# Rottweiler

Also known as: Rottweiler Metzgerhund, Rottie
- **Group:** Mastiff & Mountain (FCI group 2)
- **Size:** Large
- **Origin:** Germany
- **Height:** 56–69 cm
- **Weight:** 35–60 kg
- **Life expectancy:** 9–10 years
- **Temperament:** Loyal, Confident, Calm, Protective, Courageous
- **FCI standard:** No. 147

A powerful German working dog once used to drive cattle and pull butchers' carts, the Rottweiler is a confident, loyal guardian that also excels in police, rescue and service roles.

## Overview

The Rottweiler is a large, muscular mastiff-type dog from Germany, black with rich tan markings. It was developed as a drover and guard dog and remains a capable working breed.

It is a devoted family companion when well trained and socialised. Its strength and protective nature mean it needs an experienced, consistent owner.

## History

The breed takes its name from the German town of Rottweil, where butchers used the dogs to drive cattle to market and pull carts of meat. Its roots are often traced back to dogs that travelled with Roman legions.

When railways replaced droving in the mid-19th century the breed declined, then revived through police work around the First World War. German clubs merged into the ADRK in 1921, and the American Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1931.

## Appearance

The Rottweiler is a sturdy, well-muscled dog with a broad head, medium-sized dark almond eyes and triangular drop ears set high. The back is straight and strong, the chest deep and broad.

The coat is black with clearly defined tan markings. Tail docking was traditional but is banned in many countries today, so most dogs now keep their natural tail.

## Temperament

Rottweilers are self-assured, steady and deeply attached to their families. They are naturally watchful and protective, usually calm in the home and reserved with strangers.

They are intelligent and eager to work, but they need early socialisation, firm and fair training, and plenty of purposeful activity to stay balanced.

## Care and exercise

A Rottweiler needs daily exercise such as walks, play and training tasks, as well as mental work. Its short coat is easy to maintain with weekly brushing, though it sheds steadily.

Keep weight under control to protect the joints, and start socialisation and obedience early, because an untrained adult is a lot of dog to manage.

## Health

Large size brings risks such as hip and elbow dysplasia, bone cancer, heart conditions and bloat. Keeping the dog lean and buying from health-tested parents helps.

## Ratings (1 to 5)

- Energy: 3
- Exercise needs: 4
- Grooming: 2
- Shedding: 3
- Trainability: 4
- Barking: 2
- Good with children: 3
- Good with other dogs: 2

Page: https://techtools.cz/tools/dog-atlas/rottweiler
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rottweiler · https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q39093
Photo: Dr. Manfred Herrmann Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler-Klub (ADRK) e.V. http://www.ADRK.de (CC BY-SA 3.0), https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rottweiler_standing_facing_left.jpg
Profile written by an AI model from the sources above.