If we were to ask you to make a list of aggressive and intimidating dog breeds, chances are, you’d put the Rottweiler somewhere on top of that list.
But ask any Rottie owner, and they’ll tell you about the loyalty, devotion, and affection that their furry friend brings into their lives – proving that Rottweilers are some of the most misunderstood and underrated dog breeds out there. So is the Rottweiler the right breed for you? Or are the challenges of being a Rottie owner just too hard?
We’ll let you be the judge of that cause in today’s article we’re going over the 4 pros and the 4 cons of owning a Rottweiler.
Let’s begin with the pros.
1. Protectiveness
Rottweilers have a reputation for being excellent guard dogs. These dogs have been bred for centuries to protect their owners and property, and they take their job very seriously.
Whether it’s a stranger at the door or an unfamiliar sound at night, your Rottweiler will always be on high alert, ready to defend you and your family. They are incredibly loyal to their family, and they will go to great lengths to protect you and your family from any perceived threat.
2. Trainability
When you think of smart, trainable dogs, breeds like the Border Collie or the German Shepherd are probably what come to your mind first. But would you be surprised to learn that the Rottweiler isn’t too far back?
In fact, according to Stanley Coren’s rankings of the smartest dog breeds, Rottweilers actually rank 9th and fall under the Brightest dogs category. This means that Rotties are quick learners and can pick up on new commands and tricks with ease. Their intelligence also means that they can excel in a variety of activities such as obedience training, agility, and even tracking.
Also check out: Dalmatian Pros and Cons.
3. Great Dogs for family
Despite their reputation as tough and intimidating canines, Rottweilers are actually great family dogs. They love nothing more than to spend time with their human pack, whether it’s going for walks, playing fetch, or just cuddling on the couch. Rottweilers are loving, loyal, and protective, especially of children.
In fact, Rotties are known for being extra patient and tolerant with children, even when they’re being poked and prodded. Don’t forget that Rottweilers are large and powerful dogs, so they should always be supervised when around children to prevent any accidental injuries. But with proper training and socialization, these guys can be a loving and loyal addition to any family.
4. Versatility
You know Rottweilers as incredibly versatile breeds. They were originally bred to herd cattle and pull carts, but they have since proven themselves to be capable of much more.
Today, Rottweilers are often used as police dogs, search and rescue dogs, and even therapy dogs. They are also excellent candidates for dog sports like obedience, agility, and tracking. But if none of that’s up your alley, your Rottie will happily accompany you on hiking, jogging, or any other activity you might love.
So, whether you’re looking for a working dog or a companion for your adventures, the versatile Rottweilers can definitely do it all.
While Rottweilers certainly have many positive traits, let’s face it, they are not the perfect dog for everyone.
So before you decide to bring one home, here are 4 cons of owning a Rottweiler.
1. Need Lots of Training
The biggest yet most important downside that comes with owning a Rottweiler is that they require a lot of training and socialization. Rottweilers are a strong and powerful breed, and if they are not trained properly, they can develop some unwanted traits like, you guessed it, aggression. This is why it’s essential that you only get yourself a Rottweiler if you can give them proper training and socialization from a young age.
A well-trained and socialized Rottweiler is a joy to be around, but an untrained and unsocialized Rottweiler can be a real handful. Unfortunately, not all Rottweiler owners take the time to properly train and socialize their dogs, which is one of the main reasons why the breed has gained a negative reputation.
2. Stigma
One thing all Rottweiler owners will have to face is the stigma of their dogs being seen as aggressive and dangerous.
Meet Max, a lovable Rottweiler who loves to play and cuddle with his family. But despite his friendly nature, Max and other Rottweilers like him often face stigma and discrimination due to their breed.
Many people perceive Rottweilers as aggressive and dangerous, but this stereotype is unfair and untrue. The truth is that any dog, regardless of breed, can exhibit aggressive behavior if not properly trained and socialized. Let’s give dogs like Max a chance to show their true loving and loyal nature.
3. Legal Liabilities
Unfortunately, the idea that all Rottweilers are aggressive and dangerous dogs has had far-reaching consequences. Rottweilers are one of the few breeds that are subject to many restrictions in certain areas. Such restrictions include but aren’t limited to muzzling in public, spaying/neutering requirements, containment in a specific kennel, leash restrictions, making the dog wear certain tags, and hanging warning signs.
And that’s on the tamer side as well.
A few countries, like Ecuador and the Bermuda Islands, for instance, have outright banned the Rottie. So, if you’re considering getting a Rottweiler, you gotta be aware of these legal liabilities and do your due diligence.
4. Short Lifespan
The final, and possibly most devastating downside to the Rottweiler is their short lifespan. Sadly, larger dogs just don’t live as long, and the Rottweiler is no exception. On average, Rottweilers live for 8 – 10 years, which is definitely on the lower end.
Of course, the length of a dog’s life is not something that can be controlled, but it’s still something to be aware of when deciding what breed to get. That being said, we hope this isn’t much of a deterrent for you as you should focus on the quality of the time you have with your Rottweiler, rather than the quantity. With proper care and attention, you can help ensure that your Rottweiler lives a happy and healthy life, no matter how long or short it may be.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, Rottweilers are pawsitively amazing dogs! They may have an undeserved tough reputation, but don’t let that fool you. These furry friends are loyal, trainable, and adaptable to various activities. If you’re ready to embark on an exciting journey with a Rottweiler by your side, get ready for endless love, fun adventures, and a wagging tail that’ll melt your heart!
What do you think? Are you ready to take on the responsibility of owning a Rottweiler? Leave a comment to let us know.
Here are other articles on the Rottweiler if you’re interested to know more about the breed.