Rottweiler health: what owners should know

Rottweilers are predisposed to hip and elbow dysplasia, cruciate ligament injuries, a heart condition called subaortic stenosis, and bone cancer, which occurs more often in this breed than in dogs overall. Their lifespan of about 9 to 10 years is shorter than that of many medium breeds. Responsible breeders X-ray hips and elbows under official scoring schemes, have a cardiologist examine the heart, and test eyes before breeding.

Keeping your dog lean is the most useful thing you can do for its joints, and regular vet checks help catch heart murmurs early. See a vet promptly if you notice lameness that does not settle within a couple of days, a hard swelling on a leg, fainting or unusual tiredness during exercise, or any signs of bloat.