Man’s best friend can come in a variety of different breeds, each with their own special qualities. For some owners their choice of dog is more for the outward appearance or other superficial qualities, but for the majority of dog owners it is a means to protection, companionship and above all, friendship. And if these are the qualities you look for in a dog, then you should consider the Rottweiler as a possible choice of pet for you and your family.

The Hype

Right, so you’ve browsed the web and scoured the media for any related links concerning Rottweiler behaviour. Perhaps you’ve even consulted your local veterinarian or kennel to ask for their opinion. The truth is that there is a hype doing the rounds that Rottweilers are some of the most aggressive dogs alive. This is of course a mere fallacy as, with most other dogs, the aggression of the dog is more likely a result of incorrect training or negligence on the part of the owner.

Here is a quick list of the most common reasons for aggression found in dogs:

• Dominance: When the owner has failed to establish himself or herself as the ‘pack leader’ and the dog takes control.
• Fear: Most commonly found in neglected or abused dogs, this type of aggression is not always apparent and may only come out when the dog feels frightened.
• Territoriality: Most dogs will show some form of aggression if their territory is invaded by someone they don’t respect or know. This is a natural trait in most dogs and wild animals.
• Maternal Instincts: Again this is also a natural form of aggression where the natural protective instincts of a bitch over her young may result in outward aggression.

For most of the above types of aggression the solution is to train your Rottweiler from an early age and to clearly show him who is in charge. It is equally important to your Rottweiler’s behavioural development to show them the respect that they deserve.

The Truth

Rottweiler behaviour is typically calm and confident with a tendency to clowning around. They are very active dogs with lots of energy and can be quite a destructive force if not trained correctly from an early age. However, this should not be a deterrent for potential Rottweiler owners, as this is also the case with most other dog breeds that are not trained at the appropriate time.

The truth is, Rottweilers are just as playful, destructive, aggressive, loyal and loving as any other breed; but, as with anything Rottweiler, all these traits come in bigger packages.