The Rottweiler is a powerful German working breed, excelling equally at protection work as well as being a loyal family dog. They are one of the more versatile breeds recognized today and can fit into homes with several different lifestyles. That said, one consistent need must be met in order to own a Rottweiler. The owner must realize that these dogs need a stable pack leader and be willing to take on that role.
Rotts are not recommended for first-time dog owners or for people who don’t like setting up rules and boundaries. Without obedience training or rules, Rotts will decide that they need to take on the most dominant role instead, and this can lead to all sorts of very bad behaviors including aggression. Having firm leadership is the most important factor in owning a Rottweiler, but there are other significant needs that must be met as well.
As Rotts are extremely athletic dogs, they need a great deal of exercise. A short walk is not sufficient; jogging or biking with your dog are much better. Rotts that aren’t able to burn off their energy can become destructive. Not only do they need physical exercise, but mental exercise as well. Because Rotts were bred for many utilitarian purposes, they are incredibly intelligent and need to be challenged mentally so that they do not become bored. Obedience is a great way of accomplishing this! Finally, Rottweilers need to be socialized from puppyhood and continuing through their adult life. Because they are naturally suspicious dogs, they must be taught how to handle new people and situations so they won’t react in fear.
Although Rotts are very gentle with their families and people that they know, they are still large and powerful dogs. They are not recommended for owners that are frail or elderly simply because they don’t know their own strength and might accidentally hurt their owner in their exuberance. The same goes for small children. Although loving toward kids, it is easy for an accident to happen just from the dog jumping around excitedly. It is best to wait until the children are a little older before adding a Rottweiler to the household. Rotts often get along fine with other pets as long as they are introduced while in puppyhood. If they didn’t grow up with other dogs or animals, however, the process can be harder. Adult males rarely get along well with other adult males, especially if both are unneutered. 
As far as temperament goes, there is a variation that can be seen depending on bloodlines. Some are very happy and affectionate to everyone while others are more aloof. If there is a particular temperament you would prefer, it’s best to do research on the breeders and ask questions. Responsible breeders will be happy to tell you about their dogs. Avoid pet shop puppies at any cost as those dogs are plagued not only with health problems, but psychological issues as well.
Many people are drawn to Rottweilers because of their protective instincts. They do, indeed, have this trait but it must be reiterated that in order for the dog to be both a protection dog as well as a family companion they must be socialized early, trained in obedience, and given rules and boundaries. Otherwise, the dog could end up either being overly aggressive (both to strangers and family) or incredibly shy and scared. It is worth noting that if you own a Rott and you need to go out of town for a few days, the pet sitter needs to have been introduced to the dog before you leave. Rottweilers don’t take kindly to strangers coming on to your property.
Rottweilers take very well to training and pick up commands quite fast! Some go through a stubborn phase, but once you work past this stage they normally go back to working easily again. They work best with firm but fair methods. Obedience is the best place to start, but once a Rott has mastered the basic commands he can go on to learn skills that you can use to compete with him in many dog sports! Carting, rally, schutzhund, conformation, agility, herding, tracking and/or therapy work are recommended for this breed. Rottweilers excel in all of these areas!
This breed cannot be left outside in the yard by themselves all day, they need to be with their humans. Not only can it foster destructive behavior and increased yard territoriality, but it is also dangerous to do here in Texas. Because of their mostly black coats, dogs left outside in Texas summers can overheat and die. When they are outside (for exercise and play) a 6 foot fence is highly recommended. Rotts have high prey drive and will often chase small animals, joggers, bikes, other dogs, etc., so they need to be kept confined to the yard for their own safety as well as the safety of others. A wooden privacy fence is much better than a chain link so they won’t be as bothered by the “outside events”.
