Rotties 101

Working group

Strong, courageous and protective, the Rottweiler has a face that says “Make My Day” and a heart that belongs to family. Intelligent and agreeable, the breed is relatively easy to train and athletic enough to enjoy an active life.

What we love about Rotties

Big goofball until you mess with their people.

Because of the breed’s suspicious nature towards strangers, early socialization and manners training helps to mold model canine citizens. They do best with families experienced with large, determined dogs. Rottweilers do best with energetic regular exercise and do well in a variety of canine sports. They’re generally good with children and with other family pets, but because of their large size they may be too much dog as adolescents for small children and elderly relatives.

Energy level

75% energy level

Energy level: 75% (High)

Bark level

  • Very vocal
  • Talkative

Bark level: As needed. This breed only barks when necessary

Size

22 to 27 inches tall
Extra large breed size

Size: 22 to 27 inches tall. This is a X large sized Dog.

Lifespan

9 to 10 years

Lifespan: 9 to 10 years average

Weight

80 to 135 lbs

Weight: 80 to 135 lbs typical range

Energy level
High (75%)
Bark level
As needed
Height
22 to 27 inches
Lifespan
9 to 10 years
Weight
80 to 135 lbs

The Rottweiler stands 22 to 27 inches tall and weighs 80 to 135 lbs. Rottweilers have a lifespan of 9 to 10 years. They are known for a high (75%) energy level and a as needed bark.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big do Rottweilers get?
Rottweilers stand 22 to 27 inches tall and typically weigh between 80 and 135 pounds.
How long do Rottweilers live?
The average lifespan of a Rottweiler is 9 to 10 years.
Are Rottweilers good for first-time dog owners?
Rottweilers are intelligent but have high energy. They do best with experienced owners who can provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
Do Rottweilers bark a lot?
Rottweilers typically only bark when necessary — they are not known to be excessive barkers.

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My pet’s health plannerSM

This Rottweiler health planner outlines the most common medical conditions at each life stage — from puppy through senior — along with their relative risk levels. Understanding these risks can help owners plan preventive care and choose the right pet insurance coverage.

Mature adult Rottie

5 years to 6 years

Risk level for common Rottie conditions

Mid-life Rottweilers should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Cruciate ligament tear (knee) and Bone cancer pose very high risk. Hip dysplasia is at high risk.

80% on risk scale
Cruciate ligament tear (knee)
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Bone cancer
Very High Risk
70% on risk scale
Hip dysplasia
High Risk

Senior Rottie

7+ years

Risk level for common Rottie conditions

Senior Rottweilers face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Bone cancer and Splenic cancer and Lymphatic cancer pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Bone cancer
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Splenic cancer
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Lymphatic cancer
Very High Risk

Rottie puppy

0 to 1 year

Risk level for common Rottie conditions

Rottweiler puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid) and Hip dysplasia pose very high risk. Foreign body ingestion is at high risk.

80% on risk scale
Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid)
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Hip dysplasia
Very High Risk
70% on risk scale
Foreign body ingestion
High Risk

Young adult Rottie

1 year to 4 years

Risk level for common Rottie conditions

As Rottweilers grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Hip dysplasia poses very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Hip dysplasia
Very High Risk
40% on risk scale
Ear infection
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Trauma
Above Average Risk

Mature adult Rottie

5 years to 6 years

Risk level for common Rottie conditions

Mid-life Rottweilers should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Cruciate ligament tear (knee) and Bone cancer pose very high risk. Hip dysplasia is at high risk.

80% on risk scale
Cruciate ligament tear (knee)
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Bone cancer
Very High Risk
70% on risk scale
Hip dysplasia
High Risk

Senior Rottie

7+ years

Risk level for common Rottie conditions

Senior Rottweilers face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Bone cancer and Splenic cancer and Lymphatic cancer pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Bone cancer
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Splenic cancer
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Lymphatic cancer
Very High Risk

Rottie puppy

0 to 1 year

Risk level for common Rottie conditions

Rottweiler puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid) and Hip dysplasia pose very high risk. Foreign body ingestion is at high risk.

80% on risk scale
Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid)
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Hip dysplasia
Very High Risk
70% on risk scale
Foreign body ingestion
High Risk

Young adult Rottie

1 year to 4 years

Risk level for common Rottie conditions

As Rottweilers grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Hip dysplasia poses very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Hip dysplasia
Very High Risk
40% on risk scale
Ear infection
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Trauma
Above Average Risk
Rottweiler standing — health planner for puppies through senior dogs

Nationwide can help you save on your Rottweiler's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.

Puppy (0 to 1 year)
Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid): Very High Risk, Hip dysplasia: Very High Risk, Foreign body ingestion: High Risk
Young Adult (1 year to 4 years)
Hip dysplasia: Very High Risk, Ear infection: Above Average Risk, Trauma: Above Average Risk
Mature Adult (5 years to 6 years)
Cruciate ligament tear (knee): Very High Risk, Bone cancer: Very High Risk, Hip dysplasia: High Risk
Senior (7+ years)
Bone cancer: Very High Risk, Splenic cancer: Very High Risk, Lymphatic cancer: Very High Risk
3-Fun fact-Rottweiler GettyImages-1445271521

In the aftermath of the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, many dogs were deployed to Ground Zero in New York City. One was Gunner, a search and rescue-certified Rottweiler, who arrived Sept. 17 with his owner/trainer John Randall, a combat-wounded U.S. Army veteran. Gunner served as a therapy dog, performing tricks to bring smiles to the faces of first responders on site.

Rottweiler coat care and colors

The coat of the Rottweiler is easy to care for: Sleek and short, all it needs is weekly brushing and an occasional bath to keep it in perfect condition. The distinctive markings don’t offer much in the way of variety: The Rottie is a black dog, with three colors of accent markings: rust, tan or mahogany.

Many predominantly black dogs have black nails, making it sadly too easy to hit the vein in the middle of the nail, called the quick, during trimming. Grinding the nails instead of clipping may be the best way to avoid pain or bleeding. Avoid wrestling matches in adult dogs by acclimating puppies to having their feet handled and nails attended to.

Rottie exercise & training

Exercise level

Exercise level

A well-trained Rottweiler is an excellent partner for walk or runs. As with many dark-coated dogs, though, heat may be a problem for them.

Trainability

Trainability

Rottweilers are intelligent, but they may trust their own judgement more than yours. Consistency is key to teaching good manners.

Rottie fun facts

Top girl names for Rotties

100%

of Rotties are female

0%

of Rotties are male

Top boy names for Rotties

Nationwide loves Rottweilers of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

Rottweiler gender distribution
GenderPercentage
Male0%
Female100%

Among Rottweilers insured by Nationwide, 0% are male and 100% are female.

Rottweiler statistics: Gender ratio is 0% male and 100% female.

Other breeds like Rotties

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