Are Rottweilers dangerous?
Rottweiler temperament is inherited, but temperament and behavior are also shaped through training and socialization. A Rottweiler must be thoroughly trained and socialized at a young age to control his territorial instincts.
The AKC Standard describes the Rottweiler as a “calm, confident and courageous dog with a self-assured aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships.” A Rottweiler is incredibly loyal to his family and very protective.
Rottweiler temperament can be aggressive with other dogs of the same sex. And while some Rottweilers have found a path to peaceful co-existence with the family cat, others are predatory toward cats.
With their families, Rottweilers are playful and affectionate. This large dog likes to cuddle on the couch or the bed, regardless of its size. But Rottweilers are also good guardians. They are leery with newcomers. So they must take their time to decide who is worthy of their affection.
How to Avoid Rottweiler Behavior Problems
The Rottweiler has a reputation for being a dangerous attack dog, but that is not their true nature. To be dangerous, they must be trained that way. With the proper training and socialization from puppyhood, a Rottweiler is an even-tempered, incredibly loyal and loving dog that will protect his family fearlessly. That makes the Rottweiler a wonderful watchdog.
Rottweiler behavior problems happen when they are not properly trained and socialized. Your dog must be taught that the human is the alpha in the relationship. With the right training, a Rottweiler can be a good playmate for children. But this breed may not be suited for a family with small children due to the pet’s strength and the potential intolerance of children’s antics. If he is socialized from an early age, a Rottweiler will welcome friends and family with affection and be tolerant of other dogs and cats.
Any Rottweiler will do what they are trained to do. If you teach them that aggression is good behavior (even without realizing you are doing so), the dog will likely show aggressive tendencies. Without guidance and positive training, your Rottweiler could turn into a challenging pet.
You may be hesitant to help an adopted or rescued Rottweiler since the dog’s personality traits have already been set. You might think that adopting a Rottweiler puppy is safer, but that is not the case. Adult dogs are calmer than puppies and their personalities are already fully established. With an adult Rottweiler, what you see is what you get. It takes the guesswork out of wondering how a puppy will turn out. As an adult, any Rottweiler behavior problems would be on full display. When you meet an adult Rottweiler, you will be able to see how they behave with people and other pets.
Rottweilers who wind up in an animal shelter don’t necessarily get there because they’re bad dogs. Animal shelters are filled with healthy, well-behaved dogs who are trained and housebroken. Adopting from a shelter or rescue organization is probably the safest way for families with children to add a Rottweiler to the family.
Interested in Owning a Rottweiler? Here’s What You Should Know
If you are interested in owning a Rottweiler, you’ll be glad to know that with the right training, the Rottweiler is a wonderful companion. But without continued socialization, companionship, supervision and obedience training a Rottweiler can be too much dog for many households.
When looking for the right Rottweiler, do a careful search to avoid over-aggressive or unstable lines. Observe the dog’s behavior. Ask the right questions.
Most Rottweilers are inclined to be dominant but they will respect an assertive owner who knows how to lead a strong-minded dog. Your dog has to know that you are in charge, even if he is twice your size.
You’ll need to invest the time to train your Rottweiler. Some dogs are dominant – they want to be the boss. You must show them that you mean what you say with absolute consistency. You’ll need to teach him social skills and harness his natural territorial instincts in a positive way. In the right hands, a Rottweiler is a loyal companion and a loving best friend.
If you are interested in owning a Rottweiler, there are some legal liabilities you should understand. Do your homework before you buy. Rottweilers may be banned in certain communities, or you may be denied a homeowners insurance policy if you own a Rottweiler. Because the breed looks intimidating and has a history as a guard dog, people may be quicker to sue if the dog’s behavior is in any way questionable.
For a short-haired breed, Rottweilers shed a lot. They are prone to drooling and flatulence. This is a strong dog. A Rottweiler can weigh up to 135 pounds, and most of it is muscle.
Rottweilers are prone to obesity. They need exercise, both as puppies and adults. Young Rottweilers can be very rambunctious. They are rowdy and enthusiastic jumpers. Rottweiler puppies can become bored and destructive. They have powerful jaws that can destroy your furniture and your home when left unsupervised. Rottweilers must have physical outlets for their energy and mental outlets for their intelligent minds.
You’ll want to be careful with a Rottweiler. This is a breed you may not want to take to the dog park. While they are usually good with other pets in their own family, some Rottweilers are aggressive toward other dogs of the same sex and they can show predatory behavior toward cats.
Are Rottweilers Good Family Dogs?
Are Rottweilers good family dogs? Yes. Although they are well-respected as guard dogs, they also tend to be loving dogs who adore the family life. A Rottweiler’s priority is always his family.
With their playful and affectionate personalities, Rottweilers are ranked as one of the most popular dog breeds by the American Kennel Club.
Children can be full of energy and they are often unintentionally invasive of an animal’s personal space. A Rottweiler lives for playtime and they love playing with children. If you raise your Rottweiler around your children, he will view the kids as part of his pack. He will be loyal and protective with your children. But do not assume that because your Rottweiler loves your children that he will also love other children. That’s why you should always supervise play between children and Rottweilers. If a Rottweiler feels that his children are being “hurt” in any way he will rush in to protect them.
If Rottweilers are not exposed to strangers and children from the time they are puppies, it is likely that they will not do well in a family setting. A Rottweiler that has never been exposed to children will likely be potentially dangerous if they feel threatened by a child.
When properly trained and socialized a Rottweiler is a good family dog. A Rottweiler is very loyal to his family. He is a loving, devoted, obedient dog who enjoys cuddling, playing and leaning against you. He likes to sit on your feet and lie on your lap.
Rottweilers do not do well being left alone for long periods of time. They prefer to be near their favorite humans. Even if they are just lounging, this affectionate breed prefers to be in the same room as their family members. This is a dog that can offer good company and companionship.
A well-socialized Rottweiler enjoys the company of children and other household pets. A watchful, self-confident breed, they respond to new stimuli with caution. This is not a dog who will immediately initiate play or interaction with new dogs. If he is provoked or made to feel that his family or territory is threatened, a Rottweiler can easily become assertive and dominant.
Regardless of breed, the best way to bring up a good family dog is to choose a puppy from parents who are basically friendly and to carefully select a friendly, outgoing puppy.
These powerful dogs require lots of space to play and exercise. They are best suited to a home with plenty of secure outdoor space and lots of things to do. In smaller spaces and with too little human interaction and guidance, a bored Rottweiler can develop behavior problems.
Thinking of owning a Rottweiler? Check out these cool names for Rottweiler breed dogs.
Should Your Family Get a Rottweiler Mix?
Rottweilers are often bred with other types of dog breeds to create a mix of characteristics that is the best of both breeds. A Rottweiler mix can often create great pets for you and your family.
If you are thinking of getting a Rottweiler mix, some of the most common mixes are the Labrador mix, the German Shepherd mix, and the Pitbull mix.
A Rottweiler mix has a mixture of personality traits from both breeds, so it is good to familiarize yourself with those breed characteristics when choosing the right Rottweiler mix for you and your family.
Understanding the Rottweiler
If you are interested in owning a Rottweiler, you must first understand Rottweiler temperament. Rottweiler temperament is inherited, so do your homework and choose the right dog for you and your family. Remember that firm training and good socialization are key to avoiding any Rottweiler behavior problems.
Learn More About Rottweilers
To learn more about this amazing breed, go to:
- Rottweilers – Choosing a Rottweiler
- Are Rottweilers Good Family Dogs?
- Interested in Owning a Rottweiler? Here’s What You Should Know
- How to Avoid Rottweiler Behavior Problems
