Published: 29 Nov 2017 | Last Updated: 29 Nov 2017 14:30:48

A new VetCompass™ study has revealed novel insights into the demographics, behaviours and disorders of Rottweilers. This information will raise awareness of predispositions in Rottweilers to a variety of behavioural and health conditions and assist with their diagnosis and treatment.  

This new VetCompass study provides anonymised data from hundreds of UK vet practices and has revealed:  

• Rottweilers are falling out of favour in the UK, dropping in ownership by almost 40% from 1.75% of all dogs born in 2006 to 1.07% in 2013.
• 60.3% of Rottweilers had at least one disorder recorded during 2013, which is similar to other breeds previously explored in VetCompass studies, including Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Pugs.
• The average lifespan of Rottweilers overall was 9.0 years which is shorter than some other breeds of similar bodysize.
• The most common disorders recorded in Rottweilers were aggression (7.46%), overweight/obesity (7.06%), ear infection (6.14%), osteoarthritis (4.69%) and diarrhoea (3.50%).

This information assists owners to be alert for these conditions; for example, to regularly check their dog’s ears for redness and pain, which could indicate an ear infection. It also suggests that preventive health strategies are important for the breed; for example, careful dietary control to avoid diarrhoea and obesity. The results also show that aggression is a commonly recorded issue in the Rottweiler and prospective owners need to be aware of this when considering the breed, especially as a family pet.

O'Neill, D.G., et al., Rottweilers under primary veterinary care in the UK: demography, mortality and disorders. Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, 2017. 4(1): p. 13

Click on the link above for an open-access version of the full paper.