Rottweilers: Are They Really Dangerous?

Believed to be the descendants of Roman drover dogs that herded and protected livestock, Rottweilers are large, muscular working dogs. They are easily recognizable by their broad heads, square muzzles, triangular ears, and short, shiny black coats with rust markings. Male Rottweilers can stand up to 27 inches at the withers and weigh up to 135 pounds. They are affectionate family members, vigilant watchdogs, and eager to please their owners, but are Rottweilers dangerous? Keep reading to find out.

The Data on Rottweilers

From 1979-1998, there were 39 reports of dog bite-related fatalities involving Rottweilers. There were a total of 60 purebred Rottweilers and 7 dogs crossbred with Rottweilers involved in these attacks. Rottweilers and Pit bull-type dogs were responsible for the highest numbers of fatal attacks overall, with Rottweilers being the most represented from 1993-1998.

From 2005-2020, Rottweilers were implicated in 51 fatal dog bite attacks. This was approximately 9% of total attacks reported. Statistics suggest they remain the second-most represented breed in dog bite-related fatalities in the U.S.

How Much Does Breed Affect Temperament?

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) notes that although Rottweilers have been found to be highly represented in reported biting incidents, increased popularity in some large breeds may be followed by increases in bite reports. American Kennel Club (AKC) registrations of Rottweilers hit their highest point between 1990 and 1995. For the first time, the dogs were at the top of the list of breeds whose bites required hospitalization in the late 1990s through the early 2000s. The total number of dogs in the population must be taken into account when estimating breed-based risk. However, since reliable breed-specific population data is unavailable, all of the statistics cited above have these limitations, among others.

In the United States, the risk of being fatally attacked by a dog of any breed is 0.00001%. Since 2016, there have been over 80 different breeds and mixed breeds involved in fatal dog bite attacks. Studies have shown that dog bite-related fatalities are typically the result of preventable factors, primarily irresponsible dog ownership. The dog’s breed is not one of these factors. Additionally, a recent study found that only 9% of behavioral variation in individuals could be explained by breed.

Why Do Rottweilers Have a Bad Reputation?

The owners of properly-socialized and well-trained Rottweilers describe their pets as loving, playful family companions. All dogs can bite, no matter what their breed is. However, due to their large size, strong bite force (widely cited as 328 psi), and heavily-muscled bodies, when Rottweilers become aggressive, they can cause significant damage.

Irresponsible owners who want an aggressive, tough-looking dog often gravitate toward certain breeds like Rottweilers. Tragically, when they fail to raise their dogs correctly, people can get hurt, or even killed. The dogs can also be harmed, as they are typically euthanized after an attack.

Rottweilers Are No More Dangerous Than Other Dogs

Research has shown that these dogs are not inherently any more dangerous than other dogs. They have natural protective instincts that can lead to territorial behavior if not corrected, but many dogs have these instincts. It is also very important for male Rottweilers, or any male dog, to be neutered, as intact males are more prone to aggressive behavior. From 2000-2009, 84% of dog bite-related deaths were caused by intact male dogs.

The media has often portrayed Rottweilers as vicious attack dogs, reinforcing negative stereotypes. But their reputation is typically a reflection of how they have been raised. When they have been socialized and trained by responsible owners, Rottweilers are gentle pets and courageous family guardians.