HOW BIG IS A ROTTWEILER?

Rottweiler Weight in Adulthood

The Rottweiler is a massive dog that carries a lot of weight. However, despite its hefty size and appearance, this is a pretty agile dog. There is a noticeable difference in weight between male and female Rottweilers. In adulthood, a male Rottweiler weighs between 45 and 54kg, versus 42 to 50kg for a female. As such, if you want a smaller, lighter dog, go for a female. 

The Rottweiler’s growth period has two distinct phases: a rapid growth phase, up to 7 months old, followed by a slower phase until the pup is fully grown. Like most large breed dogs, Rottweilers finish growing pretty late, around 19 months. However, it’s usually possible to estimate the final adult weight of your dog by the time they are 8 or 9 months old. By this time, a Rottweiler puppy will have reached about 2/3 of its adult weight.

Rottweiler Size in Adulthood

There is also a marked difference in size between male Rottweilers and female Rottweilers. Adult males measure between 61 and 68cm at the withers, while females usually measure between 56 and 63cm at the withers. While your pooch is still growing, be careful not to overexert them to avoid serious joint problems, including hip and elbow dysplasia. Rottweilers are prone to this disease, which is more often a hereditary condition, but can also appear if your dog’s joints are under too much pressure during their youth. Things like steps should therefore be avoided as far as possible with a puppy, as well as too much exercise, long races, or uncontrolled skidding.

Rottweiler Coat

The Rottweiler has both a top coat and an undercoat. The topcoat is short to medium-length, dense, coarse, and flat. Occasionally a "fluffy" puppy will turn up in a litter, but that type of coat is disqualified from breeding or exhibiting. According to The Kennel Club breed standard, long or excessively wavy coats are highly undesirable.

In terms of colour, only one is accepted by the breed standard: black, with tan markings on the muzzle, cheeks, above the eyes, below the neck, chest, legs, and under the base of the tail. The Rottweiler’s short coat is fairly low-maintenance, but it must still be brushed regularly to keep it shiny and healthy.

Rottweiler Physical Traits

The Rottweiler’s body is big and stocky, slightly longer than it is tall. It is well-proportioned, with a broad chest and well-developed musculature. The head is medium in size and rather broad between the ears, with a slightly rounded forehead. The ears are triangular in shape, set high and wide apart, and droop forward. The eyes are almond-shaped and dark brown in colour. The tail is a natural extension of the back, long and carried horizontally. It may be raised when alert, carried in a half-moon shape when moving, and hanging down when at rest.

Ear Cropping and Tail Docking

Historically, Rottweilers often had their floppy ears ‘cropped’ to make them look a certain way. Some owners still choose to crop the ears, citing practical or cosmetic reasons. An otectomy, or ear cropping, involves cutting off the floppy part of a dog's ear and is usually performed on anesthetised dogs between 6 and 12 weeks old. There is huge debate around this practice, with many regarding it as inhumane. Ear cropping is illegal in the UK but remains in effect behind closed doors. Some people even go abroad to get it done. Ear cropping should be reported to the RSPCA if discovered.

Similarly, the Rottweiler’s tail was previously customarily docked. This involves the removal of a portion of a dog's tail when they are still a puppy, and is also done for cosmetic reasons. Tail docking can be done in two different ways: via surgical removal or by using medical-grade bands to restrict blood flow to the end of the tail until it naturally falls off. These days, tail docking is mostly banned in the UK, except for some parts of Scotland. If you know a breeder or vet who still offers this service, you should report them to the RSPCA.