When one thinks of the perfect family dog, the Rottweiler is usually not the first breed that comes to mind….and probably not even the second or third. After all, aren’t they supposed to be these big, scary guard dogs?
However, I’ve met many Rotties over the course of my career, and there is definitely much more to these wonderful dogs than their fearsome reputation suggests.
So, are Rottweilers good family pets? The short answer is yes, they can be – but it depends on a few key factors. Join me as we explore the good and bad about Rottweiler temperament, training needs, and whether they’re safe around kids.
By the end, you’ll have a much clearer picture of whether a Rottie is the right fit for your family.

What Are Rottweilers Like as Family Pets?
Are Rottweilers good family pets? It’s a question I get asked a lot. And the answer is, it depends. Rottweilers have a reputation for being tough, intimidating dogs. But the truth is, they can make great family pets – if they’re properly trained and socialized from a young age.
I’ve met many Rotties over the years and I can tell you firsthand, their temperament is a complex mix of positive and negative traits.
Positive Temperament Traits
On the plus side, Rottweilers are incredibly loyal dogs. They bond strongly with their families and are naturally protective of the people they love. They’re also intelligent and trainable.
With consistent training, Rottweilers can learn to be well-behaved family members. And despite their tough exterior, Rottweilers have a silly, playful side. They love to cuddle and be close to their humans. It’s pretty common for owners of these dogs to call them “big babies”.
Negative Temperament Traits
But Rottweilers also have some challenging traits. They can be stubborn and headstrong, with a mind of their own. Without proper training, Rottweilers may try to dominate the household. They need a confident owner who can establish clear boundaries and rules.
Their loyalty can also be a negative trait, as they tend to be very territorial of their home and protective of their family. This can translate into dangerous aggression against anyone who intrudes upon the dog’s territory, and is one of the main reasons why they need to be well trained to prevent dangerous behavior.
Rottweilers also have a high prey drive. This means they may instinctively chase smaller animals like cats or rabbits. This can even apply to children, if the dog is not well socialized and used to being around kids. Early socialization is key to teaching them to coexist peacefully with other pets and children alike.
Are Rottweilers Safe Around Kids?
Many people wonder if Rottweilers are safe to have around young children. Here’s what I’ve learned, both through direct observation and from my discussions with owners and breeders
Reasons Rottweilers Are Good With Children
Rottweilers are generally patient and tolerant dogs. Properly trained and socialized Rotties can be gentle giants with the kids in their family. In fact, Rottweilers often naturally take on a protective role with children. They may follow kids around the house, watching over them attentively.
Rottweilers are also sturdy dogs that can handle some roughhousing. They’re not as fragile as smaller breeds, so they’re less likely to get injured if a toddler gets a little too enthusiastic with the petting.
Tips for Safely Owning Rottweilers Around Kids
That said, big dogs around small children always makes me nervous, and in my opinion no child should be left with these or any other large breed dog unsupervised.
Whether or not Rotties are more likely to bite than other breeds is not even part of the discussion. What is part of the equation is the fact that with their large size and such a strong bite, these dogs are far more likely to cause serious injury or even death when they do lash out.
Arguably, even the most good-natured Rottweiler can react badly if they’re startled or their tail gets pulled. That is why it is so critically important that owners of these dogs teach their children how to interact gently and respectfully with the family dog. Establish rules like no climbing on or riding the dog, and make sure children know not to approach the dog while they’re eating or sleeping.
On the flip side, it’s just as important to teach your Rottweiler how to behave around kids. I cannot stress this enough. Socialize them extensively with children from puppyhood on. Reward them for being calm and gentle during interactions.
With proper training and management, Rottweilers can be loving, loyal companions for the whole family – kids included. But it takes commitment from the owners to make the relationship a safe and positive one.
Key Takeaway: Rottweilers can be great family pets with proper training and socialization. They are loyal, protective, and intelligent but need clear boundaries and consistent exercise. Early exposure to various people and situations is essential for a well-adjusted dog. Always supervise interactions between Rottweilers and young children.
Rottweiler Exercise and Training Needs
As a large working breed, Rottweilers have some unique exercise and training needs. Neglecting these needs can lead to behavior problems down the road.
How Much Exercise Do Rottweilers Need
Rottweilers were originally bred to drive cattle and pull carts . They’re strong, athletic dogs that require plenty of daily exercise.
At a minimum, adult Rottweilers need a solid hour of physical activity every day. This could be a few brisk walks, a hike, a trip to the dog park, or a game of fetch in the backyard.
Rottweiler puppies have different exercise needs. Too much high-impact exercise can damage their growing joints. Stick to short play sessions and walks until they’re fully grown, and check with your vet about appropriate activity levels.
Last but not least, don’t forget that mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise for this intelligent breed. Puzzle toys, scent work, and obedience training are great ways to engage their mind, prevent boredom and keep them from getting into trouble.
Importance of Proper Rottweiler Training and Socialization
I’ll say it again – I can’t stress enough how important early training and socialization are for Rottweilers.
These powerful dogs need to learn good manners and self-control from a young age. Start with basic obedience commands like sit, stay, come, and heel as early as possible. Positive reinforcement methods work best – reward your Rottie with treats and praise when they get it right.
Socialization means exposing your Rottweiler to a wide variety of people, animals, and environments. Take them to puppy classes, the dog park, and out and about in the neighborhood. The more positive experiences they have, the more well-rounded and confident they’ll be as adults.
Consistent training is a lifelong process with Rottweilers. Keep up with obedience work and manners training throughout their life to maintain good behavior. With the right amount of exercise and training, Rottweilers can be incredible companions.
But it’s a big commitment – make sure you’re prepared to put in the time and effort before bringing one into your life.
Garret Wing, owner and founder of American Standard Dog Training , summarizes the top three reasons why you might NOT want to get a Rottweiler as a family dog in this video below, and I agree with him. If you are not prepared or capable of dealing with these three very important Rottie characteristics, do NOT get one as a family pet!
Conclusion
So, are Rottweilers good family pets? As we’ve seen, the answer is a resounding “yes” – with the right training, socialization, and care. These loyal, loving dogs can be wonderful additions to many households.
But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Their size and strength means they’re not the right fit for everyone. Make sure you do your research, choose a reputable breeder, and commit to proper training and socialization from day one. At the end of the day, if you’re willing to put in the time and effort, a Rottweiler can be an incredible companion who will love and protect your family fiercely. Just remember – it’s not about finding the “perfect” dog, but rather being the perfect owner.
[Image credits: All images are used under license or with permission]