Most people believe that Rottweiler is one of the most dangerous dogs.
From 2005-2017, 45 people were killed by this breed.
As a result, this breed is considered by many as a “killer dog.”
Are Rottweilers dangerous, or have they been unfairly judged as violent, aggressive, and mean by negative media?
Rottweilers have the potential to become more dangerous than others in certain situations. But, they are very intelligent, and the owners play a vital role in shaping their personality right from the beginning. If they are correctly trained, the number of aggression can be reduced.
I’m sure you are worried about their nature after reading negative things about them.
Therefore, today, in this article, we will let you know everything you must be aware of if you want to own a Rottweiler.
Let’s get started…
( Watch the video or continue reading…)
Rottweiler History
Rottweilers were primarily used to protect the cattle of the Roman army. Cattle were useful as Roman soldiers used to get a huge amount of nutrition from them.
They also helped butchers pull the cart so that they could sell cattle in the meat markets. If they were truly vicious, it would not have been possible.
They are being used as herding dogs, therapy dogs, police dogs, and service dogs.
As they had been extensively used for protecting property and livestock in the past, they tend to become territorial.
According to Rottweilers owners, they become out of control when they do not receive adequate dog training.
But, if the owners or trainers train them properly, this problem can be easily rectified.
Rottweiler Temperament
Rottweilers are very territorial, and this makes them excellent guard dogs.
They are extremely protective, but they can become highly dominating if proper care is not taken.
It might be one of the reasons why they were involved in several attacks on humans. They also gain weight very quickly if they are in a sedentary lifestyle.
Therefore, proper exercise is very much needed to keep them in shape. Otherwise, they will become overexcited as well as destructive.
Fortunately, Rottweilers are not as dangerous, slobbering and snarling as you hear on the news.
The Rottweiler is good-natured, placid in basic disposition, very devoted, obedient, biddable and eager to work.
– General German Rottweiler Club
Moreover, they love to play with children and are eager to work. The American Kennel Club believes that they are confident, courageous, and calm in nature.
Rottweiler Statistics (Breed Temperament Score)
It requires various considerations to determine whether a breed is dangerous or not. We cannot make our decision by seeing the bite statistics.
Although it looks like a reputable source, the environment in which the dog is raised is not considered.
We cannot deny the fact that Rottweilers are very dangerous, and if they are not looked after and appropriately socialized, they can attack strangers, and it can be a person or a child.
However, we will get a better insight if we look at Individual Temperament Breed Score, which the American Temperament Test Society collects.
As per their 2016 testing results, 4,954 Rottweilers passed out of 5,866.
Therefore, it becomes 84.5 percent which is not a bad score.
On the other side, Chihuahuas obtained 69.6 percent, Boxers got 83.9 percent, and Collies got 80.6 percent. You can view it here.
The Truth about Rottweiler Bites
If you search ‘dangerous dogs‘ or ‘dog bites’ on Google, you will get the name of Rottweiler there.
But, you might be surprised to know that most of these are misinterpreted, inaccurate, and biased.
Some of them are based on media-type hysteria or politically weighted studies. However, we have added some interesting facts regarding this.
So, have a look at the following points:
- Most official surveys on dog bite statistics were conducted many years ago.
- Fatalities caused by dog bites are very unusual in the US.
- More than 50% of dog bites occurred on the dog owner’s property.
- Male Rottweilers who have not been appropriately nurtured are the common ‘biters’.
- It is a fact that Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Pit Bulls, Doberman Pinschers, Huskies, and Alaskan Malamutes are always considered to be most likely involved in most fatal attacks. But, if we see the fatal dog attack statistics, 30 different breeds such as Chow Chow, Labrador Retrievers, and St.Bernards have been involved since 1979. But if we see dog bites statistics in general, mixed breeds are ahead of others.
Are Rottweilers Dangerous To Other Dogs?
Have a pet and want to bring a Rottie pup to your family?
Well, Rottweilers are very aggressive, and therefore, initially, you might be skeptical about their attitude towards other pets, whether they will make a good bond with others or not.
In reality, Rottweilers tend to be over-protective towards other pets and children in your family.
But, they will be compassionate if you carefully raise your little Rottie along with your other dogs and kids,
However, you can separate the Rottweiler puppies if they show dominating behavior towards other pets smaller than him in size.
You can implement some methodological training to help them understand that others are also a part of this family.
Moreover, you can pinch mildly or scold them if they become aggressive.
Every pet wants its master’s attention and pampering. But, Rottweilers can do anything to get your attention.
If you frequently stay out of the house, you should think twice before owning a Rottweiler.
They suffer from separation anxiety and become very nervous when they can’t see their master.
In such a scenario, they become very aggressive and can harm other pets, and even they can harm your family members, including your child.
Therefore, paying utmost attention to him will be one of your foremost duties after owning your first Rottweiler.
If you cannot do this, you should not go for Rottweilers. Otherwise, you will have a misbehaved dog that can even harm you to get your attention.
Adult Rotts (both male and female) are very forbearing towards other puppies, showing their parental quality.
So, if you raise them along with others very delicately from the beginning, they will be your loving as well as a faithful companion.
Is It Difficult To Train Rottweilers?
If you plan to bring a Rottie, you must know that they are not suitable for all.
Well, you have probably understood that Rottweilers have some implicit characteristics that you will not find in other breeds, and proper training can make them less dangerous.
They have strong-willed and independent nature, which makes the training process difficult. However, the temperament and lineage of the dog will determine whether it is going to be complicated or uncomplicated.
Rottweilers are very intelligent, and therefore, if you go for a scientific training approach, you will love it.
According to some study reports, Rottweilers respond more quickly and fairly to the orders and commands of their owners than the other dog breeds.
You may also follow some time-honored and practical training guidelines. You have to make the training very consistent from the beginning.
You have to make some positive reinforcements just like teachers do when a student gives the correct answer in the school. In this case, you can offer them a tasty treat.
While training, you can’t show your cynicism and annoyance towards them; in other words, you have to be very patient.
Yes, they are intelligent and smart but, it does not mean that they will learn everything instantly.
You have to be tolerable; otherwise, they will become aggressive and hate you.
During the training, use hand signals as much as possible and teach them where to go for potty as early as possible.
Rottweilers are very sensitive, and therefore, Socialization is one of the crucial parts of training.
Take your Rottie out so that he can interact with strangers and other dogs. It will make them less dangerous.
Walk in the park with your Rottie and let him confront other dogs. Although it looks dangerous, try to keep yourself cool and calm as your dog is trying to observe others.
Chide them instantly if your dog shows the intention of biting, or you can give them chewable toys to get rid of this problem.
Conclusion:
So What Is The Ground Reality?
Every Rottweiler is an individual, and they should be judged as well as treated based on their own merits.
Proper breeding and upbringing can make them excellent companions.
Related Questions:
1. Are Rottweilers Harmful For Their Owners?
Yes, they can attack if they are not appropriately treated.
Rottweilers do not love to live in serenity, and if you think spending a few moments with them would satisfy them, you are completely wrong. Give as much time as possible so that they become familiar with you.
2. Are Rottweiler good with kids?
Well, Rottweilers love children, but they are also very erratic.
If they don’t get what they want, they become very aggressive, and during this moment, they can attack anyone.
3. Does Size of Rottweilers Matter?
Whether it is a Rottweiler or other breed, size plays a very impactful role when it becomes a matter of evaluating how dangerous it can be.
Well, a Pug or Corgis cannot inflict so much damage that a dog weighing more than 80 to 100 pounds can do.
Rottweilers belonging to the Molosser category are huge. They have a wide jaw, large head and can deliver outstanding crushing force when the matter is biting.
Luckily, they are not aware of their capabilities, and therefore, they are very safe unless the wrong hands train them.
4. Are Rottweilers Family dog or A Guard Dog?
Well, Rottweiler is always considered a guard dog because of their aggressive nature, which is why the Police mostly use them.
But, can’t they become a family dog? If you properly train and take good care of them, they will be an admirable and outstanding family member.
They have a soft corner for children, and they can even protect them if they are raised together with your kids.
They are very energetic and love to indulge themselves in various playful activities. So, let your kids play with them, making the bond between them stronger.
5. Should You Keep Rottweilers Outdoors?
We cannot deny that Rottweilers are very aggressive, and in the past, they were used to guard the cattle for the Roman army.
Even at present, they are being used extensively by the Police. Therefore, they can happily live outdoors but, if you want to make the puppy Rottweiler a part of your family, you can’t keep them outdoors.
At least, you have to keep your puppy indoors for the first 4 to 5 months.
Puppy Rottweilers are more curious than adults, and therefore, if you keep them outdoor, they can hurt themselves or others.
Moreover, Socialization, an essential part of their training, will not be done perfectly, and your puppy might suffer from several behavioral issues.
After 4 to 6 months, if you want to keep them outdoor, you must fence up to his living area, and the height of the fence must be over 5 to 6 ft. Along with it, a solid panel fence or chain-link fence should be used.
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