General Information

The Rottweiler – originating from Rottweil, the oldest town in Baden-Württemberg, Germany – lends its name to this powerful and robust dog breed. With proper socialization, the Rottweiler becomes an excellent family dog with a strong protective instinct. However, to prevent further damage to the breed's reputation, Rottweilers belong exclusively in the hands of experienced dog owners. Both breeders and responsible owners are equally called upon.

History & Origin of the Rottweiler

Like many large dog breeds, the Rottweiler is said to descend from Roman war dogs. However, its documented history begins in the 19th century in the Imperial City of Rottweil in Baden-Württemberg.

At that time, Rottweil was a hub for cattle trading and a major livestock marketplace. Local butchers kept large dogs to guard and protect their herds, selectively breeding the early ancestors of the Rottweiler. They focused on intelligence, endurance, and strong herding instincts to control their livestock effectively.

As transportation methods like the railway emerged, cattle driving became obsolete, rendering the breed "unemployed." However, it didn’t take long for the Rottweiler to be discovered as a police and service dog. Thanks to its intelligence, strength, and fearlessness, the breed began serving in police and military roles around 1910. To this day, the Rottweiler is one of ten officially recognized service dog breeds in Germany.

Facts & Figures

Country of Origin: Germany

Life Expectancy: 10 – 11 years

Male Weight: 50 – 60 kg

Female Weight: 42 kg and above

Male Height: 61 – 69 cm

Female Height: 56 – 63 cm

Usage

Today, the Rottweiler is employed as a police and service dog, often serving with the Federal Border Guard. Additionally, it is kept as a family companion and excels as a sport dog, rescue dog, and even therapy dog. However, it is no longer used for its original purpose of herding and driving cattle.

Classification & Breed Standard

FCI Standard: 147

FCI Group: 2 – Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molosser & Swiss Mountain Dogs

FCI Section: 2.1

Character & Temperament

The Rottweiler’s character combines numerous positive traits. Its balanced temperament, high threshold for stimuli, and exceptional intelligence make it a true all-rounder.
The FCI describes the ideal Rottweiler as follows:

“Good-natured and placid in basic disposition, very devoted, obedient, biddable, and eager to work. His appearance is natural and rugged; his behavior is self-assured, steady, and fearless. He reacts to his surroundings with heightened attentiveness.”

With proper training, the breed’s occasionally dominant tendencies can be well managed, resulting in a loyal companion with a steadfast nature. The Rottweiler considers house and yard as its territory and will protect it passionately.

The Rottweiler with Family & Children

Rottweilers are fond of children and, with proper socialization, integrate well into family life. Children, in turn, must treat the dog with respect, and parents should ensure that interactions are conducted thoughtfully, teaching their children from day one how to behave with the dog.
The Rottweiler needs a clearly defined place within the pack hierarchy. Ideally, puppy classes and dog school should be attended early to reinforce positive behavior and correct undesirable traits.

As with all large breeds, dogs and small children should never be left unsupervised together.

With Strangers

The Rottweiler tends to be reserved with strangers.
He prefers one family to a hundred friends.
Nevertheless, he remains alert, observing his surroundings, and will intervene quickly and decisively if he perceives a threat.
The Rottweiler is fully aware of his strength and will deal with intruders and potential dangers without much warning.

With Other Dogs

Rottweilers tend to display dominance toward other dogs.
He’s not everyone’s friend at the dog park, which doesn’t mean he can’t get along with other dogs.
With early socialization and consistent exposure to other dogs, harmonious interactions can be encouraged.
However, you’re handling a Rottweiler, not a Golden Retriever.

With Other Pets

With early exposure, living peacefully alongside cats and smaller pets is entirely possible.

Exercise Needs

Rottweilers require both physical and mental stimulation to expend their energy.
They enjoy long walks, excel in agility, and generally thrive in canine sports.
Before beginning any sport, it is advisable to complete the companion dog test to strengthen the bond between dog and handler and lay a solid behavioral foundation.

For sport enthusiasts, Rottweilers are versatile and can succeed in agility, obedience trials, flyball, or mantrailing.
Owners should be prepared for a spirited and enduring dog and provide sufficient outlets for his energy and work drive.
The Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler-Klub e.V. emphasizes that Rottweilers excel particularly in protection work, utility tasks, and as tracking dogs.

There are plenty of opportunities to provide your Rottweiler with enriching activities that will result in a calm and well-balanced companion.

Hunting Instinct

Like most working dog breeds, Rottweilers possess a natural but moderate hunting instinct.
With proper training, this instinct can be effectively controlled.

Regulations & Entry Requirements

In the following German federal states, the Rottweiler is listed as a Category 2 breed:

• Bavaria

• Brandenburg

• Hamburg

• Hesse

• North Rhine-Westphalia

Countries with specific entry regulations or bans for Rottweilers include:

Austria: Special regulations apply in Vienna and Lower Austria.

Switzerland: Rottweilers are classified as potentially dangerous in nearly all cantons, requiring cantonal permits.
In Geneva and Valais, the import and ownership of Rottweilers are entirely prohibited.
Only the Canton of Zurich imposes no restrictions.

France: Listed as a Category 2 dog. Specific requirements and formalities must be met for traveling to or through France with a Rottweiler.

Appearance & Coat

The Rottweiler presents a striking and powerful figure, characterized by a broad chest and massive skull.
Its coat is black with distinctive rust-brown markings found on the face, chest, legs, and tail base.

Grooming & Care

The Rottweiler’s short coat is low-maintenance but should be brushed at least once a week.
Daily brushing is beneficial as it promotes blood circulation and can become a bonding ritual.

Rottweilers should never be kept in kennels.
Isolated kennel housing deprives them of the essential family bond, often leading to behavioral issues, as is common with many kennel dogs.

Training the Rottweiler

Training should start from puppyhood.
Thanks to their intelligence, Rottweilers are highly trainable and can quickly learn basic commands and desired behaviors.

In addition to puppy classes and obedience school, it is highly recommended to complete a companion dog test to further improve communication and control.

As Rottweilers tend to exhibit dominance, it is crucial to use the imprinting phase to establish clear leadership.
With consistency and discipline, you help the dog find its rightful place in the pack hierarchy.

If you don’t want your Rottweiler on the couch, make this clear from a young age. Don’t be fooled by a cute puppy face.
Once given, a command is only complete when the dog has fully executed it.
Start reinforcing this principle from day one.

Common Health Issues

• Hip Dysplasia (HD)

• Elbow Dysplasia (ED)

• Aortic Stenosis (AS) / Heart Narrowing

• Cruciate Ligament Rupture

• Hypothyroidism

Special Notes

The Rottweiler was historically known as the Rottweiler Butcher’s Dog.
In the 19th century, butchers used them to guard and drive their cattle.
Butcher dogs were also responsible for safeguarding herds and stables.
Interestingly, the Swiss Mountain Dog also falls under the category of butcher dogs and bears a close resemblance to the Rottweiler.

Due to the misconduct of some owners, the Rottweiler’s public reputation has suffered.
Despite the media’s focus on isolated incidents, it’s essential to remember that the person holding the leash is ultimately responsible for the dog’s behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Rottweilers dangerous?

Unfortunately, the Rottweiler often appears in negative headlines and is considered a dangerous breed in some regions (see above).
However, no general conclusions about the breed should be drawn from isolated cases.
That being said, only responsible, experienced, and foresighted individuals should consider owning a Rottweiler to avoid finding themselves in the news.