Rottweiler Puppies for Sale

Spring 2025

The Rottweiler is a breed of antiquity with roots that go back to the ancient Roman army dogs. Long before the MRE (Meal, Ready-to-Eat) or refrigeration, large armies would bring along their own living food sources to feed the hungry soldiers while on an excursion. Large, durable Mastiff-type dogs were employed to drive, herd, and protect the livestock. As the armies continued and the food source would dwindle, the dogs would be left behind. As the empire fanned out, they covered much of Europe. Around A.D. 74, the main passage over the Alps was Gotthard’s Pass, which leads into modern-day southern Germany. Due to this likely route, it is believed that these dogs also influenced many Swiss mountain breeds, such as the Swiss mountain and cattle dogs. Once over the Alps, the armies infiltrated the German town of Rottweil. There, many of these dogs were left and utilized by the Roman army as well as locals for the next 200 years. The town of Rottweil became known as the European cattle epicenter and remained so over the next 1800 years. There, the large dogs assisted cattle herdsmen and butchers and became known as the Rottweil Metzgerhunds, or “butcher’s dogs.” They were employed to guard, herd, and drive cattle, as well as pull carts of meat and milk to market. To ensure the safety of their earnings upon the dogs’ return, the butchers would tie the money around their dogs’ necks in the event someone would try to rob them.

Over time, long after the Roman armies left, progress began to change the European cattle industry. As the train robbed the Rottweiler’s ancestors of their primary purpose, their numbers began to decline. In fact, the numbers dwindled so dramatically that only one Rottweiler was entered into the 1882 Heilbronn dog show. It wasn’t until World War I that the breed’s numbers and demand returned. The need for strong, intelligent working dogs for police and military led to the revival of the Rottweil dogs. The Rottweiler, like his ancestors, found himself serving his country once more as a messenger, draft dog, guard dog, and ambulatory dog through the first and second World Wars.

Despite his service and utility, it wasn’t until 1914 that the first Rottweiler club, the Deutscher Rottweiler Klub (DRK) was established. In 1921, the Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler Klub (ADRK) was formed from several other organizations. Today, the ADRK is recognized as the officiating club of the German Rottweiler breed.

The Rottweiler dog has become an international favorite. His popularity peaked in the mid-1990s, and the breed remains one of the most popular and easily recognized dog breeds today. The modern Rottweilers are still used as guard dogs, but they are also used as police dogs and therapy dogs. Today, the breed is renowned across the world for its intelligence and trainability.

Moderate in size, oval to almond in shape, and medium to dark brown. Their eyes may be slightly obliquely set. The eye rims are well-fitted and well-pigmented. The eyes are never rounded or bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. Any signs of entropion or ectropion are incorrect for this breed.

A Rottweiler is a medium to large dog. Just remember, that cute little puppy will grow into an adult that is about 22 to 27 inches high with an average weight of between 90 to 135 pounds. That’s a lot of dog, and most of it is muscle. The Rottweiler possesses great strength and has a broad, deep chest. It lives for about 10 to 12 years.

Rottweilers have short, coarse hair and should be brushed about twice a week. Brushing encourages the growth of new, healthy hair and removes older hair that is ready to shed. Brushing also allows you to bond with your Rottweiler. Beginning this regimen while your pet is a puppy is an excellent way to begin a close, trusting relationship.

Rottweilers are prone to obesity. It is important that your Rottweiler gets enough exercise and eats a healthy diet.

The Rottweiler is an intelligent dog. They are strong, powerful, and fearless, making them good watchdogs. The Rottweiler is an extremely loyal dog and will instinctively guard his family and territory.

With the right training, the Rottweiler is a wonderful companion. But without continued socialization, companionship, supervision, and obedience training a Rottweiler can be too much dog for many households.

The breed is considered a working dog and guardian, and it is believed to be a descendant of the herding drover dogs of the ancient Romans. This is a breed that needs a job to be happy. They do well as police dogs and therapy dogs. You have to keep a Rottweiler entertained with physical activities, especially walks, exercise, and outdoor activity. Without these needed distractions, a bored Rottweiler may become destructive.

With Rottweilers it is important to remember that they need extensive and continuous socialization to be good family companions. Training should start as a puppy, as early as six weeks of age.

Rottweilers have a reputation for being a dangerous dog, but this dog will only become vicious if it is trained to be that way. Still, certain regions have passed legislation banning this breed; so make sure to check for local regulations before you purchase a Rottweiler. In addition to legal regulations, you may also have trouble getting renting a home or getting a homeowners insurance policy if you own a Rottweiler.