As a Rottweiler owner and dog lover, it breaks my heart that this loyal, loving breed is so misunderstood. If you have a Rottie in your life, you know they‘re so much more than the aggressive stereotype. Yet time and time again, Rottweilers are unfairly targeted by breed-specific legislation (BSL) and restrictions that make it difficult for devoted owners to keep their beloved companions.
I believe judging a dog based on appearance or breed is misguided at best and discriminatory at worst. All dogs are individuals that should be evaluated on their unique personality, behavior and training. Banning an entire breed only serves to tear apart families and punish responsible owners. As dog lovers, we need to advocate against ineffective policies and stand up for judging each dog fairly.
So what‘s the current status of Rottweiler bans and restrictions in the U.S.? While no states have an outright ban on the breed, it‘s still a patchwork of laws that vary by locality. Knowing the facts is crucial for current and prospective Rottie owners, as well as anyone who believes dogs deserve better than blanket bans based on breed.
The Unfortunate History of Rottweiler Stereotypes
Rottweilers descend from ancient Roman drover dogs used to herd and guard livestock. In the German town of Rottweil, the dogs were used to pull butcher‘s carts and drive cattle to market. Their strength, intelligence and protective nature earned them a reputation as impressive working dogs.
In the early 1900s, Rottweilers gained popularity as police and military dogs. They bravely served alongside German and Allied troops in World Wars I and II as messenger, ambulance, draught and guard dogs. Discriminating Rottweiler breeding practices in Germany produced dogs of superb quality and temperament.
However, by the 1990s, a different narrative about Rottweilers emerged in the U.S. A series of high-profile dog attacks led to sensationalized media reports painting the breed as dangerous and aggressive. Movies and TV shows used Rottweilers as a go-to "scary dog," further cementing this untrue stereotype.
Misguided owners looking for a "macho dog" began breeding and training Rottweilers to be vicious guard dogs. Unscrupulous breeders trying to meet demand churned out poor-tempered Rotties with no regard for health or stable temperament. Suddenly, these once-esteemed working dogs were considered a public safety threat.
Do Rottweilers Deserve Their Bad Rap?
Here‘s the reality: Rottweilers are no more inherently aggressive than any other dog. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, "controlled studies have not identified this breed group as disproportionately dangerous." [1] In fact, they‘re known to be calm, confident and good-natured companions.
Like any large, strong dog breed, Rottweilers do need proper training and socialization from a young age. Their guarding instincts must be channeled appropriately. Rottweilers thrive with firm, fair leadership and positive reinforcement training. They‘re not a breed for novice owners, but that goes for many other breeds like German Shepherds and Doberman Pinschers.
When a Rottweiler does bite, the injury can be more severe than a bite from a smaller dog simply due to their size. However, singling out Rottweilers as uniquely dangerous is not supported by science. The American Temperament Test Society actually ranks Rottweilers as one of the most even-tempered breeds, with a passing rate of 84.7% compared to 85.6% across all breeds.[2]
The Prevalence of Breed-Specific Legislation
Despite a lack of evidence that banning certain breeds decreases bite incidents, BSL persists in many places. Over 700 U.S. cities have enacted breed-specific laws, most commonly restricting or banning "pit bull type dogs," a vague category that often includes Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, and other large breeds.[3]
The most restrictive BSL measures are outright bans on owning Rottweilers within city limits. For example, the cities of Fort Lupton, CO, Niles, OH, and Wapato, WA ban Rottweilers and pit bull type dogs. Other places require special permits, liability insurance, or mandate spay/neuter of the breed. Still others designate Rottweilers as "dangerous" or "vicious" dogs, subjecting them to muzzling, confinement and other requirements not imposed on other breeds.
Here is a table summarizing some examples of places with Rottweiler bans and restrictions:
| Location | Type of Restriction |
|---|---|
| Ottumwa, IA | Ban |
| Maquoketa, IA | Ban |
| Wapato, WA | Ban |
| Army Base Housing | Ban |
| Westfield, IL | Vicious dog designation |
| Manteca, CA | Mandatory spay/neuter |
| Riverside, OH | Registration & proof of secure enclosure |
| Kearney, MO | Special permit & added requirements |
As this small sampling shows, navigating BSL as a Rottweiler owner is tricky. You could even drive through a town, stop for gas, and unknowingly be in violation of their Rottweiler ban. Worse, housing that welcomes Rottweilers can be difficult to secure in places with restrictions. Many insurance companies also discriminate against the breed in their policies.
Why Breed Bans Don‘t Work
A common misconception is that banning certain breeds will decrease dog bites and increase public safety. However, a growing body of research shows this simply isn‘t true. Organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and American Veterinary Medical Association have come out against BSL, citing a lack of evidence for its efficacy.
Studies comparing dog bite data before and after implementing breed bans have not shown a reduction in incidents. For example, a study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association analyzed dog bite-related fatalities over a 20-year period and concluded that BSL had no effect.[4] In fact, serious bites actually rose in some places after bans.
What does work to prevent dog bites? Responsible dog ownership. This means properly training and socializing dogs of all breeds and sizes. It means supervising interactions between dogs and children. It means containing dogs securely. Spaying/neutering, licensing and microchipping also play important roles in reducing bites and dog-related incidents.
Ultimately, BSL punishes responsible dog owners while doing nothing to prevent irresponsible people from owning and mismanaging dogs. As the American Bar Association put it: "A well-enforced, non-breed-specific dangerous dog law…provides all the tools necessary to protect the public from dangerous dogs, regardless of breed…while preserving the rights of dog owners and avoiding the negative consequences of BSL."[5]
Life as a Rottweiler Owner: Housing Hurdles and More
Kristen C. has owned Rottweilers for over 15 years and wholeheartedly loves the breed. But she‘s all too familiar with housing difficulties and prejudice against her well-behaved dogs. "When my work moved me to a new city a few years ago, I had to call about 30 apartment complexes before I found one that allowed Rottweilers," she tells me. "Most wouldn‘t even consider meeting my dogs individually. It‘s so frustrating to be lumped in with irresponsible owners."
It‘s a common story for Rottweiler owners. Even in places without outright bans, finding housing can be an uphill battle. Amanda K. ended up purchasing a home in a Rottweiler-friendly town just to avoid rental restrictions. "I was tired of fearing a ‘no Rottweiler‘ clause and having to move," she explains. "At least this way, I‘m in control."
Securing homeowners or renters insurance can be just as difficult for Rottweiler owners. Many major carriers have breed restrictions in place. Those that do offer coverage often charge higher premiums for Rottweiler ownership. The only option may be to purchase a separate canine liability policy at a significant cost.
Public perception is another hurdle Rottweiler owners face. Well-meaning strangers cross the street to avoid passing Rotties on walks. Children are told not to pet "those scary dogs." Kristen C. says she‘s had people threaten to call the cops on her for walking her friendly Rottweiler on a leash in the neighborhood. "It‘s disheartening how much fear and prejudice still exists."
Combating Anti-Rottweiler Stigma
Despite the obstacles, devoted Rottweiler owners are some of the breed‘s best ambassadors. The key is to socialize and train Rottweilers from a young age to be model canine citizens. Kristen C. takes her Rotties everywhere dogs are allowed to show people how well-mannered the breed can be. "They‘re always surprised that my 100-pound dogs are so friendly and polite," she says proudly.
Some proactive steps Rottweiler owners can take include:
- Enrolling in positive reinforcement obedience classes and earning the AKC Canine Good Citizen title
- Muzzle training and using a basket muzzle in public if required by law or to ease concerns
- Creating a "resume" for your Rottweiler with training info, references and proof of liability insurance
- Joining a Rottweiler advocacy group to help educate the public and fight breed-specific legislation
- Inviting friends, neighbors and strangers to meet your well-behaved Rottweiler under controlled conditions
- Volunteering with a Rottweiler rescue or therapy dog organization to give back
Alternatives to breed bans are another area where Rottweiler advocates can push for change. Imagine if communities instituted a "responsible ownership" program rather than BSL. For example, what if training classes and proof of socialization were required for all dogs over a certain weight, regardless of breed? Or if canine liability insurance became the norm for all owners?
Sure, there will always be individuals who mismanage their dogs, whether Chihuahuas or Rottweilers. But the solution isn‘t to discriminate against an entire breed. It‘s to hold all owners equally accountable and encourage responsible dog ownership across the board. Only when we stop stereotyping dogs by breed can we have safer communities for both people and pets.
A Future Without Breed Bans?
As a dog lover, I long for a world where breed-specific legislation doesn‘t exist. Where communities recognize that all dogs are individuals requiring responsible ownership, not blanket policies targeting certain breeds. Where Rottweiler owners don‘t face housing hurdles and insurance struggles just for having the "wrong" dog.
Luckily, more animal welfare and public policy organizations are taking a stand against BSL. Over 20 states currently prohibit breed-specific laws. In the past 5 years, 9 states have overturned or significantly reformed their dangerous dog laws to be breed-neutral.[6] The tide is slowly turning as research continues to show that BSL is costly, difficult to enforce and ultimately ineffective at improving safety.
As Rottweiler lovers, the most powerful thing we can do is be responsible stewards of the breed. Train your Rottie to be a shining example that breaks negative stereotypes. Share your story and help educate others on why breed bans are misguided. Support your local Rottweiler rescue or advocacy group in their efforts.
Together, we can show the world that Rottweilers are so much more than an unfairly maligned breed. They‘re intelligent, loyal, loving companions that play a cherished role in many families. No dog is inherently good or bad, dangerous or safe, based on appearance alone. Judge the deeds, not the breed. That‘s a message I believe all dog lovers can rally behind for a brighter future – in 2024 and beyond.
References
[1] Why Breed-Specific Legislation Is Not the Answer[2] American Temperament Test Society Breed Statistics
[3] Breed Specific Legislation FAQ
[4] Breeds of dogs involved in fatal human attacks in the United States between 1979 and 1998
[5] Dangerous Dog Legislation
[6] Breed-Specific Laws State-by-State
