I still remember the first time I brought home Bruno, my Rottweiler puppy. He was this clumsy little furball with oversized paws, a wet nose, and a bark that sounded more like a squeaky toy than a dog. I had no idea back then how quickly he’d grow—not just in size but in attitude too! Experiencing the Rottweiler puppy growth stages firsthand was both hilarious and heartwarming, and honestly, I wasn’t fully prepared for how much he would change month by month.
If you’ve just welcomed a Rottweiler pup into your home (or you’re planning to), get ready for an unforgettable ride. Let me walk you through the Rottweiler puppy growth stages—month by month—based on both experience and research.
The Newborn Stage (0–2 Months): Tiny Terrors in the Making – Early Rottweiler Puppy Development
You probably won’t have your puppy during this time, unless you’re a breeder. But it’s still good to know what’s happening behind the scenes. At this age, Rottweiler puppies are completely dependent on their mother.
Bruno was born at a friend’s kennel, and I saw him when he was just three weeks old. He couldn’t walk straight, his eyes had only just opened, and his tiny whimpers melted my heart.
This is the beginning of the Rottweiler puppy development timeline, where they mostly sleep, feed, and dream of future chew toys.
The Newborn Stage (0–2 Months): The Beginning of Rottweiler Puppy Growth Stages
When Bruno finally came home at 8 weeks, chaos began. He explored everything with his mouth—including my slippers, my charger, and somehow, a potted plant.
At this stage in the Rottweiler puppy growth stages, expect:
- Curious little adventurers
- Frequent accidents (yep, potty training starts now)
- Sleepless nights (for you, not them)
Weighing about 12 pounds, Bruno was growing fast, but still looked like a teddy bear. I started basic training here, mostly “sit,” “no,” and “please don’t eat that!”
The Teething Tornado (3–4 Months): Bite First, Ask Later
Ah, the teething months—also known as the “what happened to all my socks?” stage.
Bruno’s teeth came in like a vengeance. He chewed everything. And I mean everything. He was also learning new behaviors and picking up habits, both good and bad.
This period in the Rottweiler puppy development process is all about setting boundaries. We played a lot, introduced leash training, and started going on short walks. His weight jumped to around 30 pounds, and he was growing like a weed!
Teenage Trials (4–6 Months): The Rebellious Roar
This was the point when Bruno decided he was too cool for rules. He’d mastered “sit” and “stay” but only followed them when he felt like it. Classic teenager behavior.
At about 50 pounds, he was all legs and muscle. This stage in the Rottweiler growth timeline is crucial for reinforcing obedience and introducing more complex commands.
Funny story—once, he stole my sandwich off the table while keeping direct eye contact. I couldn’t even be mad. Okay, I was, but still.
The Drama Months (6–9 Months): Growing into That Bark
At this point, Bruno’s bark went from “cute puppy” to “who let the bear in?”
He weighed nearly 75 pounds and looked intimidating, but deep down, he was still the same goofy pup who fell off the couch chasing his tail. He also became more alert and protective—which meant lots of barking at the neighbor’s cat.
This stretch of the Rottweiler puppy growth stages can bring challenges, especially with behavior and distractions. Socializing during this time is essential!
One Year Old (9–12 Months): Big Dog Energy
And then it happened. Bruno turned one.
He hit around 90 pounds, finally stopped chewing shoes (hallelujah), and began to calm down. He still had his zoomies, but they were more controlled. Sort of.
At this stage in the Rottweiler puppy development, your dog is almost physically grown—but still mentally a pup. Keep training consistent, and you’ll have a loyal, obedient companion.
One year in, and I couldn’t believe how far we’d come. From tiny paws to giant hugs, Bruno had become family.
My Quick Take on Rottweiler Puppy Growth Chart
Here’s what I tracked in Bruno’s journal (yes, I kept one—don’t judge me):
| Age | Weight (Approx.) | Milestones |
|---|---|---|
| 2 mo | 10–15 lbs | Social bonding, teething starts |
| 4 mo | 25–35 lbs | Basic commands, rapid growth |
| 6 mo | 45–60 lbs | Strong muscles, rebellion |
| 9 mo | 65–80+ lbs | Protective behavior, barking |
| 12 mo | 85–95+ lbs | Full size, more obedient |
Tracking his weight and behavior helped me stay on top of the Rottweiler growth timeline and avoid surprises (like when he outgrew his bed in a week).
Feeding Fumbles and Wins
Oh, the feeding adventures. At first, Bruno was picky. Then he was a vacuum cleaner. I learned that large breed puppies like Rottweilers need special food that supports joint and bone health.
We stuck to:
- 3 meals/day until 6 months
- day afterward2 meals
- A mix of kibble and occasional boiled chicken/veggies
Feeding right at each stage of the Rottweiler puppy growth process helped prevent issues later—like hip problems and weight gain.
Final Woof
Rottweilers aren’t just dogs—they’re soulful, protective, sometimes stubborn, always loving family members. By understanding the Rottweiler puppy growth stages, you’re not just raising a dog. You’re shaping a lifelong companion.
Now go give your pup a treat. And maybe hide your slippers.
