Confident and muscular, the “Rottie” likely descends from the Roman Legions’ mastiffs and was later linked to the German town of Rottweil as cattle or “drover” dogs. Today, with their drive and intelligence, this breed benefits from having a job—guarding, tracking, or competing. They should avoid dog parks, as they can be aggressive toward unknown dogs. Playing too rough can also trigger aggression.
Robust exercise is a must. Walks, tug, hide-and-seek—these dogs want to play with their people. Typically a devoted family member who is calm, cool, and collected, they may be suspicious of strangers. They’re good with kids when both are trained to interact respectfully. Early socialization, training, and trust-building are key!