Rottweiler: Character, Health, Feeding, Price, and Care

The Rottweiler is a powerful working breed that descends from Roman legionary mastiffs and is brave and strong. The Rottie keeps an eye on the world beyond the home, with a self-assured distance that can dismay strangers. But with family, this dog is devoted and loving, a big softie who may even try to herd you by nudging you in the right direction with his nose.

The Rottweiler's sturdy build and medium size make him versatile enough for many different roles, from watchdog to police K-9 to assistance dog for the disabled. But his large size also makes him unsuitable for small homes and apartments, and his guarding instincts make him inappropriate for families with young children who are not taught how to respect a dog's space.

Owning a Rottweiler is a big responsibility. They are loyal, protective dogs with a lot of character. But they also require a lot of care. In this article, we will discuss the character of the Rottweiler, their health, what they eat, how much they cost, and how to care for them.

What Is a Rottweiler?

The Rottweiler is a large working breed of dog that has its origins in Germany. The breed is descended from Roman mastiffs, and its name comes from the German town of Rottweil, where it was first used for herding cattle. The Rottweiler is still used as a working dog in many different capacities, including a police K-9, search and rescue dog, and assistance dog for the disabled. They are also popular as family pets.

Rottweilers are sturdy, muscular dogs with short, coarse coat that is black with brown markings. They have a broad head, and their ears are floppy and set high on the head.

If you are a new dog owner or considering getting a Rottweiler, it is important to know their temperament and needs. They are sometimes described as "large and in charge" and can be assertive dogs. However, they can be loving and devoted family pets with the right training and socialization.

What Is Rottweiler Size?

Male Rottweilers are usually 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 95 to 130 pounds, while females typically are 22 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder and 85 to 115 pounds. But keep in mind that size can vary within a litter, so your Rottweiler may be on the smaller or larger side of this range.

Rottweiler: Average Lifespan

The average lifespan of a Rottweiler is 10 to 12 years. Some may live as long as 14 years, while others may only live 8 to 10 years. The most important factor in determining a Rottweiler's lifespan is its health.

How to Take Care of Your Rottweiler's Health?

According to the Rottweiler Club, Rottweilers are generally healthy dogs. But like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health conditions. Some of the most common health problems seen in Rottweilers include:

• Elbow and hip dysplasia
• Cancers include lymphoma, bone cancer, liver cancer, and spleen cancer
• Eye problems such as entropion
• Ectropion
• Heart disease
• Weight gain

With proper care, Rottweilers can live long and healthy lives. The best way to take care of your Rottweiler's health is to regularly bring them to the vet for checkups, vaccinations, and screenings. You should also feed them a balanced diet and give them plenty of exercises.

Here are some care tips for Rottweilers that you can follow:

• Rottweilers love companionship, whether it's with people or other dogs. Thanks to their eagerness to learn, they usually respond well to training—mainly when you focus on positive reinforcement.
• Rottweilers are a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming: all they require is a weekly brushing and a weekly or biweekly bath.
• With the exception of two times a year during shedding season, these animals don't lose much hair throughout the rest of the year. During shedding season, though, it will seem like their black and tan hair is everywhere. So, you might want to invest in a good vacuum during these times!
• The Rottweiler is a working breed, which means they have high energy levels and need to be active. Without enough exercise, they may become bored, which can lead to destructive behaviours.
• Rottweilers need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily, and they thrive when they have a job. Some good ways to keep your Rottweiler active include walks, runs, hikes, playing fetch, and going to the dog park.

What to Feed Your Rottweiler?

A Rottweiler's diet should be high in protein and fat and low in carbs. Protein requirements for adult Rottweilers vary depending on their breed, ranging from 22 to 26 percent. They often do well if puppies are fed adult food to prevent rapid growth, which can lead to joint issues in larger breeds.

The best way to ensure your Rottweiler gets the nutrients they need is to feed them commercial dog food specifically designed for large breeds. You should also avoid giving them table scraps, leading to weight gain.

Dogs with food allergies should not eat foods with chemical preservatives such as BHA, BHT, and Ethoxyquin. Additionally, all dogs should avoid consuming high-sodium foods.

How Much Does a Rottweiler Cost?

The average cost of a Rottweiler puppy is $1,450. However, prices can range from $800 to $4,000. The cost of buying a Rottweiler will depend on many factors, including the breeder's reputation, the dog's lineage, whether the dog is pet quality or show quality, and whether the dog is already trained. In addition to the purchase price, there are ongoing costs, such as food, supplies, veterinary care, and grooming. 

Final Thoughts on Rottweiler

When choosing a Rottweiler, it is essential to remember that they are not the right breed for everyone. They require time, energy, and patience to train and socialize properly. They are also a very powerful breed that requires an experienced owner who can handle their strength. However, if you are willing to put in the work, a Rottweiler can be an incredibly loving and loyal companion.