The Rottweiler is a commonly misunderstood dog breed, no doubt in part due to its portrayal in movies and on television as a vicious and evil breed. While it is true that some degree of aggression is a result of their early breeding as guard dogs, the truth of the matter is that by and large, a dog’s behavior is mainly a reflection of its owner and the degree of training and socialization (or lack thereof) the Rottweiler has received.
The key to overcoming the aggressive nature of the Rottweiler is twofold. First, the owner must establish his/her dominance and position as Alpha (dominant) early on. Second, it is desperately important that thorough socialization take place with your Rottweiler beginning at a very early age.
It is also quite important to avoid using physical punishment whenever possible as many Rottweilers have been known to react in an aggressive way when they feel physically threatened, even by their owners.
Rottweilers are not known to be barkers by nature, instead only barking when they are annoyed. They are actually very quiet, sometimes stoic and observing everything around them in silence.
Breed Standards for Temperament of Rottweilers
According to the All Germany Rottweiler Club (ADRK), the breed standard for the Rottweiler’s temperament is as follows:
“Good natured, placid in basic disposition and fond of children, very devoted, obedient, biddable and eager to work. His appearance is natural and rustic, his behaviour self assured, steady and fearless. He reacts to his surroundings with great alertness.”
The American Kennel Club’s description goes into more detail, specifically with regard to the Rottweiler’s behavior to judges in the show ring. It goes further to state that “An aloof or reserved dog should not be penalized, as this reflects the accepted character of the breed. An aggressive or belligerent attitude towards other dogs should not be faulted.”
Rottweiler Attacks on Humans
According to a CDC report published in 2000, “Rottweilers were responsible for about half of human DBRF (dog bite related fatalities) reported during the 4 years from 1993 through 1996.”
The information contained in this report led people in many communities to push for a ban of certain dog breeds that were deemed more dangerous than others. Understanding that this might be a result of their report, the authors stated in their conclusion:
“Although fatal attacks on humans appear to be a breed-specific problem (pit bull-type dogs and Rottweilers), other breeds may bite and cause fatalities at higher rates. Because of difficulties inherent in determining a dog’s breed with certainty, enforcement of breed-specific ordinances raises constitutional and practical issues. Fatal attacks represent a small proportion of dog bite injuries to humans and, therefore, should not be the primary factor driving public policy concerning dangerous dogs.”
Regardless of their negative portrayals in the media, Rottweilers can be both loving and affectionate dogs who have a natural tendency toward dominance. If an owner does not take the dominant role, the Rottweiler is more than happy to assume it.
