Rottweilers are big, bold, and beautiful. Known for their strength, loyalty, and intelligence, they’re the ultimate all-rounder for experienced dog owners. But don’t let their charm fool you—Rottweilers need proper training, socialization, and a whole lot of commitment. Are they the right dog for you? Let’s dive into the pros, cons, and practical tips for owning one of these magnificent dogs.
Why Get a Rottweiler?
Rottweilers are packed with personality, strength, and heart. Here’s why they could be the perfect addition to your family:
1. Loyal and Protective
Rottweilers are natural guardians who will watch over your family like it’s their full-time job. Their deep bark and imposing presence can make any stranger think twice about approaching. However, they’re also big goofballs at home, where they love nothing more than snuggling with their humans.
2. Amazing with Families
Rottweilers thrive as family dogs, perfect clowns, they are well known for their goofy and funny personalities. They’re great with kids and form strong bonds with everyone in the household. They’re also surprisingly patient—sometimes even better behaved than the kids!
- Pro Tip: Teach your Rottweiler to respect and obey everyone in the family, not just one person. This ensures they’ll listen no matter who’s in charge.
3. Smart and Trainable
Rottweilers are incredibly intelligent and eager to please, especially if there’s food involved. Their high food drive makes training easier—just make sure to keep sessions short and fun, as they can get distracted.
- Early Training Musts: Start bite inhibition early, your dog should know what to bite on around 6-7 month maximum, not your arms, legs or clothes and kid's toys, teach them to be calm around food. A well-trained Rottweiler is a joy; an untrained one can be a handful.
4. Versatile Companions
Whether you’re into light runs, cycling, or brisk walks, a Rottweiler can keep up with your active lifestyle. After burning off energy, they’re just as happy to relax at home with you.
5. Intimidation Factor
Let’s be honest—a Rottweiler looks every bit the part of a guardian. If you’re looking for a dog that provides peace of mind and uninterrupted walks, this is the one. Their confident stance and powerful bark are enough to make anyone think twice. But don’t be fooled—they’re big softies when it comes to family.
Why NOT Get a Rottweiler?
As incredible as they are, Rottweilers come with challenges that you need to be prepared for.
1. Extremely Territorial
Rottweilers are naturally protective, but this can become an issue if not managed. They need to learn the difference between a real threat and a friendly visitor.
- Example: If you have frequent visitors, early socialization and training are non-negotiable to prevent them from growling or becoming overly suspicious.
2. Size and Strength
Rottweilers are very strong. Like, very strong. If you’re not ready to handle a powerful dog, they can easily take control—literally. Spend time at the gym or even better invest in proper leash training tools to manage them safely.
3. High Energy Levels
Despite their size, Rottweilers are a working breed with more energy than you think. They need 1-2 hours of daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. They are usually on the lower end of this dog category, as they gas out quicker than a Labrador or German shepherd. Without an outlet, they can become bored and destructive.
- Pro Tip: If you live in a flat, make sure you’re committed to daily walks or short runs all year round. They’re not the type of dog to lounge around all day without getting stir-crazy.
4. Showdowns with Puppies and Teens
Rottweilers are headstrong, and as puppies or teenagers, they’ll test boundaries. This can surprise inexperienced owners, as their strength and confidence grow quickly. A "showdown" happens when your dog defies your command, or becomes confrontational. This is why indoor and outdoor leash training is really important for the first year at home with proper training gear on.
- Important Note: This isn’t aggression—it’s their way of testing authority. If handled incorrectly, it can escalate into unwanted behaviors. Professional guidance and consistent leadership are key during these phases.
5. Training is Non-Negotiable
Rottweilers can be stubborn and headstrong, especially as they mature. Training around food, toys, and boundaries is essential to prevent issues like growling or resource guarding. Teaching them to be calm is also a must—they won’t naturally "switch off" without guidance. Taking a breed like this one to the vet, for grooming, geenral cleaning, clipping the claws and so on needs adequate training early on, associating these activites as a posisitive expenrience, early training like roling, staying o its back to get rid of dominance, lay down outside a lot and indoors, all techniques prven to reduce dominance is a must.
6. Socialization is Crucial
Without professional socialization for the first 2 years is a real commitment to identify fears, and anxiety, then work very hard to eliminate them from your puppy. Rottweilers can become overly protective or aggressive in unfamiliar situations. Proper socialization helps them remain friendly and confident around other dogs and strangers.
7. Apartment Living Challenges
While Rottweilers can adapt to smaller spaces, their energy and size mean they do best in homes with a garden. If you live in an apartment, be prepared to compensate with plenty of outdoor time but still not ideal for a territorial protective breed. They love running around and checking the perimeter naturally and instinctively.
8. Expenses, bombproof equipment needed !!!
Durable Toys and Equipment: With powerful jaws and a tendency to chew, Rottweilers can destroy poorly made toys in minutes. Forget the basic stuff from Amazon—it won’t last. Instead, invest in high-quality, bombproof toys designed for large breeds, like KONGs or durable chew toys. These may cost more upfront but save money in the long run by avoiding constant replacements.
Crate Training is Essential: Buying a crate is important for managing your Rottweiler’s behavior and safety, but not just any crate will do. Without proper training to be gentle and chew on appropriate items, even sturdy crates can be destroyed by their strong jaws—sometimes within days. If possible, invest in a high-quality crate like an impact crate, but remember: teaching them what to chew and how to behave early on can prevent costly replacements.
Health and Medical Costs: Rottweilers are prone to certain health issues, like hip dysplasia, bloat, and joint problems. As always, make sure to identify if the breeder is doing a good job testing its litters to common issues known to the breed. Routine vet visits, health screenings, and emergency care can add up quickly. Choosing a responsible breeder with health-tested parents is crucial to minimizing risks. Make sure you understand what characteristics the breeder is focusing on: is it for looks, size, protective traits, drive, good temperament for families. This will help you to determine if this breeder is the right one for you.
Food Expenses: Big dogs mean big appetites. Rottweilers require a significant amount of high-quality food to stay healthy and maintain their energy levels. Feeding them properly can be pricey but is essential to avoid obesity or malnutrition.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Getting a Rottweiler
- Are you ready for 1-2 hours of daily exercise?
- Do you have the strength to handle a powerful dog? if not would consider buying a female (85-105lb, 35-48kg), or looking into breeders selling puppies of a smaller caliber?
- Can you provide consistent training, especially around food and boundaries?
- Are you willing to work on socialization from day one?
- Do you have time to engage them mentally and physically?
- Have you researched reputable breeders who prioritize health and temperament?
If you answered "yes" to these, a Rottweiler might be the perfect companion for you!
What’s Worth Buying for Your Dog? Training, Grooming, and Cleaning Essentials
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Slip Lead, Prong Collar (2.25 Herm sprenger) for basic training indoors and outdoors
Must-haves for leash training and controlling pulling. - Slow Feeder Bowl for meals.
- Puzzle Toys (like KONGs) for mental stimulation and serving a portion of dog's allowance.
- High velocity dryer: A game-changer for grooming! Train with treats around it to make sure your dog loves it! Affordable (around £50-70 or $50-70), it takes just 30 seconds to clean your dog’s paws and fur after walks, can easily remove little splashes of mud. 3-4 minutes to speed dry your dogs coat if your dog likes swimming. It keeps their coat fluffy, removes excess fur, limits shedding in the house, and even removes odors. Set it up easily in your garage or entrance with an extension cord, and you’re ready to go!
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Place Mat or Dog Bed
Teach calm behaviors during meals, when guests arrive, or as a resting spot. -
Indoor Training Station
Extra slip lead, treats, and food ready to train commands and eliminating bad habits like leaving the couch, reducing chewing on the pillows, biting, attacking slippers, digging in the garden and more. -
Ball Launcher (like Chuckit!)
Great for fetch, burning energy, and bonding. -
Brush
To keep the coat healthy. - Baby Wipes: Using baby wipes by the door as you come in is a great way to get your pup accustomed to being touched, especially on sensitive areas like their paws and rear. This early habit makes grooming and vet visits much easier later on.
Is a Rottweiler Right for You?
Reasons to Get One
- Loyal, loving, and amazing with families.
- Highly trainable and intelligent.
- Excellent protectors with a natural guarding instinct.
Reasons Not to Get One
- Requires significant training, socialization, and physical strength.
- High energy levels mean they’re not suited for inactive owners.
- Apartment living is challenging unless you’re very committed to outdoor time.
Conclusion: A Loyal Powerhouse
Rottweilers are incredible companions for the right owner. With proper training, socialization, and care, they’ll reward you with unwavering loyalty, love, and a healthy dose of intimidation for anyone who dares mess with your family.
Ready to welcome a Rottweiler into your life? Let me know if you’d like more tips to make life with your new best friend easier!