Technically a "medium / large" breed, according to the FCI standard the Rottweiler stands 61 to 68 cm (24-27 inches) at the withers for males, and 56 to 62.5 cm (22-25 inches) for females, and the average weight is 50 kg (110 pounds) for males and 42 kg (93 pounds) for females.
Weight: Male ≈50 kg (110 pounds)
Female: ≈42 kg (93 pounds)
Height: Male 61 to 68 cm (24-27 inches)
Female: 56 to 63 cm (22-25 inches)
Litter size: average 8 to 12 although larger litters are known
According to the FCI Standard, the Rottweiler is good-natured, placid in basic disposition and fond of children, he is very devoted, obedient, biddable and eager to work. His appearance is natural and rustic, his behaviour self assured, steady and fearless. He reacts to his surroundings with great alertness.
The American Kennel Club says he is basically a calm, confident and courageous dog with a self-assured aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships. A Rottweiler is self-confident and responds quietly and with a wait-and-see attitude to influences in his environment. He has an inherent desire to protect home and family, and is an intelligent dog of extreme hardness and adaptability with a strong willingness to work, making him especially suited as a companion, guardian and general all-purpose dog.
Rottweilers are a powerful breed with well developed genetic herding and guarding instincts. As with any breed, potentially dangerous behaviour in Rottweilers usually results from irresponsible ownership, abuse, neglect, or lack of socialization and training. Inherent breed characteristics are not a factor.
The breed has received some negative publicity. In the US, in a report by the CDC, the Rottweiler was listed as the second most likely breed of dog named in fatal human attacks, following pitbulls. The report acknowledges that the broad popularity of the breed may contribute to high numbers of fatalities, but suggests Rottweilers are still disproportionately represented in attack figures. Breed-specific bite rates are not known, and less responsible owners being drawn to certain breeds may be a factor. American insurance company Allstate (depending on the state) may not insure homes with Rottweilers as well as Pit Bulls, Boxers, Akitas, Chow Chows, Dobermans, or wolf hybrids.
The portrayal of Rottweilers as evil dogs in several fictional films and TV series, most notably in The Omen, and negative press has added to their negative publicity. This has led to Rottweilers being banned in some municipalities and are sometimes targeted as dangerous dogs by legislation, such as in the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal and the Republic of Ireland. However, the Dutch law has since been changed as of 2008. On the other hand, not all mainstream media has portrayed the breed in a negative light: for example, a gentler side of the Rottweiler's personality was observed in the movie Lethal Weapon 3 where a Rottweiler guarding a gun smuggling operation was placated by the main character, played by Mel Gibson, with dog treats. The dog was subsequently rescued and de facto adopted by the protagonist. Also, in the HBO series Entourage a rottweiler is a dear pet of the main characters.
The Rottweiler is a relatively hardy breed, that can live an average lifespan of about 8 to 12 years with the proper care and nutrition that it requires. But, one must be aware of the potential health concerns that do surround the breed.
Rottweilers are prone to having serious diseases mainly relating to the hips, such as Hip Dysplasia.
But, other common health concerns may include:
• Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis (SAS)
• Elbow dysplasia
• Osteosarcoma
Rottweilers can also encounter other health concerns such as hypothyroidism and gastric torsion (bloat), as well as various allergies including food and sking allergies..
As a large breed dog, Rottweilers should have their hips, elbows, heart, and eyes, tested by a veterinarian, especially before choosing to breed them.
You may, also, consider having a DNA test performed in order to screen for von Willebrand's disease (vWD).
