Rottweilers have a reputation for being loyal and protective companions, but many first-time dog owners may wonder if they are a good fit for their household.
Rottweilers are great dogs, but you must be able to commit to spending time crafting a suitable environment for them. A rottweiler may be a bad match if you are a first-time dog owner because they require so much attention and care. First-time owners may be overwhelmed with caring for their rottweiler.
This does not mean you shouldn’t get a rottweiler for your first dog; you need to be well aware of their traits and needs and committed to providing them.
Keep reading to learn everything you should know about rottweilers before getting one of your own.
Become Familiar with Rottweiler Traits and Needs Before Choosing One
It is important to recognize that all dogs are not alike, especially first-time owners. If you have fond memories from growing up and seeing your best friend’s golden retriever, you may expect all dogs to be as easygoing.
That’s not the case because all dog breeds have different attitudes and needs.
Let’s review some common traits and needs for rottweilers that may catch new owners off guard!
Temperament
Temperament refers to a dog’s personality and general nature. While dogs in the same breed might have different boundaries, their temperament will be similar. Rottweilers are intelligent, confident, and extremely loyal.
This personality makes them amazing companion dogs and excellent at doing work for the family.
They are excellent family dogs, but their brains and confidence mean they will easily act alone if they are not adequately trained to wait for their owner’s command.
Their loyalty can also manifest in fierce protection of their family from threats, even if those threats are not truly dangerous. With rottweilers, training is key to best utilize this temperament.
Size and Strength
Rottweilers grow to be very muscular and athletic, and they love to exercise with their family.
Any first-time owner must be prepared for their mature size and also keep in mind their strength. Can you hold back your dog’s leash when he lunges at something, or are you unprepared for how strong he is?
Male rottweilers will generally stand about two feet high from the floor to their shoulder, and females will be a bit smaller.
They can also be anywhere from 70-130 pounds depending on gender and activity level. You don’t need to be bigger and stronger than your dog, but you do need to be prepared.
Energy Levels
With rottweilers, energy levels can vary and often come down to their unique personality and the owner’s schedule. If you are away most of the day, your rottweiler may be a tornado when you get home! As long as they get daily exercise from walks or games, energy levels should not be too intense.
As a working dog with a loyal attitude, rottweilers are fine just laying around the house with you! Quality time with their family is very important. Just let them properly exercise and stay healthy, and everything will be fine.
Is The Home Environment Appropriate?
Rottweilers will need lots of space and time outdoors, so ensuring your home environment suits them before getting one is important.
Indoor space that is sufficient for a large dog is a must, and so is access to an outdoor space like a backyard to use the bathroom and exercise.
If you cannot guarantee space to roam and go outdoors, a rottweiler may not be the best first-time dog for you. It is also important that the home has secure storage or is big enough to keep dangerous substances away from your rottweiler.
Is the Rottweiler Good For First time owners with Children And Other Pets?
If you have children or other pets, you must consider how rottweilers will get along with them.
There should be no problems as long as you get a rottweiler puppy and are consistent with socialization and training. Older rottweilers should be introduced to children and other pets slowly to ensure no panic or aggression.
Rottweilers can be good with first time owners, children, and other pets, as long as they are properly trained and socialized.
Food aggression can be a common issue with rottweilers, and it is important that children and pets also respect their physical boundaries. If you can commit to slow integration and training, they’ll get along fine!
Helpful Tips For First Time Rottweiler Owners
If you have researched rottweiler traits and needs and decided this dog is the one for you, congratulations! You’ll find your best companion in a rottweiler. Now, let’s review some tips and tricks that can help you both as you start your journey together.
Training Your Rottweiler
An essential part of owning a rottweiler is its training, and you must start the process as early as possible.
Training can begin as young as 6-7 weeks for puppies. This will teach your intelligent dog that it should always listen to its owner. Do not assume they won’t need training if you get your rottweiler when they are a bit older.
Consider obedience school or a professional trainer to assess and approve the training of your rottweiler. After all, they should be trained a lot than trained too little.
Diet For Your Rottweilers
Since they are muscular and athletic dogs, rottweilers need a diet that is rich in protein.
Rottweilers are also known to have more sensitive stomachs and slight allergens than other breeds, so consider a hypoallergenic diet that will still meet their protein requirements.
Food is an important resource for rottweilers, and they burn a lot of calories through exercise. Make sure to provide them with enough food without overindulging them, and they will stay fit and healthy!
Exercise For Your Rottweiler
First time owners need to be aware that Rottweilers need a good level of exercise daily. This is required to keep them stimulated and also manage their energy levels.
Vets recommend at least two hours of exercise each day. This doesn’t mean a two-hour walk; it can be divided into a walk, playtime or fetch, and other stimulating games.
If you have a hectic schedule and aren’t sure about meeting the exercise needs of your rottweiler, consider hiring a dog walker or asking a friend or family member to help out.
Multiple members of the family can also take turns exercising the dog, so it is not all on one person.
Grooming of Your Rottweiler
Rottweilers are beautiful dogs with short, flat coats that shine. They are a double-coated breed, which means they have an undercoat of short fur to keep them warm.
Double-coated dogs shed heavily in the spring and fall, and rottweilers are no exception.
Frequent brushing can help gather up the shedding hair before it gets on your floor. Try brushing your dog at least every other day unless you want to vacuum the dog hair off everything!
The good news is that aside from brushing, rottweilers will not need much grooming. Brushing and grooming is also a great way to bond with your dog.
Spending Quality Time With Your Rottweiler
For Rottweilers to be good for first time owners, quality time needs to be given on a consistent basis.
This will help them understand who is the leader of the pack. It will also build an unbreakable bond between the two of you.
This can include petting, playing, or even just laying together on the couch!
They need lots of quality time to see their family and make sure everyone is okay. Rottweilers should not be kept as outside dogs since this interrupts how much time they can spend with their family.
All your rottweiler wants to do is be with you and spend time together! Indulge this, and you will soon have a bond that is unlike any you have had with an animal before!
