How long do Rottweilers live? The average lifespan for Rottweiler is between 8 and 10 years. Factors such as gender and size can affect the Rottweiler lifespan. Male Rottweilers tend to live shorter with an average lifespan of 8.7 years compared to females of 9.5 years. The Rottweiler also have a shorter lifespan than other large dog breeds that may live up to 13.4 years.
Rottweiler life expectancy is considered short compared to other dog breeds, especially the smaller ones. Longevity can be affected by several factors, such as size, gender, and breeding standards.
Purebred dogs are especially vulnerable to inherited health problems, which is why designer dogs like the Blue Heeler Rottweiler Mix, tend to have longer lives due to an enhanced gene pool. In this comprehensive article, we will look into the factors that affect a Rottweiler’s longevity so you can enjoy a possible longer companionship with your beloved Rottie.
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Rottweiler Life Span
Being medium to large dogs, the Rottweiler has a shorter lifespan compared to smaller dogs, like the Maltese or the Chihuahua, which could live for more than 13 years.
This is because larger dogs grow at a faster rate that can strain their bodies over time causing degenerative diseases like cancer or skeletal issues.
A faster rate of growth also means a faster rate of aging.
What is a Rottweiler?
The Rottweiler is a medium to large dog breed distinguished for his large head and muscular physique with a smooth and mostly black coat that has rust-colored markings. He is often nicknamed the Rott or Rottie by some and is known for his loyal and protective nature.
Miniature Rottweiler Lifespan
The Miniature Rottweiler grows to only a third or half the size of the standard Rottweiler.
Mini Rotties that were bred by crossing runts generally have the same lifespan as the regular Rottweiler.
However, those with the dwarfism gene have shorter lives due to skeletal development issues and hormonal deficiencies.
Crossbred Mini Rottweilers tend to live longer due to a wider gene pool that makes them less prone to diseases.
German Rottweiler Lifespan
German Rottweiler is stockier than the American Rottweiler but also has an average lifespan of 8 to 10 years.
American Rottweiler Lifespan
American Rottweiler has a similar lifespan of 8 to 10 years.
Serbian Rottweiler Lifespan
Serbian Rottweilers are bulkier in size with shorter muzzles and poorer breeding standards than the German and American Rotties.
This would make them more vulnerable to health issues that could shorten their lifespan compared to the other Rotties.
Rottweiler Life stages
To better take care and extend the life of your Rottweiler, it is useful to learn about the Rottweiler life cycle so you will know what to expect from each of their developmental progression.
Rottweiler puppy stage: 0 to 8 months
Rottweilers should spend the first 8 weeks of their lives with their mother. Their body is still unable to regulate temperature and they need to stay within their litter for food and safety.
At around 5 to 7 months old, the Rottie puppies will have an intense growth spurt.
Their weight at 6 months should be at least 65 to 70 pounds for the male and 60 to 64 pounds for the female. They are expected to reach a height of around 22 to 23 inches but they would appear tall and lanky.
Rottweiler teenage phase: 8 to 24 months
The teenage years is when they need to start training in order for them to know their boundaries. It is at this stage where there are considerable hormonal changes. This may make them more assertive and less obedient.
Adult Rottweiler stage: 2 to 7.5 years
By their second year, Rottweilers would have reached their full size and height with their chests filled out. They should appear longer than tall with a muscular physique.
They should also have established a routine by this time doing their daily exercise and hobbies, and their diet should be modified to further support their growing energy needs.
Senior Rottweiler phase: 7.5 to 10+ years
At this stage, you will notice your Rottie beginning to slow down. Rottweiler old age symptoms include having less energy and interest in doing their daily activities.
Regular checkups with the vet is much more important during this time to pinpoint any disease that might develop. Their diet may also be changed by adding more fiber and vitamin supplementation to improve digestion and boost their health.
Oldest Rottweiler ever recorded
The oldest Rottweiler ever recorded was Champ who reached a ripe old age of 15.5 years.
Current Oldest living Rottweiler
There are currently only a few longest living Rottweiler alive that has reached at least 13 years old, which is equivalent to around 75 years in human age.
How long do Rottweilers live in human years?
Rottweiler age in human years is calculated by how long does a Rottweiler live. The Rottweiler age range is between 8 and 10 years, so the human equivalent would be 70 to 80 years based on this.
The American Veterinary Medical Association considers 15 human years as equivalent to a medium-sized dog’s first year. After year two, five (5) human years is equivalent to one (1) dog year.
| Rottweiler | Human |
| 6 months | 10 years |
| 8 months | 13 years |
| 12 months | 15 years |
| 18 months | 20 years |
| 2 years | 24 years |
| 4 years | 32 years |
| 6 years | 40 years |
| 8 years | 48 years |
| 10 years | 56 years |
| 12 years | 64 years |
| 15 years | 76 years |
| 21 years | 100 years |
What is the Average Lifespan of a Rottweiler?
The average Lifespan of Rottweiler is 8 to 10 years. Life span of a Rottweiler can, of course, be extended beyond this range if proper care is provided to them, such as a nutritious and well-balanced diet, proper exercise, and regular vet checkups.
How old does a Rottweiler have to be to breed?
The maturity of a Rottweiler is usually around 2 years of age. This is the perfect time to start breeding. Female Rottweilers are recommended to be bred just after their second cycle.
Why do Rottweilers have a short Lifespan?
Lifespan of Rottweiler tends to be short due to their large size which affects the health of their bones and joints causing them to be less active.
Larger dogs also have higher levels of the hormone IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor) which is linked to cancer.
9 Factors that affect the Life expectancy for a Rottweiler
Life expectancy of Rottweiler can be affected by several factors including gender, size, and breeding standards to name a few.
1. Gender of the Rottweiler
Lifespan of a Rottweiler female tends to be longer than males by about 10 months.
| Male | 8.7 years |
| Female | 9.5 years |
Rottweiler Lifespan male
Compared to female Rottweilers, what is the average Lifespan of a male Rottweiler? On average, the male Rottweiler lives for about 8.7 years.
And, what is the Life expectancy of a male Rottweiler? According to a UK study of around 5,300 Rottweilers, the male life expectancy ranges between 6.8 to 10.1 years.
Rottweiler Life span female
Rottweiler Lifespan female averages 9.5 years. Female Rottweiler Lifespan is around 10 months longer than average compared to the males.
However, there is no definite study to suggest that gender really plays a major part in the longevity of a dog. The Lifespan of a female Rottweiler is just based on averages and all Rottweilers can be susceptible to health disorders which can shorten their lifespan.
2. Rottweiler’s hormones
Life expectancy of a Rottweiler can be affected by whether or not a Rottweiler is spayed or neutered.
In general, those that were sterilized tend to have longer lives due to lesser susceptibility to degenerative diseases and fewer behavioral issues.
However, it is important to note that Rottweilers that were sterilized before one (1) year of age have an increased chance of developing bone cancer.
The study also shows that female Rotties that were spayed before their 4th birthday also have shorter lives since ovarian hormones play a crucial role in their development.
3. Size of the Rottweiler
How long do Rottweiler live depends on their size. One study shows that an increase of 4.4 pounds in the average weight of a Rottweiler can shed 1 month off of his lifespan.
On average, larger dogs tend to live shorter lives than small dogs because they age faster by developing more body mass.
4. Rottweiler’s age
Research has shown that Rottweilers are more susceptible to developing bone cancer before the age of ten (10). One they are past this age, the risk decreases probably due to proper management of their well-being when they were younger.
5. Working dogs are at higher risk of injuries
Rottweilers were bred as a working dog. In general, working dogs are more at risk of getting injuries.
6. Faster growth rate means faster rate of aging
Rottweilers grow much faster due to their large size. This puts more strain on their bodies making them more prone to degenerative diseases like arthritis and hip dysplasia (scroll below to learn more about hip dysplasia).
7. In-breeding can have detrimental effects on Rottie’s health
Due to loss of genetic diversity, inbreeding can lead to birth defects and increase the chance of inheriting diseases common to a particular bloodline.
8. Purebred vs mixed breeds
Mixed breeds like the Rottweiler Chihuahua Mix have a wider genetic pool making them healthier than purebreds that share the same health problems.
9. Rottweiler health issues
Rottweiler problems health-wise are mainly related to their large size.
According to a 2017 study, the leading health issues with Rottweilers are the following:
- Cancer (33%).
- Difficulty standing (16%).
- Gastrointestinal disorders (6.1%).
- Musculoskeletal problems (3.8%).
- Spinal cord disorders (2.9%).
Rottweiler common health problems
Regardless of whether you are already a proud owner of a Rottie or contemplating getting one, it’s a good idea to learn the common Rottweiler health problems so you can watch out for any sign and be prepare for any possible medical expense.
So, here are the common Rottweiler health issues that you need to be aware of:
Osteosarcoma
Did you know that Rottweilers are at risk for developing osteosarcoma, a bone cancer in Rottweilers? An estimated 5% to 12% of Rottweilers will develop this type of cancer upon reaching an average of 8 years of age.
Osteosarcoma in Rottweiler health problems symptoms aside from pain is hesitance to walk, swollen ribs, legs, jaws, or spine, and loss of appetite.
Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia which is characterized by the abnormal growth of the bone and the socket in the hip joint is one of the common Rottweiler health problems. This problem is more common among big dogs.
The Rottweiler health problems symptoms of hip dysplasia include reluctance to jump and climb the stairs and reduced range of motion.
Lymphoma
This is a kind of cancer affecting the immune system. The Rottweiler health is greatly affected by dog lymphoma because this is a systemic health problem affecting not just a particular organ but the spleen, lymph nodes, bone marrow, and lymphatic system as well which is connected with the bloodstream.
The Rottweiler health problems symptoms of lymphoma include enlarged lymph nodes, weight loss, and fever.
Osteochondritis dissecans
Osteochondritis dissecans is a developmental disease commonly seen among large dogs at around 6 to 9 months of age. This is caused by an abnormal growth of the cartilage and the common signs are lameness and hesitancy to move due to pain.
Parvovirus
This is a common virus among dogs that can be prevented through annual vaccinations. This is a highly contagious disease and the Rottweiler health problems symptoms of parvovirus are loss of appetite and bloody diarrhea.
SEE ALSO: How To Cure Parvo Without A Vet For Your Dogs
Canine obesity
Rottweilers have a hearty appetite, hence, they are prone to canine obesity. If this issue is not addressed early on, it can lead to other health issues like diabetes, joint pain, and even pancreatitis.
Cardiac Issues
Heart problems are common health issues in dogs, including Rottweilers. Cardiac issues can be caused by varying factors like irregular heart rate, heart valve degeneration, and weakening or enlarging of the heart muscles.
The symptoms of cardiac issues include breathing difficulty, fainting, and reluctance to play.
Eye Issues
Rottweilers can develop eye issues like entropion, cataracts, and conjunctivitis. Any signs that you see such as thick eye discharge, a change in eye color, and eye sensitivity to light require a trip to the veterinary clinic for diagnosis and treatment.
You may also like: How To Soften Dog Eye Boogers?
Different types of Rottweiler cancer
Though cancer isn’t commonly seen among dogs, unfortunately, it is more prevalent among certain dog breeds including Rottweilers. The two (2) types of cancer Rottweiler are:
- Lymphoma: which appears at around 5 years of age is one of the most common cancers diagnosed among Rotties.
- Hemangiosarcoma or HSA: which appears at an average of 6 years is a fatal cancer that affects the blood vessels of the Rotties. Most dogs live only up to 7 months after diagnosis.
Rottweiler skin allergies
Rottweilers can develop allergic reactions for several reasons. First is developing allergies to a certain type of food protein, for instance, allergy to dairy products. The common signs are skin itchiness and redness.
Second, Rotties can also be sensitive to environmental allergens like grass, pollens, and molds. Once they inhale these allergens, they show signs including skin and ear infections, dry and flaky skin, and baldness.
READ NEXT: Dog Losing Hair Around Eyes? (9 Top Reasons + What To Do)
13 Ways to promote longer Lifespan for Rottweilers
As a fur parent, it is naturally your goal to make sure that your Rottie will not only have a comfortable lifestyle but for him to live up to his maximum lifespan.
How can you attain that goal? Try following our tips below.
1. Find your Rottweiler puppy from a responsible, ethical, and reputable breeder
Responsible breeders go through the process of health testing the sire and the dam before breeding them together to produce healthy puppies.
On top of that, the Rottie puppies to be sold also undergo genetic health screening against hereditary diseases.
2. Choose the right puppy food for large dog breed
Large and small puppies have different nutritional requirements. Rott puppies and other large breeds need a smaller amount of calcium because too much of this mineral may lead to a bone thickness that can, later on, develop into skeletal malformations and shorten their lifespan.
3. Dog food should be high-quality and nutritious
Do not scrimp on dog food because cheaper canine food does not contain the right proportion of protein, fats, and minerals.
Instead, you’ll want to choose a dog food that has a good amount of protein for stronger muscles, fats, and a little carbohydrate for energy. Plus, dog food should have vitamins and minerals in them to help our canine friends stay healthy and maintain a strong immune system from diseases.
4. Stay hydrated!
Dehydration can affect your furry friend’s body, brain, heart, kidney, and blood pressure to name a few. Thus, you’ll want to keep your Rottie stay healthy by staying well-hydrated.
It’s best to always provide clean water 24/7, more so for active dogs like Rottweilers. If not, it can lead to weakness, muscle tremors, and even seizures.
DON’T MISS: What Can Dogs Drink Besides Water?
5. Daily exercise to maintain a healthy weight
Lack of exercise causes weight gain, cardiac problems, and diabetes. So, to promote a longer lifespan, keep in mind to give your Rottie his much-needed exercise, be it running or a game of fetch to maintain his ideal weight.
Many K9 owners will allow their Rotties to play and roam freely in their backyard. That’s because walking, playing, jumping, or chasing are all great exercises. If you do let your furry family members play in your backyard, make sure the yard is fully fenced-in.
Keep in mind that some towns or counties have zoning laws that prohibit physical fences. In this case, a great alternative would be to install a wireless dog fence which will also keep your K9 friends safe and contained within your backyard.
What’s great about the invisible dog fence is that it is cost-efficient, flexible to any and all types of terrains, and easy to install.
If you do allow your pups to roam freely in your yard throughout the day, it’s a good idea to get an electronic dog door which will allow them the ability to head outside on their own and come back into the house when they’re ready.
Many dog parents love the automatic doggy door because it is programmable and you can customize curfew hours. This way your pooch can enjoy the outdoors during the day while staying safe indoors at night.
So whether you work from home or at the office, your pup can now head outside on their own without interrupting your work.
6. Low-impact physical activities will help to avoid straining your Rottie’s joints
If your Rottie is showing signs of orthopedic problems or perhaps he is an old dog already, you can still engage him in light exercises to keep his ideal weight. Some suggestions are swimming and walking or even an indoor game such as tug-of-war.
When walking your Rottie, you can use either a rope dog leash or a retractable dog leash, both of which will give you full control while still allowing your furry friends the space to explore and walk.
7. Mental stimulation
Rotties are working dogs, hence, not only do they need physical activities but their minds need to be active, too.
If not, they’d get bored easily and may have some behavioral problems like separation anxiety.
Fun activities like taking your Rottie out for socialization and using puzzle toys are good options. Not to mention that learning new tricks is a wonderful form of mental stimulation.
8. Take the right supplements for strong bones and joints
Giving your Rottie supplements each day will beef up his immunity and makes him more resistant to canine diseases. Check out these two (2) supplements that are worth trying for your Rottweiler:
Made with premium Alaskan salmon oil, the Zesty Paws Salmon Oil supplement is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. A few drops of this oil contain a good amount of omega- 3 fatty acids which are known to control inflammation of the joints and cartilage, thus preventing problems like osteoarthritis.
For those of you with Rotties showing signs of lameness in movements, the reason could be hip and joint pains or even arthritis.
To help improve their condition, add some tasty nuggets such as the Zesty Paws Mobility Bites that contain glucosamine and chondroitin which are proven to ease arthritic pain. These 2 compounds help in lubricating the joints for improved mobility and relieving them of pain.
9. Regular grooming to maintain strong blood circulation
Regular coat brushing is not just about controlling shedding (more so during the onset of summer and autumn), but it also helps in your dog’s blood circulation for improved health.
CHECK OUT: Do Rottweilers Shed? 15 Tips To Manage Rottweiler Shedding That Works!
That’s because brushing helps to stimulate healthy blood circulation as well as distributes oil on your Rottie’s coat.
Bathing does not have to be done often, you can wash his coat at least once every 4 to 6 weeks, depending on his activity levels. Use mild and organic dog shampoo to remove accumulated dirt from his coat.
10. Visit the vet regularly for check-ups
If you notice anything unusual like a seemingly harmless lethargic behavior, take your furry friends to the vet as soon as you can for proper diagnosis. For all you know, there is an underlying medical cause behind any changes, both behaviorally and physically.
11. Make sure your Rottweiler puppy gets all his vaccinations
Vaccinations, both core like parvovirus and non-core like Bordetella vaccinations will prevent your K9 friends from contracting communicable diseases.
READ NEXT: How Do I Know If My Puppy Will Survive Parvo?
12. Train and socialize your Rottweiler puppies
Well-socialized and trained puppies are more confident in the presence of new faces and other animals which contributes to their overall well-being.
13. Neuter or spay your Rottweiler: Timing matters!
According to a study done at The University of Alabama at Birmingham, spaying and neutering can increase the lifespan of dogs. The best age to spay a female Rottie dog is about 12 to 18 months of age while a male can be neutered around 12 to 24 months of age.
It’s important to note that if gonadectomy is performed earlier, the risk for bone cancer is higher for both genders because it decreases their bone mass. Reduced bone mass may also result in arthritis and bone fractures.
There is also a study done by David J. Waters at Purdue University showing that female Rotties who kept their ovaries for 4 to 6 years tend to live longer than those who were spayed at an earlier age.
How long do Rottweiler mixes live?
The average lifespan of Rottweilers is 8 to 10 years. If a purebred Rottie is mixed with another purebred dog that has a longer lifespan like a German Shepherd, his life expectancy may increase to an average of 11 to 13 years.
Lifespan of Rottweiler mix
A lot of the health-related problems of a Rottweiler can be eliminated if he is crossbred with another purebred dog, which is the main reason for developing designer dog breeds.
This is why the lifespan of a Rottweiler Mix is longer because mixed dog breeds have a decreased chance of inheriting the health problems which leads to a longer Rottweiler Mix lifespan.
Average Lifespan of Rottweiler mix
The average lifespan of a Rottweiler mix can be anywhere from 11 to 15 years, with some even reaching up to 17 years such as a Rottweiler Dachshund Mix.
German Shepherd Rottweiler mix Lifespan
You may be interested to learn if a Rottweiler German Shepherd mix lifespan is longer. And yes, the German Shepherd Rottweiler lifespan is longer. The average lifespan of a German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix is 10 to 13 years.
The lifespan of a Rottweiler German Shepherd mix is longer because mixed dogs are believed to be healthier than their purebred parents.
Rottweiler Lab mix Lifespan
How about the Rottweiler Lab mix? How long do Rottweiler lab mixes live?
The average lifespan of a Rottweiler Lab mix is 9 to 12 years.
The lifespan of Rottweiler Lab Mix is longer than their purebred parents because of the concept of hybrid vigor, meaning the traits of the mixed puppies are improved, thus, the Rottweiler Lab lifespan is longer.
Plus, the Lab Rottweiler Mix lifespan is longer given the right care such as food, exercise, rest, and veterinary care.
Rottweiler Husky mix Lifespan
You can expect the Rottweiler Husky Mix to live a long life of 12 to 15 years.
Border Collie Rottweiler mix Lifespan
The active Border Collie Rottweiler Mix can live for up to 10 to 15 years.
Australian Shepherd Rottweiler mix Lifespan
The life expectancy of the Australian Shepherd Rottweiler Mix is 12 to 15 years.
Pitbull Rottweiler mix Lifespan
When it comes to the Rottweiler Pitbull mix Lifespan, they can live for up to 10 to 15 years.
Rottweiler Doberman mix Lifespan
Given the right care, the lifespan of a Rottweiler Doberman mix can reach up to 10 years.
Great Pyrenees Rottweiler mix Lifespan
The life expectancy of a Great Pyrenees mixed with Rottie is around 12 years.
Staffy x Rottweiler Lifespan
Rottweiler cross Staffy lifespan has an average life expectancy of 15 years.
How Long Do Rottweilers Live?
The Rottweiler age span is not as long compared with other dog breeds because larger dogs tend to live shorter lives than smaller dog breeds. One explanation is that big dogs like a Rottie age faster and that their size tends to put a strain on their bodies, making them more susceptible to canine diseases.
Related Questions
Most likely not because big dogs tend have a shorter life expectancy.
Well, probably yes because 13 years if compared with human age is about 70 years.
It is said that the oldest Rottweiler on record is Champ, a 15.5-year-old Rottie.
A 7 year old Rottweiler would be about 45 human years.
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Resources:
https://aacrjournals.org/cebp/article/11/11/1434/166639/Endogenous-Gonadal-Hormone-Exposure-and-Bone
With over five years of specialized experience as an animal writer, my expertise lies in dog nutrition, health, behavior, grooming, and training. I am dedicated to delivering helpful and informative content that caters to the well-being of our furry friends. My primary goal is to empower pet owners with knowledge and ensure our canine companions thrive in health and happiness. In my free time, I love volunteering at local dog rescue centers.
