Rottweilers are the perfect mix of devoted and good-natured. They love their humans and will always be there for you. If this sounds like your type of dog, then they just might be the one one for you! Here’s everything you need to know about one of Australia’s favourite breeds.
Breed Snapshot
- Size Medium-large breed (50-60kg)
- Coat Short, double-coat that’s coarse and straight. The undercoat is mostly around the neck and thighs. They shed heavily in both the fall and spring and moderately throughout the rest of the year.
- Energy Rottweilers were bred to work and have a natural gathering style. It’s best to walk them daily for at least an hour (once in the morning and evening).
- Lifespan 8-10 years
- Country of origin Germany
- Breed type Rottweilers are one of the oldest herding breeds! They’re the descendants of ancient Roman drover dogs. Temperament: naturally devoted, obedient and happy to work!
- Other names Rottie
- Great breed for families, homes with large yards, working dogs (search and rescue, guard and police dogs)
What is a Rottweiler?
Rottweilers are a breed of domestic dog that were known as Rottweiler Metzgerhund in German. This means “Butchers dog”. Their main duty was to herd livestock and pull carts of meat to the markets. Rottweilers have a powerful stature and muscular body. They black and tan/brown on their lower legs and under their necks. Males weigh about 50-60kg while females are 35-48kg. Their height ranges from 56-69 centimeters! If you ever need to get something done, then the Rottweiler is the perfect breed.
What do Rottweilers look like?
Rottweilers can have thick faces and flopped ears. Rottweilers are described as a trotting dog. Their colours are very distinctive. They almost always have tan or mahogany colours and will often have these dots on their faces, one by each eye. The average litter size is about 8-12 puppies!
What makes Rottweilers special?
Rottweilers are highly affectionate towards their owners and will often follow their humans from room-to-room. If you’re looking for constant companionship, this is an excellent breed! They’re extremely intelligent and respond well to training when they’re encouraged. During World War I, there was a demand for police dogs and Rottweilers were often used. They worked as messenger dogs, ambulances and guard dogs.
How often do I need to groom my Rottweiler?
Because they have short hair, grooming is very simple and easy for Rottweilers. They’re big shedders, so brushing them weekly will help with the fur that accumulates around the house. Regular grooming includes cleaning the goobers out of their eyes, going to a professional for nail trimming and weekly brushing!
How often should I walk my Rottweiler?
Rottweilers were originally bred to work, so they inherently have lots of energy. Walking your dog for a minimum of an hour a day will suffice. It’s best to break up the walks into two 30 minute sessions (once in the morning and afternoon). Rottweilers love running, being outside and having space to roam. Taking them off-leash to a park is another way to give them the exercise they need!
How do I train my Rottweiler?
Start training your Rottweiler right away! They naturally want to make their owners happy and respond well to positive reinforcement. Use a bright tone that still has authority, give them praise and treats when they obey commands. Consistency is key with training.
Rottweilers have a reputation for being aggressive but that often comes down to their training and the treatment of their owners. When they’re neglected or mistreated, they can be defensive.
Make training sessions fun and game-oriented. Training sessions should be kept short, fun and consistent. Pet Cloud offers dog training classes in blocks of six-week, one-hour sessions with registered trainers. A trainer will come to your home and use positive reinforcement techniques in line with the RSPCA guide to teach your doggo!
Quickfire Rottweiler Questions
How long will my Rottweiler live?
The average lifespan is 8-10 years.
Can my Rottweiler be left alone during the day?
Rotties are naturally people dogs so they can get lonely after extended periods of time. If they lack human connection, social interaction and exercise they can become destructive. To some extent they have a natural “prey”drive so it’s important not to leave them alone with young children unattended. If you have to leave for work, it’s recommended to train your dog to stay in a crate. Make sure they’re comfortable, have water and some food.
Are Rottweilers “barkers”?
Overall, Rottweilers aren’t barkers. They are calm and quiet. Rottweilers will start barking when they feel defensive or when they’re attacked.
What kind of health risks do Rottweilers face?
Rottweilers are generally a very healthy breed. Like most large dogs, hip dysplasia can be an issue. If Rottweilers are overfed or under exercised, they are prone to obesity. Obesity can lead to arthritis, difficulties breathing, diabetes and heart failure.
Where can I get a Rottweiler?
If you’ve decided to go ahead with a Rottweiler, you have two options! You can either adopt or buy a Rottweiler from a breeder. Be sure to check out the RSPCA’s adoption guide to find out more.
If you’re wanting to buy your Rottweiler from a breeder, make sure they’re not supporting puppy farms. The RSPCA also has a handy guide for finding the right breeder.
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