Many believe the Rottweiler to be a dog of antiquity, with records suggesting it developed in 74 AD with the settlement of the 11th Legion, a branch of the Roman Empire. Their arrival in the Wurttemberg region of Germany, later to become 'Rottweil' meant that their dogs were introduced to native breeds, resulting in the development of the heavy, working dog we recognise today. During the Middle Ages, the Rottweiler found employment as a bear hunter and cattle herder, serving to drive herds to market. With the advent of the railways in the 19th century, cattle herding was illegalised, meaning that the Rottweiler was no longer needed. As a result, breed numbers dropped significantly, however with the onset of WWI the Rottweiler regained its early popularity, being widely enlisted as a police, draught, guard and messenger dog. Following the War, the Rottweiler became the favoured breed choice of German butchers, who utilised the dog in pulling carts that delivered milk and meat. The Rottweiler was first recognised by the AKC in 1931.
Thought to be one of the oldest all-purpose herding breeds, the Rottweiler is not easily confused for any other. Muscular and powerful in appearance and structure, the Rottweiler boasts strong legs, a heavy torso, a broad and rounded head, a deep chest and a tail that is customarily docked. The distinctive coat is typically short and hard, and is coloured black, with mahogany, rust or brown markings. A red variety is also seen, although it is considered rare. Some suggest a difference between what is known as an American Rottweiler, and what is known as a German Rottweiler, although it is commonly accepted that there is no such variation. The modern Rottweiler is observed in police, customs and army work, with a large majority being seen in Search and Rescue in Norway.
Contrary to popular belief, the Rottweiler is far from the aggressive and unpredictable breed many assume it to be. Rather, it is one of the most trainable, intelligent and adaptable out there, possessing a calm and courageous temperament that renders it well suited to domestic life. Independent-minded, the Rottweiler does not mind its own company, although no dog should ever be left for long periods of time without human companionship. The average Rottweiler will be territorial and protective of its home and family, though never to the point of aggression, and will demonstrate a docile and easy demeanor that can be relied upon. A healthy, fully grown Rottweiler will weigh 38-60 kg depending on its gender, with a life expectancy of 8-10 years.
Despite being sturdy and resilient, the Rottweiler is susceptible to various health complaints, ranging from mild to more serious. These include optical disorders, including cataracts, entropion and progressive retinal atrophy, as well as hip dysplasia and association orthopedic complaints. More serious incidences of bloat and gastric tortion are commonly observed in the large breeds, and the Rottweiler is no exception. Other conditions include cancer, cardiac disease, and two rare disorders known as von Willebrand's Disease, a bleeding complaint, and Addison's Disease, a problem with the adrenal gland.
From Norfolk, United Kingdom
Rottweilers need human company to get the best from them, they are loyal devoted dogs if they are brought up properly. Work their brain and you will have a happy Rott, I've enjoyed the breed for over 30 years, haven't bred or shown but always enjoyed working them in obedience, they have a very dry sense of humour so beware and don't take life seriously, they don't. They are fantastic with children but there has to be respect on both sides and understanding that they will protect their own human from others. Socialise them as early as possible with as much as is possible they will then be a very steady friend.
From Rhondda Cynon Taff, United Kingdom
Had my rottweiler from rescue at 8 mnths, he is my world iwouldreccomend any one to have one, very loving and very loyal and mad as hatters ❤
I have owned two fabulous Rottweiler's over the past 15 years. Bruno was my first Rotty, adopted at 7 months old, he was a very handsome gentle giant who loved cuddly toys, sadly he had to be put to sleep at the age of 7 due to bone cancer. A few months later I adopted Rosie a beautiful, calm girl who's favourite toy was a plastic bottle with a stone inside!! She was a well travelled dog, we lived in Spain for 3 years and traveled back and forth by road and ferry on many occasions also holidaying in France and England in our motorhome.
It was with great sadness that I had to say goodbye to Rosie recently, she was about 10 and a half (a great age for a Rotty).She had cancer in her stomach but hid it so well, my brave beautiful girl is missed so much. But on a brighter note I am adopting a lovely 9 month old Rotty pup tomorrow, I'm sure she will bring me as much happiness as my other two and I hope we will make a new lifetime of lovely memories.
From Fife, United Kingdom
Affection and love attention. Roxy loves people and wants to be with you. She's very high energy (which does seem to be a little unusual for the breed). Socialisation is vital with these dogs and they will love you for it.
From Somerset, United Kingdom
Rotties are the most softest, affectionate dogs you can find. They
Love human company and lots of cuddles. They need training and a lot of socialisation. They prefer humans to other dogs and can be standoffish with other dogs. Owners need to be strong as they can try to dominate. Don't get a Rottie if you haven't got time for training, walkies and cuddles. Best dogs in the world !!
From Merseyside, United Kingdom
My bella is 9 she is the best ever she's my protector my councellor my best friend my shadow in fact she's my world ha she's terrified of my toddler grandson although she does think at times he's her pup
From Essex, United Kingdom
We adopted ZENA at the age of two she was clearly upset about leaving her previous family an suffered from nervous tummy for a week or so. She settled in and has become a wonderful friend and is protective in a friendly way everyone loves her including the post lady.
She is so gently with our grandchildren as they have grown from babies though the toddler stage and is adored by all of them. She follows them everywhere and has never shown aggression to anyone but still barks when people enter the garden. This is my first rotti and I'm sure it won't be my last. She is ten this year and has trouble with her joints but that to be expected at her age. Sadly this breed rarely lives over ten years we would want her with us for ever.
I have 10 year old Rottweiler denzel he's not to well. for a mth he had the runs and not eating much either.vets done bloods faeces test ok had ijection to help plus .amoxycillin .metronidazole.then prednisolone kaoge lliquid he not to bad when on the med but when they stop were back to not to well again .has anyone had the same thing with there rotty.thanks x
From Norfolk, United Kingdom
We have had Bailey since he was 8 weeks old. He is our second Rottweiler. Max passed age 13 1/2 so we were very lucky to have had him that long. It isn't easy bringing up a rotty pup, bailey loved digging up our garden, chewing our carpet up, broke 6 mobile phones and loved ripping cushions up, we laugh now when we remember him hanging off our trousers whilst trying to walk!! Not saying that all pups are like that but unfortunately that's why so many are up for rehoming. Patiants and lots of love is a must as well as repetitive training, socialising and eventually it will pay off. Bailey will be 5 in december, he loves everyone, especially loves cuddles from everyone he meets, Loves seeing all his doggy friends over the park. Is without a Shadow of doubt part of our family. He do bark when someone knocks on the door, but thats just part of parcel. You do not need to train your Rottweiler to protect you as this could be when things go wrong, its natural with this breed. He is one big clown, an overgrown lap dog, always wants to please you and be with you, also has selective hearing sometimes and would eat all the contents in the fridge if we let him !! I could go on all night about him. Brought up well and your rotty will definitely pay you back with all the love in the world and bring you so much joy as Bailey bring us. :)
From Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
my Rottweiler is 11yrs old he is so layed back its unbelievable. He likes all other dogs( they don't all like him) he loves children of any age and he is great company he does like a lot of fuss made of him. This is my second Rottweiler i would never have any other breed