Rottweilers are one of the most popular dogs all over the planet, especially the US. However, Rottweiler aggression is a talking point of many new dog owners. Well, for these owners, it is understandable why they have such a negative view of Rottweilers. So, how much of the Rottweiler aggression story stands true? Let’s look to the authorities and what they say about the behavior of Rottweilers.

Rottweiler Behavior

There are two organizations that look into the standards of a Rottweiler. ADRK is a premier German authority that can be referred to as the organization which gave birth to the Rottweiler. Rottweiler behavior according to ADRK is that they are hard-working, calm, loyal, love children, steady, obedient and fearless. As ADRK is a premier organization that sets the standard for the actual German Rottweiler, it makes sense that they have such high requirements from the Rottweiler.

AKC is a US organization and they have also stated the markers of the correct behavior of a Rottweiler. According to the AKC, Rottweilers are confident, calm, intelligent, hard-working and loyal. As you can see, Rotties are not seen as violent or skittish. If Rottweiler aggression is the problem with your Rottweiler, then they have been poorly trained or you have bought your Rottie from a bad breeder.

Read: Her Dog Shows Two Different Types Of Aggression

Why Do You Need To Socialize Your Rottweiler?

It is essential for your Rottie to be socialized properly. Rotties are generally very loyal and affectionate. When they are a puppy, they will often jump into your lap. But don’t think that they grow up and go aloof! Their jumping into the lap behavior will still be with you even if your Rottie becomes an adult. You might see that your Rottweiler puppy, as well as an adult, is growling a little bit. But that growling is not a mark of aggression. It is actually rumbling down their throat, an act they do when they are happy. It’s like a cat’s purr. Growling is different and the Rottweiler takes an aggressive stance when they are growling: curled lips and ears and snarling are the notable sounds.

Rotties are very protective and so, they will use their strength to protect you. They are really friendly to the people they know but the aggression of a Rottweiler can quickly turn up when they come across a stranger. That’s why socializing is necessary so that your Rottie knows the difference between non-threatening people and threatening people. Rotties can even turn threatening to their own owners if they feel that you are hurting someone. For example, if you are tickling your child and they start to laugh loudly, your Rottie might misinterpret it as an attack. So, you should define the boundaries for your dog. Rottweilers require a confident owner who can set the right limits for them.

Read: Your Rottweiler Is Fond Of Your Furniture And Getting Them To Stay Off It Isn’t Easy!

The Good And Bad Of Rottweiler Behavior:

Rottweiler aggression is of course universally bad and can be considered as a poor socializing point of Rottweilers. But there are a few general Good and Bad of Rottweiler behavior:

Good

• They are intelligent and can learn fast
• Rotties are calm and confident
• They love their owners and close friends
• They are versatile
• Rotties are protective but not aggressive
• They love children

Bad

• Need their own space to grow
• Can be clumsy as a puppy
• They try to dominate and be stubborn
• Tends to herd children by leaning on them
• Is territorial and wary of strangers
• Has a few health issues
• Can be expensive to maintain.

So, it’s clear that Rottweiler aggression is mostly a training issues. Train your Rottie well and you won’t have a problem with them. Cheers!