Are Rottweilers Dangerous?

German Rottweiler - In snow
Ziga13/Shutterstock.com

Written by Emmanuel Kingsley

Updated: October 7, 2022

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Dogs generally have had a long history with humans and have scaled to be one of the most trusted companions amongst other animals. It is no news that dogs are easy to groom, intelligent, affectionate, loyal, happy, and energetic. Interestingly, Rottweilers have managed to be one of those vast species of dogs that humans have considered friends and protectors since 1901. No doubt, several extraordinary attributes have been used to qualify these lovely domesticated pets by owners worldwide. However, aside from the unique adjectives used to describe them, these little lovelies can sometimes be aggressive.

Are Rottweilers dangerous to humans and other animals? We’ll find out in this article.

Background on Rottweilers

Rottweiler standing in field with tongue out

The Rottweiler was originally bred to herd livestock and pull carts.

Rottweilers, also known as Rottweiler Metzgerhund (Butcher’s dog), are a staunch, dedicated, and loyal breed of dogs used in Roman times for bear hunting, cart pulling, and cattle herding. 

Talking about herding, these 8th most popular dogs have instincts for herding various animals, including sheep, goats, and other livestock, without any prior coaching.

It is fascinating that their name was also ascribed to these energetic breeds because of their doggedness and strength as they aided butchers in hauling their dissected meat to the market. You’d agree with us on this note that rottweilers are lovely dog breeds to own. Interestingly, with extraordinary owners available to guide them, these alert-driven and fearless creatures have proven to be all shades of working dogs that fit in as service, guard dogs, or family pets. Nevertheless, they can be aggressive and dangerous if these human determiners are absent.

Are Rottweilers Dangerous?

Strongest Dog Breed Bite - Rottweiler

Rottweilers are well known to be powerful, protective, and loyal, and can be dangerous when they attack intruders.

Although Rottweilers are not a threat to the family, they are usually very aggressive when they protect their owners. A Rottweiler can be very dangerous when it goes all out to attack an intruder in domesticated cases. Nevertheless, it can be effective if adopted for hunting purposes, particularly for more minor games. Rottweilers are stern-looking with large sets of healthy teeth, having strong body builds like gym muscle builders.

Glenda Sánchez Ycaza, an expert on the Rottweiler breed, firmly holds that a bite from this animal can be fatal – this elucidates the point made earlier in our introduction of how dangerous this soldier-like dog can be, especially when their owners do not adequately manage their temperament.

Ycaza also suggests that having a Rottweiler in the house may not be a great danger; after all, however, all the preceding mitigation strategies must be up and running. By default, Rottweiler owners must consciously pay close attention to these dog breeds while caring for them in the most reasonable approach.

How Do Rottweilers Defend Their Territories?

Rottweiler Teeth - Rottweiler

Rottweilers are very particular about their territory.

A fully grown Rottweiler would usually send shivers down the spine of an intruder. They are very particular about their territory and give no sympathy to anyone who dares to breach into their territory except when they are appropriately introduced to the dog.

The above and other inclinations add up to what makes the breed a rigid and dangerous dog. There are a lot of amazing facts about this unique breed, but first, let us learn how dangerous these dogs can be.

Rottweilers Military Prowess

Rottweilers mostly grow into their mature state slowly. Intriguingly, they can be trained to fit into the police or military force when they mature. Moreover, an average or large-sized breed stands between 24 to 27 inches. With over 100lbs of pure muscles and raw strength, one can never go wrong employing these dog breeds as guards in today’s world.

How to Care for Rottweilers?

The importance of a reasonable level of care Rottweilers require cannot be overemphasized. They need to be loved and taken care of, given proper training with incentives like treats when they act accordingly rather than the ill approach of flogging. 

Rottweiler Relationship with Humans

Without mincing words, Rottweilers can be the sweetest companions when they feel comfortable around owners or dog lovers. Like every other domestic dog, they are most likely to drop their stern or firm composition when relating with their owners. They also give off a relaxed, playful, and vulnerable disposition. In direct contrast, the Rottweiler can be defensive and unwelcoming when dealing with an unintroduced visitor or intruder. 

Other Interesting Facts about Rottweilers

  • Male Rottweilers are more playful and show more alertness and confidence than their female counterparts. 
  • Rottweilers tend to bite strangers more often than their owners intentionally.
  • They are very territorial and are keen on keeping strangers away. 
  • Owners must regularly carry out creative lessons with the dog to mitigate territorial intolerance or aggressiveness. 
  • Rottweilers are a hardy breed of dog with well-developed genetics.
  • Their reflex response during guarding duties is second to none.

Health Challenges Rottweilers Face

A Rottweiler is likely to suffer from a bone condition known as osteosarcoma. This grim reaper (bone cancer) can cause much pain to Rotties and sometimes lead to their death if not treated. Although Rottweilers are free from most viruses and diseases, they are often disturbed by bone-related issues.

Other health challenges besides osteosarcoma worthy of mention are osteochondritis dissecans and hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a condition that causes the hip socket to form abnormally. This condition can cause extreme and painful discomfort in the dog’s life. In its severe stage, it can lead to outright paralysis and arthritis of the joints. It is worth noting that this condition is not only cut out for the Rottweiler breed, as it also affects other breeds of dogs. In conclusion, dog owners must be quick to observe abnormal behaviors in their dogs to seek the proper medical assistance in the shortest possible time frame.

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