Rottweiler

American  

[rot-wahy-ler] / ˈrɒtˌwaɪ lər /

Informal, Rottie

noun

1. one of a German breed of large, powerful dogs having a short, coarse, black coat with tan to brown markings.

---

Rottweiler British  

/ ˈrɒtˌvaɪlə /

noun

1. a breed of large robustly built dog with a smooth coat of black with dark tan markings on the face, chest, and legs. It was previously a docked breed

2. (often not capital) an aggressive, ruthless, and unscrupulous person

---

Etymology

Origin of Rottweiler

First recorded in 1905–10; from German, after Rottweil city in southwest Germany + -er ¹

Example Sentences

His tight control was a skill also shaped against the first 'defender' he ever faced - a Rottweiler.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

The dog, a Rottweiler, was pronounced dead at the scene after being found near a vehicle at the curb, officials said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 28, 2026

Another problem: The week before, a woman had adopted one of Favor’s dogs, a Rottweiler named Marli who was not friendly around other dogs.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 24, 2024

"If someone has a dog that is clearly another established breed, such as a Rottweiler, the XL bully ban does not apply."

From BBC • Dec. 3, 2023

A Rottweiler on a leash in a fenced-in yard barks and struggles to come after us.

From "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas