The Rottweiler has a massive, powerful body. Muscular and athletic, it has a broad head and rounded forehead. The muzzle is well-developed with a scissors bite. Its eyes are dark with an expression of goodwill and loyalty. The ears are triangular, carried forward, and its nose is wide and black. The lips are black and inside the mouth it is dark-colored. The tail is customarily docked. Often born with rear dewclaws, these are usually removed when the tail is docked. The coat is short, hard and thick. It is black with brown markings on the cheeks and muzzle, paws and legs. A red color with brown markings also exists. There is a deficiency in the hair gene making the coloring a lighter red. Rottweiler bitches often have large litters; 12 puppies are not uncommon.German Rottweiler vs. American Rottweiler - some claim there are variations of Rotties, the German Rottweiler and the American Rottweiler. German Rotties are said to be shorter, stockier and have a bigger blockier head, and American Rotties are said to be taller and leggier without as blocky a head. Others claim a Rottweiler is a Rottweiler and there is no such thing as a German Rottie. Some who have stated this argument have said, "a German Rottweiler is one born in Germany and an American Rottweiler is born in America." In any case, there are breeders breeding for the German Rottweiler look, which goes outside the AKC standard, while others are breeding for the American Rottweiler look, sticking to, or closer to, the AKC standard.

The Rottweiler can be a very fun loving dog, however he is very powerful and can be serious at times. Early obedience training and socialization is a must. This breed can be very territorial and protective of their family and their environment. Rottweilers can be very intimidating, still retaining an undeserving reputation as a vicious and/or mean dog, however they do extremely well in a family environment.

The Rottweiler has an outer coat that is short, straight, dense and of medium length. The coat should always be coarse to the touch. The undercoat should be present around the neck and thighs. Coat should never be wavy or curly. The Rottweiler has one of the most noticeable coats with the distinct black and bright rust coloring along their legs, underbelly and muzzle.

The Rottweiler has origins that are unknown, however it probably descended from the Italian Mastiff. During the Middle Ages, the Rottweiller was commonly used as a herd dog. The Rottweiler became nearly extinct in the 1800's, but made a wonderful comeback in the early twentieth century by breeders in Stuttgart. The Rottweiler today is used for a variety of things such as tracking, herding, watch dogging, police work, obedience trails, as well as guarding which he does exceptionally well in.

The temperament of the Rottweiler can vary. Some can be very affectionate and somewhat of a clown, while others can be bullies. It is critical that this breed is socialized at an early age. Rottweilers can do well with children if raised around them, but should be supervised around small children due to their sheer size and power. The Rottweiler can do well around other dogs, however can be somewhat combative and can show aggression if not socialized properly as this is a very protective breed of both their family and their territory.

The Rottweiler has a short and glossy coat that is relatively easy to groom. An average shedding breed, brushing with a firm bristle brush regularly should remove any excess hair or dead hairs. Bathing too often will remove the natural oils from the coat and/or skin. Dry shampooing is used by many Rottweiler owners as well as breeders so they are not to remove the essential oils in this breeds coat.

Rottweilers are very eager to earn and will excel if given the opportunity. Obedience training is a must as this breed can become destructive without enough stimulation. A firm and dominant hand must be used when training this powerful breed. The Rottweiler is extremely intelligent and does well in many different sports and trials, but can also be stubborn. Obedience classes are recommended, but not always required.

The Rottweiler should have at least a large sized yard. They aren't really active indoors, so they need plenty of exercise outdoors, off lead preferably. This breed loves long walks and should have at least two long walks per day totaling at least two hours of exercise per day.

If you are looking for Rottweiler puppies for sale from reputable Rottweiler breeders or to adopt a Rottweiler from a Rottweiler rescue then make sure you understand as much about the dog breeds you are interested in as you can. Every puppy breed is different. Begin your research by reading the breed information about the Rottweiler puppy above. Search our dog breeds section to find Rottweiler puppies, dogs and puppies that make great pets.