Rottweiler – The Intelligent and Calm Police Dog

The Rottweiler, also known as Rotti, is an ancient German breed with a large, muscular build. It is commonly trained as a police dog and a guard dog due to its strength and intelligence.

Originating from Germany, the Rottweiler is a powerful, disciplined, and highly loyal breed. It is often used in law enforcement and protection work. However, Rottweilers also have an aggressive instinct and a bite force of up to 136 kg (stronger than a Pitbull), making it important to carefully consider whether this dog breed is suitable as a pet.

If you want to learn more about the Rottweiler, continue reading this detailed article below!

Where Did the Rottweiler Breed Originate?

Purebred German Rottweiler Mother and Puppy

The Rottweiler is an ancient breed originating from Germany, first bred in the city of Rottweil, Württemberg, in the 1800s. The breed was named after this city, which was known for its livestock trade.

The ancestors of the Rottweiler were the Molosser dogs of Ancient Rome, large and powerful dogs used for guarding military camps, herding cattle, and pulling carts.

By 1910, the Rottweiler was officially recognized as a police dog, trained for search and rescue, protection, and even as guide dogs for the blind.

Today, thanks to its large build, intelligence, bravery, and loyalty, the Rottweiler is not only a police and working dog but has also become a popular family pet.

How Many Types of Rottweilers Are There?

There are several ways to classify Rottweilers, but the most common method is by origin. Let’s explore some of the most popular types of Rottweilers today.

German Rottweiler (German-Bred Rottweiler)

Image of a German Rottweiler

The German Rottweiler is a purebred Rottweiler that meets the standards of the Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler Klub (ADRK), the German Rottweiler Association. These dogs have the following characteristics:

• Large, muscular build
• Broad head, wide forehead, and short muzzle
• Calm, loyal temperament
• Strong protective instincts, but not aggressive if properly trained

American Rottweiler

American Rottweiler with a More Compact Build

The American Rottweiler was developed in the United States for use as a sporting dog, police dog, and guard dog. It has the following key characteristics:

• More compact size compared to the German Rottweiler
• Smaller head, longer muzzle, and less muscle mass
• More energetic and active than the German breed

Serbian Rottweiler

Image of a Serbian Rottweiler

The Serbian Rottweiler is a variant of the Rottweiler breed developed in Serbia. It is larger and more robust compared to the standard Rottweiler breeds. Key characteristics include:

• The largest Rottweiler type, bigger than both the German and American Rottweiler
• Highly muscular with a massive build
• Broad muzzle, large head, and a more intimidating appearance

Physical Appearance of a Rottweiler

Appearance of Purebred Rottweilers

Let’s take a closer look at the distinctive physical traits of a purebred Rottweiler to see what makes this breed so special.

Key Physical Characteristics of a Rottweiler

• Height: Males: 61 - 69 cm, Females: 56 - 63 cm
• Weight: Males: 50 - 60 kg, Females: 35 - 48 kg
• Head: Large, round, short muzzle with an incredibly strong bite force of up to 136 kg (300 psi).
• Eyes: Almond-shaped, dark brown, intelligent-looking.
• Ears: Triangular, floppy, positioned on the sides of the head.
• Neck: Strong and muscular, with no loose skin or sagging.
• Chest: Deep and broad.
• Back: Straight, without any arching or sagging.
• Hips: Short but very powerful.
• Tail: Moderate in length, slightly curved.
• Legs: Straight, muscular, well-defined with compact, round paws and thick paw pads.
• Coat: Short, dense, and coarse.
• Coat Color: Black with tan markings on the legs, chest, cheeks, eyebrows, and under the tail.
• Lifespan: 10 - 12 years.

Temperament of the Rottweiler

Rottweilers Are Extremely Loyal and Calm in Any Situation

Let’s explore some of the defining personality traits of the Rottweiler, which make it such a beloved breed.

Key Temperament Traits of the Rottweiler

1. Absolute Loyalty

• Rottweilers are incredibly loyal and are always ready to protect their owner and family.
• They love being close to their owners and participating in family activities.
• If left chained or isolated, Rottweilers can develop negative behavioral traits.

2. Strong Protective Instincts

• Bred as a guard dog, the Rottweiler has an innate drive to protect its owner and territory.
• It is highly alert around strangers and resistant to bribery or deception.
• If it senses danger, it will growl, bark loudly, or attack to ward off threats.

3. Naturally Calm and Composed

• Unlike many breeds, Rottweilers do not bark excessively—they only bark when necessary or to warn of potential threats.
• They are patient and gentle with children, often tolerating playful teasing without reacting aggressively.
• If they feel overwhelmed, they will calmly walk away instead of lashing out.

4. Highly Disciplined

• Originally bred for police, military, and protection work, Rottweilers have strong focus and discipline.
• They can work for long hours without losing concentration.

5. Fearless and Brave

• As a police and protection dog, the Rottweiler is naturally courageous.
• It does not easily back down from threats and is always ready to face challenges head-on.

How to Care for a Rottweiler

Image of a Rottweiler in Training

Rottweilers do not require excessive grooming, but proper care and training are essential. Below is a detailed guide on how to care for your Rottweiler, including nutrition, health, exercise, and hygiene.

Proper Nutrition for Rottweilers

Rottweilers need a balanced diet rich in protein and essential nutrients to maintain muscle mass and overall health.

Recommended Foods for Rottweilers

• Protein (50-60%) – Beef, chicken, pork, fish, eggs, organ meats.
• Carbohydrates (20-30%) – Grains, sweet potatoes, pumpkin.
• Fats (10-15%) – Fish oil, animal fat.
• Vitamins & Minerals – Vegetables, fruits.
• Supplements – Vitamin D, calcium, glucosamine for joint health.

Foods to Avoid

• Chocolate, sweets, and sugary foods.
• Onions, garlic (toxic to dogs).
• Sharp bones (can cause choking or internal injuries).
• Fatty, spicy, or heavily seasoned food.

Feeding Schedule by Age

Health Care for Rottweilers

To ensure your Rottweiler stays healthy and disease-free, focus on vaccinations, deworming, and routine check-ups.

• Vaccinations: Essential shots such as 5-in-1, 7-in-1, and rabies vaccine.
• Deworming: 1-2 times per year (consult your vet).
• Regular Vet Checkups: At least twice a year.
• Observe for symptoms: Loss of appetite, fatigue, weight loss, limping—seek veterinary care if needed.

Exercise & Training Plan for Rottweilers

Rottweilers require daily exercise and structured training to stay fit, mentally stimulated, and obedient.

• Daily walk or jog: At least 1 hour per day.
• Strength training: Tire pulling, weighted running.
• Early socialization: Expose to people and other pets early to reduce aggression.
• Basic obedience training: Potty training, sit, stay, no jumping on people.
• Strict but positive training: Use reward-punishment techniques for effective discipline.

Grooming & Hygiene for Rottweilers

Rottweilers do not shed year-round, but they shed heavily twice a year. Proper grooming during this time is essential.

• Daily brushing: During shedding season to remove excess fur and dirt.
• Bathing: Twice a month using dog-friendly shampoo.
• Eye & ear cleaning: Regularly wipe eye discharge and clean ears.
• Nail trimming: When nails get too long to prevent injury.

Ideal Living Environment for Rottweilers

Rottweilers need ample space to move and play freely.

• Not suitable for small apartments or condos.
• Spacious, clean, and well-ventilated living area.
• Avoid chaining 24/7—they need free time to play to prevent stress.

Common Health Issues in Rottweilers & Prevention

Rottweilers Are Prone to Joint Problems Due to Their Large Size

Rottweilers are susceptible to certain hereditary diseases as well as health issues caused by diet and environmental factors. Below are some common health problems in Rottweilers and how to prevent and treat them effectively.

1. Joint Problems

Rottweilers are highly prone to joint diseases such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, which can be genetic or caused by external factors.

• Causes: Genetics, obesity, lack of calcium and glucosamine.
• Symptoms: Limping, difficulty standing or sitting, reluctance to move.
• Prevention & Treatment: Ensure healthy lineage when buying a puppy, Supplement diet with calcium and glucosamine, Regular vet checkups for early detection.

2. Intestinal Infections (Parvo, Canine Distemper – Carre Disease)

Young Rottweilers under 6 months old are at high risk of severe intestinal infections if they are not fully vaccinated.

• Causes: Poor hygiene, virus attacks on the digestive system.
• Symptoms: Loss of appetite, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, seizures, potential paralysis.
• Prevention & Treatment: Vaccinate fully (5-in-1, 7-in-1 shots), Maintain a hygienic and nutritious diet, Disinfect living areas regularly, Seek immediate veterinary care for severe symptoms.

3. Skin Infections & Allergies

Rottweilers are prone to skin diseases if their body and living area are not properly cleaned.

• Causes: Food allergies, fleas, ticks, mites.
• Symptoms: Itchiness, frequent scratching, patchy hair loss, red rashes, bad odor.
• Prevention & Treatment: Maintain proper hygiene for the dog and its living space, Use flea and tick spray regularly, Apply medication as prescribed by a veterinarian.

Rottweiler Reproduction & Breeding

Rottweiler Mother and Puppies

If you're interested in the breeding and reproduction process of Rottweilers, follow the details below to gain valuable experience and knowledge.

When Can Rottweilers Start Breeding?

• Rottweilers reach sexual maturity between 6 - 12 months, but the ideal breeding age is 18 - 24 months.
• Female Rottweilers go into heat twice a year, approximately 6 months apart.

Rottweiler Mating Process

• Choose a healthy male Rottweiler with a clear pedigree.
• Allow the mating process to happen naturally.
• After mating, avoid intense physical activities to ensure successful conception.

Rottweiler Pregnancy

• Pregnancy lasts about 58 - 65 days (roughly 2 months).
• Rottweilers can give birth from the 9th week onwards.
• Ultrasound check-ups are recommended during pregnancy.
• Provide proper nutrition, including: Increased protein intake., Supplements with calcium, omega-3, and vitamins A, D, and E.
• Avoid strenuous exercise—only light walks are recommended.

Rottweiler Birth Process

• Prepare a whelping box using a wooden crate lined with soft bedding, placed in a quiet area.
• Keep newborn puppies warm immediately after birth.
• Puppies are born 20 - 60 minutes apart.
• If the mother struggles to give birth for more than an hour or experiences excessive bleeding, seek immediate veterinary assistance.

How Much Does a Rottweiler Cost?

The Price of a Purebred Rottweiler Can Reach Up to $3,000

If you're looking to buy a Rottweiler, check out the price list below for reference:

Things to Consider When Buying a Rottweiler

• Avoid buying "cheap" Rottweilers online—a purebred Rottweiler is never inexpensive.
• Always check documents & pedigree before purchasing.
• Only buy from reputable breeders and pet stores.
• Rottweilers are not for everyone—they require an experienced owner.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rottweilers

Are Rottweilers Aggressive?

Rottweilers have an extremely strong bite force—even stronger than a Pitbull. According to a Dogacademy study (2005-2017), Rottweilers were responsible for 45 fatal attacks. While they are typically calm and loyal, they can become dangerous if not trained properly.

Where Can I Buy a Rottweiler in Ho Chi Minh City?

If you’re in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC, Vietnam) and looking for a Rottweiler, check out reputable stores like AZPet, Mật Pet Family, and other licensed breeders.

How Much Does a Vietnam-Bred Rottweiler Puppy Cost?

A locally bred Rottweiler puppy in Vietnam costs between 7 - 20 million VND ($280 - $800 USD), depending on whether it has official pedigree papers.

Is It Okay to Buy a Mixed-Breed Rottweiler (F1 Hybrid)?

If a purebred Rottweiler is out of your budget, you can consider Rottweiler hybrids, such as:

• Rottweiler x Husky
• Rottweiler x German Shepherd (GSD)
• Rottweiler x Doberman
• Rottweiler x Phu Quoc Dog

Rottweiler x Pitbull

These hybrids often retain the Rottweiler's strength and intelligence while having unique appearances and temperaments.

Stunning & Powerful Rottweiler Photos

Below, we have compiled some amazing Rottweiler images—whether you’re looking for a cute puppy or a fierce guard dog, enjoy these stunning photos!

Super cute photo of a Rotti puppy eating an apple

A purebred adult Rottweiler

Rottweilers Have Strong, Powerful Jaws

We hope that the information provided by giongcho.org has given you a comprehensive understanding of the Rottweiler breed.

While Rottweilers are beautiful and loyal, they may not be suitable for every family. It’s essential to carefully consider whether this strong, protective breed is the right fit for you before making the decision to own one.

Don’t forget! Our Blog section features many other unique dog breeds—feel free to explore and learn more!