Why Are Rottweilers So Aggressive?

Rottweilers (or Rotties for short) are excellent guard dogs, and that’s not surprising considering their history.

Originally bred by the ancient Romans to protect cattle and humans, they are big, strong, and fearless.

Sadly this breed gets a bad rap for being dangerous, although this does not consider the owner’s role in their Rottweiler’s aggression.

The fact is that not all Rotties are aggressive towards humans or other dogs.

Still, some Rottweilers can indeed be violent and aggressive if they are not trained and looked after correctly.

Why Are Rottweilers Aggressive?

Rottweilers may be aggressive because they are very protective of their family.

Though they show average aggression towards their owners and other dogs, they show high aggression towards unknown humans.

This heightened aggression is due to a history of being bred to protect cattle and people.

Another reason they may have a reputation for being aggressive is that due to their imposing nature, they may attract egotistical and irresponsible dog owners, just looking for a status symbol rather than a family pet or working dog.

People who own Rotties for the wrong reasons – to look big and tough with a big, tough-looking dog at their side – are much less likely to train and care for this breed in the way they need and deserve.

NOTE – Click here to read this post asking the question: Why Is My Rottweiler Growling at Me?

Are You a Rottie Owner?

The most important thing to understand if you own one is that Rottweilers can be aggressive if you don’t treat them well or neglect to train, socialize and exercise them adequately.

Thankfully, you’re reading this post, so you’ll soon find out why these dogs can behave violently.

You’ll also learn how to prevent such behavior, so keep reading.

Related Post: What Do Dogs Think About Their Owners?

Are Rottweilers Aggressive by Nature?

Rottweilers are aggressive by nature and display higher-than-average aggression toward strangers.

However, properly trained and socialized, owners can reduce the likelihood of their aggressive potential.

Rotties are headstrong, but they are easy to train and very intelligent.

Statistics on the DogsBite website indicate that Rottweilers are responsible for the second-highest death-related dog bites in the US over 15 years (2005 – 2019).

Researchers also listed the breed as one of the top breeds in fatal attacks on humans between 1979 and 1998.

Another 2008 study found Rottweilers of average aggression towards their owners and other dogs.

Still, it showed higher than average aggression towards strangers than other dog breeds and made the top three most aggressive of the tested breeds.

Now you know why some people consider the Rottweiler an inherently hostile and vicious dog breed.

However, this does not rule out that many sweet and loving Rottweilers are trusted family pets.

Ultimately owners are primarily responsible for ensuring that their Rottweiler does not display aggression through proper training and socialization.

Although some people see Rottweilers as time bombs on legs, this is generally a myth owing to misconceptions about the breed.

However, they are large and powerful creatures with a strong instinct to protect their owners and family and can cause considerable harm, so they should always be treated with the respect they deserve.

NOTE – Check out this post if you are interested in the question – will my dog protect me if I am attacked?

Are All Rottweilers Aggressive?

No, not all Rottweilers are aggressive.

I have trained and worked with lots of them over the years and have met some very friendly and lovable rotties.

While Rottweilers have a reputation for being a potentially aggressive breed, the reality is that aggression in Rottweilers is often the result of poor breeding, lack of socialization, inadequate training, or mistreatment by their owners.

Like all dogs, Rottweilers have their own distinct personalities, and some individuals may be more aggressive than others.

However, aggression should never be considered a normal or acceptable trait in Rotties or any other breed.

With proper training and socialization, Rottweilers can be friendly, loyal, and well-behaved family pets.

Early socialization with other dogs, people, and new environments is particularly important for Rottweilers to help prevent fear and anxiety, which can lead to aggression.

It is also important to note that Rottweilers are a large and powerful breed, and their size and strength should be taken into consideration when raising them.

Proper training and socialization should be combined with responsible ownership, including secure fencing, regular exercise, and ongoing veterinary care.

In summary, while Rottweilers have a reputation for aggression, it is not a characteristic that is inherent in the breed.

Responsible breeding, training, and socialization are key to raising a well-behaved and non-aggressive pet.

NOTE – You may also want to read this post looking at 11 sounds that dogs hate.

Why Do Rottweilers Attack People?

Historically, Rottweilers were guardians and working dogs, helping their human owners complete tasks like pulling carts and herding livestock.

This type of breeding naturally sharpens their instinct for protectiveness and wariness, especially around strangers.

Rottweilers may attack people for several reasons, such as their protective nature or when they are vulnerable or sick.

They may also become aggressive and hurt their owners or strangers in retaliation for provocation.

Remember, the reasons Rottweilers may attack people are the same for other dog breeds.

If you provoke a Rottie by ignorantly striking it in an attempt to discipline it, the dog may attack and bite you in self-defense.

A Rottweiler can attack and even bite a stranger if the dog interprets the stranger’s actions as a threat.

These dogs are usually wary and highly alert around strangers and new situations, often adopting a wait-and-see attitude.

If you make sudden movements like waving your arms or yelling to deter the dog from coming closer, you might send the wrong signals and make the dog attack you.

Also, if a Rottie thinks someone is threatening its owner, the dog’s protective instinct will kick in, making it likely to attack the intruder to protect its owner.

This behavior is similar to most other dog breeds. The difference is that Rotties are so big and strong that if they do attack, it can be very dangerous for whoever is on the receiving end.

Note – This post might also be interesting to you. It answers the question why do dogs bite people’s hands?

How To Reduce Aggressive Behavior in a Rottweiler

Like most people, you want to control your dog’s behavior, even if you adopt it as a guard dog.

No one wants a dog that can potentially turn against them.

The good news is that you can minimize a Rottweiler’s tendency to become aggressive if you act early and consistently.

Here are a few suggestions to help keep your Rottie in check.

1. Consider the Parent’s Personality When Picking a Puppy

It’s common to describe Rottweilers as alert, courageous, fearless, confident, calm, and steady. Y

et, not every dog in the breed has the same personality traits – something that’s easily confused with temperament.

For this reason, it’s usually a good idea to carefully examine the personality trait of a puppy’s parent before you adopt the young dog.

Ask to meet at least one of the parents if possible.

You want to ensure that the parent isn’t too hostile toward people and other pets.

Friendly adult Rotties are likely to have friendly puppies.

NOTE – Click here if you want to read this post asking: do dogs know if they hurt you?

2. Create Opportunities for Your Rottie To Socialize

Choosing a young Rottie with friendly traits is an excellent first step, but you want to take things further by giving it the chance to mix with different people and other dogs, too.

Exposing your puppy to new people and situations early enough can help it easily adapt to changing environments as it grows.

Your adult Rottweiler is likely to think of new situations as threats if you didn’t socialize it early enough. And Rotties don’t take threats lightly!

For this reason, it’s essential to create opportunities for your young Rottie to socialize as often as possible.

Related Post: Why Are Little Dogs So Annoying?

3. Be Firm and Consistent in Training Your Rottweiler

You must consistently train your Rottweiler if you want it to behave well.

Remember that these dogs are naturally aloof with strangers but can become attached to their favorite owners.

However, your Rottie isn’t likely to be around you alone, so it’s essential to train it to behave well around unfamiliar people.

In addition to consistent training, you need to be assertive when training your Rottweiler.

Don’t allow your dog constantly to have its way.

This lack of discipline could lead to a situation potentially dangerous for you, members of your household (including other pets), and other people.

The dog must know you are the boss.

Final Thoughts on Rottweilers and Aggression

A Rottweiler can be one of the most loyal and loving dogs you could ever own as long as you provide proper training and socialization.

However, they are a poor choice for first-time dog owners because they can be prone to aggression.

Consider this dog breed (and any other large breed, for that matter) only if you have experience with dogs.

Remember, Rottweilers are friendly with their owners but not with strangers.

So, it’s best to ensure that they are appropriately socialized to familiarize them with visitors and unfamiliar animals to avoid aggressive behaviors.

Finally, if you want to know more about this ancient and impressive breed, please enjoy this excellent video: