The Rottweiler: thinking of getting a Rottweiler?

Place of origin: Germany

How big do Rottweilers get? 56 – 69cm

How heavy are Rottweilers? 35 – 60kg

Life Expectancy: 8 – 10 years

Colour: Black, Tan, Mahogany

Please note: A dog’s exercise, training/stimulation and grooming requirements can depend on several factors such as age and health. The same goes for ongoing costs of ownership. For advice on one specific dog, we always advise chatting with a vet.

How much exercise does a Rottweiler need?

Rottweilers have lots of muscle and like to use it! They’ll need 2 decent-sized walks every day, one in the morning and another later in the evening.

They’re naturally wary of other dogs, so keep them on the lead when walking through a populated area. Luckily, Rottweilers tend to stay near their owners anyway so they shouldn’t mind this.

Training: how to train a Rottweiler

Rottweilers tend to be very protective of their owners.

They’re naturally strong-willed, so begin their training at a young age and be patient, using reward-based training all the while. A well-trained Rottweiler will make for an incredibly loyal and affectionate pet, so all of your efforts will pay dividends in the long run.

Grooming: do Rottweilers shed?

Rottweilers are fairly moderate shedders, despite their short coats. They’ll moult especially during moulting season, more than some dogs and less than others.

Brush your Rottweiler twice a week or so, with a bath every few weeks. As Rottweilers are quite sizeable dogs, you could always seek the assistance of a professional groomer.

Complete your Rottweiler’s grooming routine with regular tooth brushing, nail clips and ear checks.

Rottweiler temperament, socialising and ideal home environment

Well-trained Rottweilers make for sweet-natured and loyal pets, but they’re not for everyone.

Rottweilers aren’t the easiest to train, so they’re not best suited to first-time owners. Likewise, if you already have pets, a Rottweiler might not be the best addition to the family as they’re often suspicious of other pets.

That said, a properly trained Rottweiler will be a calm-natured, sociable companion. They’re often loyal pets who tend to be really good with children – if a little protective.

Cost of owning a Rottweiler

When considering the lifetime cost of owning a Rottweiler, remember to take into account:

• Canine nutritional needs
• Veterinary care
• Pet insurance
• Kennels or dog sitters
• Regular grooming costs
• Toys and equipment

As a rough guide, allow between £120 and £160 a month to cover the ongoing costs of owning a Rottweiler.

Need more info?

For more info on finding the best dog breed for you and your lifestyle, have a chat with your vet.

Find your nearest vet using our Find a Vet page, or speak to a vet online using Online Vets.