The Rottweiler is a robust, powerful working breed whose capabilities are often underestimated. It is also one of the most documented dog breeds when it comes to joint dysplasia. Data published in veterinary literature are clear: the Rottweiler shows some of the highest rates of hip and elbow dysplasia among breeds of comparable size, with a particularly marked predisposition to elbow issues.

This information is not intended to discourage adoption, but to enable informed decision-making and proactive management of the dog's health. A Rottweiler that is properly monitored, screened early, and managed for weight and activity can live a long and comfortable life despite these predispositions.

Breed Profile

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: Published Figures

Study Data on 1139 Rottweilers

A retrospective study published in the Journal of the South African Veterinary Association (Bindels et al., 2018, PMID 29227139) analyzed screening results from 1139 Rottweilers over a 9-year period (2007-2015) in South Africa, comparing them with American OFA data from 1974-2015.

The results are clear:

• Hip Dysplasia :

  •  22 % in the South African cohort 

  •  20.2 % in the US OFA database over 40 years

• Elbow Dysplasia :

  • 39 % in the South African cohort 

  •  36.7 % in the US OFA database

These figures come from populations voluntarily presented for screening, which tends to underestimate the actual frequency observed outside of selection.

OFA Database Bias: A Quantifying Study

A prospective study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (Paster et al., 2005, PMID 15702688) evaluated 140 clinically normal Rottweilers via radiographs, without presupposing the outcome. Radiographs with apparently normal hips were 8.2 times more likely to be submitted to the OFA than radiographs with abnormalities.

In this unselected population, the prevalence of hip dysplasia in Rottweilers ranged from 41 to 69% depending on the evaluation criteria used.

This study is fundamental to understanding why OFA figures underestimate the actual prevalence.

It does not question the usefulness of screening databases but reminds us that published figures reflect a selective population, not all dogs of a breed.

Elbow Dysplasia: A Particularly Marked Predisposition

An analysis of 74 breeds published in PLOS One (Hou et al., 2013, PMID 24124555) on 1,264,422 dogs from the OFA database between 1974 and 2009 shows that the Rottweiler had the highest incidence rate of elbow dysplasia among the 21 breeds included in the elbow analysis.

This result is consistent with European screening data, which also classify the Rottweiler among the breeds most affected by elbow dysplasia.

The predisposition to elbow issues in this breed is well-established in several independent databases, which strengthens the validity of this observation.

Comparative Table of Prevalences by Source

Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture: A Common Complication

In Rottweilers, cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture is another frequent orthopedic concern, favored by a combination of factors including large size, biomechanics, age, and overweight.

A study on risk factors for CCL rupture published in JAVMA (Witsberger et al., 2008) identifies the Rottweiler among breeds with a high odds ratio for this pathology.

Secondary osteoarthritis following untreated CCL rupture permanently aggravates the animal's mobility.

Osteosarcoma: Documented Predisposition

As with other large breeds, the Rottweiler has a predisposition to osteosarcoma. Epidemiological studies show an overrepresentation of Rottweilers in cohorts of dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma.

Initial symptoms (progressive lameness, localized pain, bone swelling) warrant prompt evaluation in any Rottweiler over 5 years old presenting unexplained lameness.

Practical Management: Screening, Weight, and Activity

Joint Screening

Radiographic screening of the hip and elbow is recommended for Rottweilers, ideally between 12 and 24 months of age. In breeding, verifying that both parents have been screened is an essential step. A reputable breeder can provide screening results for their breeding dogs without hesitation.

Elbow dysplasia deserves particular attention in this breed due to its high prevalence. Clinical signs (forelimb lameness, difficulty extending the elbow) can appear as early as a young age, but also later in life.

Weight Management: A Major Factor

Overweight mechanically aggravates all joint pathologies.

In a male Rottweiler that can weigh 60 kg, every additional kilogram represents a significant load on already predisposed joints.

Rigorous weight management throughout life is one of the most effective levers to delay the progression of secondary osteoarthritis.

Physical Activity: Regular and Adapted

Regular and moderate physical activity is beneficial for muscle maintenance and joint stabilization.

Excessive exertion or repeated impacts on hard surfaces should be avoided, especially during growth.

Swimming is a particularly suitable activity for dogs with established joint pathologies: it engages muscles without impacting the joints.

What to Know Before Adopting a Rottweiler

• Parental screening : hip and elbow must be checked before purchase: ask for certificates

• Weight monitoring : absolute priority throughout life

• Possible surgery : severe dysplasia, CCL rupture: plan for pet health insurance

• Activity : regular, moderate, adapted to age and joint condition

• Legislation : The Rottweiler is a categorized breed in France (category 2): requires a permit to own, aptitude certificate, behavioral evaluation, civil liability insurance, rabies vaccination, and declaration to the town hall. Sterilization is not required for category 2.

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Sources:

1. Bindels LJT, Ramsay K, Breur GJ, Schaap H, Meij BP. Phenotypic hip and elbow dysplasia trends in Rottweilers and Labrador retrievers in South Africa (2007-2015): Are we making progress? Journal of the South African Veterinary Association. 2018;89(0):e1-e9. PMID : 29227139
2. Paster ER, LaFond E, Biery DN, Iriye A, Gregor TP, Shofer FS, Smith GK. Estimates of prevalence of hip dysplasia in Golden Retrievers and Rottweilers and the influence of bias on published prevalence figures. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 2005;226(3):387-392. PMID : 15702688
3. Hou Y, Wang Y, Lu X, Zhang X, Zhao Q, Todhunter RJ, Zhang Z. Monitoring hip and elbow dysplasia achieved modest genetic improvement of 74 dog breeds over 40 years in USA. PLOS One. 2013;8(10):e76390. PMID : 24124555
4. Witsberger TH, Villamil JA, Schultz LG, Hahn AW, Cook JL. Prevalence of and risk factors for hip dysplasia and cranial cruciate ligament deficiency in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 2008;232(12):1818-1824. PMID : 18540825