Rottweiler
Male: approximately 50 kg; Female: approximately 42 kg
Male: 61-68 cm; Female: 56-63 cm
8-10 years
Germany
About the Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is a powerful, robust breed characterized by its immense strength and unwavering loyalty. Descended from ancient Roman drover dogs, this breed settled in the German town of Rottweil, where it earned its reputation as a versatile working dog capable of herding, guarding, and pulling heavy loads. Today, they are prized as dedicated family guardians who combine a formidable presence with a gentle, affectionate nature toward their inner circle. Physically, the Rottweiler is a picture of balance and endurance. They are slightly longer than they are tall, possessing a deep chest and a muscular frame that allows for great power without sacrificing agility. Their intelligence and eagerness to work make them exceptional candidates for advanced training, though they require a confident owner who can provide consistent guidance and early socialization to ensure they remain well-adjusted members of the community.
Breed Standard
Key characteristics from the breed standard
In the show ring, the Rottweiler is defined by an aura of immense power and controlled energy. Their movement is a hallmark of the breed: a rhythmic, ground-covering trot that shows no effort, with a strong drive from the hindquarters and a steady topline. The skull is broad between the ears, the muzzle deep, and the 'stop' well-defined, giving them a noble, thoughtful expression.
In Australia
The first Rottweiler was imported into Australia and registered in 1962. This 1962 import marked the beginning of the breed's growth in Australia as both a show dog and a companion, according to The Rottweiler Club of Victoria Inc.
Bred For
Originally used by the Romans as drover dogs to herd livestock, the breed later became known as the 'Rottweil Butcher's Dog,' used for herding cattle and pulling carts laden with meat to market.
Temperament
Confident, courageous, calm, and devoted. They possess an inherent desire to protect their home and family but remain composed and intelligent in their reactions.
Health Conditions Reported in the Breed
Hip and , (), (heart condition), (), and a predisposition to certain cancers such as Osteorcoma.
Exercise Needs
Requires substantial daily exercise including long walks, jogging, or hiking, coupled with mental stimulation through obedience training or scent work (at least 60-90 minutes daily).
Grooming Needs
Low maintenance; requires weekly brushing to remove dead hair and occasional bathing. Regular nail trimming and ear cleaning are essential.
Living Suitability
Suited to homes with a medium to large securely fenced yard. While they are calm indoors, their size and activity needs generally make them unsuitable for small apartment living.
Good with Kids
Generally good with children in their own family, especially when raised with them. Due to their size and strength, supervision is recommended, particularly with toddlers.
Good with Other Pets
Can be wary of strange dogs but often thrives with other household pets if socialized early. Their heritage as a herding/guarding dog means they may display dominant tendencies toward same-sex dogs.
Trainability
Highly intelligent and eager to work. They respond best to firm, fair, and reward-based training. They require a 'job' to stay mentally satisfied.
Coat & Colours
Medium-length, coarse, flat, and weather-resistant double coat.. Black with clearly defined markings of a rich tan or mahogany on the cheeks, muzzle, throat, chest, and legs.
Exercise needs vary by age, fitness, health, weather and individual temperament. Consult your veterinarian for an exercise plan appropriate for your dog.
Things to Consider
Every breed has its quirks — here's what to know
Rottweilers are predisposed to Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (bloat), a life-threatening condition; feeding smaller, frequent meals and avoiding exercise immediately after eating is a vital precaution. They are also more likely to develop hip and elbow dysplasia, so maintaining a lean weight via a fresh food diet is crucial to protect their joints. This breed is known for 'leaning' on their owners for affection—a charming quirk that requires a sturdy stance from their humans! While they are moderate shedders, they do experience seasonal 'blow coats' that require extra brushing. Owners should be aware of a tendency toward drooling, especially after drinking or when food is present. Because of their strong guarding instincts, consistent socialization throughout their life is essential to ensure they remain confident and friendly when meeting new people. They may also be sensitive to certain grain fillers found in commercial diets, which can manifest as skin irritations or 'hot spots,' making a clean, fresh-food diet an excellent preventative choice.
Feeding Guide for Your Rottweiler
Healthy Weight
Male: 45-54 kg; Female: 35-48 kg
Daily Feeding Amount (general starting estimate)
1050g - 1500g
A fresh, raw diet is highly beneficial for maintaining lean muscle and joint integrity. For a typical 42-50kg adult, feed approximately 1050g to 1250g of fresh food daily, split into two meals to help mitigate bloat risks.
Feeding quantities are general starting estimates only. Individual needs vary with body condition, weight trends, age, health and activity. Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition — consult a veterinarian for individualised dietary guidance.
Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition. Seek veterinary or qualified canine nutrition guidance for individualised dietary advice. Raw feeding, specific proteins or fresh foods should not be presented as preventing, treating or managing breed health conditions without veterinary diagnosis and supervision.
Majestik's Recommended Feeding Approach
Breed Diet Notes
A high-quality, protein-rich diet focusing on lean meats and healthy fats to support muscle mass and joint health, while carefully managing caloric intake to prevent obesity.
A rotating selection of high-quality proteins such as Beef, Kangaroo, and Lamb provides the essential amino acids needed for this muscular breed. Majestik’s lean Kangaroo is excellent for weight management, while Beef and Lamb provide necessary fats for coat health. Include raw meaty bones like turkey necks or beef brisket for dental hygiene and calcium. Ensure a diverse range of organ meats (liver, kidney, heart) to provide vital fat-soluble vitamins, and add a small portion of leafy greens or fermented vegetables for digestive health.
These are general breed-level notes only. The appropriate food and serving amount depend on the individual dog's age, health, body condition, activity and tolerance.
Majestik Recommendation
Majestik BARF meals follow our practical 70/10/10/10 approach: approximately 70% quality meat and protein ingredients, 10% edible bone, 10% vegetables and 10% offal. This gives customers a convenient fresh-food option without needing to source and portion every ingredient themselves.
Our Beef, Lamb and Roo BARF meals provide convenient fresh-food options, with suitable proteins chosen or rotated according to the individual dog.
Suitable for different needs
- Healthy adult: Majestik adult Beef, Lamb or Roo BARF meal.
- Puppy: Majestik Premium Puppy.
- Senior: Majestik Senior Blend.
- Working or highly active dog: Suitable Majestik adult meal with quantity adjusted to workload and body condition.
- Protein trial: One Majestik protein at a time.
Recommended Majestik BARF Meals
This is a practical starting recommendation for healthy dogs. Individual needs vary with age, health, body condition and activity.
Rottweiler Feeding Calculator
Personalised raw and cooked feeding recommendations based on your dog's profile
Ideal — Ribs palpable without excess fat. Visible waist. Abdominal tuck present.
Have a question about your Rottweiler? Dog Health AI
Why Majestik?
Fresh, raw pet food made with integrity in South Australia
Australian Made
Made in Two Wells, South Australia
Freshly Prepared
Real meat, organs, bone & wholefood ingredients
No Fillers
No cheap fillers or artificial preservatives
Family Owned
Locally owned and operated
Local Delivery
Delivery across Adelaide & selected areas
Secure Checkout
Secure payment via Shopify checkout
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Breed Records & Facts
Average Litter Size
8-12 puppies
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References & Sources
Breed information verified against recognised breed authorities and veterinary evidence.