The Rottweiler is a very adaptable, highly intelligent breed of dog that also has a well balanced temperament for many different households and families. As with any dog there are considerations that need to be kept in mind when selecting a Rottweiler. One of the most unfortunate aspects of the breed's sudden surge in popularity was that many owners simply didn't know how to work with the breed or purchased a dog for all the wrong reasons. This led to a lot of public misinformation about how aggressive, vicious and uncontrollable the breed was. As with any dominant type of dog consistent training and work is required to have a well behaved and very social Rottweiler, but this is no different than any other dog in the working group.
In order to determine if a Rottweiler is the right match for you and your family consider the following statements and see if you would agree with the statement or if you disagree.
I want a dog that is very intelligent, can think for themselves and will act independently in protecting the property and the family.
The Rottweiler is a typical intelligent breed in that he or she is more than capable of acting independently even if the owner is present. Early obedience training is a must for these dogs and is typically recommended to start at about 12 weeks of age and continue on at least for the first year to form a very strong foundation. With this high level of training coupled with socialization the Rottweiler will be dependable and calm but yet very capable of thinking through problems and acting as an outstanding pet and guard dog.
The Rottweiler is not a problem barker or a yappy dog by nature. Typically when the Rottweiler barks he or she is serious about giving a "keep your distance" message to a stranger. With routine socialization and training the Rottweiler will soon learn who is a friend and who is potentially a danger. They also can be very welcoming and friendly to people they know and are even a bit playful and clownish at times.
I prefer a dog that is going to be moderately active outside but very quiet in the house. I am prepared to spend at least one to two hours a day exercising and training my dog.
The Rottweiler doesn't need to have as much exercise as some of the herding breeds, however they do need to have a fairly intensive walk for 20-30 minutes at least twice a day coupled with play time and training. The smaller the living space for the Rottweiler the more consistent and lengthy the exercise time will need to be. Exercise will be essential even if the dog has a large, fenced yard since a Rottweiler can be a bit of a lazy dog when left to their own devices during the day. They do love to romp and play and most are outstanding at fetching, swimming and jogging, all great forms of exercise.
Training needs to be an ongoing part of a Rottweiler's life. Many owners combine playtime with training, providing both mental and physical exercise for the dog. The Rottweiler does best when he or she has a job to do in the family, which can include being the watchdog or guard dog while you are away.
I have a large, very securely fenced back yard that the dog can have access to during the day.
Rottweilers love to be outdoors and are very easy to keep outside in most climates. Even in more northerly areas the Rottweiler can stay outdoors when the owners are away in the day provided they have a kennel or dog house that is out of the wind, rain or snow. In addition they do need a shaded area as well as a constant fresh water supply. A very secure fence is also important both to keep the Rottweiler in and to avoid anyone from The Rottweiler, although enjoying outdoor time is still a very affectionate dog that would prefer to be indoors with people whenever possible. In addition these dogs rarely wander away from their owners or their homes, but intact males and females are more problematic than spayed and neutered Rottweilers.
I prefer a large breed of dog that will mature at between 80 and 140 pounds, although I would be comfortable with a dog that matured over that weight range.
Male Rottweilers are definitely larger framed, with a bigger head and chest and more masculine in appearance than females. In general a mature male Rottweiler will weigh between 95 and about 140 pounds, but some will be heavier. Females are slightly smaller at 85 to 115 pounds, although some will also be larger than this range. German bred Rottweilers tend to be shorter and heavier while the American breed tends to be slightly taller and longer.
I want a breed of dog that requires only an average amount of grooming and rarely needs to be bathed.
The shorter, medium length, dense and rather coarse double coat of the Rottweiler is very easy to keep. They should only need to be brushed two times per week to keep them looking in top shape for most of the year, however they do completely blow the undercoat twice a year, meaning more shedding at these times. Typically the Rottweiler is an average shedder however grooming really does reduce any hair left around the house. Bathing a Rottweiler should only be done when necessary and not more that once every two to three months at the very most.
I have checked local dog regulations and breed bans for my area and am sure that a Rottweiler is an acceptable or allowed breed.
Due to irresponsible owners and incorrectly trained and socialized Rottweiler problems, many areas now have breed bans in place for some dogs. The Rottweiler may show up on these types of lists, so it is essential to ensure that you won't have to get rid of your dog just because he or she is of a particular breed. Find out if there are any restrictions or breed bans in your area before considering a Rottweiler.
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