Rottweilers, with their strong and muscular build, are an impressive breed often chosen as guard dogs and loyal family companions. However, if you’re raising a Rottweiler puppy, you might be wondering just how big your little pup will eventually grow. Understanding the growth patterns of Rottweilers is essential for providing proper care, ensuring they develop a strong frame, and managing their health needs as they mature.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Rottweiler growth, weight milestones, and how to keep your Rottie healthy throughout their development.
Overview: Quick Facts About Rottweilers
Rottweilers, or “Rotties,” are descended from ancient working dogs of the Roman Empire. Originally bred for herding livestock, Rotties are known for their strength, loyalty, and protective instincts. Today, they serve in various roles, from police work and search and rescue to being loyal family pets.
| Sizes | Male | Female |
| Average Height | 24–27 inches (61–68 cm) | 22–25 inches (56–63 cm) |
| Average Weight | 95–135 lbs (43–61 kg) | 80–100 lbs (36–45 kg) |
If you’re curious about Rottweiler size and growth, this chart and guide will help you anticipate your pup’s growth milestones.
Rottweiler Growth Chart for Males and Females
Tracking your Rottweiler puppy’s weight and growth can help ensure they’re on the right path. Keep in mind that these figures are averages, and each dog may develop slightly differently.
Female Rottweiler Growth Chart
| Age | Average Weight (lbs) | Average Weight (kg) |
| 1 week | 1.8 – 2.4 | 0.8 – 1 |
| 4 weeks | 4.9 – 5.7 | 2.2 – 2.5 |
| 8 weeks | 12 – 14.5 | 5.4 – 6.5 |
| 12 weeks | 25 – 36 | 11.3 – 16.3 |
| 6 months | 60 – 64 | 27 – 29 |
| 1 year | 80 – 100 | 36 – 45 |
Male Rottweiler Growth Chart
| Age | Average Weight (lbs) | Average Weight (kg) |
| 1 week | 2.2 – 2.6 | 0.9 – 1.1 |
| 4 weeks | 5.5 – 6.5 | 2.5 – 2.9 |
| 8 weeks | 13.8 – 15.8 | 6.2 – 7.2 |
| 12 weeks | 35 – 37 | 15.8 – 16.7 |
| 6 months | 64 – 71 | 29 – 32 |
| 1 year | 95 – 135 | 43 – 61 |
It’s important to remember that male Rottweilers are generally larger than females. Regular veterinary check-ups can help ensure your puppy is growing appropriately for their age and breed standards.
Key Stages of Rottweiler Growth and Development
Are you wondering if your Rottweiler puppy is growing at the right pace, eating the right diet, or getting the right amount of exercise for a healthy weight? Tracking your Rottie’s development is key to ensuring they grow into a strong and healthy adult dog.
Below, we’ve outlined the critical stages of Rottweiler puppy growth to help you understand if your puppy is on the right track.
0–4 Weeks: The Newborn Phase
During this period, Rottweiler puppies experience their most rapid growth, often doubling their birth weight within the first week. Their eyes and ears remain closed, and they rely entirely on their mother for warmth and nutrition. At this stage, they weigh between 12 ounces and 3.7 pounds.
4-Week-Old (1-Month-Old): Opening Eyes and Exploring
By one month, Rottweiler puppies begin opening their eyes and hearing sounds. They develop their milk teeth, start eating solid food, and wag their tails. Interaction with humans becomes essential to foster proper social skills.
Key milestones:
- Socializing with littermates
- Starting to eat solid food
- Weight range: 4.9 to 6.5 pounds
8-Week-Old (2-Month-Old): Ready for a New Home
Between 8 and 10 weeks of age, your Rottweiler puppy is ready to leave the breeder and become a part of your family. During this stage, they experience rapid growth and require regular visits to the vet for vaccinations and weight monitoring to ensure they are healthy and developing properly. At this age, their weight typically ranges between 15 and 25 pounds.
10-Week-Old: Rapid Growth Continues
Your Rottweiler puppy will gain approximately 2.2 pounds (1 kg) per week. By 10 weeks, they weigh between 22 and 26 pounds and stand about 15 inches tall. Their joints are still developing, so they may appear a bit wobbly.
12-Week-Old (3-Month-Old): Slowing Growth Rate
At 12 weeks, your Rottweiler puppy’s senses are fully developed, and they continue to grow steadily. During this stage, they typically gain around 11 pounds in body weight and grow about 3 inches taller. Their weight usually falls within the range of 30 to 40 pounds.
16-Week-Old (4-Month-Old): The Teenage Phase
By four months, your Rottweiler puppy has achieved approximately 60% of their adult height and 30% of their adult weight. This stage is ideal for starting consistent training to establish good habits and prevent the development of undesirable behaviors. At this age, their weight typically ranges from 43 to 70 pounds.
20-Week-Old (5-Month-Old): Slower Growth Begins
By this age, your puppy has completed most of their rapid growth and reached around 65% of their final adult height. Growth in height and weight will continue but at a slower pace.
6-Month-Old: Approaching Full Height
At six months, your Rottweiler puppy may begin to show selective behavior toward strangers or other dogs, making proper socialization and consistent training essential during this stage.
Male puppies typically weigh between 64 and 71 pounds (29 to 32 kg), while females range from 60 to 64 pounds (27 to 29 kg). Both males and females stand approximately 22 to 23 inches (56 to 58 cm) tall at this age.
1-Year-Old: Reaching Full Size
By one year, your Rottweiler will be near their full adult height and weight. While their growth plates will have hardened, they may continue to gain muscle and develop a broader chest and larger head into their second year.
German vs. American Rottweilers
While American and German Rottweilers share many similarities, there are subtle differences. German Rottweilers are typically larger and more muscular, often bred according to strict guidelines by the ADRK (Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler-Klub) to ensure consistency in temperament and appearance. American Rottweilers, on the other hand, may vary more in size due to less stringent breeding regulations.
For more information on these differences, check out this guide from the American Kennel Club.
What Influences a Rottweiler’s Growth?
Several factors impact a Rottweiler’s growth rate and final size. While genetics play a significant role, diet and exercise are also critical components.
- Genetics: Consulting your breeder about the size of your Rottweiler’s parents and grandparents can give you an idea of your dog’s potential adult size.
- Diet: Puppies need a high-protein diet to support muscle and bone development. Consider a reputable brand like Royal Canin, which has breed-specific formulas.
- Exercise: Rottweilers require regular exercise to develop a strong muscular build, but avoid intense activities like running until they’re fully grown to prevent joint issues.
Health Issues Affecting Rottweiler Growth
Several health conditions can impact your Rottweiler’s growth. Two major concerns are:
- Hip Dysplasia: A genetic condition common in large breeds, where the hip joint doesn’t fit together correctly. To minimize this risk, ensure your puppy maintains a healthy weight and doesn’t engage in excessive high-impact exercise.
- Heart Disease: Rottweilers are prone to aortic stenosis, which can affect blood flow. Regular veterinary check-ups are vital to catch early signs of this condition.
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The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) provides additional resources on breed-specific health care.
Rottweiler Growth Spurts
Rottweilers experience their most significant growth spurts between 5 and 7 months. It’s common for puppies to grow very quickly during this stage, gaining around 2–5 pounds per week. While it can be surprising to see such rapid growth, remember that Rottweilers reach physical maturity between 2 and 3 years.
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Measuring Your Rottweiler’s Height and Weight
Tracking your Rottweiler’s size involves weighing them on a calibrated scale and measuring from the ground to the withers (the highest point of the shoulder blades). You can weigh small puppies at home using a bathroom scale, but larger dogs may need to be weighed at the vet’s office.
Maintaining a Healthy Weight for Your Rottweiler
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for Rottweilers to avoid obesity and joint problems. The following tips can help:
- Feed Appropriately: Stick to portion-controlled meals that suit their age and activity level.
- Exercise Moderately: Balance high-energy activities with rest to avoid putting strain on developing joints.
- Limit High-Calorie Treats: Choose treats that are high in protein and low in fat, like freeze-dried liver or other natural options.
For guidance on feeding schedules and dog nutrition, see PetMD’s Guide to Dog Nutrition.
When Do Rottweilers Stop Growing?
Generally, Rottweilers reach their full height by around 1 year of age, but they may continue to fill out and gain muscle mass until they are 2–3 years old. Male Rottweilers, in particular, may put on an additional 15–20 pounds between their first and second years.
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Ideal Age to Spay or Neuter Your Rottweiler
Experts recommend waiting until your Rottweiler is at least 2 years old before spaying or neutering. Early neutering can increase the risk of joint issues due to altered growth patterns, so delaying the procedure is advisable. For more details on spaying and neutering considerations, visit ASPCA.
Conclusion: What to Expect as Your Rottweiler Grows
Rottweilers are a large and loyal breed with specific growth patterns that require attentive care. While genetics largely determine their final size, proper diet, exercise, and health management play essential roles in ensuring they grow into strong, healthy adults. With the right approach, you’ll be able to support your Rottie through every stage of development, from puppyhood to full maturity.
How has your Rottweiler’s growth journey been? Share your experiences in the comments below!
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