In this article, we tackle the question of are rottweilers loyal. The short answer is yes; these dogs are famous for being fiercely loyal to their owners and families. But why is this?
This article will discuss the personality traits and mannerisms of the rottweiler breed to see what makes them some of the most loyal dogs you will meet.
Table of Contents
Are Rottweilers Loyal?
Yes, Rottweilers are loyal. To quote the American Kennel Club, “Rottweilers are known to be powerful, protective, and loyal, famous for their instinct for guarding.”
From this, we can infer that they care about their territory and the people that inhabit it- and that this personality trait is innate.
Why Are Rottweilers Loyal?
The reason behind rottweilers’ loyalty is a matter of natural personality traits and how their owners raise them. The American Rottweiler club says that “owning a Rottweiler carries a great deal of responsibility and commitment.”
These dogs are the sort that require a “pack leader” to guide them from puppyhood into good adult dogs and to be well-behaved and happy canines.
They Were Bred to Work Hard
To work hard and show up for your job every day is loyalty to yourself and your leader. The rottweiler was bred to do just that. Originally, these dogs were known as “drovers,” or in other words, protectors of livestock. The rottweiler still maintains its ability to herd and even is known to participate in herding competitions.
They WANT to Work
A Rottweilers’ loyalty makes them an ideal candidate for all kinds of “dog jobs.” You may think of a rottweiler as being the sort of dog that guards the house, but they can do so much more. They’re great obedience contest participants, service animals, therapy animals, and customs dogs, among many other positions.
Rottweilers Need You
Rottweilers are sensitive despite being one of those dogs people may fear. They are quite susceptible to separation anxiety and are grateful when you return after your time away. Owners have to make sure they help their dog stay happy while they are away.
In the Days of Old, They Protected the Meat
Butchers used to cart their meats to market with a rottweiler who was tasked with not only pulling the product but protecting it along the way. This likely created a sense of loyalty between the butcher and his dog as they set out to make a living each day.
They Lean on You
In both the literal and figurative sense, a rottweiler leans upon you. The rottweiler leans its body against people, an action derived from the breed’s desire to move livestock.
They Are Excellent Therapy Dogs
Individuals with the need for a therapy animal can turn to rottweilers as a source of help. Rottweilers have been known to bring happiness and comfort to people in schools, nursing homes, and hospitals, among other places. To be a great therapy dog means the rottweiler underwent a detailed training program that required trust and loyalty in their owner and trainer to complete.
They Are Great Guide Dogs
According to AKC, the rottweiler was among the first breeds to be used as guide dogs for people with visual impairments. To be a great guide dog, you must have “rock-solid nerves, be calm and confident, and be obedient even in the midst of chaos,” writes Service Dog Central.
Are Rottweilers Loyal to One Member or The Whole Family?
One other common question that comes about when talking about are rottweilers loyalis the question of whether or not they are loyal to one person or the whole family. The answer is that they are loyal to the entire family, but they tend to focus, especially upon one person they view as their “pack leader.”
They Are Territorial
Once a rottweiler knows their yard and their property, and the people that live there, he or she will protect it. If a stranger comes by, it is highly likely your rottie could see this as a threat and bark to alert you of the matter, or approach the person coming onto their land. It demonstrates their loyalty to you and your home.
(Have you ever wondered whether rottweilers are good guard dogs?)
They Are Reserved Around Strangers
The Rottweiler is a dog that is very reserved around strangers and strange situations. Unlike some breeds, such as a Labrador retriever or golden retriever who tends to dive in headfirst and greet new people with enthusiasm, the rottweiler is different. They are always “on the lookout” for situations that could require them to jump into action to keep their owner safe.
They Need You for Support
“This intelligent and extremely protective dog breed needs a strong, firm hand,” writes Dr. Sarah Wooten, DVM. They need you to help train them and keep their minds active. Rottweilers also require you to help them socialize and find the balance of being a loyal, protective dog- something that is ingrained in them- but also friendly to other dogs and people.
They Need Training and Simulation
One way rottweilers become loyal to their owners and families is because good Rottie owners take good care to play with their dogs and train them well. (Have you ever wondered how hard your rottweiler is to train?)
These dogs are incredibly smart and want exercise and playtime. Loyalty and trust is built when you and other members of your family spend time with your Rottweiler playing and going for walks.
They Respect Authority
The rottweiler is looking for a leader to guide them. If you do not establish early on that you are the leader of the pack, they may take on that role themselves. The rottweiler can be easily trained once you have their trust.
(Does your rottweiler growl at you or when they’re being hugged?)
They Need to Gain Your Trust
To gain the trust of a rottweiler is to help them become more loyal to you. It is a breed that is cautious about everything before they make a commitment to it, including friendship or training. Once a rottweiler knows they can trust you, you will find they are eager to make you happy.
Are Males or Females More Loyal?
There is absolutely a difference in temperament when it comes to male and female dogs. But what about their sense of loyalty? Here, we will explore the differences between the two genders when it comes to loyalty.
Myth Busted: Females Are More Loyal
It is a myth that females are more loyal than males. This myth has been passed along through generations of dog breeders and dog fans alike. While it is true that male dogs roam in search of a mate, females do this, too.
Female Rottweilers Are More “Biddable”
To be a biddable dog is to be able to take and follow instructions, to be obedient and compliant, and do it all with a positive attitude. In dominant breeds such as the rottweiler, females tend to have a sweeter attitude and are more “biddable” than their male counterparts, says the HealthyPet blog.
(If you’ve ever been curious about why rottweilers get their tails docked and whether you should do it, check out this article!)
The Bottom Line: Both Are Loyal
The bottom line is that both genders can be loyal to you with proper training and care. Both genders of dogs need an owner with a steady and gentle hand, and a firm but positive attitude. During the research for this article, no indication was made that male or female rottie demonstrated any less loyalty; instead, the loyalty of the dog is dependent upon how well he or she is trained and loved by their owners.
How to Train Your Rottweiler to Be More Loyal?
There are several ways you can train your rottweiler to be a loyal and friendly dog. The good news is that this breed needs you just as much as you need them. Ergo, they are the sort of dog that is excited to learn and make you happy.
Walk Your Rottweiler
Walking your rottie is a great way to build loyalty. It is a method of socialization, too. Walking also demonstrates pack behavior as you and your dog travel together around the neighborhood.
Travel Together
Short car rides, long car trips, and going to public places together helps your dog become part of your family and lifestyle. They feel that they belong, and they get to socialize with others.
Feed Your Rottie
It can be tempting in our busy world to use auto-feeders or set a bowl of food down for the dog to feed upon as needed. However, this is not healthy- your dog needs to see that you are the provider. Personalized feeding times are key to establishing loyalty in your pet.
Teach Obedience
Your rottweiler wants to learn, and you want your rottie to be able to follow basic commands. Teaching your dog to come, sit, stay or lay, not to mention fun tricks like “shake” or “play dead,” are great bonding tools. Your dog will love earning treats and praise from you, and you will feel happier with a dog that knows to follow your commands when needed.
Teach A Task
If you can train your dog to do a job for you, such as putting his toys in the corner or bringing you the TV remote, he will feel a lot better about himself and his pack. To be a contributing pack member is to feel like one has a purpose. Teach your rottweiler how to do something for you, and it will benefit both of you!
Socialize, Socialize, Socialize
Social interaction with other humans and animals is critical to establishing a sense of loyalty. The rottweiler can get to know a variety of different people and become comfortable with them, with you standing beside them to offer support. It helps strengthen your bond and, in turn, loyalty.
Interested In Training Your Rottweiler The Right Way?
If you haven’t trained your Rottweiler properly, then this is the perfect time to start. Whatever bad behavior your shepherd has, whether it’s barking at night or other bad behaviors, using the right training program is the key to having an obedient and happy pup.
With Brain Training For Dogs you’ll save yourself a ton of time and effort. Instead of banging your head against the wall trying to figure out why your dog won’t listen, you’ll follow a path that has been tried, tested, and most importantly, that’s given proven results. Not to mention the fact, you’ll be able to fit the course around your schedule, not fit your schedule around a trainer or obedience class.
So instead of worrying about whether they’re going to be well-behaved or not, you’ll only have to worry about how much fun you’ll have with them!
And in most cases it’s still going to be:
Cheaper than hiring a professional.
Cheaper than replacing everything they might break.
And definitely cheaper than a lawsuit against you, if they decide to bite someone.
Just imagine how great it will feel to finally be able to trust your Rottweiler completely and never worry whether they’ll be naughty or not. Instead, you’ll have the peace of mind that you have a well-behaved pup, and the boundaries you set for them, will always be there, EVEN IF YOU’RE NOT.
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So if you’re tired of your dog’s bad behavior, or how they react around other people and pooches, then give it a try! You’ll be amazed by the results!
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Conclusion
Yes, Rottweilers are great in many ways, and the question of are rottweilers loyal is pretty easy to answer once you have a look at all the many ways this breed helps and cares for its owners.
The Rottweiler is a dog that is ready to make its owners or caretakers happy. From their early days as metzgerhunds, to their use as working dogs in the fields of police work, service, and therapy, to their popularity as wonderful household pets, these dogs are second to none when it comes to providing companionship and a sense of safety to their owners.
All it takes to have a loyal rottie is lots of training, a firm but gentle demeanor, and consistency. The rottweiler is very smart and will pick up on your cues immediately- just make sure you provide treats for good work and lots of praise.
