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Rottweiler

Updated 31 January 2025
Read time: 27 mins
article author
Written by Elle Padgham
Lead Copywriter
article author
Reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon
Team Vet

Rottweiler Temperament and Personality

Rottweilers are the ultimate combination of strength, smarts, and sweetness. They’re the cool-headed protectors of the dog world, happily devoting their life to be your personal bodyguard. While they have a reputation as being dangerous, a well-bred Rottweiler is calm, confident, and courageous, and thrives on human company.


Beneath their powerful appearance though lies a gentle soul and a heart full of devotion, making Rottweilers (or Rotties) incredible companions – but only for the right person. If you can earn their respect and handle their stubborn sass, Rottweilers are good family dogs with a lot of love to give.


Renowned as loyal guardians, Rottweilers are natural watchdogs, always ready to keep their pack safe. They don’t tend to wear their heart on their sleeve, but once you’re in a Rottie’s inner circle, this serious, hard-working dog becomes a gooey bundle of affection, smothering you with slobbery kisses and pressing their entire body weight into you for giant cuddles; a classic Rottie move! 


While they’re big softies behind closed doors, Rottweilers have strong protective instincts, making them naturally aloof with strangers, especially anybody approaching the property line. (Mr Postman, take note!) Preferring to take their time and assess the situation, these dogs certainly don’t rush into new relationships, but they won’t attack for no reason. This ‘wait and see’ attitude is characteristic of their steady, thoughtful demeanour that sees them excel in police, military, and customs work. However, it’s not all work and no play. When they’re not on guard duty, Rottweilers like to show off their goofy side, entertaining you with silly antics and cute, talkative grumbles.


Being such an intelligent breed with a strong personality, these cunning canines need experienced, knowledgeable owners that can channel their power and protectiveness into healthy dog behaviours. While Rottweilers aren’t inherently aggressive, poor training and lack of leadership can set them off on the wrong path.


To ensure your Rottweiler is a well-mannered pooch and not a dangerous, domineering bully, you need to provide structure, consistent training, plenty of early socialisation, and lots of jobs to keep them occupied. 


Owning a Rottweiler does come with responsibility, but when done right, you’ll have a big-hearted protector that’ll give you all the love and laughter in the world. So, if you’re looking for a deeply devoted doggo to protect you and your property, the Rottweiler could be the breed for you.


Types of Rottweiler: German Vs Roman Vs American Rottweiler

Rottweilers fall into three types – German, Roman, and American – with any physical or temperamental differences being a result of different breeding philosophies and practices. German Rottweilers are bred under the Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler-Klub’s (ADRK) strict guidelines, ensuring robust health, balanced proportions, and a calm yet confident temperament.

They’re slightly stockier with a broad chest and head. Roman Rottweilers are larger and more mastiff-like, with looser skin and heavier bone structure. However, this exaggerated size can lead to health issues and diminished agility. American Rottweilers are very similar to the German type, but often have leaner frames and milder temperaments. While German Rottweilers excel as protective working dogs, some say Roman and American types are slightly less motivated to work.


Rottweiler paw-sonality traits

 

  • Extremely protective

  • Loyal and devoted to family

  • Calm, confident, and courageous

  • Laidback, gentle, and docile

  • Highly intelligent

  • Quick learners

  • Energetic with a strong work ethic

  • Has a playful streak

  • Loves having a job to do

  • Can be dominant and strong-willed

  • Needs routine and structure

  • Watchful and alert

  • Great guardians

  • Needs lots of exercise and mental stimulation

  • Suspicious of strangers

  • Wary of unfamiliar dogs

  • Can be clingy and prone to separation anxiety

  • Needs a confident, experienced owner


Rottweiler pros and cons

Pros Cons
Extremely loyal and devoted Stubborn and strong-willed
Excellent watchdogs Needs lots of space and a large garden
Protective of family and property Potential aggression towards other animals
Low maintenance grooming needs Puppies can be rambunctious and boisterous
Highly intelligent and trainable Needs extensive socialisation and training
Strong, athletic, and hardworking Prone to some serious health issues
Affectionate with loved ones Short life expectancy
Good with older children Not suitable for inexperienced owners

 

Are Rottweilers good family dogs?

Yes, Rottweilers can be fantastic family dogs for the right households. Loyal, affectionate, and deeply devoted, they form strong bonds with their people and thrive in a family unit. Despite their imposing appearance, Rotties are often big softies at heart, happily snuggling up with you on the sofa or showing off their goofy, playful side. That said, Rottweilers are powerful, intelligent dogs with strong protective instincts. They need confident, experienced owners who can provide firm but fair training, plenty of socialisation, and a structured environment. They’re best suited to active families with older children where they can get the mental and physical stimulation they crave.


Are Rottweilers good with children?

Yes, Rottweilers tend to get on well with children, given their loyal, affectionate nature. However, they can get pretty boisterous and often forget their own strength, which could see little ones getting accidentally hurt. Rotties aren’t always welcoming towards friends who come over to play either, as they might perceive roughhousing as a danger they need to defend ‘their’ children from. For these reasons, Rottweilers are better suited to households with older children or teens who know how to behave appropriately around dogs and can be more assertive. 


You should always teach children how to properly interact with dogs, regardless of breed. This includes no pulling, smacking, poking, or disturbing them while they’re eating and sleeping. Great care should also be taken when introducing dogs and children, making sure to never leave little ones unsupervised no matter how well trained your pooch is.


Are Rottweilers good with other pets?

It depends. Rottweilers can get along with other dogs they’ve been raised with, and they can also be good with cats, but extensive socialisation and training is needed. They’re protective by nature, so early exposure to other animals is key to ensuring they understand boundaries. While some Rotties can live peacefully with other animals, they can show aggression towards unfamiliar dogs when out and about, especially those of the same sex. They can also be predatory towards cats they don’t know and might not accept a new adult dog into the home.


Introducing new animals into the pack should always be managed carefully. Remember, every Rottweiler is unique, so monitor their body language, provide space and reward good behaviour. 


Care Requirements

We all want our doggos to live long, happy, healthy lives, so it’s important you know how to look after a Rottweiler properly. From tasty nutritious meals to exercise, training and grooming, we’ve got it covered. 


How much exercise does a Rottweiler need?

Fully grown Rottweilers need a minimum of 2 hours of exercise a day, made up of vigorous physical activities and plenty of brain games to keep them out of mischief. They were bred to drive cattle to market and pull heavy carts loaded with meat, so these dogs are all about hard work and action – a simple stroll around the block won’t do.

From agility training and tug-of-war, to good old-fashioned fetch, Rotties thrive when they’re kept busy and get to put their strength and smarts to use. They’re also great exercise buddies for joggers, hikers, and anyone that loves outdoor adventure. Swimming is another favourite hobby for the Rottie, but just ensure the body of water is safe for them to splash around in.

Due to their large size and power, a sturdy harness and lead are a must for walks, as well as a super secure back garden where they can zoom around safely. Well-trained Rottweilers with good recall can be let off lead in safe environments, such as walking along country trails, as they don’t tend to stray too far from their owner. However, it’s best to keep them on a lead in busy areas and local parks, as they might have a problem with unfamiliar dogs.

When they’re not burning off energy outdoors, Rottweilers need plenty of mental stimulation to keep their sharp minds engaged. Puzzle toys, scent games, or hide-and-seek with treats are perfect ways to work their brain and prevent boredom kicking in. Without enough exercise and mental challenges, these powerhouses can become destructive beasts, so regular play and interaction are key. 


How do you train a Rottweiler?

Rottweilers are highly intelligent dogs that are eager to please and quick to learn. They excel in various activities such as obedience, tracking, and therapy work, and have found successful careers within law enforcement and search and rescue. But (and this is a big but) they can be seriously strong-willed and domineering if they sense any weakness, often adopting a ‘why should I do this’ attitude. Without a consistent, confident leader, they’ll try to call the shots and rule the roost, and with a dog this size, that’s not a situation you want to be in.

Training and socialisation needs to be ongoing from day one, and it takes a lot of patience and dedication – raising a Rottie is not for the faint hearted! For this reason, they’re not recommended for inexperienced owners.

However, in the right hands and with the right approach, Rottweilers can shine as the obedient, devoted companions they were intended to be.

 

Unleash your pup’s potential with these Rottweiler training tips.


1. Be positive. Always use positive reinforcement by rewarding good behaviour with lots of praise and tasty treats, such as this High Protein Baltic Beef Jerky. Just be mindful of how many treats you dispense during training as this breed puts on weight easily.


2. Be firm but fair. To build trust and earn your Rottie’s respect, you need to be firm and assertive, correcting behaviours the moment they occur. However, you should never use physical force, harsh corrections, or get into a confrontation with your Rottweiler. This can instil fear, and a scared dog can be a dangerous one.


3. Socialise, socialise, and socialise some more. Early and extensive socialisation is crucial for the Rottweiler, as they’re naturally wary of strangers and have a strong, protective instinct. It’s important they learn what’s considered ‘normal’, so they can tell the difference when someone is behaving ‘abnormally’. Without enough socialisation, they can grow to be suspicious of everyone and show acts of unwarranted aggression. Expose them to new people, children, dogs, animals, smells, and situations from an early age to help them become calm and confident canines.


4. Establish who’s top dog. Rottweilers need to know who is alpha (hint, it shouldn’t be them!), so it’s important you’re confident and always in control. Make sure you set and consistently enforce boundaries from day one, as this will help them understand their position in the pecking order and reduce the risk of them becoming dominant and unruly. 


5. Be consistent. Rottweilers are smart cookies but they’ll pick up bad habits as easily as they learn good ones, so consistency is key. You should also make sure the household is using the same commands. 


6. Make them wait for their food. This is a good way to establish yourself as leader of the pack and build respect between you and your Rottie. 


7. Practise recall. This is essential if you want to safely let your Rottweiler off lead in open areas. Use a long line lead, clear vocal commands, and high value treats to encourage them to come back to you.


8. Get them used to a lead. Massive and muscular, Rottweilers can be strong pullers, so they need to learn how to walk nicely on a lead and harness. Practice indoors where there are fewer distractions, and gradually move to busier environments as they become more comfortable.


9. Give them jobs to do. Bred to pull heavy carts and drive cattle to market, this breed needs a purpose outside of being a pet. You could build an obstacle course in your garden, hide treats around the house to engage their noses, or use games of fetch to teach them how to retrieve certain items on command. This not only burns off energy but it keeps them mentally engaged. 


10. Dispel the digging. Rotties like to dig, especially if they’re left to their own devices, so protect your flower beds by getting a sandpit or carving out an area of the garden where they can dig without being destructive.


11. Nip jumping in the bud. Due to their size and strength, Rotties shouldn’t learn it’s okay to jump up at people to say hello (or exert dominance). Teach them the ‘off’ command and reward them when all four paws are kept firmly on the floor. 


12. Teach bite inhibition. Rottweilers have a tremendous bite force, so it’s important they’re taught bite inhibition as a pup. When they mouth too hard, yell ‘ouch!’ in a high pitched voice and redirect their playful nips onto a toy instead. They should also have lots of ‘indestructible’ toys and chews to play with too. 


13. Prevent separation anxiety. While they should never be left alone for hours on end, you can help them be more comfortable with their own company by gradually increasing the amount of time you're away from home. Start with small increments (e.g., 5-10 minutes) and make sure they have a toy or puzzle to keep them busy.



How much grooming do Rottweilers need?

Rottweilers have a short, thick, dense double coat that’s water-resistant and easy to maintain, but there’s a downside – lots of shedding. They shed moderately throughout the year, with heavier shedding during spring and autumn when they moult. You can also get long-haired Rottweilers that’ll require more frequent brushing, but these dogs are rare.

The classic Rottweiler colours are black and tan or black and mahogany (a deeper shade of tan). Some rare colour variations exist, such as solid black, red and tan, or blue and tan, but these aren’t within the breed standard. White albino Rottweilers come with a lot of health issues, such as vision and skin problems, and they shouldn’t be intentionally bred.


Here are some Rottweiler grooming tips to keep them looking their best all year round.


  • Brush their coats once a week using a firm bristle brush or grooming mitt to remove dead hairs and promote extra shine. Brush more regularly during shedding seasons.

 

  • Check their ears for signs of infection and clean regularly; use a soft cotton pad to gently wipe around the inner areas but don’t stick anything down their ear canal.

 

  • Bathe when necessary using a dog-friendly shampoo. Don’t overdo it though, as too many baths can disrupt the Ph balance of their skin and cause allergies to flare up.

 

  • Trim their nails every couple of weeks if they don’t wear them down naturally. It’s important you know what you’re doing when it comes to nail trimming, so learn from a professional or let the groomers take care of it. 

 

  • Don’t forget your Rottweiler’s teeth and gums. Use a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent rotten Rottie breath.

 



Health and Wellness

Properly looked after, cared for, and loved, the Rottweiler lifespan is 8–10 years. However, they’re predisposed to a number of serious health issues that can shorten their life expectancy further. 


Healthy Rottweilers should be seen by a vet at least once a year, with senior dogs (seven years and older) needing more frequent visits. Monitor your pooch regularly and ensure they’re getting what they need for a healthy and happy lifestyle. 


Common Rottweiler health problems


  • Hip Dysplasia. This is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit together properly, potentially leading to arthritis and mobility issues. Those looking to bring a Rottweiler puppy home should aim to buy from reputable breeders who disclose the hip scores of the parents. It can usually be managed with a combination of pain relief, anti-inflammatories, joint supportive dog food, and joint supplements.

 

  • Elbow Dysplasia. This is similar to hip dysplasia but affects the elbow sockets.

 

  • Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV). More commonly known as ‘bloat’, this typically affects deep chested breeds. It’s a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach twists and fills with gas, cutting off food and water and stopping circulation to the stomach and intestines. Signs include retching without vomiting, drooling, a distended stomach, and general abdominal pain. Urgent veterinary care is needed.

 

  • Subaortic Stenosis (SAS). This is a genetic heart condition Rottie pups inherit from their parents, and develops during the first year of life. It occurs when blood can’t flow properly to the heart, resulting in heart damage and even sudden death. Puppies will usually have a heart murmur that can be detected during routine examinations, but some may not show symptoms until it’s too late. Responsible breeding is necessary to prevent this condition. 

 

  • Osteosarcoma. This aggressive bone cancer typically affects large and giant breeds, with most cases being the leg bones. Once detected, treatment usually involves amputation of the limb and chemotherapy, however this will only extend the dog’s life, not cure the condition.

 

  • Hypothyroidism. This disorder causes the thyroid gland to stop producing thyroid hormones, leading to weight gain, lack of energy, skin and ear infections, dry skin, and thinning of the fur. Dogs usually develop symptoms when they’re middle aged, but it can be managed successfully with lifelong medication. 

 

  • Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease. This is where the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) that stabilises the knee breaks down over time due to degeneration, joint issues, genetics, or obesity. If it tears, the joint is destabilised, and surgery may be required. Maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent CCL disease. 

 

  • Obesity. Rotties are prone to packing on the pounds, dramatically reducing their quality of life. Owners can prevent obesity by ensuring their dog gets daily exercise, and that they’re not fed too many high calorie treats. 

 

  • Allergies. Allergies can be triggered by food or environmental factors like pollen, grass, household chemicals, dust mites or flea bites. Allergies cause itchy skin and digestive issues. If your dog is excessively scratching, rubbing their face, licking their paws, vomiting or having bouts of diarrhoea, they may be suffering from an allergy.

 

  • Entropion. This is where the eyelid folds inward, causing the fur and eyelashes to rub against the cornea. It’s very painful and uncomfortable, and can lead to corneal ulcers. Surgery is the only way to correct this condition. 

 

Rottweiler tail docking and ear cropping  

Rottweilers naturally have long tails, but tail docking has historically been done to prevent injuries in working dogs. Similarly, while Rottweilers’ ears are naturally floppy, some owners choose to crop them for a more intimidating look, though this is not traditional for the breed. These procedures are largely cosmetic and provide no proven benefits, often causing unnecessary pain to the dog. In the UK, ear cropping has been illegal since 2006, and tail docking is not permitted unless there’s a medical reason. 



Food and nutrition

Feeding your Rottweiler a well balanced diet that’s tailored to their size and medical needs is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner. From helping their coat stay shiny to maintaining healthy joints, the food you give them is so im-paw-tant! 

 

How much should a Rottweiler eat in a day?

The amount you feed your Rottie will depend on a number of factors, such as whether they’re a puppy or an adult, if you’re using dry food, wet food or a mix, their energy levels, and whether they’ve been neutered or spayed. 

As Rottweilers are prone to bloating, it’s best to feed them twice a day using a slow feeder bowl, so they don’t guzzle it down too quickly. To prevent obesity, they shouldn’t be allowed to free-feed, benefiting more from portioned meals given at set times. Rotties can also suffer from sensitive stomachs, so it’s best to stick to a feeding schedule and routine to prevent an upset tummy.

You'll find a handy feeding calculator at the bottom of every product page here at Pooch & Mutt, helping you identify how much of our health-led recipes are right for the age, size and weight of your dog. Take our quick quiz to find your pooch’s perfect food!

 

Keep your hound healthy with these preventative tips:


Feed a balanced diet

The best food for a Rottweiler is a vet recommended, high-protein dog food that meets their nutritional needs and fuels them for all their activities. Our Primal Wild Boar & Lamb Dry Food is good for optimal muscle growth, immune strength, and a glossy coat. You should also consider adding natural supplements to their diet such as Salmon Oil, which helps to boost your pet’s physical and mental health.


Prevent bloat

These pooches are prone to bloating and developing GDV, so make sure to space food and exercise an hour apart, and keep their food bowl on the floor as opposed to being elevated. 


Protect their joints

To help keep the hip and elbow dysplasia at bay, consider a Joint Care Dry Food, or add Joint Tablets to their diet as an extra preventative measure. Also, puppies should never be over exercised while they’re still developing. 


Monitor weight

A healthy male Rottweiler should weigh 43–58 kg, while a full grown female Rottweiler should weigh 36–45 kg. Being a large breed, it takes a while for these dogs to fully mature and reach their full size. Rottweilers stop growing in height at around one year old, but it can take two to three years to reach their full weight. 


Say no to table scraps

Their pleading puppy dog eyes might be hard to resist, but it’s important these dogs aren’t over indulged. Carrying extra weight can increase the risk of joint issues and reduce their quality of life. For rotund Rottweilers, consider this Slim & Slender Dry Food that’s good for weight management. 


Protect their skin & coat

For Rotties suffering from allergies, you might want to consider a daily care supplement like our Bionic Biotic, or feed them hypoallergenic dog food. 


Exercise regularly

These athletic dogs need a lot of exercise each day to burn off energy, stay trim, and prevent boredom kicking in. 


Look after their eyes

Regular eye tests can detect early signs of corneal ulcers, and a balanced diet rich in omega-3s (found in fish) can help support eye health. 


Take them to the vet

It might not be their favourite place in the world but regular check-ups with a vet can help identify potential health issues early on.


Always speak to your vet about the best course of action in treating health problems in your dog.

 

Living Conditions

Take a look at the Rottweiler’s dream home.

Type of owner? Active individuals, couples, and families with older children that have prior dog-ownership experience and can dedicate time to exercise and training.
Outdoor space? A large, secure back garden is essential, along with regular access to country walks and the great outdoors.
Adaptability? They’re not suited to living in small apartments due to their size and energy levels, but they can adapt to city life if they have outdoor space and are given enough exercise.
Multi-pet home? They can potentially live with another dog or cat if they’ve been raised together or thoroughly socialised and trained, but they might not tolerate dogs of the same sex.

 

Rottweiler Vs Doberman: Which one’s right for me?

Rottweilers and Dobermans share many traits – they’re both intelligent, loyal, and protective breeds that need experienced owners to become well-mannered pooches. However, there are some key differences. Rottweilers are powerful, calm, and dependable, making them excellent guardians and family companions. They tend to be more laid-back and appreciate homes with structure and steady affection.

On the other hand, Dobermans are sleek, energetic, and highly alert, thriving in active households where they can expel their boundless energy. Both breeds require consistent training, socialisation, and mental stimulation to reach their full potential. Whether you’re drawn to the Rottweiler’s steady demeanor or the Doberman’s athletic drive, both offer their unwavering devotion to the right owner.


Is the Rottweiler a Bully breed?

No, Rottweilers are not classified as Bully breeds. The term ‘Bully breed’ typically refers to dogs that descend from crosses between ancient Bulldogs and a variety of Terriers, and has nothing to do with temperament. Rottweilers have their roots in Roman mastiff-like dogs used for herding and guarding. Despite misconceptions, a well-trained Rottweiler is a loyal and loving companion.



Cost of Ownership

The unconditional love of a Rottweiler is priceless, but there are costs to consider if you plan to own one. 


How much is a Rottweiler puppy?

The cost of a Rottweiler is anywhere between £600 and £1,500. The price you pay will depend on the breeder or private seller, and the pedigree of the dog. The total monthly cost for owning a Rottweiler can be as high as £160, depending on food and insurance levels. 


Set up costs

Primary vaccines in the UK cost between £40-£70 on average, but this depends where you live and the vets you choose. You’ll also need equipment such as a lead, collar, harness, dog tag (this is a legal requirement), bedding, food bowls, toys, and a crate if you’re crate training. If you decide to neuter your pup, the cost of the operation ranges from £110 to £300, and is usually done between six and 12 months old. Spaying costs can be higher and you should always talk to your vet about the best time to have this procedure done.


Ongoing costs

When it comes to food, these pooches need a high quality dog food packed with vitamins and natural ingredients. This can cost anywhere between £40-£120 per month. On top of this, you’ll also have booster vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and regular accessories like poop bags to buy.


Insurance costs

It’s highly recommended to purchase pet insurance for your Rottweiler, should anything happen. The exact cost of insurance is based on your location, your dog’s age, breed, medical history and the type of cover you choose. Pet insurance prices vary wildly so always compare to get the right protection. (The average annual cost to insure a Rottweiler without any pre-existing conditions is around £715. This might sound a lot but you can’t put a price on peace of mind.)



Fun Rottweiler Facts and Trivia

Get to know the Rottie even more with these interesting tidbits and tales!


  • The breed gets its name from the German town of Rottweil, which was a hub for livestock trading during the Middle Ages and the place where these dogs truly flourished.

 

  • Ever wondered if Rottweilers are banned in the UK? While Rotties can be standoffish or even hostile towards strangers, they’re not a banned breed, and neither are they inherently aggressive. They’re vigilant, watchful, and protective of their family, but any aggression is down to poor breeding and/or a lack of training and socialisation. Well-bred and well-trained Rotties are calm and confident, preferring to observe situations from a distance instead of mindlessly attacking.

 

  • Rottweilers are exceptional employees! They make fantastic police dogs, therapy dogs, and are even employed in search and rescue. A Rottie named Gunner received a hero award from the American Kennel Club for his life-saving efforts at the World Trade Centre attack in New York.

 

  • Rottweilers faced extinction when railroads were introduced in the 1800s. Transporting cattle by train was more effective, and these dogs found themselves out of a job. As such, their numbers dwindled, but thankfully their intelligence and strength were put to use working as police dogs.

 

  • Rottweilers might look like they’re all muscle and no brain, but they’re incredibly intelligent dogs. In the book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’, Rottweilers rank 9th!

 

  • The Rottweiler’s bite force is a whopping 328 pounds per square inch (PSI), which is enough to break bone and cause serious damage. They have the 5th strongest bite force in the dog world, but they’ll typically only use their jaws if a loved one is threatened.

 

  • You can get Rottweiler cross breeds. A few of these include the Rottweiler Labrador cross, called a Rottador, the Rottweiler German Shepherd cross, called a Shepweiler, and a Rottweiler Boxer mix, called a Boxweiler.



History and Origin

Rottweilers have a rich history that dates back to ancient Rome, where their ancestors were huge mastiff-like cattle dogs called Molossers. These sturdy, dependable dogs accompanied Roman armies on their conquests, herding livestock to feed the troops and guarding valuable supplies. Their strength, intelligence, and protective nature made them invaluable companions on the road.  


As the Roman Empire spread across Europe, these dogs travelled with them, eventually settling in what is now southern Germany. In the market town of Rottweil, they truly made a name for themselves. Known as Rottweiler Metzgerhund or Butcher’s Dogs of Rottweil, these hardworking pups were used to drive cattle to market and pull carts loaded with meat and goods. Their loyalty and protective instincts also made them ideal guardians of the butcher’s money, which was often tied in pouches around their sturdy necks to deter any pesky bandits. 


When modern transportation took over in the 19th century, the need for drover dogs declined, and the Rottweiler’s numbers dwindled. However, their versatility and work ethic soon found new purpose in police, military, and search-and-rescue roles. Today, Rottweilers are beloved worldwide not just for their impressive history but for their enduring loyalty, intelligence, and courage.  


From Roman battlefields to family living rooms, Rottweilers have proven themselves time and time again as strong, reliable companions with a heart as big as their history.



Choosing a Puppy or Dog


Before you bring a new furry friend into your life, you need to know you’re getting it from a reputable source. To help you navigate this decision, here are some essential tips for buying or adopting a Rottweiler. 

 

1. Research the breed. Rottweilers are large dogs that need a lot of socialisation, training, and exercise, and benefit from an experienced owner. Make sure you have the means to care for this breed.

2. Ask potential breeders for references from previous customers, veterinarians, or other breeders. This will help you get an idea of their reputation and the health of their dogs.

3. Beware of scammers. A genuine seller will never ask for money upfront before seeing the dogs, and will always offer for you to see them in person before making a commitment. Also be wary if the price is significantly cheaper than other listings. 

4. Always visit the breeder in person to see the mother with her Rottweiler puppies and to check the environment. A responsible breeder or seller will never release the pups before they’re eight week olds. 

5. Watch out for people who breed multiple breeds at once. This is a sign they might not have the expertise on Rottweilers and don’t prioritise their dogs’ health.

6. A reputable breeder will provide a health guarantee for your puppy, including paperwork about their lineage, vaccinations and microchipping.


When adopting a Rottweiler, research the shelter to ensure they’re a reputable rescue organisation, and meet with their adoption specialist to discuss your lifestyle, needs and dog ownership experience. Rotties in shelters may have complex medical conditions or be quite senior, so you’ll need to ensure you have the time, love and dedication to give them a happy fur-ever home. 

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