Be Wise › Pet Wise guides › Dogs › Rottweiler
Rottweiler: temperament, health and care
Rottweiler: temperament, exercise and grooming needs, common health problems and who this dog suits.
This is general information for the UK. It is not veterinary or legal advice, and every animal is different. Speak to a vet about your pet's health. The Be Pet Wise app can also show rules for other countries.
At a glance
| Size | Large, about 35–60 kg |
|---|---|
| Typical lifespan | 8–10 years |
| Exercise | Moderate to high |
| Grooming | Short coat; weekly brushing |
Temperament and who it suits
Confident, loyal and protective; needs experienced handling and socialisation.
Often suits: experienced owners committed to training.
Early, consistent, reward-based training and socialisation matter for a strong breed.
Health problems to know about
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Bone cancer
- Cruciate ligament rupture
- Bloat
- Heart disease
Individuals vary. Ask breeders about health testing, and keep up with vet checks, vaccination and weight control.
Before you get a Rottweiler
- See the puppy with its mother, where it was born
- Ask about health tests on the parents for the conditions above
- Check it is microchipped and registered by eight weeks old
- Consider adopting: breed rescues and rehoming centres often have dogs of this breed looking for homes
See buying a puppy or kitten: Lucy's Law and your rights.
Care, law and costs
See our general guide to dogs for feeding, the law in the UK, what it costs and emergencies, and our guides to microchipping law and toxic foods and plants.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Rottweiler live?
A Rottweiler typically lives 8–10 years. Individual health, diet and weight all matter.
How much exercise does a Rottweiler need?
Moderate to high.
What health problems are common in a Rottweiler?
Common concerns include hip and elbow dysplasia, bone cancer, cruciate ligament rupture, bloat and heart disease. Ask breeders about health testing, and keep up with vet checks.
How much grooming does a Rottweiler need?
Short coat; weekly brushing.
Who does a Rottweiler suit?
It often suits experienced owners committed to training. Early, consistent, reward-based training and socialisation matter for a strong breed.
Similar dogs
Sources
- The Royal Kennel Club: breed information and health schemes
- BSAVA: Microchipping legislation in the UK
- Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council: Lucy's Law
Want answers for your situation?
The Be Pet Wise app lets you choose your country and pet, and ask PetBot follow-up questions.
Open Be Pet WiseBrowse all guidesReviewed 2026-09-23. General information for the UK, not veterinary or legal advice. See how we check.