"I’m a big, brawny dog that means business!"
Rottweilers (or “Rotties) may have a bad-to-the-bone reputation, but their diehard protectiveness comes from a positive place. These large and powerful pups make it their mission to keep you safe but are surprisingly calm when they aren’t on high alert.
Rottweilers are loyal and brave dogs who will risk life and limb to defend their families. The breed’s size and power make them the ideal guard dog. Rottweilers need a lot of attention, but they’ll repay the favor. When they aren’t on alert, these pups are usually quiet, observant, and calm. Females bark more often than males, so if you’re bringing a Rottweiler into your home as a watch or guard dog, the girls will be more vocal than their male counterparts.
The Rottweiler has a distinct outer coat of short, thick, coarse fur with a thick layer of hair underneath. All dogs in this breed are black with brown markings. You may find ones with long hair or white chest markings, but these traits are not as common. Because this breed has such short hair, their coat doesn’t require much maintenance. Use a rubber glove to remove hair when your Rottie sheds, but other than that, all your pup will need is basic care.
Socialization is the top priority if your Rottie is going to be around kids or other animals. Rottweilers can be good playmates for children, cats, and pets, but they need to be socialized early and have positive experience when they’re young. This breed likes the cold weather but shouldn’t be left outside too long. They also are known to snore loudly, so Rottweilers may not be the best cuddle buddies.
Rotties need daily exercise to get their energy out and their heart pumping. It’s safe to take them running with you in the open country or the woods, as they don’t like to wander far from their families. Rottweilers are very smart and also love sports like swimming, running beside a bicycle, and playing fetch with a ball. Over-exercising a Rottweiler is just about impossible, so have at it!