Overview
The Rottweiler descends from the cattle-driving dogs of Rottweil in southern Germany, where it moved stock to market and guarded the proceeds on the way home. It is a thick-set, black and tan dog with a calm, assessing manner and a deep attachment to its own people. Well-bred and well-raised Rottweilers are among the steadiest large dogs a walker will meet.
The breed has a reputation that makes some people cross the street, and a walker has to manage that as much as the dog. A Rottweiler on the end of your lead draws attention, so your handling needs to look and be competent.
Exercise and walking needs
An adult in good health needs around ninety minutes a day, ideally with purpose: lead work with direction changes, a stretch of trotting, some scent games or a retrieve. Rottweilers like to think and like to work with a handler, and a walk that offers both tires them far better than mileage.
They overheat readily thanks to the heavy build and black coat, so summer walks move to the cool ends of the day. Young dogs should be kept off hard impact and long distances while the joints are still forming.
On the walk
- Pulling: Immensely strong. Walk the dog on the equipment it has been trained with, keep the lead short in built-up areas and never wrap it around your hand.
- Other dogs: Many Rottweilers are fine with dogs they know and cool with those they do not. Same-sex tension is common. Keep greetings brief, on loose leads, and skip them entirely with pushy dogs.
- Recall: Often very good when the owner has put the work in. For you it is a relationship to build, so start on a long line and reward generously.
- Public perception: Expect wariness from passers-by and owners of small dogs. Give space without making a show of it and keep the dog in a settled heel through crowds.
- Heat: Panting hard and slowing down are early signs. Shorten the route, find shade and water, and tell the owner.
Tips for professional walkers
- Walk the dog alone or with known companions until you have seen how it reads other dogs.
- Give it tasks: heelwork, sits at kerbs, a find-it game. A thinking Rottweiler is a calm one.
- Use the owner's commands and tone. The breed notices inconsistency and will test it.
- Carry a water bottle and a collapsible bowl from spring onwards.
- Check for stiffness after walks on older dogs and report anything you see; the breed is prone to joint trouble as it ages.
What to ask the owner
- What commands does the dog know, and how does the owner correct and reward it?
- How does it behave with other dogs, particularly of the same sex, and are there any it must not meet?
- Is it allowed off the lead, and where has that been proven safe?
- Any hip, elbow, cruciate or heart issues the vet has flagged, and are there exercise limits?