Rottweilers are one of the most popular dog breeds. When encountering such a popular dog, many people want to know how suitable they are for family life.
One of the most critical considerations for family dogs is whether they are good with children or not.
Are Rottweiler good with kids?
These dogs are good with kids as long as the dogs have been adequately socialized and trained. In fact, Rotties have several traits that give them an advantage over smaller breeds when it comes to children.
This video shows an example of a Rottweiler being very patient with his owner’s little girl. Read on to learn more about what you can expect from a Rottweiler’s interaction with children.
Are Male or Female Rottweilers Better with Kids?
According to Coalfire Rottweilers, both genders are excellent family dogs. The primary difference is that both genders have different advantages.
As a breed, Rottweilers have a reputation for being somewhat aloof towards new people. However, this is because they are more focused on their family’s protection than being sociable. Rotties love people but need to know they’re dealing with a friend.
Of the two genders, males are more likely to exercise caution in dealing with new people. Male Rotties have historically been used more for guarding and demonstrate more traits related to this type of work. They are loving pets but protective.
Female Rottweilers are more likely to engage with people, including your kids’ friends who are visiting. When introduced to new people, females are a little less standoffish. Rottie girls are usually more friendly to other pets.
Regardless of gender, spaying or neutering will increase your dog’s chances of being kid-friendly. Once a dog has been altered, it will not engage in nuisance sexual behavior. Mounting, biting, and jumping are behaviors you will help avoid.
How Are Rottweilers Better Than Smaller Dogs for Kids?
According to Willumsen Law Firm, small breeds have some tendencies that can make them poorly suited to families with small children.
Most Rotties, by contrast, have more mellow temperaments where they are less likely than a small dog to feel threatened. A Rottweiler that has been properly trained and socialized is likely to be a better overall companion for kids of any age.
A big dog is more likely to be protective of its family, including more vulnerable members like kids. Rotties are unlikely to allow strange dogs or unfamiliar people to get close to your children. When something is wrong, your dog will alert you.
Loyalty is one of Rottweiler’s strongest traits. As far as these dogs are concerned, children are the members of their pack that require the most protection. Don’t be surprised if the dog likes to follow your kids everywhere at play.
Rotties can withstand the play demands of kids a lot more easily than many other breeds. Although supervision is a necessity when kids and dogs play, most of these dogs will tolerate kids’ activities very nicely. Most will grow to love kids.
A Rottweiler’s size should not be seen as a deterrent to the dog enjoying time spent with kids. If anything, the Rottie’s bigger size makes it a better match for kids’ more robust play activities. Their large size is a distinct advantage.
Can Kids Easily Help Groom and Care for Rottweilers?
How to Train the Dog estimates that Rottweilers are not any more dangerous to kids than other dog breeds in and of themselves. Allowing kids to assist in their care can be helpful.
Many owners find Rotties very easy to groom. Although the breed has a double coat, these dogs have short hair. Most of the grooming needs are easy to meet with a weekly brushing. Children old enough to know how to use a dog brush will enjoy brushing.
Older children less likely to get knocked over may also enjoy assisting with bathing the dog. However, nail trims, ear, and teeth cleaning should be done by adults. Dogs can get very reactive during these grooming activities, possibly harming kids.
Kids may enjoy assisting with feeding and watering a Rottie. Helping to fill a bowl is fun for kids and helps to teach responsibility. However, make sure your dog does not have good possession issues. Food-possessive dogs may get snappish while eating.
Children will often enjoy going on walks or hikes with Rottweilers. However, make sure your dog is fully leash-trained before allowing kids to take it out. Even better, make sure you accompany your kids and dog during walks or hikes to prevent problems.
One of the ways to help make kids’ interactions with your Rottie more fun is to involve the children in its training. Getting kids involved in training will help further strengthen the bond with your children, as well as keep your dog happier.
How Do Other Animals Impact Rottweilers’ Treatment of Children?
According to Shannon Cutts, small dogs are a type of animal that may not get along with Rottweilers very well.
Some other large breeds, as well as cats, may also present a problem with your Rottie. When your dog behaves in a hostile way with other animals, kids might get caught in the crosshairs. Such disputes can be upsetting for all involved.
Smaller dogs are sometimes more reactive towards larger breeds, leading to conflict. Large dogs with dominant personalities may have a conflict with your Rottweiler. When dogs start fighting, a child would be unlikely to stop the fight.
Cats pose a unique problem for Rotties with a high prey drive. A child attempting to protect the cat from the dog may end up being bitten. When a dog’s prey drive kicks in, anyone who interferes may be seen as a threat, putting the child and cat at risk.
What Roles Do Socialization and Training Play in Rottweilers Being Good with Kids?
According to The German Shepherder, Rottweilers are generally good with kids. However, what makes the biggest difference is socialization and training.
Socialization makes all the difference in how well-adjusted a dog is. A dog that has been exposed to people of all ages from puppyhood is less likely to be needlessly reactive.
Dogs who have been properly socialized are more likely to have meaningful relationships with children. When exposed to a variety of circumstances that involve interaction with children, Rotties are more likely to accept kids.
Socialization provides a better sense of balance in their lives, which positively impacts interactions with children. Better-socialized dogs see anything new as something to welcome.
Training is of particular importance, considering Rottweiler’s size. For example, a fully-grown Rottie jumping on a child may cause injuries. You need to know how to make your dog understand the need to sit and stay on command.
You will also need to consider teaching your child proper boundaries. Even the most well-natured dog will object to having its ears pulled. When your child understands the need to play nicely with a dog, you will be able to trust both of them.
Dogs need to learn to respect all members of their family, regardless of their age. Kids can take part in training sessions to help teach the dog commands. A Rottweiler that has been well-trained will easily take commands from kids, as well as adults.
Rottweilers Can Be Very Good with Kids
Rottweilers are, generally speaking, good with kids. When keeping a dog in any setting with kids, you will want to make sure the dog has proper socialization and training. The more attentive you are to your dog’s social needs, the better.
