3 Different Types Of Rottweiler 

Rottweilers make fantastic pets. Even though these dogs are often perceived as violent guard dogs – this is simply not true in most cases.

3 Different Types Of Rottweiler

These dogs are bred to have an amicable and docile temperament, however, they do make terrific guard dogs too as they can be wary of strangers.

According to Federation Cynologique International, the Rottweiler is one of the world’s oldest breeds. It is conceivable that they have changed significantly in that period. What varieties of Rottweiler breed are there in the world?

The wide variety of dog breeds and hybrids can make even the most ardent enthusiast dizzy. To help you better comprehend this fantastic breed, we’ll go over three of the most popular Rottweiler breeds and their traits.

Types of Rottweiler Dog Breeds

There are 3 types of Rottweilers known as American Rottweilers, German Rottweiler,s and Roman Rottweilers. Let’s break down each of these and understand it properly.

The American Rottweiler Dog

History

An ancestor of the Rottweiler lived during the reign of the Roman Empire. It served as a herd dog for the Roman troops.

But the American Kennel Club didn’t officially recognise the Rottweiler breed (see also: 5 Different Types Of Chihuahua: Official And Unofficial Breeds)until 1931.

Beginning in 1901, the contemporary Rottweiler was developed in Germany and registered in German stud books.

The breed that bears the Rottweiler name today originated in Rottweil, a town in Germany.

Rottweilers have been employed as herding dogs, police dogs for railroads, and working dogs for pulling carts.

They can perform a wide range of jobs because to their powerful bodies and eagerness to work.

Characteristics Of The American Rottweiler

The Rottweiler belongs to the Working Group of canines, which includes jobs like rescue and police work, according to the AKC.

Weight And Height

  • Males range from 24 to 27 inches at the shoulders.
  • Females are 22 to 25 inches at the shoulders.
  • Males weigh 95-135 pounds.
  • Females weigh 80-100 pounds.

Temperament

According to the AKC, the Rottweiler is a devoted, protective, and loyal dog that makes a good watchdog. 

Rottweilers are bold and quiet dogs, not violent as some people may imagine. In other terms, they desire to defend their humans if necessary but won’t actively seek out conflict.

The Rottweiler is a playful and amiable dog at home. Children in the household are treated with kindness and love by the dogs.

3 Different Types Of Rottweiler

However, the Rottweiler has an aloof demeanour toward strangers. Because of this, the breed makes an excellent guard dog.

Appearance

Rottweilers are robust, muscular medium-sized dogs. They are always black in hue with distinct rust marks. 

Males often have bigger proportions and denser bone structures than females do. Despite being generally smaller than males, females are still robust and muscular.

The tail of the American Rottweiler is docked. The medium-length outer coat of the Rottweiler has straight, gritty fur.

Only the thighs and neck have the undercoat. The Rottweiler sheds periodically all year round.

The German Rottweiler

Knowing where a dog was born and raised is the greatest method to determine whether it is an American or German Rottweiler.

Your dog is a German Rottweiler if it had been bred in Germany. It is an American Rottweiler if it was born and raised here. 

All Rottweilers, including those in the United States, are descended from German ancestors.

Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler-Klub in Germany upholds a stringent breeding code. 

In order for Rottweiler puppies to be registered in Germany, both parents must pass a rigorous test of breed compatibility.

Features Of German Rottweilers

The ADRK requirements for Rottweilers require a somewhat bulkier canine than the AKC requirements.

Weight And Height

  • Males measure 25-27 inches at the shoulders.
  • Females measure 22-25 inches at the shoulders.
  • Males weigh 110-130 pounds.
  • Females weigh 77-110 pounds.

Temperament

The ADRK criteria and breeding guidelines place a high priority on the temperament of the Rottweiler.

The ADRK places a strong emphasis on the Rottweiler’s pleasant disposition, composure, and love of kids. 

In Germany, Rotties should be capable of doing calm, thoughtful work in addition to being good family dogs.

The ADRK intends their Rottweilers to make the best police dogs, security dogs, and service animals for blind and disabled people.

Appearance

Germany outlawed all dog tail docking and ear cropping in 1999. Consequently, the German Rottweiler has a fairly long tail.

This tail can have many different forms. German Rottweilers are heavier and a little bit bigger.

The Roman Rottweiler

The Gladiator Rottweiler and Colossal Rottweiler are other names for the Roman Rottweiler.

Unfortunately, rather than being a specific subtype of Rottweiler, this is an example of poor breeding.

3 Different Types Of Rottweiler

Because the contemporary Rottweiler was developed in Germany, calling it “Roman” is likewise inaccurate.

The Mastiff-like dogs that the Romans used as a herding variety and which gave rise to the Rottweiler are no longer in existence.

Breeders purposefully produce dogs that are heavier and bigger than what the breed standard specifies. 

This is bad for dogs because it increases their risk of developing hip dysplasia and other orthopaedic issues. 

Due to their great girth, they are also susceptible to snoring and overheating.

Neither the AKC nor the ADRK recognise this breed of Rottweiler.

They are often significantly bigger than either breed standard, which explains this.

Weight And Height

  • Males measure 25-30 inches at the shoulders.
  • Females measure 24-29 inches at the shoulders.
  • Males weigh at least 120 pounds.
  • Females weigh at least 80 pounds.

Final Thoughts

The appearance of the American and German Rottweilers is the biggest distinction between them. The German Rottweiler has a naturally long tail, as opposed to the American Rottweiler’s docked tail. The ADRK has strict requirements for Rottweiler breeding, such as the dog being amiable, placid, and nice with kids.

Both the AKC and the ADRK do not recognize the Roman Rottweiler breed. It’s a Rottweiler that was bred to be unusually huge, which can lead to a variety of health issues. Due to their larger stature, these Rottweilers are more prone to joint and orthopedic problems.

The Rottweiler dog breed, known for its history dating back to when the Roman Empire was still in power, exhibits fascinating diversity. There are primarily 3 types of Rottweiler dog breeds, distinguishable by their physical characteristics and roles. 

These different types of Rottweilers vary in size, with some being larger and heavier, and others, like females, being smaller. Despite their variation, all Rottweilers share a black and tan coat, and a muscular and strong build, especially noticeable in their neck and thighs.

Rottweilers were originally used as working dogs, notably as police dogs for the railroads, and continue to be easy to train and versatile. Their protective dog nature makes them excellent service dogs, provided they pass a strict suitability test. 

The breed’s adaptability extends to different countries, showcasing how Rottweilers look and function differently depending on the region and breeding practices. However, they are susceptible to orthopedic issues, a factor to consider in their care.

Regardless of the type, Rottweilers are generally gentle and loving, contradicting some common misconceptions about the breed. Their historical significance, combined with their modern-day roles, exemplifies the rich and varied legacy of the Rottweiler dog breed.

Olivia Kepner