Rottweilers are one of the most recognizable and popular dog breeds in the world, known for their strong, intimidating presence and unwavering loyalty. However, they have also been the subject of controversy and negative media attention, leading many to ask: are Rottweilers really good dogs? As a lifelong Rottweiler owner and enthusiast, I believe that with proper breeding, training, and socialization, Rottweilers can be fantastic companions – but they are not the right dog for everyone. Let‘s take an in-depth look at the Rottweiler breed to help you decide if a Rottie is the right fit for your lifestyle.
Rottweiler History and Background
The Rottweiler is an ancient breed that originated in Germany, where they were used to herd livestock and pull carts laden with butchered meat to market. They take their name from the town of Rottweil, a former livestock trading center. Rottweilers nearly went extinct in the 1800s when railroads replaced cattle drives, but the breed survived and thrived in new roles as police and military dogs, as well as family guardians and companions.
Rottweilers first came to the United States after World War I, where they gained popularity as working dogs and loyal family pets. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed in 1931. Today, Rottweilers rank as the 8th most popular breed in the U.S., with over 40,000 new registrations each year.
Over the decades, careful breeding has greatly improved the Rottweiler breed, reducing aggression and health problems while maintaining their courage, work ethic, and protective instincts. Modern Rottweilers are more physically and mentally balanced than their ancestors – but they still require dedicated training and socialization to reach their full potential as stable companions.
Rottweiler Temperament and Personality
One of the most important things to understand about Rottweilers is that their temperament is greatly influenced by their breeding and upbringing. A well-bred, well-socialized Rottie should be calm, confident, and even-tempered. They should never be fearful or shy, nor aggressive without provocation.
Some key Rottweiler personality traits include:
- Loyal, loving, and affectionate with their families
- Aloof and suspicious towards strangers
- Protective and courageous, with strong guarding instincts
- Highly intelligent and trainable, with a strong work ethic
- Energetic and athletic, requiring significant daily exercise
- Dominant and strong-willed, needing firm but fair leadership
In temperament tests conducted by the American Temperament Test Society, Rottweilers consistently achieve scores above 80%, indicating excellent temperament and stability. They typically score higher than breeds with "friendly" reputations like Golden Retrievers and Corgis.
A well-socialized Rottweiler is typically polite and indifferent to strangers, neither fawning over them nor reacting aggressively. With their families, Rottweilers are playful, silly, and affectionate. They love to be close to their people and are infamous "velcro dogs," always wanting to be in the same room as you.
Rottweiler Size, Strength and Protectiveness
There‘s no denying that Rottweilers are impressively large, muscular dogs. According to the AKC breed standard, male Rottweilers stand 24 to 27 inches at the shoulder and weigh 95 to 135 pounds. Females are slightly smaller at 22 to 25 inches and 80 to 100 pounds.
As a large working breed, Rottweilers have an innate instinct to protect their families and territory. They are courageous dogs who don‘t back down from a threat. According to a study by the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Rottweilers are the second most likely breed to bite in defense of their owners, after German Shepherds.
However, a properly socialized and trained Rottweiler should be discriminating in their protectiveness. They use their imposing presence as a deterrent and only resort to force when absolutely necessary. Well-bred Rotties have a "switch" – they can tell the difference between a harmless stranger and a true threat, and react accordingly.
Many Rottweilers work as service dogs, therapy dogs, and search-and-rescue dogs – roles that require a stable, discerning temperament. One famous example is Triton, a therapy Rottweiler who helped comfort first responders at Ground Zero after 9/11. Another is Wynd, a Rottweiler who saved her elderly owner from an attacking black bear.
Training and Socialization: The Keys to a Good Rottie
Rottweilers are incredibly intelligent, capable learners – but their dominant, independent nature means they are not pushovers. They require consistent, positive training from a confident owner who won‘t let them get away with bad manners. Rottweiler puppies are also energetic, mouthy, and headstrong, which can overwhelm first-time dog owners.
Socialization is equally important for Rottweilers to ensure they react appropriately to new people, animals, and situations. A well-socialized Rottie is a joy to take anywhere – they are calm and nonreactive, ignoring distractions and focused on their owner.
Some tips for successfully raising a stable, well-behaved Rottweiler:
- Begin obedience training and socialization as early as possible, ideally by 10-12 weeks
- Practice positive reinforcement techniques like clicker training and incentivize good behavior
- Keep training sessions short, fun, and upbeat – Rotties don‘t respond well to boring drills!
- Socialize your Rottie puppy to new people, dogs, sights, sounds, and textures
- Teach your Rottweiler to greet people politely without jumping or being overly excited
- Discourage aggressive barking, growling, or lunging – these are inappropriate behaviors
- Consider enrolling in a group obedience class or working with a private trainer familiar with guarding breeds
As a Rottweiler owner, I can attest that training and socialization are lifelong commitments. My Rotties and I are always working on something new, whether it‘s a fun trick, a cute party behavior, or brushing up on old skills. Keeping my dogs mentally stimulated is key to a harmonious household.
Rottweiler Exercise and Activity Level
The Rottweiler is an athletic working breed that requires significant daily exercise to stay physically and mentally fit. According to the Rottweiler Club of Great Britain, Rotties need a minimum of one hour of exercise per day, ideally split into two sessions. This can include walks, hikes, jogs, play sessions, swimming, and dog sports.
Rottweilers excel at canine athletics and can make great running, hiking, and biking partners. Many Rotties compete in obedience, agility, herding, carting, and other performance events. In 2022, a Rottweiler named Piglet won the AKC National Obedience Championship, showcasing the breed‘s trainability and work ethic.
Without enough physical and mental exercise, Rottweilers can easily become bored, destructive, and overweight. They have moderate energy levels indoors and are not ideal for small apartments or sedentary owners. A yard is helpful, but not required as long as your Rottie gets out for adventures and interactive playtime.
Rottweiler Grooming and Care
One of the benefits of owning a Rottweiler is their relatively low-maintenance grooming needs. Their short, dense double coat sheds moderately year-round and more heavily as the seasons change. Weekly brushing and the occasional bath is usually sufficient to keep a Rottie looking sleek and shiny.
However, Rottweilers do have a distinct doggy odor that some people find off-putting. They also drool quite a bit, especially after eating or drinking. If you‘re fastidious about messes and smells, a Rottweiler may not be the best choice.
Other Rottweiler grooming needs include:
- Nail trims every 3-4 weeks to prevent overgrowth and splitting
- Ear cleaning weekly or as needed to remove dirt and wax buildup
- Dental care including brushing, dental treats, and professional cleanings
- Paw checks and pad moisturizing, especially in winter
As a large breed, Rottweilers can also be expensive to care for in terms of food, supplies, and veterinary expenses. They eat a lot and tend to do best on premium, meat-rich diets. Veterinary costs can also add up, as Rotties are prone to certain health conditions.
Rottweiler Health and Lifespan
The average lifespan for a Rottweiler is 9-10 years, although some may live up to 12 years with excellent care. Like all purebred dogs, Rottweilers are predisposed to certain genetic health problems including:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Eye issues like cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy
- Heart conditions like cardiomyopathy and subaortic stenosis
- Cancers including osteosarcoma, lymphoma, and hemangiosarcoma
- Orthopedic problems like cruciate ligament tears
- Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus)
According to the Rottweiler Health Foundation, cancer is the leading cause of death in Rottweilers, accounting for almost 40% of deaths. Orthopedic diseases like hip dysplasia and cruciate tears are also common, affecting up to 20% of the breed.
Responsible Rottweiler breeders conduct extensive health testing to minimize the risk of inherited diseases. The Canine Health Information Center recommends that Rotties be screened for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, heart conditions, and eye disorders before breeding. Always ask to see health clearances when considering a Rottweiler puppy.
As a Rottweiler owner, I highly recommend investing in pet insurance, especially for orthopedic conditions and cancer. Treatments for these issues can easily cost thousands of dollars. Keeping your Rottie lean, providing joint supplements, and feeding a high-quality diet can also help prevent health problems.
Do Rottweilers Get Along with Kids and Other Pets?
Rottweilers can be wonderful with children when raised with them and properly trained. They are gentle, patient, and protective of their smallest family members. However, their large size and strength can be unintentionally hazardous to little ones. Rottweiler puppies are rambunctious and may knock over or mouth at kids.
According to a study in the Journal of Pediatrics, Rottweilers were responsible for 4.6% of dog bites to children, which is relatively low compared to their population size. However, when Rottweilers do bite, their powerful jaws can inflict serious damage. Constant supervision and training are essential for homes with babies and young children.
Rottweilers can also get along well with other dogs and pets, especially if socialized to them from a young age. However, some Rotties are same-sex aggressive or dominant with other dogs. Proper introductions and training can prevent conflicts. Rottweilers have a strong prey drive and may chase running animals, so a reliable recall and leash manners are a must.
As a multi-dog household, I can say that my Rottweilers are fantastic with my smaller dogs and cat. They are gentle and appropriate, with no guarding or bullying behaviors. The key is to start socialization early, be consistent with training, and never leave a Rottie unsupervised with another animal until you‘re confident in their relationship.
Should First-Time Dog Owners Get a Rottweiler?
As much as I adore the breed, I typically don‘t recommend Rottweilers for first-time dog owners. Their size, strength, and protective nature can be a lot to handle for someone without previous dog experience. Rottweiler puppies are also extremely energetic and mouthy, which can quickly overwhelm a novice owner.
Rottweilers need confident, consistent training and leadership to develop into well-mannered companions. They are not a breed you can stick in the backyard and ignore. Rotties thrive on human interaction and can develop behavioral issues if left alone too much.
If you‘re dead set on a Rottweiler as your first dog, I recommend working with a professional trainer experienced in guarding breeds. Adopting an adult Rottie from a rescue can also be a great option, as they are often already trained and have a known temperament. But be prepared for the time, energy, and financial commitment that comes with owning a large working breed.
How to Find a Responsible Rottweiler Breeder
If you decide that a Rottweiler is the right breed for you, it‘s essential to find a responsible breeder who health tests their dogs and breeds for stable temperaments. Avoid pet stores, online sellers, and anyone offering Rottweiler puppies at bargain prices – these are likely puppy mill dogs with health and behavioral issues.
Start your search with the American Rottweiler Club‘s breeder referral program. ARC member breeders follow a strict code of ethics and conduct the recommended health screenings. Ask prospective breeders to see proof of health clearances, pedigrees, and any titles or awards their dogs have earned.
When visiting a breeder, observe the condition of their facilities and the temperament of their adult dogs. Are the dogs friendly and well-socialized, or fearful and aggressive? Do the puppies seem healthy and curious, or sickly and shy? A responsible breeder will ask you lots of questions to ensure their puppies are going to suitable homes.
Expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 for a well-bred Rottweiler puppy. While this may seem steep, a quality pup from health-tested parents can save you money on vet bills in the long run. Plus, a good breeder will be a valuable resource throughout your dog‘s life.
Final Thoughts: Are Rottweilers Good Dogs?
As a devoted Rottweiler owner, my answer is a resounding yes – Rottweilers are incredible dogs for the right person. They are loyal, loving, intelligent, and courageous companions with a zest for life and work. Living with a well-bred, well-trained Rottie is a joy and an honor.
However, I also acknowledge that Rottweilers are not the easiest breed to own, especially for first-time dog owners. They require extensive training, socialization, and exercise to be good canine citizens. They are not couch potatoes or low-maintenance pets by any means.
If you have the time, energy, and commitment to provide a Rottweiler with structure, guidance, and love, you will be rewarded with a devoted friend for life. There‘s nothing quite like the bond between a Rottie and their person. But if you‘re not prepared for the responsibility of a large guarding breed, a Rottweiler is probably not the best choice.
Ultimately, the decision to bring a Rottweiler into your life is a highly personal one that requires careful research and soul-searching. Meet as many Rotties as you can, talk to owners and breeders, and honestly assess your lifestyle and dog experience level. With the proper upbringing and care, Rottweilers can be stable, dependable companions and working partners. The breed‘s enduring popularity is a testament to their many wonderful qualities.
