Are Rottweilers Hypoallergenic?

If you’ve ever owned a rottweiler, you are probably well accustomed to their loyal and loving nature. These dogs are naturally protective and make excellent guard dogs. And you may find that they never leave your side. But they often get a bad rap for being aggressive. However, they thrive in environments with owners who understand their need for training and early socialization. 

You may be interested in a rottweiler if you need a loving companion dog. But if you are an allergy sufferer, you might wonder, “Are rottweilers hypoallergenic?” Discover the answer now, including the best guard dogs for people with allergies.

Are Rottweilers Okay for People with Allergies?

Unfortunately, rottweilers are not hypoallergenic. While they may not be the worst option, they definitely are not the best for those that suffer from allergies. Their fur can contain dandruff, which spreads around your house when they shed. But shedding is not the main culprit with rotties. These dogs are notorious droolers, and allergens live in their slobber. And when they salivate, droplets can drip onto the floor, furniture, or even your skin.

Rottweiler Allergy Symptoms

Anyone who’s ever suffered from pet allergies can tell you it’s no fun. To those who have never experienced it, allergies may not seem like a big deal. But those dealing with symptoms on a daily basis see a decrease in quality of life.

Symptoms of pet allergies include:

• Sneezing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Itchy, red, or watery eyes (sometimes all three)
• Pain from nasal congestion
• Coughing and wheezing
• Shortness of breath/chest tightness
• Itchy skin/skin rash or hives

Do Rottweilers Shed a Lot?

Rottweilers have a smooth coat and are considered moderate shedders, with a three out of five (five being the highest) rating. They may not shed as much as a husky, but they will leave a moderate amount of hair around the house throughout the year. They also blow their coats (heavy shedding) twice a year, during spring and fall. Rottweilers can experience seasonal allergies, leading to periods of heavy shedding.

Are Rottweilers Difficult Dogs?

Despite their bad reputation, rottweilers are no more prone to aggression than any other breed. Any dog can become dangerous without proper training and socialization. However, rottweilers are a very protective breed, and they don’t particularly do well around strangers. But they won’t attack unprovoked. They just aren’t particularly friendly around outsiders. With their families, rottweilers are loving, playful, loyal, and affectionate. 

The biggest cons of owning a rottweiler are their health demands (they are prone to many health problems), destructive behavior, and their need for constant training. These dogs require a higher level of attention in training to keep them mentally stimulated and less inclined to destruction. They are also expensive, more so than other dog breeds. Their insurance premiums can be more costly, and they are large, powerful dogs with a voracious appetite.

What is the Best Hypoallergenic Guard Dog?

If you suffer from allergies and are looking for a loving family guard dog, you may be disappointed to learn that rottweilers are not hypoallergenic. However, there are several other options for allergy-friendly guard dogs.

The standard schnauzer is always a top pick for a hypoallergenic guard dog. This breed is a sturdy medium-sized dog with short low-shed fur. Like the rottweiler, schnauzers are very loyal to their families and extremely intelligent. They have a sharp bark to warn you of intruders, they train easily, and they are affectionate family dogs.

The Irish terrier is another favorite. These dogs are feisty, strong, and fast. And they do not hesitate to attack intruders if need be. But they are gentle and playful around their families and great with children. They also have wiry fur that hardly ever sheds or creates dandruff, making them an excellent choice for those with pet allergies.

Is Any Dog 100% Hypoallergenic?

According to the American Kennel Club, no dog is 100% hypoallergenic. The proteins that cause allergies live in the skin and saliva, which every dog has. But some breeds are better suited for allergy sufferers. These dogs will have low-shed coats, fewer problems with dander, and decreased drooling.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © EKATERINA SOLODILOVA/Shutterstock.com