How Much Exercise Does a Rottweiler Need?

Reviewed By Kyoko •  Updated: 10/07/21 •  10 min read
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How Much Exercise Does a Rottweiler Need

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Are you the proud parent of a Rottweiler? Are you wondering how much exercise your Rottweiler needs? Then you’ve come to the right place!

We’ve put together some information about this dog breed, as well as how much exercise a Rottweiler requires. Then we finish off with some fun activities to help your dog wear off all that energy!

What is a Rottweiler?

Rottweilers are large dogs that were bred work. Experts believe these dogs are descended from the Roman legions! Who would have thought? When the legions marched into Western Europe, they brought dogs with them who worked to herd the cattle and sheep. The Roman dogs were actually an Asian mastiff, which is an ancestor of the Rottweiler. As the Asian mastiffs came with the Romans, the dogs began to breed with local dogs, near Rottweil, Germany.

Over the centuries, the Germans used the dogs for herding, guarding, and more. The dogs even have a nickname in Germany, where they’re known as “Rottweil butchers’ dogs.” This is because butchers used the dogs to guard and protect, as well as pull small carts.

These days, some Rottis are still working dogs. You may see them working with the police, working as guard dogs, and doing other work. They’ve fully capable of heavy tasks. Rottweilers were also the first dogs to be used for the blind, and they also do search-and-rescue work.

Training & Socializing are Essential

When Rottis are well-trained, they are well-behaved and good-natured. They make very loyal companions. However, these dogs are not easy to train. Pet parents should have previous experience with dogs—this is not a dog for first-timers.

They also tend to be protective of their homes and families, and they’re good with kids.

Rottweilers also need quite a bit of socialization from the time they’re puppies. This helps them to grow up confident and calm. They respond best to positive reinforcement training methods. Keep in mind these are very intelligent dogs. They tend to learn new things pretty fast.

Average Size & Weight of Rottweilers

Rottweilers average about 22-27 inches and weigh between 80-135 lbs. Their average life span is usually between 9-10 years. As you can see, this is a very large, strong dog! This is why training and socialization are so important.

Grooming

Rottweilers have black and tan fur, which is straight and coarse. The outer coat lies flat, while the undercoat can be seen on the dog’s neck and thighs. Your Rotti should be brushed at least once and week and should have a bath regularly.

They do tend to shed, but only moderately. However, these dogs do tend to shed more in the spring and fall.

So, these are the basic facts about Rottis! They’re large, strong, loyal dogs that need proper training and socializing. And they adore and protect their families. A well-trained Rottweiler is a beautiful dog, who wants nothing more than to be with his family.

And we can’t forget to add that Rottweilers need plenty of exercise!

How Much Exercise Does a Rottweiler Need?

Because they were bred to be working dogs, Rottweilers have a lot of energy. This means they’ll need to exercise regularly. Not only that, but they need mental stimulation, too. A bored Rotti can quickly become destructive and barky. They may also dig out of their yards or dig up the flower beds!

Rottweilers need at least two hours of exercise every day. They enjoy walks with their pet parents, playtime in the yard, and more. And they have quite a bit of fun with doggie puzzle toys.

One more note, Rottis who don’t get enough exercise can become frustrated and aggressive.

Before even taking your Rottweiler on a walk, it’s important to make sure he’s trained and socialized. This is crucial.

Activities & Exercises for Rottweilers

Here are some activities and exercises you can enjoy with your Rotti!

1). Walking

Your fur baby will require at least 2 long walks a day. This helps him release pent-up energy, as well as providing some mental stimulation. He’ll have fun sniffing around, watching everything him around him, and taking in all the sights.

Keep in mind this is a dog that has lots of stamina. How does this apply to walking your Rotti? Let’s just say that you may wear out before your dog does.

Rottweilers also like routine, so it’s best to try to keep your walks about the same time every day. Then, on the weekend, you two can try some more strenuous activities!

As long as your dog comes when called on command, you may want to consider letting your canine companion run without a leash. You might consider this leash:

Heavy Duty Dog Leash for Large Dogs Up to 150lbs: this is a bungee-type dog leash, which also doubles as a car seat belt. The leash is durable and sturdy enough to hold dogs up to 150lbs. This is a leash meant to minimize pulling.

You may also want to consider using a dog harness like this one:

Auroth Tactical Dog Training Harness: here’s a tough harness for a strong dog such as a Rottweiler. The harness is easy to put on and take off with its 2 quick-release buckles. It also has 4 adjustable straps to make sure the harness fits snuggly. The harness is made of heavy-duty 900D nylon, with sturdy stitching to make it last longer. This harness can also be used for training your Rottweiler. It includes two clips, with one on the front to keep the dog from pulling, and one on the back to be used when walking. A great benefit of the harness is that you’ll have more control of your dog’s upper body. Which could come in handy some time with such a large dog.

If your dog has a ton of energy and needs to wear it off on a walk, then you may want to consider investing in a weight dog jacket for him.

XDOG Weight & Fitness Vest for Dogs: this is a weighted vest the dog wears when walking or doing other types of exercises. It works to wear the dog out, while also building muscle. What a great way to keep your dog fit! The vest uses bags that can be filled with sand, which molds to the dog’s body, without creating pressure points. This dog vest is made of lightweight, breathable material, which is very durable.

One note, if you choose to use a weight vest when walking, experts recommend that the vest should not weigh more than 10% of the dog’s body weight.

2). Hiking with Your Rottweiler

Rottweilers revel in hiking; however, you must make sure your dog is properly trained and socialized. You never know who or what you may meet on the trail. The goal is to avoid the dog from becoming aggressive toward other hikers, dogs, and wildlife. This is why training and socialization are imperative before going on any hikes with your dog.

So, make sure you and your Rotti know the basic obedience cues, and learn to do them well before heading out on any trail. Otherwise, you could be pulled down and injured if your dog sees something and wants to go after it. And remember, Rottweilers are also very protective of their humans. They will go into overdrive trying to keep you safe.

When hiking with your Rotti, be sure to take along extra water and some food or treats. While these dogs have great stamina, they do get tired (eventually!). Your fur baby will appreciate the water and the snacks!

3). Weight Pulling

Rottweilers were once used to pull carts of meat for butchers in Rottweiler, Germany. Today, these dogs are still great at pulling a heavy load. And weight pulling is a dog sport! Even if you don’t want to get involved in the sport, you can still allow your dog to do the work he was made for.

Before you can start your dog weight pulling, you’ll need the right type of harness. We found this one that has some high ratings:

PET ARTIST Dog Sled Weight Pulling Training Harness: this is made for large working dogs. It’s made of strong, durable 50 mm wide nylon webbing fabric, which is reinforced with stitching. The material resistance goes up to 1200 lbs, which is just right for a Rotti. The training harness is padded and tear-resistant. What’s more, this dog weight training vest comes with a 100% money-back guarantee.

To weight pull train your dog, you can use a cart or another weight to attach to the harness. Be sure to check with your vet to see how much weight your dog can pull. You don’t want him to become injured.

4). Fetch & Toys

Your Rotti will also be very happy to enjoy a game of fetch with you! Keep in mind you may need to train your dog to play fetch. In the beginning, he may just run off with the ball, hoping you’ll give chase!

You can choose one of your dog’s favorite toys to play fetch. Using one of his favorite toys helps to improve the dog’s recall from the previous lessons you’ve had together. And if it’s his favorite, then he’ll be more than likely to go and get it!

Here’s are a couple of fun toys that would be great for fetch!

Dog Soccer Ball with Grab Tabs: this is a durable, soft toy that’s meant to keep your dog safe. It’s made of premium PU, which is a standard material used for soccer balls. This is a ball that won’t damage your dog’s teeth or mouth. The grab tabs on the side of the ball make it easy for dogs to carry the ball when playing fetch and other fun games.

Kong Flyer: this is a brand that’s famous for creating dog toys that are durable and indestructible, even for aggressive chewers. This makes a great dog toy for playing fetch! The Kong Flyer is made of red rubber, which is durable, and flexible. It won’t injure your dog’s mouth or harm his teeth. This disc is made for large dogs, and it’s made in the USA, from sourced materials.

5). Other Activities You Can Enjoy with Your Rottweiler

There are even more activities you and your dog can enjoy together. These include running, biking, skating. He will also enjoy a game of tug of war! You might even consider building a digging pit for your Rotti!

The main thing is to ensure your dog is trained and socialized, then go out and give him plenty of exercise! He will need at least two hours a day!

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Kyoko

Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!

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