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Are Rottweilers Good With Kids? What Parents Need To Know

Updated: March 15, 2023 by Justin Zipprich | Leave a comment

When it comes to adding a dog to their family, many people don’t often immediately think about getting a rottweiler. You have likely heard rottweiler owners talk about how they can be aggressive or uncontrollable, but is there any truth to those stories? Today, we will teach you a bit about how to add this breed to your home, the preparations you should make, and we will finally answer the question of whether or not rottweilers are good with kids.

How Big Do Rottweilers Get?

Child with Rottweiler — The first consideration parents should make is that Rottweilers are often larger then most small children.
©Maximilian100/Shutterstock.com

To find the answer to if rottweilers are good with kids, we will begin by looking at the specifications of this breed.

In general, rottweilers are a very strong and large breed. While females tend to be a bit smaller than the males, you can expect your rottweiler to grow to 22 to 27 inches tall at the shoulders. A rottweiler can also weigh anywhere from 80 to 135 pounds. With proper nutrition and exercise, they can grow even bigger.

While there can be other size differences based on the variations of the breed, make no mistake that this is a larger dog. Since a full-grown rottweiler can weigh more than your child, that is one important consideration you will want to make before you bring one into a home with young kids.

How Much Energy Do Rottweilers Have?

In addition to being a large breed, rottweilers are also very energetic. Rottweilers were originally bred to guard and herd livestock, and they carry that enthusiasm into the modern era. Because of this unending energy, rottweilers require a lot of exercise every day. To keep them engaged and under control, they require at least one hour of outdoor time every day, which should include walks, runs, and play sessions.

Although they can run their owners ragged, the good news is that rottweilers enjoy a lot of fun activities. They like to play fetch, go on long hikes, and participate in agility training exercises, such as jumping and running through tunnels and over teeter boards.

It is important to provide rottweilers with the exercise that they need, especially if you have young children at home, because if they don’t get that work out that energy then they could cause havoc at home around the kids.

How to Train Rottweilers

Rottweilers are a strong breed, but although they may look tough, they are relatively easy to train with the proper methods and a bit of patience. Once you start enforcing rules, you cannot stop. Rottweilers are very dominant, so you need to show them that you are the leader. To do so, always enforce the rules and be confident with your commands.

You should teach your rottweiler all of the basic commands, including sit, stay, heel, and come. When they follow a command, make sure to reward them with positive reinforcement. Treats and praise will do the trick. Consistency is key. Be sure to use the same commands and hand signals so your dog always knows what is expected.

Although you want to show them that you are in control, it is important that you never use punishment-based training. Keep it positive. By yelling, hitting, and using physical force, you can destroy the bond that you made with the pup. Then, they could stop trusting you, or they could act out and have behavioral problems. Needless to say, you need to train your rottweiler correctly if it will be around kids.

Mental and Social Needs of Rottweilers

In addition to teaching the basic commands, it is also important that you socialize your dog as soon as possible. Rottweilers should not be isolated. If they are, then they could act out when they are in a new situation. To socialize your dog, bring them for walks, out in public, and to the dog park so they can be around other animals and people. Then, they will be more comfortable around your children.

Your rottweiler will also need to engage in plenty of mental health activities. Despite the rumors you might hear, rottweilers are an intelligent breed, and they need a lot of mental stimulation. These activities will ensure that they stay engaged, focused, and that they stay out of trouble. During your training sessions, incorporate interactive toys and puzzles into the mix, and your dog will grow smarter by the day.

How Much Maintenance Do Rottweilers Require?

You will want to make it a point to ensure that your dog is healthy and happy. You can do both by following these maintenance basics.

Typical Maintenance Requirements

In addition to mental stimulation, your rottweiler will also require a lot of physical activity every day. Rottweilers are incredibly energetic, so you will need to work out that energy. At a minimum, you will want to take the dog on daily walks. Take them to the dog park a few times per week. Ensure that you have a fenced-in backyard and let your dog outside several times per day.

As far as grooming is concerned, you will need to brush them regularly to remove loose hair and maintain the clean appearance of their short, dense coat. Also, be aware that rottweilers do shed a lot.

The most important takeaway of owning a rottweiler is that they are a very high-maintenance breed. You will need to pay constant attention and be there for them or teach your kids the responsibility of owning the dog. If you will not be home a lot or you know that you cannot dedicate enough time to maintenance, then you may want to look for a more low-maintenance breed.

Healthcare and common issues

As with all other dog breeds, you will need to bring your rottweiler in for regular veterinary check ups on a regular basis. This is important so that they can get their updated vaccinations, flea and tick medications, and preventative care. The vet can also watch for the medical issues that are common to this breed. Among them are:

Hip dysplasia
Eye issues
Cold water tail
Ectropion
Wet eczema

These issues can be costly to fix and dangerous for your dog, so get them checked out at the first notice of an issue.

How Much Does it Cost to Own a Rottweiler?

In addition to being a more high-maintenance breed, rottweilers are often one of the more expensive dogs to own. In most cases, you can expect to pay between $1,000 to $2,000 per year. Those costs include:

Buying the Dog – You can expect to pay between $800 and $2,500 to obtain your dog. The price you pay will depend on the breeder, location, and other factors.

Food – Since rottweilers have a lot of energy and they will constantly be in motion, they will also eat a lot. You can typically expect to pay between $50 – $100 per month, depending on the quality of the food.

Veterinary Care – We discussed the importance of taking your dog to the vet, and the cost will depend on the type of care your pet requires. You can reduce the price you pay out of pocket by finding a good pet insurance policy.

Professional Training – There is no shame in needing a professional trainer to come in to teach your dog a few tricks. If you do require obedience training, you can expect to pay $100 to $200 for basic classes and more for advanced instruction.

Basic Supplies – When you buy the dog, you will also need to buy the basics. Among them are water and food dishes, leashes, toys, a bed, grooming supplies, and anything else they require.

How Old Should Your Child Be When You Get a Rottweiler?

Rottweiler walking with child — Most experts recommend that your child be at least 10 years old to handle the responsibility of a Rottweiler.
©Serova_Ekaterina/Shutterstock.com

When you ask if rottweilers are good with kids, the answer depends on their maturity level. Because of the nature of this breed and their immense energy level, your child needs to be ready to handle a tall task. With that said, it is a good idea to wait until your child is close to 10 years old before bringing a rottweiler home.

Your children need to be able to physically handle the dog. Plus, they must be emotionally ready to do what must be done to ensure the dog’s security. While many kids are able to handle a pet, parents should still supervise whenever possible, as accidents can happen quickly.

Once your kids move into their teen years, they will be able to handle more of the responsibilities on their own.

Can Kids Be Allergic to Rottweilers?

Yes, it is possible that your kids could be allergic to your rottweiler, just as they can be allergic to any dog. In most cases, it is the dog’s saliva, urine, and skin cells that can cause allergies. If your kids are allergic, they may experience itchy eyes, skin rashes, sneezing, or a runny nose.

If you want to get a rottweiler, but you fear your child may be allergic, then you have two options. One idea is to bring your child to the allergist, and they can conduct tests to officially determine if your child is allergic. The other option is to bring your child around the rottweiler of a friend and see if your child starts having a negative reaction.

If your child only has mild allergies, then you can reduce the effects by putting air purifiers around the home, vacuuming regularly, and washing your bedding on a regular basis.

General Tips and Precautionary Measures

Here are some important considerations to make when you bring a rottweiler home to your family.

Microchip Your Rottweiler – Since this breed is so energetic, it is a good idea to have your vet add a microchip so that you can find them if they happen to run away.

Minimal Bathing – If your rottweiler plays in the mud, then a bath may be in order. However, you should keep bathing to a minimum because too much shampoo can break down the protective oil in their skin.

Choose a Reputable Breeder – When you first get your rottweiler, do your research and find a breeder that has good reviews. Breeders that take their jobs seriously will know everything about the dog, and they won’t sell you a pet with medical issues without telling you first.

Verdict: Are Rottweilers Good with Kids?

Yes, a rottweiler can be good with kids, but being responsible is key. This is a very energetic and often rambunctious breed, so your children need to be mature enough to handle the job. Rottweilers can also tend to be more expensive and a bit more high-maintenance, so you will need to factor that into your decision as well. If you love to be outside and your kids are of age, then a rottweiler can be a wonderful addition to the family.