Are Rottweilers good with kids?
As with any answer, it depends on factors. How was the dog raised, or more importantly, how were the kids raised? Is it an older dog, or a young one?
My kids were raised by several Serbian Rottweiler. They were only newborn rottweiler puppies, and they all welcomed my kids pretty much with open paws, but they were taught to respect & honor my kid’s space. If a dog growls, that is a good warning, and leave the dog in peace.
I read an article that said be grateful for a dog that growls since it is a warning, and then the dog thinks before snapping. The most important and successful integration tactic was to give the girls the job of feeding the dogs. Instant adoration! Rotties are herding dogs and family dogs. We adore ours and they are full family members.
Many families prefer small dog breeds when choosing a family pet, considering that these breeds seem more kid-friendly than larger ones. Some people are wary about adopting a Rottweiler as a member of the family, especially when there are children in the house. But is this breed truly dangerous or is it just big, powerful, and misjudged? Most importantly, are Rottweilers good with kids? You can’t reach a decision without knowing the full context. Rottweilers have some interesting traits, which is why the answer may surprise you.
Brief Rottweiler History
Rottweilers are known descendants of the Molossus, a breed of mastiff-type dogs that were used by the Roman military to drive cattle. Because of their genetic and physical traits, Rottweilers were among the first dogs used in modern military and law enforcement units.
Rottweiler Personality and Temperament
Rottweilers are commonly misrepresented as aggressive guard dogs, mainly because of their association with law enforcement and because of their muscular build. In reality, things couldn’t be further from the truth.
Most Rottweilers are actually calm, confident, and even quite aloof. While males may tend to be overly cautious, females are quite engaging with their owners, as well as with other people and kids. They can be friendly with animals too.
As a breed, Rottweilers are hardwired to protect their families, owners, and property. They are also filled with energy and require long playing sessions. Since Rottweilers are descendants of a strong work ethic breed, they inherited the need to stay active.
Of course, a Rottweiler’s temperament may eventually show their dominant side. If a member of the family is threatened, they can switch from calm to dominant and protective in a matter of seconds. The same thing can happen if the Rottie feels threatened by someone. This is why many view them as aggressive and unsafe dogs for families with children.
Are Rottweilers Good With Kids?
Rottweilers can be a very good fit for families and they can offer entertainment and affection, as well as protection. They are loyal animals, so their need to protect will manifest even more strongly when they’re in the company of kids. This is natural, as they see children as weaker and more vulnerable.
There are a few more traits that make Rottweilers good dogs to have around the house and around children. Kids are just as enthusiastic, playful, and energetic as Rottweilers, if not more so. In fact, young children sometimes play too aggressively with the family Rottie.
This is where Rotties have a significant advantage over smaller and less threatening-looking breeds. Because of their impressive stature, strength, and endurance, roughhousing with the kids will be less likely to anger or excite them.
Another cool thing about Rotties is the fact that they are easy to groom. The short-haired Rottweiler has a thick coat that is easy to brush and wash. This is something that kids can do themselves once they’re comfortable around the dog (and once the dog has gotten used to the child). The activity can bring them closer together.
Below are some honorable quotes regarding if the rottweiler dog are good with kids.
“Rottweilers also known as gentle giants do very well in a family setting around children when properly socialized as a puppy!”
“Yes and no. Rottweilers are excellent with children they were raised with. They are also very protective and don’t necessarily know the difference between someone being attacked and someone being knocked over while playing. My parents got a Rottweiler around the time I was born. His big face is one of my earliest memories. I love that dog as a protector of my childhood. And he really was protective, I was 3 years old playing with some older boys. One of them knocked me down and Bubba ran up and bit his stomach. That’s all that happened, but it could’ve been worse, and the person might not have been a friend of the family and made a legal issue of it.
So if you decide to get a Rottweiler, the most important thing is socialization. That means the dog should have interactions with hundreds of people within its first year. It’s still no guarantee, but you’ll probably end up with just a really big really friendly dog.”
“Yes but like all dogs they require training. They are highly intelligent, very loyal and very protective. They are good with children but the pack order must be established early.
Also, as another writer has pointed out, they need to be used to meeting strangers. This will require proper socialization. Should you fail to do this then the protectiveness may go wrong as they will see all other humans as a potential threat particularly when approaching a child it is ‘looking after.’ My advice to anyone looking for a dog is always the same. Go to a shelter or rescue center. There are hundreds all looking for good homes and you will get a dog there who will love you forever.”
“Despite their big size, Rottweilers are great for kids because of their loyal nature, affectionate temperaments and guard-dog instincts. As long as they go through proper obedience training, these people-oriented dogs will thrive in a household with children. However, parent supervision is still necessary. Because Rotties are so intelligent, they are sensitive to the people around them, which helps when forming a strong bond with their family. When a Rottweiler bonds with you, you’ll become their person and the main target of their adorable affection.”