Are Rottweilers mean? When I was considering what kind of dog breed to get, the Rottie was on the top of my list. The only problem was, Rottweilers tend to have a bad reputation. They are known as being one of the more aggressive or “mean”, breeds of dogs out there. Before I set out to get one for myself, I wanted to research the breed to find out if this claim was valid.
So, are Rottweilers mean? Rottweilers are not mean, but they are misunderstood. They have a bad reputation due to being very territorial and aggressive. Their first instinct is to protect and guard. But, in reality, they are very calm and loyal companions to have as a pet.
Many dog owners want a dog that will protect and obey. The Rottweiler is excellent at both. Unfortunately, being territorial and aggressive, the Rottweiler breed has developed a negative reputation with the general public.
Why are Rottweilers so Territorial and Aggressive?
The Romans first used Rottweilers as guard dogs for cattle. On long marches, the Romans would bring their cattle along as food. It was the Rottweiler’s job to protect and herd that food.
Later on, Rottweilers found their way to Germany. It was there that they would move herds of cattle from pastures to markets. Rottweilers were trained to be very protective of the cattle. This led them to be very aggressive towards bandits and other predators.
During the rise of the industrial revolution, the need for Rottweilers as herders and protectors became obsolete. With that change, Rottweilers found their way into policing and the military. Having a protective nature and outstanding training capabilities, Rottweilers were ideal candidates to serve and protect.
In today’s society, the protective nature of the Rottweiler causes them to be territorial animals when it comes to their families. They are very family-oriented. If raised correctly and by the right type of owner, they can be an excellent addition to any household.
What Type of Person Should Own a Rottweiler?
The ideal owner of a Rottweiler is someone who is willing to put in the time needed to train their animal from the age of puppyhood and on. Without training, the Rottweiler can be very dangerous and destructive. Most training is not cheap. Rottweilers have developed the reputation of being one of the more expensive dog breeds to adopt.
Rottweilers also need a lot of attention from their owners. If they are not receiving enough notice, they will act out and give in to their violent nature. Like kids, Rottweilers need attention to thrive. Their acting out is a cry for the care they are not getting. It is up to the owner to find the appropriate amount of time for their Rottweiler.
With the right amount of attention and the proper training, Rottweilers can be both loyal and affectionate companions. But, it goes to say, owning a Rottweiler comes with great responsibility. If not trained and not given the right amount of attention, Rottweilers can become aggressive and challenging to handle.
Owners also need to keep in mind that Rottweilers can suffer from separation anxiety. If an owner doesn’t have an adequate amount of time to spend with their animal, then a Rottweiler may not be the best choice of pet. The amount of care and attention required for a Rottweiler is significant. Owning a Rottweiler should not be a decision taken lightly.
Are Rottweilers Good Family Pets?
Rottweilers make great family pets. They are affectionate, friendly, and always ready to protect their family from harm. They are also intelligent, easy to train, and can be very playful.
But, in having a well-adapted Rottweiler, socialization is critical. The more socialized a Rottweiler is, the better they are at being around children, strangers, and other pets. It is best to socialize a Rottweiler as soon as they are brought home.
It is also essential to keep in mind that Rottweilers were once cattle herders. Because of their history and background, they do tend to push or bump those they are around. When Rottweilers are around children, it is a good idea to make sure they are supervised at all times. An innocent bump to a baby or young child may be more harmful than was intended.
Rottweilers are also unaware of their size. They grow quickly as puppies and don’t realize they are likely much bigger than they think they are.
The loyalty for the family also extends to commitment towards other pet family members. When socialized, they are great with other pets, often taking them under their wing and believing them to be part of their “pack”. But, a Rottweiler’s inability to understand their actual size can make it dangerous for them to be left unsupervised.
Are Rottweilers Good Around Other People?
Rottweilers approach novel situations and people with caution. They are not overly excited animals when new people or things are introduced. If they feel their family is threatened or in harm’s way, they will quickly change from being calm to protective.
A Rottweilers reaction to strangers is dependent on how well the Rottweiler was socialized and trained as a puppy. When exposed to different people and activities, Rottweilers are well-adjusted. They are capable of dealing with novel situations and people.
If a Rottweiler comes from an unstable, unloving, and abusive home, they will act out towards strangers and even their owners. Having a Rottweiler who was raised poorly, will reflect in their character and reactions towards other people.
Like any other animal, Rottweilers need love and stability to be healthy and friendly. They need to be taught what is right and what is wrong behavior. Without taking the time to commit to their training, or taking the time to show them affection, Rottweilers will react poorly. Thus, it is imperative Rottweilers are raised responsibly by their owners.
Related Questions
So long as your Rottweiler has been well trained and socialized, there is no harm in taking your Rottweiler to a dog park. Rottweilers should, however, be leashed at all times. The general public tends to think of Rottweilers in a bad way, believing them to be dangerous and unfriendly towards other people and pets. To avoid any drama, it is best to keep your Rottweiler leashed. There is also the off-chance that a Rottweiler will not get along with a particular dog. If a fight were to break out, it would only lead to further problems and stereotypes.
Rottweilers can be outdoor animals, but they do better as indoor pets. They are loyal, protective, and can be overly sensitive. For them to be well-adjusted, they need to feel they are part of the family. The more time they spend with their family members, the happier and the more well-adjusted they are. When they spend too much time outside, they can begin to feel neglected. They are also sensitive to changes in weather, not doing well in extreme cold or extreme heat. Keeping Rottweilers outside can also result in them being bored. And bored animals will get into trouble one way or another.
