The Rottweiler is one of the most popular breeds, they are robust, muscular, intelligent, and dynamic.
They are also known for having a loving temperament, while still being firm and protective.
But are they aggressive dogs? What is their true character? Are Rottweilers good guard dogs?
Read on below to learn more about this breed to determine if they are the guard dogs you are looking for you and your family.
Are Rottweilers Good Guard Dogs?
Rottweilers are good guard dogs. These dogs are known to be relentless protectors of their pack. They have a natural instinct to protect their families and can be fierce in their defense, to the point of risking their lives.
Although playful and affectionate, any intruder will think twice before crossing paths with a Rottweiler.
In its origins, it was known as a “butcher dog”, as it was accustomed to guarding livestock, their ancestors marched to Germany with the Romans.
The ancestors of the Rottweiler breed were used by the Romans, who used these tough-looking dogs with strong guarding instincts as herding dogs because of their strong guard dog instinct.
During the day, these Rottweilers helped herd the cattle, while at night they guarded them.
Today, Rottweilers make excellent search and rescue, tracking, police, and guide dogs.
Are Female Or Male Rottweilers More Protective?
Both females and males are equally protective of their family, females are just more naturally protective due to that motherly instinct1, while males tend to be more aggressive, dominant, and playful.
They do not have much difference in terms of skills, personality, and guardian instinct, are capable of becoming excellent companions and are equally trainable.
However, a female is the best choice for households with children, as they integrate more easily and tend to be more affectionate.
They have a slightly more docile, trusting, and friendly temperament with others than males, although it is not such a noticeable difference.
At What Age Do Rottweilers Become Protective?
From the age of two years old, Rottweilers develop a more protective behavior towards their family and everything they consider their own.
This behavior develops slowly as the dog grows, develops his confidence, begins to realize that you are his human and that the home where he lives is his, his territory.
Once the dog understands this, he will begin to protect it, marking territory and barking at strangers.
For this period, he should be receiving good socialization, education, and training to achieve this, since only the instinct of protection is not enough.
Are Rottweilers Aggressive By Nature?
The Rottweilers are considered as one of the potentially dangerous dogs in most countries of the world, but they are not aggressive by nature.
The combination of size and strength that this breed possesses, along with that characteristic protective instinct are the reasons why many think they are aggressive, however, it is all about breeding.
Rottweilers walk a fine line between protection and aggressiveness.
If they are not bred and raised to have a calm and intelligent temperament, and if they are not properly socialized and trained, they can become overly protective, or they could have terrible behavior.
Males can be somewhat aggressive and dominant as they are intelligent dogs with great self-confidence, which leads them to act on their own.
Therefore, they need to be guided from the first moment.
By achieving a perfect balance between socialization, good breeding, education, and training, Rottweilers will be good guard dogs, which will better analyze their environment before acting and will protect or attack only when necessary.
Will An Untrained Rottweiler Protect Its Owner?
Rottweilers are natural guard dogs with a gentle disposition that is successful not only in police, military, and customs work but also as a family friend and protector.
Still, many people believe that dogs are naturally protective of their home, and while they do have the instinct to do so, it is also something that must be taught.
Otherwise, if taught that the arrival of strangers is cause for celebration, they will not hesitate to greet almost anyone.
Most dogs will eventually learn to take care of a house, but they may need a little help.
Their protective instinct is natural, but they need education and training from an early age.
How Can I Make My Rottweiler Protective?
Training to make Rottweilers good guard dogs should start early. From puppyhood from 3 months of age.
They should learn basic rules such as no biting and simple basic obedience training commands such as “no”, “stay”, “sit”, etc. And once they master the basic obedience training they can start with more advanced training.
It is always necessary to train them from patience, respect, and positive reinforcement and never from punishments, otherwise we will be creating an aggressive dog.
Once they have all their vaccinations they should start the socialization as a puppy, where the Rottweiler learns to relate to their environment, sounds, textures, animals, and people, to raise them as a balanced and happy dog.
Avoiding this stage can make them frightened or insecure dogs out of their comfort zone as adults.
Are Two Rottweilers Better Than One For Guarding?
It all depends on what you need.
If you are looking for a dog that can protect a small family, one Rottweiler may be enough, or if you have a farm or large land and need support to take care of it, two Rottweilers may be a good team.
In addition, two Rottweilers can provide each other with canine companionship and socialization if kept together and will also provide more protection than a single dog.
Will Rottweilers Turn On Their Owners?
With a well-trained Rottweiler and by giving them a lot of respect, attention, and love a Rottweiler will never turn against their owners as they are very affectionate and loyal dogs.
Is A Rottweiler A Good Family Dog?
Yes, Rottweilers develop a strong bond with their family, including children.
They enjoy interacting with all family members whom they consider part of their pack.
Rottweilers make good guard dogs with children as they see themselves as their protectors.
They are also very playful with them and other family pets.
In fact, the American Kennel Club2 describes the Rottweiler breed as characterized by a “clownish” and loving nature. This is a dog that is loyal to his people and wants to be with them.
Are Rottweilers Easy To Train?
They are known to be one of the most intelligent and loyal dog breeds which makes them easy to train.
They have a long history as working dogs, but nowadays they perform well as police dogs, guide dogs, guard dogs, and more, so they are clearly a breed that can be trained and disciplined easier than others.
They are obedient dogs that enjoy training and pleasing their owner.
But it is necessary that their training be quite disciplined, because due to their intelligence they can be a bit stubborn, so you must be firm.
Dont Get A Rottweiler Guard Dog If
Rottweilers are good guard dogs, good family dogs, and easy to train, but this does not mean that it is suitable dog for everyone.
Here are several aspects to consider before deciding whether to have a Rottweiler as a guard dog or not.
1. It is not a dog for every family
The education of such a strong, big and intelligent dog is crucial for him not to be aggressive and not to attack strangers.
He will need time, education, socialization, attention, training, and more.
So if there is not at least one member of the family completely in charge of this dog’s needs you can have a badly behaved and in some cases very dangerous animal.
2. One of the strongest bites in the canine world
The Rottweiler’s bite exerts a pressure of 150 kilos per square centimeter when it closes its jaws.
This is an advantage that makes Rottweilers good guard dogs, but without a good education and training, it is very risky for families with children and outings to the park.
3. Discrimination of the breed
You should check the legislation in your country or state. Depending on the place, it can be considered a potentially dangerous dog because of its physical qualities, even if it is well trained.
4. They are prone to health complications
Such as hip dysplasia, obesity, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy.
5. They are expensive dogs
A single Rottweiler costs between $800 and $2500 plus for its effectiveness as a guard dog as well as for being an old breed.
Final Thoughts
Rottweilers make good guard dogs, they are loyal, protective, intelligent, loving, and more.
Definitely the kind of guard dog any family would want to have, although they are a dog that needs a lot of dog training, due to their strength, size, and bite strength.
In general, they are incredibly intelligent, loyal, and protective. By nature, they are somewhat distrustful of strangers, but if their socialization as puppies is correct, they do not give any problems of coexistence.
Education is the key!
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If you’re looking for more guard dogs resources, consider checking out our other post on guard dogs.
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(Author)
Justin is a protection dog enthusiast. He has years of experience teaching and training dogs. He enjoys sharing what he’s learned. Read More
