Rottweiler as a Family Guardian: An In-Depth Look

What Makes Rottweilers Stand Out as Nanny Dogs?

The Rottweiler's combination of child-friendliness, constant alertness, and strong protective drive makes it a standout choice as a nanny dog. When properly socialized, a Rottweiler will guard the people in its care with the same dedication it once showed toward the cattle and sheep it was originally bred to watch over.

Claiming any breed is "the best" is a bold statement, but in the case of the family watchdog, the Rottweiler genuinely earns that label. I say this without any personal stake in the matter, since no Rottie guards my home.

My own dog is a pit bull mix. She has the look of a guard dog and a deep bark that lets me know whenever someone passes by. Because she is also wonderful with children, recommending the pit bull as the top guard dog would be convenient for me, but it would not be accurate. A well-trained, well-socialized Rottweiler can tell the difference between a friend and a threat, which is what makes it such an outstanding family watchdog.

Where the Rottie's Reputation Comes From

Why, then, does the Rottweiler receive so much negative coverage? For certain owners, this breed is simply not manageable; Rottweilers are strong and capable of causing serious harm. (Isn't that precisely what people want in a guard dog?) As with any dog, inadequate socialization can produce aggression, and an aggressive dog makes a poor family watchdog.

A study published in 2008 in the Journal of Applied Animal Behaviour found that Rottweilers ranked only average among breeds that bit their owners, but displayed greater aggression toward strangers.

This is the best family watchdog.

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Why Rotties Excel as Guard Dogs

Beyond its role as a watchdog, the Rottie also functions as an almost ideal guard dog. Here is what the breed brings to that job.

Its size — a male can exceed 100 pounds — is enough to deter anyone prowling around your property.
Its black coat allows it to disappear into dark surroundings.
It has a low growl, a fearsome bark, and above all, a massive head. This dog simply looks the part of a guard.

Other breeds, such as the Great Pyrenees, are sometimes put forward as guard dogs. Animal Planet even suggests the Rough Collie and the Bernese Mountain Dog. Where I live, a burglar would pay little attention to a Great Pyrenees or even a Komondor, but would think twice about approaching a Rottie. The ability to growl and bark alone does not make a dog the best choice.

A "Beware of Rottweiler" sign tends to get the message across.

Rottweilers are often great with small children.

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The Rottweiler in the Role of Nanny Dog

Excellent watchdog and guard dog credentials aside, we should also consider how the breed performs as a family companion.

A socialized Rottweiler protects the humans in its care just as diligently as it would the cows and sheep it was bred to guard.
Rotties are low-maintenance dogs. Their short coats need little brushing. They can, however, be prone to obesity, so if children are frequently handing out treats, the regular diet must be adjusted and the dog will need considerably more exercise. Rottweilers should also be screened for hip dysplasia, a condition that is not unusual among large breeds.
The breed's most significant drawback is its short lifespan. It matches that of other large breeds (9 or 10 years) but still falls short of what families would hope for.

It is true that there have been instances of Rottweilers biting and even killing children, but in every one of those cases, the dogs had been poorly socialized, mistreated, and kept in dreadful conditions. No breed can be expected to thrive when kept in a traumatic environment.

A Rottweiler with her family

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Things to Consider Before Getting a Rottweiler

In some countries, Rottweilers are prohibited by law. If you live in the US, check with your insurance agent before selecting and bringing home your new dog; you may discover that your insurer will increase your premiums or decline to cover you at all if you keep a Rottie. Insurance companies often rely on a biased list shaped by sensational media stories, so you might need to choose a dog that has not yet been featured on the evening news.

Should you decide to seek out a Rottweiler as your family watchdog, invest plenty of time in research and reading. You may locate a breed rescue in your area, find several Rottweilers available for adoption at your local animal shelter, or learn that a neighbor can no longer keep an adult Rottie for reasons such as relocating or lacking insurance. There are articles on puppies and guides to the breed, and you can find reputable breeders nearby to help you identify the dog best suited to your family.

Start looking for your family guard dog soon.

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