9: Rottweiler: The Confident Guardian
The Rottweiler’s powerful presence and noble bearing trace back to the Roman Empire, where their mastiff-type ancestors served as formidable drover dogs, herding and protecting the cattle that sustained the Roman legions on their campaigns across Europe.
| Breed Snapshot: Rottweiler | |
| Rank | 9 |
| Lifespan | 9-10 years |
| Size | Large (80-135 pounds) |
| Energy Level | Moderate to High |
| Best Suited For | Experienced, confident owners; homes with a secure yard; training and work |
Intelligence and History The modern breed gets its name from the German market town of Rottweil, where they were known as Rottweiler Metzgerhund, or “butcher’s dog”. They were used to pull carts laden with meat and to guard the butcher’s earnings, which were often tied in a pouch around the dog’s powerful neck for safekeeping. Their ninth-place intelligence ranking is defined by a calm confidence and an inherent desire to protect. They are not just reactive, but are thinking dogs, capable of quietly assessing a situation before acting, which makes them superb guardians.
Living With a Rottweiler The Rottweiler is a calm, courageous, and loyal companion to its family, but can be aloof and watchful with strangers. This makes early and extensive socialization, along with firm, consistent training from a confident owner, absolutely essential. While they need daily exercise, many Rottweilers are also happy to be “couch potatoes” and enjoy relaxing with their family. Their short, dense coat is easy to groom. They can adapt to apartment living if their exercise and stimulation needs are met, but a home with a yard is often a better fit. The breed is prone to serious health issues, including hip and elbow dysplasia, heart problems, and bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus).
While often stereotyped as aggressive, the Rottweiler’s capacity for heroism is profound. After the September 11th attacks, a search-and-rescue Rottweiler named Gunner was among the hero dogs working at the World Trade Center, showcasing the breed’s true nature as a dedicated and courageous worker.