12 Reasons Rottweilers Are the Best Guard Dogs

Rottweilers make the best guard dogs because they’ve been bred for the task for centuries! They’re strong, imposing dogs that can weigh upwards of 100 pounds. Rottweilers are brave, alert, and easy to train.

Continue reading for 12 reasons Rottweilers make excellent guard dogs and to find out whether this breed is right for you.

1. Rottweilers are Big Dogs!

Standing 22-27 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing 80-135 pounds, Rottweilers are large, intimidating dogs. Their size alone can keep intruders at bay.

Of course, their size also means they’re incredibly strong and can protect their home or family if needed.

2. They Were Bred to Protect

Size isn’t all that Rotties have on their side, though. They were also bred for protection from the start–and the breed dates all the way back to the Roman Empire!

This means that even without training, most Rottweilers have strong guarding instincts. They’re naturally territorial and quickly learn who and what, is theirs to protect.

3. They’re Brave

These aren’t typically the dogs who will stand down when threatened, though they can be anxious–especially with poor breeding or treatment.

Rottweilers tend to know their strength and walk with their heads held high. They’re confident dogs, especially when properly socialized from a young age.

4. They’re Easy to Train

Guarding breeds all come with their training challenges, mostly because things can go very wrong if a large, strong dog bites somebody. It’s important that your Rottweiler has the confidence not to fear every stranger and that they know how to guard appropriately.

You shouldn’t try to train aggression into your dog, as they’re naturally going to guard your home and family. Instead, build a good relationship with your pup and train good behavior using force-free training methods.

Aversive methods and tools, especially compulsion or dominance training, lead to fear and aggression in dogs. This isn’t what you want from your Rottie!

5. People Find Black Coats Intimidating

Shelters often refer to “black dog syndrome” to refer to why big, black dogs seem less adoptable than their smaller or lighter-furred companions. Most studies haven’t found a correlation between coat color and the chance of a dog being adopted (and some find that big black dogs are even seen as preferable by adopters).

However, it does seem to be true that people fear large, black dogs more than those with lighter fur. When asked to rate aggression in photos of dogs, many study participants rate black dogs as more dangerous.

While this is only a stereotype, it’s believed widely enough to give Rottweilers an advantage as guard dogs. Their primarily-black coats can deter strangers from approaching on walks or entering your home.

6. They Have a Reputation

Rottweilers are a popular guard dog choice; most people know of the breed. They also have preconceived notions, which are often of the stereotypical, aggressive Rottie. Some local laws even ban the breed altogether.

It’s a huge problem that some breeds are seen in this way, and not fair to the dogs. It also means vigilance is key because your Rottie will be judged more harshly than other dog breeds if they misbehave.

However, their bad reputation does have one benefit, and it’s that people are unlikely to come near them! This is yet another way that Rottweilers can act as a deterrent, and likely won’t ever need to truly fight anyone.

7. Rottweilers Have a Strong Bite Force

With a bite force of 328 PSI, or pounds per square inch, Rottweilers can do a lot of damage with their teeth. This makes them great guard dogs should they ever need to act to protect your family.

However, it also makes them a huge responsibility, which is why Rotties and other guarding breeds aren’t for everyone.

8. They’re in Tune With their Environment

Your Rottweiler is likely to spend a lot of time simply observing their surroundings. They may enjoy walking the perimeter of your yard or watching out the window.

These dogs are very alert and know what’s happening around them. Combined with the superior hearing that all dogs have over people, they’re unlikely to miss much!

9. Rottweilers are Loyal

When a Rottie loves you, it’s forever! They stick to their people like glue and will protect them fiercely, sometimes even with their lives.

They tend to act aloof around strangers, though they shouldn’t be outwardly aggressive by any means. But if this behavior has put you off of the breed, you might want to watch the way these dogs interact with their families.

10. They’re Affectionate Toward Family

Originally bred to herd and guard livestock, Rottweilers couldn’t be indiscriminately aggressive. They’re typically very affectionate when they see you as their own and may even think they’re lap puppies!

While this trait endears them to most people, it’s also important to consider whether you have the time for a clingy dog. Rotties should live indoors with their families and shouldn’t be left alone for long periods, such as a full workday.

11. Their Coats are Easy to Care For

While they do shed copiously, Rottweilers’ coats don’t require a ton of maintenance. Regular brushing will help keep shed fur under control and also promotes healthy fur and skin.

They won’t need haircuts or visits to a professional groomer unless there are things you’d rather not do at home (like baths).

Of course, your Rottweiler will still need regular baths and nail trims. Their teeth should be brushed once every day or two, and their ears should be checked regularly and cleaned if needed.

12. They’re Active

A Rottweiler’s high need for exercise isn’t a plus for everyone. But if you want a guard dog to accompany you on walks, runs, or hikes, this may be the breed for you!

Rotties are working dogs who need an hour or more of exercise each day. You’ll have to be careful not to overwork their joints for the first couple of years while they’re still growing, but after that, they’ll have great endurance for outdoor activities.

Is a Rottweiler the Guard Dog For You?

Before adopting a Rottweiler, make sure you know what care they require! While these are great dogs, they truly aren’t for everybody.

Rotties require ample daily exercise and mental stimulation. They also tend to cling to their people. They do best in households where someone is home most of the day, and where they can have at least a couple of hours of hands-on walks, play, training, and mental enrichment. Rottweilers should never be kept as “outside dogs” but should live and sleep indoors.

If your local laws or your landlord don’t allow the breed, it’s best to avoid adopting a Rottie. While these rules are often unfair, trying to sneak around them can have catastrophic results. No one wants to have to choose between their dog and their home.

Rotties require experienced, force-free trainers to ensure that they grow up into well-adjusted adults. They also require plenty of funds, as feeding a 100+ pound dog gets expensive–not to mention the vet bills!

Overall, Rottweilers can make the perfect guard dogs for many people. But they aren’t for everyone, and it’s essential that you can commit to caring for them for 9-10 years or more.

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The photo featured at the top of this post is © Phillip van Zyl/Shutterstock.com