Rottweiler Pros and Cons: What You Need to Know

Rottweilers are typically very good dogs but you need to understand Rottweiler pros and cons before sharing your home with this breed.

Rottweilers are big, heavy dogs that are known for their powerful stamina and protective nature. They are great guard dogs and are very trainable so they are excellent working dogs too. But, and this is very important, Rottweilers are not the most family-friendly dogs — they sometimes have aggressive tendencies towards people and pets they don’t know.

A big pro to owning a Rottweiler is their protection of you and yours.  They are noted for their commanding presence and are fearless when it comes to giving their humans personal protection. Rottweilers are also highly intelligent and are known as well-behaved and obedient companions. Rottweilers are very affectionate and love to be around their owners so they’re great pets for people looking for a loyal companion dog.

A big con is that Rottweilers often have serious health problems, the least of which is not hip dysplasia or arthritis. They need daily exercise and limbering up because of these potential issues. 

If shedding peeves you then this is not a breed for you.  Rottweiler shedding is another big cleanup chore that will require your daily attention. 

Another downer is that Rottweilers, like most guard dogs, come with a stigma attached. That is, their guard dog history and their sometimes frightful aggressive behaviour. It’s important to recognize this issue and socialize your Rotty at a young age to avoid any unwanted aggression

Obviously, there are both pros and cons to owning a Rottweiler so closely examine your needs and abilities before committing to one.

Pros of Owning a Rottweiler

Rottweilers are known for their loyalty, protection, trainability, power, and affectionate nature.

In the next section, we’ll take a closer look at the “pros” of owning a Rottweiler.

Loyalty

Rottweilers are incredibly faithful dogs. They bond strongly with their people and will risk themselves to protect their owners. Rotties are known for being fiercely loyal and will always protect you, no matter what.

Protection

Rottweilers are awesome protectors and are often trained as powerful guard dogs. They are really smart and really intimidating, which is usually enough to thwart intruders, and they will bark loudly to alert you of any clear and present danger.

Trainability

Rottweilers are a very trainable breed. They are smart, agile, and eager to please. Under a watchful eye and with consistent training and socialization, these big dogs can be well-behaved family pets and beloved companions. At the same time, Rotties can also be highly effective deterrents to would-be intruders.

Powerful

Rottweilers are a powerful dog breed. They are big dogs with a strong build often weighing a massive 130 pounds. This makes them an excellent choice for personal protection or as a facility guard dog.

Affectionate

Aside from their tough looks and junk-yard reputation, Rottweilers are an affectionate breed. They love to be around their family and they like being cuddled and petted. They can be playful – Rotties are known for their gentle nature around kids and often are loving family pets.

Rottweilers have many pros including being loyal, protective, trainable, powerful, and affectionate. With the right kind of training and socialization, this breed can be an excellent family pet and protector.

Cons of Owning a Rottweiler

Look before you leap….there are a few drawbacks to consider before bringing a Rottweiler into your home!

In this section, we’ll look at the “cons” of owning a Rottweiler. While they can make great family pets and guard dogs, they do have some drawbacks.

Aggressive Behavior

One of the biggest owner liabilities with Rottweilers is their natural tendency toward aggressive behaviour. Make no mistake, not all Rottweilers are mean junkyard dogs. Yet, they are powerful dogs that can be hard for many owners to control if the big dog becomes aggressive. You need to be aware of this possibility of aggression and take steps via proper training and socializing to avoid it. 

Discrimination

Unfortunately, Rottweilers are often discriminated against by people who may be afraid of dogs or view Rotties only as dangerous guard dogs.  This sort of Rottweiler angst can make it difficult for owners to get housing or certain kinds of insurance. Be aware of these issues and advocate for your love of the breed if necessary.

Hip Dysplasia

Like other dog breeds, Rottweilers may get hip dysplasia. This is a condition that often affects large purebred dogs.  Hip dysplasia is a condition in which the hip joint develops improperly. This genetic affliction causes a lot of pain, suffering, and mobility problems.  

Not all Rottweilers will get hip dysplasia but you need to be aware of the potential.

If you have your sights on a purebred Rottie, then be sure you buy from an honest breeder and that there is no ancestral history of the disease.  If you get a non-papered Rottweiler, there are no guarantees but you can avoid the worst of the disease with dog-healthy nutrition, weight management, and proper exercise.  Get further advice about hip dysplasia from your vet.

Daily Exercise

Rottweilers are working group dogs that need a lot of physical activity to stay healthy and content. This means that they need to be exercised regularly. No time for this?  No interest in exercise?  Then a Rottweiler is probably not the right breed for you.  Look for another breed!

Shedding

Rottweilers shed a lot — especially during the warm months. This can be challenging for owners with allergies or those who don’t want to deal with a lot of dog hair. Regular grooming with proper tools will minimize but probably won’t eliminate shedding. 

While Rottweilers are awesome pets and guard dogs, you need to be aware of the potential drawbacks before bringing one home. By weighing the pros and cons of owning a Rottweiler, you can make the right choice and ensure your dog is a happy and healthy member of your family.

There we have Rottweiler pros and cons. Did you discover anything new about this powerful breed? If you want to find out more then check out The Rottweiler Bible for a complete guide to Rottweiler care.