Rottweiler Temperament

The rottweiler, also referred to as the Butchers Dog, is a medium to large size dog breed, native to Germany. Owing to their intelligence, rottweilers have become one of the most sought after dog breeds in the world. Though they were predominantly used as herding dogs, their use to pull carts carrying livestock or meat was also quite common. Today, the dogs of this breed are more popular as guard dogs and family pets, and a large part of the credit for this goes to their temperament.

Rottweiler Breed

Rottweilers can grow to a height of 22 to 36 inches, and gain a weight of around 90 to 110 lbs. As in most of the animal species, male rottweilers are larger than their female counterparts. Generally, they sport a black coat with a hint of tan or mahogany, which is quite hard and thick. On an average the litter size for this breed is 8 to 10 puppies, but a litter comprising ten or more puppies are also seen at times. The average life span for this dog breed ranges between 10 to 12 years. Rottweilers are basically categorized into two types - American rottweiler and German rottweiler. The temperament of a rottweiler can be best described by 3 C's i.e. calmness, confidence and courage, which invariably makes them ideal pets for families.

Rottweiler Temperament

Rottweilers are considered to be family dogs, owing to their good nature, discipline and alertness. These dogs are fond of humans, especially children, and are always willing to please their owner. Their alertness makes them very good guard dogs, which can react to things happening in its surrounding with an amazing efficiency. Rottweilers have been used as herding dogs since quite a long time, and modern-day rottweilers seem to have genetically acquired the traits required for being guard dogs, from these predecessors of theirs.

Rottweilers are often classified among the most aggressive dogs in the world. This is mainly based of potentially dangerous behavior from this dog breed. However, most of this dangerous behavior can be attributed to the neglectful or abusive behavior of the owner, which makes this, otherwise calm breed, to take an aggressive stance. It depends on several factors, including the way it is taken care of and the opportunity to release the pent up energy through exercising.

Lately, rottweiler has gained wide negative publicity due to various survey reports which stressed on the fact that this breed depicts a hostile behavior towards other dogs and humans. Its depiction, as an evil dog in several films and TV series, has augmented the negativity towards this breed. Though this might not hamper the image of rottweiler in the mind of people who already own a pet rottweiler, those planning to have it as a pet are bound to give it a second thought, before opting for one.

Like many other dog breeds, rottweilers are highly energetic, and hence need to vent out that pent up energy in them. If this is not done, they tend to demonstrate a boisterous behavior, characterized by loud barking and unnecessary chewing up of things in the house. Physical activity in form of work or exercise can help them to release that pent up energy. A bored rottweiler can create quite a bit of nuisance in the house. When deciding to keep a rottweiler as a pet, make sure that you have ample time to devote to him. There is not much of difference between male and female in terms of temperament. A close look at the behavior of the pup, when buying a rottweiler pup, can give you a rough idea of how the dog will behave as it grows up. Instead of choosing a too energetic or too shy puppy, you should ideally go for a mild, but curious rottweiler pup, as a pet.

Irresponsible ownership can make your pet rottweiler take an aggressive stance, not just towards your other pets or strangers, but even towards you. On the other hand, proper training can ensure that your pet grows up to be an obedient companion. This training includes brisk daily walks and interactive sessions with the owner, as well as regular opportunity to run and stretch once in a while. Mental exercises or games which stimulate the mind are equally important, and your pet rottweiler is sure to like them.

Though rottweiler ranks second in the list of dangerous dog breeds, next only to American pit bull terrier, the data on which this information is based also suggests that the number of cases of attacks by rottweilers is less than half of the cases of attacks by the American pit bull terrier. Basically, the temperament of a pet dog depends on the owner, the owner needs to be dominant and firm, but at the same time equally loving and calm. Proper training and attention to your pet rottweiler is bound to make it a good companion, instead of a rowdy pet.