Rottweilers and Golden Retrievers are two of the most well-known dog breeds in the world, and their interactions can be of great interest to pet owners.
While Rotties are sometimes perceived as being dominant dogs, it’s important to understand that their behavior can vary greatly based on their training, socialization, and other factors.
In this post, we’ll explore the dynamics between Rottweilers and Golden Retrievers and answer the question, “Do Rottweilers and Golden Retrievers get along?”
Get ready to find out if these two breeds are a match made in heaven or a recipe for disaster!
Does The Difference between Breeds Affect Their Ability To Get Along?
While Golden Retrievers are considered to be the friendly type, they are super protective of their owners. Rotties, on the other hand, are also protective yet tend to be more aggressive. It is, therefore, important to supervise the initial introductions between the two the ensure there are no problems.
Keep in mind that the traits of both breeds can be influenced heavily by how they are raised and treated by their owners. A dog that has natural aggressive tendencies could become highly aggressive if mistreated and abused.
Whereas dogs that are socialized early and provided obedience training at a young age tend to have more stable temperaments.
Rottweilers and Golden Retrievers – Size Comparisons
The Rottweiler and Golden Retriever may share some similarities in size. Aside from their large appearance, here is how their sizes compare based on gender:
Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is a medium-to-large breed known for their lush golden coat.
The Retriever can take up to two years before they reach their potential maximum weight.
Average Weight:
● Female – About 63 pounds
● Male – 70 pounds
Average Height:
● Female – 21 inches
● Male – 23 inches
Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is a large dog breed, known for their strong build and muscular physique. They are noticeably heavier than Golden Retrievers.
Since Rotties are a fairly large breed, it may take between two to three years before they reach their maximum weight.
Average Weight:
● Female – 100 pounds
● Male – About 113 pounds
Average Height:
● Female – About 24 inches
● Male – About 26 inches
Temperament
While Rotties and Golden Retrievers share some similar personality characteristics, they also have some unique traits to be aware of.
Golden Retriever
Although Golden Retrievers are highly protective of their owners, their level of friendliness would make it difficult for them to be a guard dog. This is in contrast to the Rottie, who are formidable guard dogs in every sense of the word.
The Retriever is known as the “hunting” or “gun” dog. They have a strong desire to hunt and chase prey. If you’re out hunting with your Retriever, they often find it difficult to resist chasing a bird or a squirrel.
The following are some of their common personality traits:
- Very friendly
- Intelligent
- Kind to its owner, family, and close ones
- Confident
- Trustworthy
- Reliable
As Retrievers are an extremely friendly breed, it is recommended to keep their high energy levels in check.
Not everyone appreciates a 50+ pound dog jumping on them with wet, muddy paws!
Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is typically known as the “working” dog. Their history goes back to the German days when they pulled carts for butchers and herded farm animals.
Although Rotties are incredibly loyal and playful to their owners, their personalities can change at the slightest moment if they sense a person or animal is a threat to them.
Here are some of their common personality traits:
- Highly alert
- Intelligent
- Independent
- Courageous
- Good-natured
- Protective
- Stubborn
Proper training and communication are essential for Rotties. This will help minimize the risks of any unnecessary accidents occurring due to their loyal and protective nature.
Guarding Instincts: The “Watchdog” vs. The “Guard Dog”
Understanding the differences between a watchdog and a guard dog is important before we start comparing these two breeds.
The key focus for a watchdog is to keep alert and bark loudly if they notice anything strange or unusual. The size of the dog isn’t important, it’s their ability to be vigilant and warn their owners of any perceived danger that may be present.
On the other hand, a guard dog has a similar job in that it needs to be vigilant and bark loudly if they notice anything strange or dangerous.
However, unlike the watchdog, the guard dog will take this a step further if necessary, if the intruder or danger remains in the area. This may likely include biting or attacking an intruder if the danger remains present.
Against this background, let’s compare the Rottweiler and Golden Retriever to see what differences they have in terms of watchdog and guard dog behavior:
Golden Retriever
Retrievers are considered more of a watchdog when it comes to protection. Due to their initial friendliness, they may not seem like the best guard dogs.
But what happens if there is an intruder involved? It is unlikely that a Golden Retriever will attack an intruder unless they are a physical threat to you or themselves.
However, they do have guarding instincts that will drive them to protect you in a dangerous situation.
Their primary purpose is to look out for sudden danger. In other words, their natural reaction is to alert their owners of unknown intruders.
Keep in mind that this doesn’t apply to all Golden Retrievers. Some will attack an intruder without hesitation, as this is also influenced by how they are raised by their owners.
Rottweiler
Rottweilers are primarily known as guard dogs due to their powerful guarding instincts. This trait makes them the perfect candidate for all many types of protection work.
They have a confident demeanor, and their look can be quite intimidating for unknown visitors. While it is natural for Rotties to alert their owners of an intruder they can be trained to attack whenever necessary. This includes having the ability to neutralize a threat when required.
Golden Retrievers and Rottweilers – Who’s More Territorial?
Both Retrievers and Rotties can be quite territorial, which can be heavily influenced by their upbringing and level of socialization.
Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is not much of a territorial breed by nature; however, they have some territorial instincts.
They are considered “territorial aggressive,” which means unknown visitors or animals are likely to trigger them.
It’s also important to note that if a Retriever is raised alone, they are likely to become more protective than usual over its territory.
Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is incredibly territorial because of their high confidence and obsession with pleasing their owners.
An important characteristic of this breed is that they like to “think before they act” and wait to see if someone or something unusual is a potential threat.
In the event that a Rottie faces dangers, it will likely show aggression and will rarely back down, regardless of the threat. They are quick to understand if the threat is real or not and will carefully observe the reaction of their owners if they are present.
Golden Retrievers and Rottweilers – Dominance Comparison
Dominance can play an important role in the dynamics between Rottweilers and Golden Retrievers. Let’s explore these further below:
Golden Retriever
It is well known that Golden Retrievers don’t care much about dominance. They tend to be very obedient and submissive towards their owners.
When in the company of other dogs, Retrievers are generally happy to play and are not too concerned about dominating other breeds.
If they express any form of dominant behavior, it is likely caused by trauma or fear.
Rottweiler
Rotties are very strong-minded and continually try to test their position for the dominant role in a family.
It is recommended to socialize them when they’re young. Nevertheless, they will respect an owner that is assertive and takes the lead.
They are known to show dominance towards other dogs, especially breeds that are much smaller in stature.
As they are noticeably larger than the Golden Retriever, it is likely they will show dominance over them in the early stages. This is likely to subside, however, once the two breeds get to know each other.
Training Needs Comparison
Both breeds required training during puppyhood, typically from 8 weeks onwards.
We look at their training needs in more detail to understand whether this can help the breeds to get along.
Golden Retriever
Retrievers require early training during puppyhood, with puppy obedience classes ideally commencing once they are 2 months old.
While this breed has a naturally friendly temperament, they need to learn how to socialize with other breeds without feeling anxious or aggressive.
Obedience training and socialization will help with this and should be the priority in the first year of their development.
Rottweiler
The most important part of training your Rottie is to temper its protective instincts in how they react to various situations.
The first order of priority for a Rottie is basic obedience training. Similar to the Golden Retriever, this should also include early socialization with other breeds and people to ensure they develop a stable temperament in different types of situations.
As Rotties are inherently protective, they are likely to overpower a Golden Retriever if not properly trained.
Rottie owners can easily manage this by enrolling in puppy obedience classes early and making socialization with other dogs a regular activity.
Energy Levels
Let’s now look at the differences in energy levels and how this may impact these two breeds getting along.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers have high energy levels compared to most dog breeds.
From retrieving game for hunters to being a playful, loving dog, they have an incredible amount of stamina that can last the entire workday.
It is therefore critical that Retrievers receive regular daily exercise and mental stimulation. They are likely to play up and misbehave if not exercised enough.
A lack of exercise can cause unnecessary aggression, and conflict with a Rottweiler!
Rottweiler
Compared to the Golden Retriever, Rottweilers have medium-level energy. They can exercise for moderate periods but will likely tire out after a short period of time.
Keeping in mind that a Rottie has a strong muscular physique, which in turn results in lower endurance levels compared to the slimmer Golden Retriever.
Similar to the Retriever, Rotties still need daily exercise and mental stimulation to remain happy and healthy.
Failing to provide this can result in disruptive behavior and potential aggression when a Rottie is in the company of a Golden Retriever.
Are Rottweilers and Golden Retreivers Compatible?
This is a resounding yes, as long as you consider their differences when they come together!
There is no reason why these two breeds cannot get along and become wonderful companions. By paying attention to the key differences outlined, Rottweilers and Golden Retrievers can truly become the best of friends.
