Tyson

Rottweilers (or “Rotties) may have a bad-to-the-bone reputation, but their diehard protectiveness comes from a positive place. These large and powerful pups make it their mission to keep you safe but are surprisingly calm when they aren’t on high alert. Full-grown, they typically weigh 80-135 pounds and stand 22-27 inches tall.

Rottweilers are generally okay with older children who know how to handle dogs. Socialization is the top priority if your Rottie is going to be around kids or other animals. Rottweilers can be good playmates for children, cats, and pets, but they need to be socialized early and have positive experience when they’re young. They're relatively quiet and don't bark much.

Rotties need daily exercise to get their energy out and their heart pumping. It’s safe to take them running with you in the open country or the woods, as they don’t like to wander far from their families. Rottweilers are very smart and also love sports like swimming, running beside a bicycle, and playing fetch with a ball. Overall, their exercise needs are moderate.

The Rottweiler has a distinct outer coat of short, thick, coarse fur with a thick layer of hair underneath. All dogs in this breed are black with brown markings. You may find ones with long hair or white chest markings, but these traits are not as common. Grooming-wise, this breed is low-maintenance.

Rottweilers are best suited for a home with a yard, though they can adapt to apartment life with enough exercise. They are highly trainable and eager to learn.