Rottweiler
RAHT-why-lur
Loyal, Loving, Confident, Protective. Originally bred for driving cattle to market and pulling carts for butchers.
An adult Rottweiler weighs 95-135 lbs (male) or 80-100 lbs (female), needs 1,240-2,450 calories daily, and lives 9-10 yrs. Large breeds need portion control and joint-conscious exercise, especially during growth. The breed's primary health watch is hip dysplasia. All numbers below come from AKC breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Rottweiler needs 1,240 to 2,450 calories per day. An average male (115 lbs / 52.2 kg) needs around 1,900 kcal; a female (90 lbs / 40.8 kg) roughly 1,580 kcal. These estimates use the vet-standard RER/MER formula.
Estimate for a typical adult Rottweiler. For puppies, seniors, or specific activity levels, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
Large breeds face a particular set of health challenges related to their size and growth rate. The Rottweiler typically lives 9-10 yrs. The breed's primary health concerns are hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, which responsible breeders screen for before breeding.
Exercise and activity
Moderate to high; 60+ minutes daily. Rottweilers are versatile working dogs that enjoy pulling, tracking, herding, and obedience. They're more athletic than their stocky build suggests. Working breeds like the Rottweiler were developed for specific physical tasks. They need purposeful activity, not just wandering around a yard. Structured exercise with clear tasks, such as carrying a dog pack on hikes, pulling a cart, or advanced obedience training, satisfies their need to work.
Care and traits
Rottweilers have a short, dense, double coat (black and mahogany/rust) coat. Origin: Germany (Rottweil region).
Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) affects Rottweilers at higher rates than most breeds. Early spay/neuter may increase cancer risk; discuss timing with your vet. Despite their guard-dog reputation, well-bred and well-socialized Rottweilers are calm, confident, and surprisingly goofy at home. They're sometimes called 'leaning dogs' because they lean their full weight against people they love.
Grooming needs are minimal. A weekly brushing to remove loose hair and distribute skin oils is sufficient for most Rottweilers. Bathing is only needed when the dog is noticeably dirty or smelly.
Tools for Rottweiler owners
Frequently asked questions
Daily calorie needs for a Rottweiler range from 1240 to 2450 kcal. A 115-pound individual falls near the middle of that range. Growth-phase nutrition matters enormously for large breeds. Puppies need controlled growth to protect developing joints. Active dogs need more; seniors and less active individuals need less. Use our calorie calculator with your dog's actual weight for a personalized number.
Males typically weigh 95-135 lbs (43.1–61.2 kg). Females run lighter at 80-100 lbs (36.3–45.4 kg). Large breeds carry weight in the midsection and over the ribs. A visible waist from above and a tuck behind the ribs when viewed from the side indicate healthy condition. The best home assessment is the rib test: place your thumbs on the spine and spread your fingers across the ribs. You should feel each rib individually. If you have to press to find them, the dog is carrying extra weight.
For Rottweilers, hip dysplasia tops the list of breed-associated health conditions. Hip dysplasia is a developmental condition where the hip joint doesn't fit together properly. Screening through OFA or PennHIP before breeding is standard practice. In pet dogs, maintaining a lean body weight is the most effective way to manage and slow progression. Other conditions seen in the breed include elbow dysplasia, osteosarcoma, aortic stenosis. Awareness of these breed tendencies allows for early intervention, which often improves outcomes significantly.
About 30 to 60 minutes of daily activity keeps a Rottweiler in good shape. Good activities for this breed include structured tasks, cart pulling, obedience drills. Mental stimulation through training and puzzle toys is as important as physical exercise for this breed. While not as demanding as high-energy breeds, a Rottweiler that gets no exercise will gain weight and may develop behavioral issues.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on AKC standards and veterinary sources. Individual dogs vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your dog. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026