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Is a Rottweiler the dog for me?
The Rottweiler is often described as “a calm, confident, and courageous dog with a self-assured aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships.”
Typically steadfast, sensible, and serious (though some are happy-go-lucky clowns!), the Rottweiler tends to respond quietly and with a wait-and-see attitude to influences in his environment.
This muscular dog needs some space and exercise: brisk daily walks, interactive romping sessions, and regular opportunities to stretch out and run. Mental exercise (advanced obedience, agility, retrieving a ball, Schutzhund) is even more important and appreciated.
Rottweilers must be thoroughly socialized at an early age so that their territorial instincts are controlled rather than indiscriminate.
They can be aggressive with other dogs of the same sex, and while many Rottweilers live peacefully with the family cat, other individuals are predatory toward cats.
Most Rottweilers are inclined toward dominance and will test for position in the family pecking order, but they will respect an assertive owner who knows how to lead a strong-minded dog.
Overall, the Rottweiler is a splendid, capable companion in the right hands, but without ongoing companionship, socialization, obedience training, and supervision, he is “too much dog” for many households.
If you want a dog who…
Is large, stocky, muscular, and powerful
Is handsome and easy to groom
Is calm, steady-tempered, and confident
Is very loyal to his family
Makes an intimidating-looking deterrent
A Rottweiler may be right for you.
If you don’t want to deal with…
An extremely careful search to avoid overaggressive- or unstable-tempered lines
A heavy dog who wants to sit on your feet, lie on your lap, and lean his weight against your leg
Rowdiness and exuberant jumping, especially when young
Destructiveness when bored or not exercised enough
Providing enough socialization so their protectiveness doesn’t become aggression
Strong-willed mind of his own, requiring a confident owner who can take charge
Slobbering and drooling (in individuals with massive heads and heavy jowls)
A Rottweiler may not be right for you.
If you want a Rottweiler puppy, you need to search hard for Rottweiler breeders like De Liemers Rottweilers whose main focus is good-natured temperament and you need to carefully evaluate the temperament of BOTH parents for good nature.
Providing the proper balance of exercise. Young Rottweilers need enough exercise to keep them lean, but not so much that their soft growing bones, joints, and ligaments become over-stressed and damaged. Adult Rottweilers need enough exercise to keep them in shape, but not miles of running, and never in hot or humid weather — their black coat makes them prone to overheating.
Providing enough socialization. Most Rottweilers have protective instincts toward strangers. They need extensive exposure to friendly people so they learn to recognize the normal behaviors of “good guys.” Then they can recognize the difference when someone acts abnormally.
The strong temperament. Rottweilers are not Golden Retrievers. The best Rottweilers are versatile working dogs, capable of learning a great deal, but they are not pushovers to raise and train. Some Rottweilers are willful, obstinate, and dominant (they want to be the boss) and will make you prove that you can make them do things. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say.
