You are likely familiar with the Rottweiler breed – the intimidating bark and physical appearance; the strong, broad jaws; the incredibly well-muscled body; and the confident gaze combine to produce one powerful-looking dog.
But is the breed all about looks, or are Rottweilers as defensive as they appear?
Are Rottweilers good guard dogs? Rottweilers are among the best guard dog breeds, and guarding has been a part of their history for many generations. They possess strong natural guarding instincts, are highly intelligent, are loyal and brave, look intimidating, and are physically powerful.
By the time you read through the following, you’ll have an excellent sense of just how good a guard dog a Rottweiler can be and why.
We’ll also explore whether a male or female Rottie is better suited to perform as a guard dog, and you’ll find advice on raising a Rottweiler puppy to become an effective guardian and protector of your home and family.
Why Rottweilers Are Good Guard Dogs
Rottweilers are commonly associated with being a guardian and for good reason. Rottweilers are hardwired to be protective.
1. Intentional Breeding
Breeding Rottweilers according to the breed standard means you get puppies born to do a job.
In short, you get a puppy that features the signature temperament, physical features, and other factors that make Rottweilers excellent guard dogs.
Rottweilers who passed strict rules and guidelines for the breed have exceptional temperaments.
If you get them from ethical breeders who intentionally breed Rottweilers to become guard dogs, you can be sure that they come from a generation of good-natured dogs that are fond of children but won’t hesitate to protect their home and loved ones if need be.
They will be a far cry from vicious, aggressive Rottweilers often portrayed in the media.
2. Strong Natural Instincts
Rottweilers are one of the best dog breeds with natural protection instincts.
Thanks to years of dedicated breeding efforts, the drive to protect is hardwired in Rottweilers, and it’s a feature considered an admirable characteristic for guard dogs.
Their protection instincts will improve as they mature, although many start showing their protective instinct quite early.
Once serving as either herding or war dogs, modern-day Rottweilers are now considered a natural protector of their people and family.
So, while not every dog in this breed will become strongly driven to protect his owners, the vast majority of them will be.
3. High Intelligence
Rottweilers are brilliant dogs. When properly socialized, they develop a clearer distinction between friends and family in their home and potential threats.
4. A well-trained Rottweiler can go in a public place or accompany you on walks without showing aggression toward other people or animals unless there’s a significant provocation.
Most of them will not bite a stranger who interacts with them unless that stranger behaves aggressively.
However, the key to that admirable guard dog character is proper training.
4. Extreme Loyalty & Love for Their Family
Rottweilers are incredibly loyal dogs. They are highly devoted to their humans and can be sensitive despite their reputation of being aggressive and often intimidating to strangers.
That makes them excellent guard dogs for the family.
In fact, Rottweiler’s sensitivity to their people makes them susceptible to separation anxiety.
5. Physically Powerful
Rottweilers are extremely muscular and can weigh around 100 pounds, sometimes even more.
That makes them incredibly powerful dogs, especially matched with their big head and massive jaws that gives them one of the most powerful bites in the canine world.
Rottweilers also have powerful hunches and hard nails that give them a superior grip.
6. Intimidating Appearance & Bark
In addition to their massive size, large jaws, and physical power, the Rottweiler’s black-and-tan coloration makes them look quite imposing to potential threats.
What many people don’t realize is that the docked tail common to so many Rottweilers also helps with their intimidation potential.
You see, even those not familiar with dogs realize that a dog happily wagging his tail likely poses no real threat.
However, when the tail is not present, it is much more difficult to judge a dog’s true intentions.
Their intense stance and deep bark will leave no question as to their power when faced with potential intruders.
7. Courageous & Protective Nature
Not only are Rottweilers physically capable, but they are very confident about their abilities. These dogs are not very likely to back down when provoked, no matter the threat.
Rottweilers are unlikely to get scared or intimidated, even when faced with situations that may frighten other dog breeds.
Their bravery is one main reason the breed has been and still is used in police and military work.
They are not only capable of performing as an alert watchdog but will also courageously protect what they perceive as “theirs,” whether that involves people or property.
Do Male or Female Rottweilers Make Better Guard Dogs?
Both male and female Rottweilers make great guard dogs, but male and female Rottweilers can have different temperaments.
Male Rottweilers tend to be always alert and somewhat standoffish, always watching for any potential danger, making them excellent guard dogs.
Meanwhile, female Rottweilers are typically friendlier and easier to control, so they might be better around kids.
Whether you pick a female or male Rottweiler, proper training is still necessary to make one the best guard dog.
Keys To Raising a Rottweiler as a Guard Dog
Training Rottweilers, especially to become guard dogs, takes an incredible amount of responsibility.
- Extensive Socialization: Socializing with all kinds of people, animals, sights, and noises will teach them when it’s appropriate to be aggressive.
- Obedience Training: It’s important training for any powerful dog.
- Training for Guarding Situations: This involves training the Rottweiler when they should attack by giving them a command. A professional trainer is recommended for this part.
- Consistent Training: It’s critical to continue training Rotties as they mature to be confident so that they will attack when and only when it’s necessary.
Related Questions:
What Age Do Rottweilers Start Guarding?
Generally, Rottweilers will start showing their protective nature once they grow into adolescence, which is around six to eight months of age, but with some dogs, it may not appear until they are closer to one year old.
The guarding instinct will only deepen as the Rottweiler matures.
Are Rottweilers More Aggressive Than Pitbulls?
Rottweilers and Pitbulls can both show aggression, but it is usually directed toward different things.
Rottweilers can be aggressive toward strangers and sometimes other dogs when not socialized well.
Pitbulls were once unfortunately used for dogfighting, so they may be aggressive toward other dogs or animals.
When properly bred, trained, and socialized, neither breed should ever show aggression toward their owners.
Are Rottweilers Good Guard Dogs?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a dog breed that makes an excellent guard dog, a Rottweiler is an ideal choice.
They have the intelligence, courage, dedication to their families, and physical ability to be guardians. They can be terrific guard dogs when raised well and properly trained.
