Rottweilers have an impressive legacy—they worked with the Roman legions in ancient times, and they were counted on to be guardians and helpers. They’re strong, smart, and always ready for dinner (don’t fall for it when they bat their eyes for a second helping, though).
Like a complex TV detective who seems tough at first glance, Rottweilers also have a sensitive side, with a big heart and an even greater need to have a special person to help curtail any separation anxiety. These high-energy pups benefit from a pet parent with the time to train them, and they’re usually a great fit for a family, too.
Rottweiler Appearance
With a stocky build and dark, almond-shaped eyes, the Rottweiler is a medium-large dog with triangular ears that hang naturally next to their cheeks.
Ears:
The Rottweiler's ears are triangular and mid-size.
Eyes:
Their eyes are dark brown, almond-shaped, and deep-set.
Nose:
They have a broad, black nose.
Coat Length:
The Rottweiler has a straight, medium-length coat. They have an undercoat on their neck and thighs, but you won’t see it through their outer coat.
Coat Color:
Rottweilers have black fur with rust, mahogany, or tan markings.
Tail:
While it was once common to dock a Rottweiler tail, nowadays many of these active pups have their long tails intact—just as nature intended. Many groups, including the American Veterinary Medical Association, oppose tail docking, and many countries and U.S. states have banned the practice.
Rottweiler Temperament
Rottweilers are bright pups who can benefit from early training and socialization. They’re easy to train and eager to please—and sometimes so easygoing that they may seem aloof to the outside world. Originally descending from the Mastiffs of the Roman legions, Rottweilers have been valuable companions and working dogs for centuries. They’re just as loyal today as they’ve always been, and pet parents who dedicate the time to training and socializing their new bestie will be rewarded with a lifelong friendship. But the Rottweiler temperament can be a bit needier than most people realize. Their big statue gives them a tough cop persona, but at heart, they’re obsessed with their person and just want to be with them as much as possible. Isolation has a particularly negative affect on these pups, and it can lead to unhealthy behaviors. Because Rottweilers are so strong, it’s important to train and socialize them. It’ll help them thrive (and be polite when guests show up), but it’ll also help them get along with other dogs and young kids, especially since your pup might be several sizes larger than their new friends. (A male Rottie can weigh 130 pounds or more!) Make sure to use positive reinforcement—that is, treats, toys, and praise—when you train them; as with all dogs, negative reinforcement can do a lot more harm than good. One adorable Rottie feature is the way they vocalize. They’re not known for excessive barking (though they will bark now and then), but they do have a deep rumble that sounds almost like a growl, yet it’s not—you can think of it like a cat’s purr. You might hear it when your Rottweiler is particularly content, like during a belly rub.
