Rottweiler can provide both excellent personal protection and loving companionship. A badly trained or insufficiently restrained Rottweiler, however, can be extremely destructive, and pose a significant physical threat to its owner or other humans or dogs on account of its size and strength. In general, Rottweilers are quick to learn and eager to please, and thrive on mental stimulation. They can also be strong-willed at times, however, and should thus be disciplined in a firm, consistent manner.

Rottweilers are playful animals who constantly demand attention from their owners and will find creative and often destructive ways to get it if they are excessively neglected.

The Rottweiler is not usually a barker: males are silent watchers who notice everything and are often quite stoic. Females, however, may become problem barkers in order to protect their den. In the event a dog feels threatened, they tend to go very still before attacking, and there may be no warning growl. This is one of the breed’s characteristics that lends itself to the reputation of being unreliable. An observant owner, however, is usually able to recognise when the Rottweiler perceives a threat. When the dog barks, it is more of a sign of annoyance with external factors (car alarms or other disturbances) rather than threats.

The Rottweiler is typically a dominant dog, and they can resort to aggressiveness in unfamiliar situations. The Rottweiler’s large size and incredible strength make this an important point to consider, and for this reason the Rottweiler is a breed that only experienced dog owners should consider. Rottweiler owners who are not aware at the outset of the breed’s aggressive nature often have difficulty handling such dogs when they reach adulthood. Early socialization and exposure to as many new people, animals, and situations as possible are crucial to producing a dog that is tolerant of strangers.

Aggression in Rottweilers is associated with boredom, poor handling, lack of socialization, natural guarding tendencies, and abuse. Owners are advised to neuter/spay the dog to reduce aggressive tendencies. Unneutered males can become aggressive and hard to manage and are predisposed to some cancers. Unspayed females can become moody and difficult and predisposed to uterine problems and cancers.

The Rottweiler Welfare Association offers the following advice for would-be Rottweiler owners:

* Like all dogs, the Rottweiler needs to be trained properly and controlled at all times
* No-one should own a Rottweiler unless they are absolutely sure they can control it, and are willing and able to devote time and effort to teach the dog good basic manners
* The Rottweiler has a natural guarding instinct. Do not do anything (for instance, rough play) to enhance this guarding instinct
* No Rottweiler should be in the sole charge of a person such as a child who is not capable of controlling it
* Any person who owns a dog should be aware that he will be devoted to and feel protective towards his household. This should be borne in mind when children are playing, people arguing or visitors are calling
* Third party insurance should be taken out on any Rottweiler that you own.
* Some abandoned/rescued Rottweilers can make wonderful pets while others can be very protective.

source : wikipedia.org