Are Rottweilers Dangerous? What the Data Says
In this article
View 2 More +The Rottweiler (or Rottie, as they're also called) is a medium to large dog with great strength. This breed’s shiny black coat with rust-colored markings adds to the dog’s image of power. Rotties are dedicated and loyal to their owners but somewhat aloof around people they don’t know.
If you’re wondering if Rottweilers are dangerous, the answer is that it depends on the training and situation. Any breed of dog can bite, including the tiniest ones and the most massive. So, why is there such a focus on Rotties?
Let’s look closer at why many people think that Rottweilers are dangerous and thought to be aggressive.
Why Rotties Have Been Given a Bad Rap
In the minds of many people, Rottweilers are thought to be dangerous and aggressive. They have this reputation for a few reasons. Rottweilers are strong and muscular dogs, making them capable of causing physical harm. This breed is also known to be protective of their home and family, making them a good watchdog.
If you were to be face to face with both a Chihuahua and a Rottie and were asked what dog you should fear the most, you’d probably say the Rottweiler due to their appearance. Your instinct may tell you that the bigger and stronger dog looks like they could cause more harm if they were to attack you, and you’re probably right. That said, you cannot judge a dog based solely on their appearance because it’s simply not a good indicator of how they will act.
The Rottweiler Is a Protective Breed
By nature, they are a protective breed that was initially bred to watch over cattle, but that doesn’t mean that Rottweilers are dangerous. This innate protectiveness is what makes this breed great watchdogs and police dogs.
You’ve probably seen Rottweilers featured in TV shows and movies where they’re chasing down criminals or attacking intruders. Since this breed is known to be a great protector and amazing service dog, many people assume that all Rottweilers are dangerous, which simply isn’t true.
Rotties Are Used as Fighting Dogs
Even though law enforcement works hard at shutting down dogfighting, this atrocious activity still happens. Two qualities that dog fighters look for are size and strength, which is why they often use Rottweilers, along with Pit Bulls.
The horrible conditions that these fighting dogs are kept in and the awful ways that they’re trained cause these dogs to become aggressive, which is exactly what the dogfighters want. Many people have seen or at least heard of aggressive Rottweilers being used in dogfighting rings, which certainly doesn’t help this breed’s reputation.
Male Rotties Can Be Dominant and Stubborn
Rottweilers are stocky and muscular dogs that make good family pets. However, the males of this breed tend to be more dominant and stubborn than the females. This independence and stubbornness can prove challenging when training a male, but persistence counts!
When training a male Rottweiler, you must establish dominance over the dog in a firm yet gentle way to earn the dog’s respect. Once a male Rottie learns to respect you, he will do what you say and stop doing whatever he’s doing when you tell him, “No.”
What Rottweilers Are Really Like
Even though there is a lot of misconception out there about Rotties being dangerous, these dogs are among the most loyal and affectionate breeds when trained properly.
A Rottweiler kept as a pet is typically friendly, loving, and loyal to their family. They love to romp and play, and they tend to follow their favorite person around the home to keep them within close sight. Many families have Rottweilers as pets, including families with kids. These dogs tend to get along well with other dogs and pets if they’re introduced properly.
If you’re looking for a medium to large-sized dog that’s loyal and loving, a Rottweiler may be perfect for you. Just keep in mind the fact that a Rottie needs plenty of physical and mental stimulation to keep them healthy and happy.
Before getting a Rottweiler, be sure you have the time available to train your dog and to take them on at least two long walks a day. You should also have a place where your dog can run and play, which ideally, would be a large, fenced yard.
History of the Rottweiler
While there is little documentation about the origin of the Rottweiler, it’s believed that this dog comes from ancient Rome. These muscular and strong dogs were originally used to protect livestock. It wasn’t until much later, during the early 1900s, that Rottweilers were being used as police dogs, as they were easily trained to track and protect.
In the early 1930s, the American Kennel Club recognized the Rottweiler as a legitimate dog breed. Today, this breed is recognized by numerous reputable dog associations the world over.
In Conclusion
The next time that you see a Rottweiler, stop and think about how this breed is misunderstood. It’s understandable that some people view Rottweilers as dangerous due to their impressive body build and size. But the truth is that Rottweilers are calm, confident, and courageous dogs that have a self-assured aloofness. Some Rotties are serious dogs, while others are goofy clowns that just want to romp and play.
Featured Image Credit: Jan Mlkvy, Shutterstock
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Nicole has loved animals of all sizes her whole life so it's no wonder she has dedicated her career to helping them through what she loves best: learning, writing, and sharing knowledge with others. She’s the proud mom of two dogs, a cat, and a human. With a degree in Education and 15+ years of writing experience, Nicole wants to help pet parents and pets around the planet to live happy, safe, and healthy lives.
