The Rottweiler is traditionally a working dog. They were used to pull heavily laden carts from hunters to butchers, and over the generations, they have continued to be used as a working breed. Today, they are more likely to be seen working as a police dog or guard dog, though cart pulling as a canine sport does still attract Rotties and their owners. The breed is considered loving and loyal among their family, but they can be withdrawn and even shy around strangers. Early socialization helps ensure that the Rottweiler does not accompany this shyness with aggression, and ongoing training will also help.
When it comes to other canines, some Rottweilers will get along with other dogs outside the house and may become close to those at home. However, others will be aloof with strange dogs, may become aggressive if pushed, and will not accept a second dog in the house. Socializing your puppy when they’re young will help avoid general aggression, while introducing them to a new house dog is best done when both are young.
Rottie 101
Given plenty of exercise, the breed can be a sensible and level-headed addition to the family, but they do tend to suffer separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. Therefore, many owners do consider getting another dog. Having two dogs does not require twice as much work as one dog, and the two could become close companions that keep each other company. Owners may also want to know whether Rottweilers will get along with other dogs that they meet in the street, the dog park, or during canine sports events but that do not live in the house.
There isn’t a straightforward answer as to whether Rottweilers are good with other dogs, as it depends on the individual dog. Some are fine with strange dogs, if a bit withdrawn at first, while others don’t want to engage in any way. The problem of aggression tends to be more pronounced in unneutered males, especially toward other males.
Socializing your Rottweiler when they are a puppy will mitigate most of these problems and can help them get along with other dogs, both in and out of the house.
Rottweiler Character
The Rottweiler has had to endure a bad reputation. They are sometimes seen as being an aggressive guard dog that barks and will attack strangers. While some Rotties might have this temperament, it is usually down to poor handling or handlers encouraging this characteristic.
In reality, the breed can make a great family dog that loves all their humans. They will follow you around the house while you go about your business and will always be at your side. They are loyal, and any injuries caused to people are usually related to the dog’s size.
Early socialization ensures that the dog is not too shy around strangers, and enrolling in puppy classes and taking your dog to the puppy park will introduce them to other dogs. The more your Rottie meets other dogs and realizes that they aren’t threats to you, the more likely they will be to get along with other dogs.
Male Rotties
Female Rottweilers are considered to be more level-headed, and they are most likely to get on with other dogs. Males can be aggressive with dogs of the same sex, especially if they are unneutered, so if you have a male Rottweiler and are considering adding another to the pack, you might want to get a female.
The 3 Breeds to Consider as Companions for Your Rottweiler
If you are considering a companion for your Rottie, the following breeds are considered to be especially compatible.
1. German Shepherd
The Rottweiler and the German Shepherd are often compared to one another because, while they look different, they share several similar traits. Both are intelligent and easy to train, both are diligent and hard-working dogs, and both have had to put up with the reputation for being aggressive dogs.
The German Shepherd is just as confident as the Rottie, which means that they won’t be easily pushed around, and since both dogs enjoy plenty of exercise, walks will give them a good opportunity to socialize.
2. German Shorthaired Pointer
Another German breed that has the potential to get along with a Rottweiler is the German Shorthaired Pointer. These hunting dogs are fast and have plenty of energy, so they will enjoy being taken for a run with your Rottie. They benefit from being trained off the leash so they can run and charge around, and their agility makes them a good playmate for your occasionally rambunctious Rottweiler.
3. Collie
The Rottweiler is considered easy to train if you can show them that you’re the boss, though this obviously does not mean using aggression or physical reprimands. The Border Collie is widely regarded as the most intelligent dog breed, so they will respond as well, or even better, to training.
Another reason that the Border Collie is a good fit to live with a Rottweiler is that they have considerable energy levels. They are renowned for being able to work in the fields all day long and still have enough energy to go an hour or two in the backyard with a ball.
Are Rottweilers Good With Other Dogs?
Rottweilers have a reputation for being aggressive and potentially dangerous, but with early socialization, firm but fair training, and responsible handling, they make excellent family pets that are loving and loyal. They can show their prey drive around strange cats and other small animals, however, and male Rotties can be same-sex aggressive with other dogs.
Always take care when walking any dog around others, but if you are considering getting a companion for your Rottie, several breeds are considered ideal, especially those that are confident, that need decent amounts of exercise, and that are at least as intelligent as the Rottie.
Featured Image Credit: TeamK, Pixabay
