TL;DR
The typical Rottweiler lifespan is about 9 to 10 years. In a 2024 UK study of 584,734 dogs, Rottweilers had a median lifespan of 10.6 years, against 12.0 years for mixed breeds, and a UK study of 5,321 Rottweilers found a median of only 9.0 years, with females outliving males (9.5 versus 8.7 years). Cancer caused a third of deaths (33.0%), and Rottweilers have 26.67 times the odds of bone cancer (osteosarcoma) compared with crossbreeds. The next most common cause of death was inability to stand (16.0%). A Rottweiler is a senior from about 7.9 years.
How long do Rottweilers live?
| Measure | Rottweiler | Mixed breed |
|---|---|---|
| Median lifespan, 2024 UK study (3,442 deaths) | 10.6 years | 12.0 years |
| Median lifespan, UK Rottweiler study | 9.0 years | |
| Females / males, UK Rottweiler study | 9.5 / 8.7 years | |
| Senior from about (last 25% of lifespan) | 7.9 years | 9 years |
In the UK Rottweiler study, the middle half of dogs died between 7.2 and 10.5 years, and the oldest reached 17. The median adult weight was 44.9 kg, with males (48.5 kg) heavier than females (41.5 kg).
Rottweiler age in human years
| Dog's age | Life stage | Roughly like a person aged |
|---|---|---|
| 4 years | Mature adult | 30 |
| 5 years | Mature adult | 37 |
| 6 years | Mature adult | 45 |
| 7 years | Mature adult | 52 |
| 8 years | Senior | 60 |
| 9 years | Senior | 67 |
| 10 years | Senior | 75 |
| 11 years | Senior, past the median | 82 |
| 12 years | Senior, past the median | 89 |
| 13 years | Senior, past the median | 97 |
| 14 years | Senior, past the median | 104 |
This uses the share of the breed's typical lifespan a dog has lived, compared with US human life expectancy of 79 years. For puppies and young dogs, the DNA-based method in the calculator below is more accurate. Try any age:
Dog age calculator
Enter your dog's age and breed. Choose "Mixed breed" if you are not sure.
Human age (DNA method)
64
From age-related DNA changes in Labradors compared with people (Wang 2020). Least reliable for puppies under a few months.
Same point in a human life
53
Your dog has lived about 67% of the typical 12.0-year lifespan for this group. The same share of a 79.0-year US life expectancy is age 53.
Life stage
Mature adult
AAHA: from maturity until the last 25% of expected lifespan, about 9.0 years for this group.
Mixed breed (crossbreed): median lifespan 12.0 years (95% CI 12.0 to 12.1), senior from about 9.0 years.
Lifespans: UK study of 584,734 dogs (McMillan 2024). Life stages: AAHA. Every dog ages differently; health, weight and lifestyle all matter.
What Rottweilers die of
| Cause of death (UK Rottweiler study) | Share of deaths |
|---|---|
| Cancer (neoplasia) | 33.0% |
| Inability to stand | 16.0% |
| Mass-associated disorder | 7.1% |
Bone cancer
In a UK study of 905,552 dogs, Rottweilers had 26.67 times the odds of osteosarcoma compared with crossbreeds, and 0.84% of Rottweilers were diagnosed in a single year. The median age at diagnosis across all dogs was 9.64 years. A limp that does not go away, or a hard, painful swelling on a leg, needs X-rays promptly.
Back legs and joints
"Inability to stand" accounted for 16% of deaths, reflecting arthritis, cruciate ligament disease and other mobility problems in a heavy breed. Rottweilers had increased odds of cruciate ligament disease in a UK study of 171,522 dogs, and heavier dogs within a breed were at higher risk.
Common Rottweiler health problems
| Problem (UK Rottweiler study) | Share of Rottweilers |
|---|---|
| Aggression | 7.46% |
| Overweight or obesity | 7.06% |
| Ear infections | 6.14% |
| Degenerative joint disease | 4.69% |
By group, musculoskeletal disorders (12.01%) were the most common. Males had more aggression (9.36% versus 5.47%) and more hot spots on the skin.
How to help a Rottweiler live longer
- Keep it lean. Every extra kilogram loads the joints of a 45 kg dog. In a lifelong study of Labradors, dogs fed 25% less lived a median of 13.0 years, against 11.2 years for their littermates.
- Protect the knees and hips: steady exercise, no repetitive jumping in young dogs, non-slip floors and ramps. See hip dysplasia treatment.
- Support the joints daily. In a 2006 trial, 67% of dogs with joint disease improved on green-lipped mussel extract by day 56, against 41% on placebo. Our green-lipped mussel powder is a single-ingredient topper. See arthritis shots for dogs for vet options.
- Never ignore a persistent limp or leg swelling.
- Check for lumps monthly. See skin tags and lumps on dogs.
- Twice-yearly vet checks from about 7.9 years.
FAQ
How long do Rottweilers live?
Most Rottweilers live about 9 to 10 years. A 2024 UK study of 584,734 dogs found a median of 10.6 years, and a UK Rottweiler study found 9.0 years.
Do female Rottweilers live longer than males?
Yes. In the UK Rottweiler study, females lived a median of 9.5 years and males 8.7 years.
Is 8 old for a Rottweiler?
A Rottweiler is a senior from about 7.9 years. At 8 it has lived about 75% of the breed's median lifespan, roughly like a person aged 60.
What do Rottweilers usually die from?
Cancer caused 33.0% of deaths in the UK Rottweiler study, followed by inability to stand (16.0%). Rottweilers have 26.67 times the odds of bone cancer compared with crossbreeds.
Why do Rottweilers have short lives?
They are a large, heavy breed with a high risk of cancer, especially bone cancer, and of joint and mobility problems that make standing difficult in old age.
References
- McMillan KM, et al. Longevity of companion dog breeds: those at risk from early death. Scientific Reports. 2024. PMID: 38302530
- O'Neill DG, et al. Rottweilers under primary veterinary care in the UK: demography, mortality and disorders. Canine Genetics and Epidemiology. 2017. PMID: 29201384
- O'Neill DG, et al. Dog breeds and conformations predisposed to osteosarcoma in the UK: a VetCompass study. Canine Medicine and Genetics. 2023. PMID: 37365662
- Taylor-Brown FE, et al. Epidemiology of cranial cruciate ligament disease diagnosis in dogs attending primary-care veterinary practices in England. Veterinary Surgery. 2015. PMID: 26118493
- Kealy RD, et al. Effects of diet restriction on life span and age-related changes in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 2002. PMID: 11991408
- Pollard B, et al. Clinical efficacy and tolerance of an extract of green-lipped mussel in dogs presumptively diagnosed with degenerative joint disease. New Zealand Veterinary Journal. 2006. PMID: 16751841
For individual health questions, your veterinarian remains the best partner.
