rottweiler

Question
What is the average life of a rottweiler?

Answer
Hi Bob!  How are you?  Do you have a rottweiler?  They are such beautiful, strong dogs.
There are often times life spans listed with dog breeds.  There actually are many factors that can contribute to how long a dog will live.  Here are some of those factors:
A dog that is altered will live a longer life, as altering your pet protects against reproductive infections and cancers.
What kind of diet is the dog on?  A good, natural food or table scraps and food filled with preservatives or by-products?  Table scraps and by-products are not very healthy for a dog.  A good, natural dog food that is filled with nutrients that a dog's body needs would definately increase longevity.  Here are some of my favorite dog foods:
Solid Gold Hunden Flocken, Nature's Recipe, and Paul Newman's Dog food.  These are more holistic, all natural foods.  Your veterinarian probably sells Science Diet and Eukanuba, which are also very good foods that can also be purchased at any pet store.
Is the dog muscular, sleek and in shape?  Or is the dog overweight?  Overweight dogs can not only be in danger of developing diabetis and other diseases, but the extra weight also causes alot of strain on their hips and joints that could lead into some serious problems.  You always want to keep a dog muscular and in shape, as with humans and animals alike, this is healthiest for us!
Is the dog active and being taken for walks?  Or is the dog confined and has no activity?  Activity is not only healthy for a dog, but it's in their intstinct.  An active dog will help the dog develop muscles, a stronger cardiac system, and good circulation. A dog that is not active will tend to become overweight and not have the muscle density it should.  (coincides with the weight issues)
Is the dog getting lots of attention, love and care?  A dog that receives the above, lives a happier life, as dogs are sentient beings and are capable of feeling love, hurt and pain, just like us humans!  Dogs thrive on attention and love, as their biggest mission in life is to please their companions...us!
Disease is also a common factor.  Even the healthiest of humans and pets alike may develop cancer or other serious and sometimes terminal illnesses.  There is no way to prevent these malicious diseases, but treatments are available to either maintain or cure these illnesses if possible.
Your dog's family tree is also a factor in longevity.  A dog that is purchased from a pet store will obviously not have the blood line of a dog purchased from a reputable breeder.  Pet store dogs are usually bred through puppy mills.  In a puppy mill, the dogs are not checked for any disorders, behavioral issues, hereditary diseases, ect.  They are soley kept for breeding...breeding...and more breeding. Not only is it a horrible life for the parent dogs, but it is not a promising start for a puppy.  A reputable breeder will have had the parent dogs checked for all of the above, and you will know that you are getting a good, solid companion.  
If you have rescued your dog, there really is no way to know it's history!  Just be sure to let the dog have plenty of exercise, attention, and a good diet.  I am a big fan of rescuing animals, as I have rescued all of mine!
Text book wise, Rottweilers have a life expectancy of 10-12 years.  I have seen some Rottweilers pass away at 6, and I have seen some at the ripe old age of 18.  There is really no way to guarentee how long any of us will live, but we and animals alike can live as healthily and happily as we can, knowing that living a good life is even better than living a long life.
I truly hope this helps, and if you have any other questions, please feel free to ask!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Hilary