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With a long history of serving humankind, Rottweilers are one of the oldest and most respected dog breeds. Because of negative stereotypes amplified by films and television, the dogs have gained an unwarranted reputation for being dangerous and aggressive, but are Rottweilers good dogs? Yes, in fact, they’re exceptional dogs.
Some of the myths about the dog’s unruly behavior have resulted from their use as police dogs and guard dogs. They excel at protecting people and animals, but they aren’t dangerous creatures if they’re bred and raised properly.
Rottie 101
Well-trained Rottweilers enjoy interacting with people, and they’re considered one of the most loyal canines on the planet. They’ll do practically anything to keep their human family safe, but they’re not fond of most strangers. The dogs make excellent pets, but they’re not for first-time dog owners. Owning a Rottweiler requires a firm commitment to extensive obedience training, frequent exercise sessions, and supervising the animal around strangers. If you’re up to the task, a Rottweiler will happily spend its life by your side.
Temperament
Although their guarding skills are well-known, Rottweilers are much more than mere protection animals. They’re affectionate towards their human families and love playing games. However, they’re wild when they’re puppies and need to be trained before reaching adulthood. With a powerful frame and massive jaws, the Rottweiler can pose a significant threat to humans and animals if the dog is abused or poorly trained.
Regardless of their fearsome reputation, Rottweilers are unmatched in their loyalty. They’ll keep you in their line of vision at all times, and the dogs respond well to commands and learning new tricks. One of the drawbacks to their undying love is their isolation anxiety. They aren’t fond of being left alone, and some Rottweilers will act out if their owners abandon them for more than a few hours.
They love to be outside when you’re with them, but they aren’t wild about being 24-hour outside dogs. Rottweiler want to be close to the family at all times, and they can develop behavioral problems if they’re confined outside.
Exercise Requirements
Rottweilers have a working dog lineage, and they’re accustomed to a high level of physical activity. They enjoy endurance games, and they’re capable of reaching running speeds of up to 25 miles an hour. If you’re looking for a canine to take to competitions, the Rottweiler is a champion at competitive sports.
They need at least two lengthy walks a day to keep them healthy and well-adjusted, and you should also spend time playing catch or other games to keep their minds stimulated. Unlike other dogs related to Mastiffs, the Rottweiler can go jogging with you without missing a beat.
Training
By enrolling a Rottweiler puppy in obedience classes, you can train the dog to remain calm around strangers. In addition to training, the dog should be exposed to several people and pets at a young age. Socialization with help the animal grow more accustomed to young children and adult strangers.
Rottweilers are intelligent, and they’re much easier to train than other large dogs, but they will display their dominance if you’re not confident during the training. When you convince the dog at an early age that you’re the alpha animal, they’re obedient and attentive.
Grooming
Rottweilers have a straight, dense coat that’s easy to manage. They only require a thorough brushing once a week, and they shed most of their hair during the spring and fall. Since they’re prone to drool, you may spend more time cleaning up spittle than brushing its coat.
Health Conditions
Rottweilers can live up to 12 years, but like many large breeds, they’re susceptible to a few medical conditions. However, your chances of adopting a Rottweiler with a genetic disease or illness are far less when you use a certified breeder. A reputable breeder will send off blood samples for DNA testing and work with a vet to ensure the dogs are vaccinated and dewormed.
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Hypothyroidism
- Gastroenteritis
- Bloat
- Von Willebrand’s disease
- Cancer
- Cardiomyopathy
- Addison’s disease
Although the list of conditions may seem long, it’s not an unusual number of potential illnesses for a large breed. With the proper diet, exercise, and medical history, Rottweilers can live several happy years.
If you are worried about your dog’s health, we suggest speaking with a vet.
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Behavior Around Children
Well-trained Rottweilers behave well with children in their human families, but they should be closely watched when they’re around young children. The dogs are so powerful that they could unintentionally harm a toddler or baby if they bump into them or step on them.
Compared to other breeds with guarding instincts, Rottweilers are more protective of children. While that quality is honorable, it can cause trouble if the dog is unsupervised. If a Rottweiler sees a young family member fighting with another child, the dog may attack the other child without hesitating.
Interacting With Other Animals
Rottweilers are skilled herders who have coexisted with other animals for centuries. As long as other pets are raised with the Rottweiler as a puppy, they can become buddies for life. If you bring a cat or even a strange pet bird home to an adult Rottweiler, the dog is unlikely to accept the animals and may attack them to display dominance. With two Rottweilers, a male will behave better with a fixed female than another male.
- You may also be interested in: Are Rottweilers Banned in Some States?
Final Thoughts
Raising and caring for a Rottweiler isn’t a simple task, but if you’re ready to train the dog correctly and show it plenty of affection, you’ll never be far from a trusting companion. The dogs have toiled for the benefit of humans since the days of the Roman Empire, and that hard-working spirit and loyal drive continue to this day. Whether you’re looking for a family pet, protection animal, or skilled sheepherder, the Rottweiler is a wise choice.
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Featured Image Credit: BidaOleksandr, Shutterstock
