Craffenheim Rottweilers - Edited (1)

Fun Rottweiler Facts

Fun Rottweiler Facts

Origins & History
Origins & History
  • Rottweilers descend from Roman drover dogs used to herd cattle across Europe nearly 2,000 years ago.
  • The breed’s name comes from Rottweil, Germany, where they were known as “butcher’s dogs” for guarding money purses tied around their necks.
  • In medieval times, Rottweilers were trusted to pull carts of meat to market, showcasing their unmatched strength.
  • They nearly went extinct in the 1800s when rail transport replaced cattle drives, but dedicated breeders revived them.
  • Rottweilers are considered one of the oldest surviving herding breeds in the world.
Strength & Power
Strength & Power
  • A Rottweiler’s bite force measures around 328 PSI, stronger than a pit bull and comparable to a lioness.
  • Historically, they were used to pull loads up to 10 times their body weight.
  • Their broad chest and muscular build make them one of the most powerful working dogs in existence.
  • Rottweilers have been documented to drag fallen soldiers to safety in wartime.
  • Their endurance allows them to run up to 20 miles in a single day when properly conditioned.
Intelligence & Training
Intelligence & Training
  • Rottweilers rank in the top 10 most intelligent dog breeds, learning new commands in fewer than 5 repetitions.
  • They can distinguish between playful roughhousing and real threats, making them excellent guardians.
  • Rottweilers excel in Schutzhund trials, a demanding test of obedience, tracking, and protection.
  • They are often trained as therapy dogs, offering comfort in hospitals and disaster zones.
  • With proper training, Rottweilers can understand up to 200 words and signals.
Unique Traits
Unique Traits
  • Rottweilers are born with naturally long tails, and docking is illegal in most countries and is against the ADRK Rottweiler Standard. Tails are compulsory.
  • Their rust-coloured markings are so distinct that breeders call them “eyebrows” or “pips.”
  • Unlike many breeds, Rottweilers have a double coat that protects them in both hot and cold climates.
  • Their eyes are almond-shaped, giving them a calm, confident expression prized in the breed standard.
  • Rottweilers are known for their “Rottie rumble”, a playful growl-like sound mistaken for aggression.
Health & Longevity
Health & Longevity
  • The average lifespan of a Rottweiler is 9–11 years, but some live to 13+ with proper care.
  • They are prone to lean muscle mass, making them less likely to become obese compared to other large breeds.
  • Rottweilers have a slow maturing process, often not reaching full mental maturity until 3 years old.
  • Their strong immune system makes them less prone to skin allergies than many other breeds.
  • A healthy Rottweiler’s heart is so powerful it can pump blood more efficiently than most large breeds.
Work & Service
Work & Service
  • Rottweilers serve in search-and-rescue missions, including 9/11 recovery efforts.
  • They are trusted as police K9s in Europe due to their balance of power and control.
  • Farmers still use Rottweilers today for herding cattle and sheep.
  • In Switzerland, Rottweilers once worked alongside Saint Bernards in avalanche rescues.
  • They are one of the few breeds recognized as both herding and working dogs by kennel clubs.
Temperament & Behaviour
Temperament & Behaviour
  • Despite their reputation, Rottweilers are known as “gentle giants” with children when properly socialized.
  • They are highly empathetic, often mirroring their owner’s emotions.
  • Rottweilers are naturally aloof with strangers, a trait that enhances their guarding ability.
  • They thrive on having a job, whether it’s carrying a backpack on hikes or guarding property.
  • Rottweilers are pack-oriented, bonding deeply with their family and often choosing a “favourite person.”
Fun & Unusual
Fun & Unusual
  • Rottweilers are excellent swimmers, despite their heavy build.
  • They are known to “herd” children and other pets, a throwback to their drover ancestry.
  • Rottweilers can make a purring-like sound when content, surprising many first-time owners.
  • They are featured in ancient Roman mosaics, proving their long-standing role in human history.
  • A Rottweiler once held the Guinness World Record for heaviest weight pulled by a dog—over 2,000 pounds.