Whether you’re a first-time owner or a lifelong pet person, this is your happy place. Pick your pet, meet the breed, and pick up care tips, fun facts and the right food to keep them thriving.
- 1Choose your pet
- 2Choose a breed
- 3Meet your pet
Dog breed guide
Rottweiler
A confident, loyal protector with a soft side.
- OriginGermany
- SizeLarge, 35 to 60 kg
- Lifespan8 to 10 years
- EnergyModerate to high
- GroomingLow, weekly brush
About the breed
Named after the German town of Rottweil, these strong dogs drove cattle to market and guarded the butchers' money on the way home. They have since been used in police, search and rescue and service work.
Personality
Calm, confident and devoted to their people. They can be aloof with strangers and need firm, kind training and early socialisation.
Care tips
Exercise
An hour or more a day of walking, play and training to keep mind and body busy.
Grooming
A short double coat. Brush weekly and more often during seasonal shedding.
Health
Watch for hip and elbow dysplasia, heart problems and weight gain. Keeping them lean protects their joints.
Recommended food
A quality large-breed formula, fed in measured portions. Growing puppies do best on a large-breed puppy food that supports steady growth, and split meals help digestion.
Fun facts
- Rottweilers once pulled carts for butchers in Germany.
- Many have a habit of leaning their whole weight against you for a cuddle.
- They do best with experienced, consistent owners.
This guide is general information to help you get started. It isn’t a substitute for advice from your vet, who knows your animal best.