Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Can Rottweilers Handle Cold Weather? Vet Approved Facts & Precautions Tips

rottweiler dogs outdoor during winter

Dogs are like any animal in that they have varying degrees of tolerance for weather and ambient conditions. Many factors play a role, from genetics to health to body size. But how does the Rottweiler specifically handle cold weather?

Rottweilers can handle the cold with limitations. The evident fact is that this breed has short hair and can’t benefit from the insulating properties as they could if it were longer. That reduces the dog’s ability to tolerate extreme conditions. However, that doesn’t mean that they can’t ever go out into cold weather. Let’s learn more about this.

divider single dog paw oct 2024

A Dog’s Upbringing and Tolerance for Cold Weather

As we said, the Rottweiler originated in Germany, which lies between 47°N and 55°N. The former is on a parallel with Duluth, MN, and the latter with the Alaskan Panhandle. The country has a temperate/ continental climate depending on the region. Yet, the average winter temperature is only about 39℉ because of the modulating influences of the North Sea and Southern Alps. Therefore, the Rottweiler may be better adapted to the cold than some other breeds.

Of course, animals that live outside year-round are more tolerant than pets kept indoors. Their bodies adapt to the environment by growing thicker coats to bolster their chances of survival and reproductive success. The takeaway on this point is that tolerance is somewhat adaptable. However, that does not mean you should ever allow your Rottie to stay outside in below-freezing temperatures for long periods.

rottweiler dog lying on the snowy ground
Image Credit: Olga Maksimava, Shutterstock

How Body Size Plays a Role

Small dogs are more likely to get cold than large dogs like the Rottweiler. This breed has size in its favor. Rottweilers can range from 80–135 pounds. The reason for this rests with surface area. A tiny Chihuahua has a proportionally larger area from which body heat can dissipate than a Rottie.

Scientists have noted that warm-blooded animals like dogs are often bigger in higher latitudes. Bergmann’s rule describes this observation. The adaptation allows organisms to conserve heat and the resources necessary to keep animals warm. The takeaway from this information is that the Rottweiler is more capable of handling cold temperatures because of the ratio of their surface area to size or volume.

How Genetics Affect Your Rottweiler’s Cold Tolerance

Genetics is always a wild card, adding new twists and nuances to every question. The Rottweiler is no exception. We’ve discussed this dog’s short coat. But while the breed has an undercoat, its thickness is variable, depending on the climate. That harkens back to our explanation of adapting tolerance. The official breed standard accounts for these differences.

The other consideration is the dog’s coat length. Five recessive variants of one gene called FGF5 (fibroblast growth factor-5) exist in the canine genome that may cause a Rottweiler to have long hair. Puppies receive one copy or allele of each gene from their mothers and fathers. If each pup gets two alleles of the short-haired variant, that’s what their coat will present visually.

Things get more complex if a puppy receives one short-haired variant from one parent and the long-haired allele from the other. Since the trait is recessive, the dog will still have short hair. A pup would only have long hair if they received that allele from both parents.

The wild card is with puppies having one short-haired variant and one long-haired allele. These pups are carriers of the trait. If this dog mates with another carrier, 25% of their offspring could be long-haired Rottweilers. These pups may have a greater cold tolerance because of their long coats. You may wonder why you don’t see more long-haired Rotties. The reason is simple: This trait is considered a cause for disqualification in the show ring. Serious breeders wouldn’t encourage it. Luckily, a DNA test can help them identify carriers.

rottweiler dog outdoor during winter
Image Credit: Eudyptula, Shutterstock

The Veterinary Point of View

Let’s consider this question from a veterinary perspective. Scientists have developed the Tufts Animal Condition and Care (TACC) score to determine a dog’s risk of neglect. It assesses the animal’s risk based on environmental factors and the dog’s condition, giving it a numerical value. Scores can range from ≤1 to ≥5. The higher the figure, the greater the chances of inhuman treatment.

The TACC score adds points if the dog is a toy breed or in wet conditions. It also considers the dog’s coat, acclimation to the elements, and the availability of shelter. It further evaluates the risk based on whether the animal is a puppy or a senior. The dog’s size also influences the score. The system may classify the Rottweiler as a large or giant dog based on their weight and age.

Let’s look at the tallies for Rottweilers kept in various conditions, assuming an adult pup is categorized as large/giant.

Score Conditions Weather Safety Scale
1 Temperatures around 50℉; available shelter and bedding Risk not present
3 Temperatures around 30℉; no available shelter or bedding Unsafe
5 Temperatures around 10℉; no available shelter or bedding; not acclimated to cold temperatures; precipitation Life-threatening

These scores also consider the state of the situation and condition of the animal. The assessment takes into account the dog’s coat and whether they are of a northern breed. However, the points regarding temperature, availability of shelter, and weather are well-taken. They clearly point to a cold environment as unhealthy and possibly unsafe even for a large dog like a Rottweiler.

two rottweiler dogs walking in the snow
Image Credit: Degtyaryov Andrey, Shutterstock

Keeping Your Rottweiler Safe

The temperature and weather aren’t the only factors when considering the effects of the cold on your pet. The wind chill is another valid point, particularly with a dog without a thick, dense undercoat like the Rottweiler. An animal may feel cold quicker in wet conditions or if it’s raining or snowing.

Puppies and senior pets can’t regulate their internal temperature as readily as healthy adults. Likewise, you should restrict a sick dog’s time outdoors in inclement weather because of their weakened state. While some may think clothing silly, they are sometimes practical for short-haired dogs to handle cold weather. So, your pooch may not like booties, but they’ll protect their paws from frostbite.

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

Final Thoughts

Rottweilers have a tough-guy reputation because of their use in law enforcement and the military. They are indeed strong animals and capable of the demands of these roles. However, it behooves you as a pet owner to understand their limitations of cold tolerance. Their size gives them a slight advantage, but challenging situations can be unsafe for a Rottie or any dog to handle.


Featured Image Credit: Sr Bainsla, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

12 Dog Breeds Similar to Newfoundland Dogs (With Info & Pictures)

If you love the Newfoundland but don’t want one specifically, or if you simply want to know what other dogs are like them,...

Bagle Hound (Beagle & Basset Hound Mix) Dog Breed: Info, Pictures & Care

The Bagle Hound is a mixed breed created by crossing a Beagle with a Basset Hound. They have long ears, a square head,...

How Much Does Dog Sitting & Dog Boarding Cost in Canada? 2025 Price Guide

There’s nothing better than planning a vacation, but if you have a dog, you’ll have to consider how they will be taken care...

Can Dogs Eat Ginger Snaps? Vet-Verified Facts & Explanation

Ginger snaps are a spiced cookie that’s synonymous with the holiday season. They’re slightly sweet without being too overpowering, and deliciously crunchy. While...

More related

Mastweiler (Mastiff & Rottweiler Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & More

If you want a dog that’s dedicated to your protection and looks intimidating enough to get the job done, the Mastweiler might be...

How to Groom a Poodle: 6 Simple Steps

Poodles are fun-loving, active, and social dogs that tend to do their fair share of adventuring whenever they have the opportunity. Poodles are...

Leucistic & Albino Pugs: Vet-Verified Info & FAQ

If you have a white Pug, you might wonder how rare they are and if they have albinism. White Pugs are indeed extremely...

How to Hold a Dog Food Drive for a Rescue or Shelter: 9 Tips & Tricks

All dogs need to eat, including those at shelters and rescues. However, dog food can get surprisingly expensive when you’re feeding dozens of...

Keep reading

10 Best Non-GMO Dog Foods in 2025: Reviews & Top Picks

There are so many different types of dog foods on the market. From “grain-free” to “holistic” to “human-grade,” how do you choose the best one for your canine pal? Many marketing terms are used on dog food labels nowadays, and...

Gizmo white fluffy dog with Ollie dog food box

Can Dogs Eat Butter? Vet-Approved Nutrition Advice

It isn’t uncommon to feed your dog a bite or two from your plate; our canine pals are always overjoyed to get a taste of what we’re eating! But not everything we like eating is healthy or safe for our...

Can Dogs Eat Butter

How to Build Muscle on a Dog With Food: 6 Vet Approved Tips

There are several reasons that you may want to build muscle on your dog. Canine athletes often benefit from increased muscle mass, as it helps them go harder and longer. Older dogs often lose substantial amounts of muscle mass, and...

Hunting dog eating

Top 10 Most Popular Dog Treat Brands in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Dog owners know how much their pets love treats. What could be better than a delicious treat to reward your dog for a job well done? There are many different flavors, textures, and sizes of dog treats, as well as...

jack russell terrier having treats

How Long Does It Take for a Dog to Digest Food? Vet-Approved Digestive System Basics

We all know that what we feed our dogs—and how they digest it—plays a key role in their overall health. If you’re wondering how long it takes for a dog to digest their food, unfortunately, the answer is not a...

french bulldog eating or drinking from a bowl

8 Best Dog Foods for Hair Loss in 2025: Reviews & Top Picks

Shedding is common with some dog breeds, but if you experience more shedding than usual or hair coming out in clumps, leaving behind bald patches, that’s a sign that something is amiss. Whether your dog is suffering from a skin...

a shetland sheepdog shedding a lot

Can Dogs Eat Ribs? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Precautions

Ribs—whether we’re talking beef or pork ribs—are a tasty main dish that is just as good on the grill as in the oven. However, if you’re whipping up some ribs for dinner tonight, you might wonder if this is something...

person cutting pork ribs

Can Dogs Eat Candy Canes? Vet-Approved Facts & Safety Guide

Candy canes are fun and tasty seasonal treats that appear everywhere around the winter holiday season. If you have cats or kids, it’s likely that a candy cane will find its way onto the floor sometime during the festivities, and...

Can Dogs Eat_candy canes