Rottweiler Dogs: Don't Believe The Hype

In the 1996 movie The Fan, starring Robert De Niro, a Rottweiler was finally portrayed accurately. This fictional Rottweiler loved to run on the beach, play with kids and was a big softie. Although the movie wasn't about the Rottweiler, it is a good indication of the true nature of Rottweilers. Because of their strength, they are not recommended for the first time dog owner or for those of a timid disposition.

Rottweilers are incredibly eager to please and highly trainable. They are also very large, very boisterous and naturally like to question orders. There is not one mean bone in their bodies, unless they are taught to be mean or they are not given proper exercise and attention. Rottweilers left chained in a back yard will go crazy out of boredom and in trying to get someone's attention. These are dogs that thrive indoors with people.
Rottweiler dogs need to be busy and to have a purpose in life. They need to be part of the family or at least be inside where the action is. Although the coat thickness and length can differ greatly with each Rottweiler, most Rottweilers cannot handle being left outside in extreme cold or extreme hot weather. If you are cold, you can be assured that your Rottweiler is, too.

Despite their intimidating size, huge teeth and muscle, they are great with kids. They are usually better with kids than they are with adults. Rottweiler dogs seem to realize that kids are not as strong or mature as adult humans or adult dogs and usually will be very tolerant of ear pulling or being crawled over. But if an adult human were to do that, the Rottweiler would get really annoyed. Don't annoy your Rottweiler (hey - some people need practical advice).
Rottweiler dogs are prone to some health conditions common for large dogs - a lot of which can be avoided with maintaining a good weight and getting regular exercise and annual check-ups. You can tell your Rottweiler is at a good weight in this way. Look down at your standing Rottweiler's back from above. There should be a noticeable waist, but no ribs should be showing. If you see an overstuffed sausage shape or a fuzzy pear shape, then your Rottweiler needs to go on a diet.

Be diligent about renewing your Rottweiler's license every year. The general public is very ignorant of basic Rottweiler information and assumes all Rottweilers are bloodthirsty killers. Rottweilers are also prone to wandering, if they get bored. Keeping Rottweiler dogs both licensed and micro chipped will not only make you better friends with the police, but will also help to erase the stigma unfairly attached to Rottweilers.


Sharon Davies has published hundreds of articles on dogs, including many on Rottweilers. Training can mean the difference between having a great family pet and an overly aggressive Rottweiler. Rottweiler information can be found at any library or by searching the Inertnet.