issues like cataracts.

Their menu should be varied, not only to keep them interested, but to ensure that they’re getting the goodness from everything that they’re able to eat. It may also be beneficial to add ingredients such as oils and things like ginger and turmeric that act as anti-inflammatories throughout the body and ensure healthy skin, coat and joints.

Best food for Rottweilers

As carnivores, it’s key that your Rottweiler is eating a diet that is mostly meat protein. Not only is this what they’ve evolved to eat, but it means that they’re getting all those essential amino acids that their bodies can’t produce on their own.

Amino acids are vital for so many functions within the body, whether it’s the building and repair of muscle and ligaments, healthy brain function, ensuring heart health, eye health or keeping their skin and coat in tip top condition, there’s a reason they’re known as the ‘building blocks of life’.

The best food for Rottweiler puppies is one that’s packed full of protein, slightly higher in fat than adults, and finished with vitamin-rich veggies and fruits, full of goodness that they can easily digest. Check out our range of complete puppy meals here.

Just like puppies, a high-quality meal for adult Rottweilers should also have lots of protein. An expert blend of meat, offal, and bones, alongside a few more carefully selected, purposeful ingredients will make sure they’re getting the maximum benefit. These nutritious Bella & Duke meals are complete and extra delicious.

Rottweiler’s nutritional needs may change as they age, which is why our superfood enriched range has the added goodness of superfoods like spirulina to support their immune system and inflammatory reducing ginger and turmeric which aids joint and skin health.

Click here to work out how much Bella & Duke food to give to your Rottweiler based on their age and weight.