Rottweiler Lifespan & Health Guide
The typical Rottweiler lives 8–10 years, with a median of 9 years.
The Rottweiler is a robust, powerful working breed descended from Roman drover dogs. Confident and calm, Rotties are deeply loyal to their families and excel as guardians, service dogs, and companions when properly trained and socialized.
8–10
years lifespan
95–135
lbs (male)
24–27
inches tall (male)
moderate
energy level
How Long Do Rottweilers Live?
Rottweilers have a lifespan of 8–10 years, with a median of 9 years. The main health factors that affect how long a Rottweiler lives:
- osteosarcoma (bone cancer)
- hip and elbow dysplasia
- bloat/GDV
- heart disease
- obesity
Temperament
How Old Is Your Rottweiler in Human Years?
Use our breed-specific calculator to find out, plus get personalised health and care guidance for your dog’s exact age.
Open Rottweiler Age CalculatorRottweiler Size & Weight
95–135 lbs
Male weight
80–100 lbs
Female weight
24–27″
Male height
22–25″
Female height
Size category: large · Group: Working
Common Rottweiler Health Problems
Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer)
Aggressive bone cancer that commonly affects the long bones of the legs. Rottweilers have one of the highest breed predispositions for osteosarcoma.
Typical onset: 6–10 years
Hip Dysplasia
Malformation of the hip joint causing instability, pain, and progressive arthritis. Very common in Rottweilers due to size and rapid growth.
Typical onset: 1–2 years
Elbow Dysplasia
Abnormal development of the elbow joint, often occurring alongside hip dysplasia. Causes chronic front-leg lameness.
Typical onset: 1–2 years
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat/GDV)
Life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists. Deep-chested breeds like Rottweilers are at high risk.
Typical onset: 1–12 years
Subaortic Stenosis (SAS)
Congenital narrowing below the aortic valve causing the heart to work harder. Can lead to sudden death in severe cases.
Typical onset: 1–4 years
Recommended Health Screenings
Breed-specific tests and evaluations recommended for Rottweilers:
- Hip evaluation (OFA or PennHIP)
- Elbow evaluation (OFA)
- Cardiac evaluation by cardiologist
- Ophthalmologic exam
Typical Veterinary Costs
Rottweilers are generally rated high on the annual veterinary cost scale, based on breed-specific health risks, known chronic conditions, and typical screening requirements. Budget for preventative screenings and treatment of common breed-specific issues.
When Is a Rottweiler Considered Senior?
Rottweilers are generally considered senior at around 7 years of age. At this point, you should increase vet visits to twice yearly and watch for age-related health changes.
Check your Rottweiler’s age in human years →Rottweiler Exercise Needs
Adult Rottweilers need 60–90 minutes of exercise per day. Two daily sessions recommended. Rottweilers thrive with purposeful exercise that engages their working drive.
Cautions: avoid extreme heat — dark coat overheats quickly; watch for joint stiffness; no vigorous exercise near meals (bloat risk)
Rottweiler Diet & Nutrition
Adult Rottweilers typically eat 3–5 cups of large-breed adult formula per day, split into 2 meals. Split into 2-3 meals to reduce bloat risk. Avoid raised food bowls (contrary to old advice, they may increase GDV risk). Monitor weight closely.
Key nutrients: lean protein, glucosamine and chondroitin, omega fatty acids, L-carnitine
Excess weight dramatically increases joint stress and cancer risk. Rottweilers should have a visible waist and ribs easily felt. A lean Rottweiler is a healthier Rottweiler.
Rottweiler Dental Care
Rottweilers have strong jaws that can crack teeth on overly hard objects (antlers, cooked bones). Supervise all chewing. Good dental health supports overall longevity.
Rottweiler Coat & Grooming
Coat type
Short, double coat
Shedding
moderate
Energy
moderate
Rottweiler Trainability
Rottweilers are rated moderate to train. They typically calm down around 30 months of age.