There’s been a lot of media attention on ‘dangerous dogs’ this year following the Government ban on XL Bully dogs in England and Wales. Since I can remember there has always been a ‘dangerous’ breed gaining the attention of the media. More recently it was Pit Bull types and Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and previous to that it was Rottweilers. Even today, many still consider Rottweilers to be a ‘dangerous’ dog breed.
So are Rottweilers dangerous to keep as pets?
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Breed History
Rottweilers were developed in the livestock market town of Rottweil, Southwest Germany. They were used as ‘drover’s dogs’ to herd and guard cattle and to protect the property of their owners.
Rottweilers were later popular as army and police dogs during the first and second world wars. Nowadays they are still used by the police, and some are even used as service and therapy dogs. Most, however, live as much loved family pets.
Why they are believed to be ‘dangerous’
They are a few reasons why some might view this breed as being dangerous.
Firstly, Rottweilers are big, strong dogs. This means they are likely to inflict more damage if they bite. A bite from a Rottweiler, for example, is more likely to be fatal than a bite caused by a Chihuahua.
Secondly, Rottweilers have been bred to act as guard dogs. This could mean that they are more likely to be very protective of their owners, or their property, by instinct. The influence that breed traits have on a dog’s behaviour has always been difficult to define. A study conducted in 2022 found that only about 9% of behavioural variation was explained by breed. However, as the owner of a gun dog with a strong prey drive, I think certain instincts can be very strong in certain dogs. But, my experience working as a veterinary surgeon has taught me that canine behaviour and personality can vary greatly within a breed and that it would be unfair to label all individuals within a breed as ‘aggressive’.
Lastly, Rottweilers are a highly intelligent and active breed that require a large amount of mental and physical stimulation. Just like other intelligent breeds, this makes them more likely to act out when they don’t receive the stimulation they need.
Are they actually dangerous?
I personally don’t think that Rottweilers are inherently dangerous. BUT they do require an owner who has the time and patience to socialise them early, train them well and provide for their mental and physical needs. It’s true that ANY dog can act out when poorly trained or cared for. But some dog breeds are easier to train and provide for than others.
It’s important that owners do their research about breeds before they purchase or rehome a new companion.
It’s also important to educate everyone in the family about appropriate interactions with your new pet, even the most docile dogs will snap, when a child grabs it or steals its food for example.
But for the right owners, Rottweilers can make fantastic pets, many are loveable goofballs!
As is often the case with these ‘dangerous’ breeds, Rottweilers have been popular with those who want to give out a particular image of being ‘macho’ or ‘aggressive’. It’s these people that train the dogs to act aggressively, and this in turn gives these dog breeds a bad name. The problem with banning these breeds is that these types of people just move onto the next breed.
Conclusion
Rottweilers are not inherently dangerous, and many make loveable pets, but it’s important to socialise them early and train them well. They are big dogs, with potentially protective instincts. If you are thinking of purchasing or adopting a Rottweiler – do your research first – and make sure you can provide the right training and environment to meet its needs. Make sure that you adopt or purchase from a responsible breeder or rescue centre who can provide you with support and advice.
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