The Rottweiler (/ˈrɒtwaɪlər/, UK also /-vaɪlər/, German: [ˈʁɔtvaɪ̯lɐ] ⓘ)[1][2] is a breed of domestic dog, regarded as medium-to-large[3][4] or large.

The main task of the Rottweiler now became the driving and guarding of the herds of cattle and the defence of their masters and their property.

[3][10] The buildup to World War I saw a great demand for police dogs, which led to a revival of interest in the Rottweiler.

During the First and Second World Wars, Rottweilers saw service in various roles, including as messenger, ambulance, draught, and guard dogs.

In fact, in the mid-1990s, the popularity of the Rottweiler reached an all-time high, as it was the most registered dog by the American Kennel Club.

[12][better source needed] In 2017, the American Kennel Club ranked the Rottweiler as the eighth-most popular purebred dog in the United States.

[13] The Fédération Cynologique Internationale gives the following description of the Rottweiler standard: "Rottweiler breeders aim at a dog of abundant strength, black coated with clearly defined rich tan markings, whose powerful appearance does not lack nobility and which is exceptionally well suited to being a companion, service, rescue and working dog.

[3] The neck is strong, of fair length, well-muscled, slightly arched, clean, free from throatiness, without excessive dewlap.

The chest is roomy, broad and deep (approximately 50% of the shoulder height) with a well-developed forechest and well sprung ribs.

[3] The FCI 2018 Standard states: In natural condition, strong, level in extension of the upper line; while paying attention, when excited or while moving it can be carried upward in a light curve; at ease it may be hanging.

The front feet are round, tight and well arched, the pads hard, nails are short, black and strong.

While walking, the Rottweiler's legs, both front and hind, should move in a straight forward and backward manner.

According to the FCI Standard a Rottweiler is always "black with clearly defined markings of a rich tan on the cheeks, muzzle, throat, chest and legs, as well as over both eyes and under the base of the tail"[3] The American Kennel Club calls for mahogany or rust-colored markings that do not take up more than ten percent of the dog's body color.

All Rottweilers standard to AKC specifications have one mahogany dot above each eye on the inner brow ridge, on the cheeks, one strip on each side of the snout; cheek markings do not cross over the bridge of the nose, the top of the nose should remain black.

On the hind legs, the markings will begin on the inside and move outward onto the stifle, then out onto the hock stretching to the toes as well.

AKC standards recognize that the black base color is not completely voided on the rear pasterns.

[3] One study published in 2008 found that male Rottweilers have higher confidence, sharpness, and defense and play drives than females.

[17] According to the American Kennel Club,[18] Rottweilers have a natural gathering style with a strong desire to control.

[citation needed] The Rottweiler has a reasonably good natural balance, force-barks when necessary, and when working cattle uses a very intimidating charge.

[citation needed] Some growers have found that Rottweilers are especially suited to move stubborn stock that simply ignore Border Collies, Kelpies, and others.

[citation needed] When working with sheep, the Rottweiler shows a gathering/fetching style and reams directions easily.

[19] The Rottweiler is also exceptionally suited for and is commonly used in many dog sports including Agility and Schutzhund.

[20] A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 10.6 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for crossbreeds.

[23] The Rottweiler is prone to several skin conditions these include: acral lick dermatitis, calcinosis cutis, lupoid onychodystrophy, malignant histiocytic sarcoma, systemic histiocytosis, vasculopathy, and vitiligo.

[24] Follicular lipidosis is a skin condition found in red point dogs such as the Rottweiler.

[25] An American study reviewing over a million cases presented to 27 veterinary teaching hospitals in North America found the Rottweiler to be prediposed to canine hip dysplasia, with 10.53% of dogs having the condition compared to 3.52% overall.

This same study found the Rottweiler to also have the second highest prevalence of cranial cruciate ligament deficiency (CCLD) with 8.29% of dogs having the condition compared to an overall rate of 2.55%.

For dogs diagnosed with both conditions the Rottweiler once again had the second highest prevalence with 1.34% having both hip dysplasia and CCLD compared to 0.3% overall.

[35] In an event widely reported by the media, a two-year-old UK Rottweiler named Jake owned by Liz Maxted-Bluck was recognised for his bravery by the RSPCA.

Con Clive Leftwich, from the Coventry police station, said: "From our point of view Jake the Rottweiler stopped a serious sexual assault from becoming even worse.