| Height | 24-27 inches (male), 22-25 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 95-135 pounds (male), 80-100 pounds (female) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 9–10+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Loyal / Loving / Confident Guardian [1] |
| AKC group | Working Group [1] |
| Origin | Germany [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 8 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
Rottweilers love swimming, walking, and trotting, especially with their people. The breed is muscular and athletic, and should have the opportunity to exercise on a daily basis. If there are jobs to do, Rottweilers learn easily to cart and are excellent workers in herding, tracking, and obedience. [1]
Grooming
The Rottweiler has a straight, coarse, medium-length outer coat that lies flat. The undercoat is present on the neck and thighs. He should be brushed weekly and bathed regularly. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Before breeding, responsible Rottweiler breeders have potential sires and dams tested for health problems such as hip dysplasia, a malformation of the hip joint that can be detected via X-ray; eye diseases and heart conditions. Cancer sometimes occurs in the breed, as in all dogs. David Waters, Ph.D., DVM, of the Gerald P. Murphy Cancer Foundation, has done research focused on cancer prevention funded by the Rottweiler Health Foundation. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Cardiac Exam, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis & Polyneuropathy (JLPP) - DNA Test. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a giant dog (median $607) | $350 – $1,373 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Rottweiler in 1931. [1]
- It ranked No. 8 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 9 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Rottie.” [1]
- The AKC lists Germany as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC includes it in its “Smartest Breeds of Dogs, Best Guard Dogs” breed lists. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 5/5)
Common questions
How long do Rottweilers live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 9-10 years.
How big does a Rottweiler get?
AKC breed information lists height 24-27 inches (male), 22-25 inches (female) and weight 95-135 pounds (male), 80-100 pounds (female).
How much are vet bills for a Rottweiler?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For giant dogs like the Rottweiler, a typical vet bill runs $350 – $1,373 (median $607). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.