This article idea came from one of YOU, our community. We appreciate the support and encouragement. If you want us to write about a topic you have in mind, submit your idea to the poll on our website. Happy reading!
Both German Shepherds and Rottweilers are good dogs to deter burglars, thieves, or trespassers. There’s no arguing that. But which one is a better guard dog— German Shepherd or Rottweiler?
This guide will help you decide on whether you should go with a German Shepherd or Rottweiler for your guard dog needs.
History of the German Shepherd and Rottweiler
The intelligence and strength are almost the same for both the German Shepherd and the Rottweiler. German Shepherds were bred for herding while Rottweilers were used for guarding.
You must know the history of the dog breeds before keeping them as your guards. This way you will get to know their instincts and behavior.
History Of German Shepherds
The German Shepherd is a fairly young breed, it was bred at the end of the 18th century. It owes its origin to Max Emil Frederik von Stefanitz, who became president of the Dog Lovers’ Association.
For the first time a dog, approximately resembling a modern breed, was presented at an exhibition in 1882. His name was Greif, and he became the first individual registered as a German Shepherd. Interestingly, his color was off-white.
A little later, von Stefanitz at one of the exhibitions saw an “ideal” dog, which he bought from its owner Hector von Lierckenhain. The dog was distinguished by a noble appearance, beautiful posture, and intelligence.
It was he who became the ancestor of the breed, and with his son, a male named Hector von Schwaben, many modern purebred lines of German shepherds are somehow connected.
History Of Rottweilers
Rottweilers belong to the ancient canine group of Molossians. There are no reliable written sources about how exactly the breed appeared. There are several versions:
- The ancestors were Tibetan Mastiffs.
- The genes contain the blood of Phoenician dogs and canines, who lived in the territory of modern Germany.
- Descended from ancient Roman fighting dogs.
One thing is certain: the history of the origin of the Rottweiler breed began in the German city of Rottweil.
During excavations in 700 AD. NS. residents found red mosaic fragments at the site of a Roman bathhouse and that’s how the city got its name. That’s why sometimes Rottweilers are believed to be descendants of roman fighting dogs.
Roman rule in Germanic lands ended, but the dogs remained. Residents found a use for them in the economy. Animal husbandry was developed in those parts, which means that the ancestors of the Rottweilers were provided with work. They were used by the peasants for their own needs:
- Protect and drive livestock
- Carry products to the market
- Guard the proceeds.
They were so loyal to their masters that they were trusted with carrying meat and often carrying money. And they used to guard carts against thieves and bandits.
Characteristics Of German Shepherds and Rottweilers
Both German Shepherds and Rottweilers are affectionate to their owners and can do whatever it takes to protect them.
Best Characteristics Of German Shepherds
Dogs of this breed are distinguished by high intelligence, loyalty, and devotion to their owner. They are also calm and obedient.
Developed protective instincts are considered a feature of German Shepherds, so they can be wary of strangers, although they do not show undue aggression.
The owner is put above all else and may even sacrifice themselves for his sake.
This breed is not fond of loneliness. Even though they endure it calmly, they need attention, active games, and long walks. They are intelligent, so they quickly master new commands.
They are not only excellent guards but also companions and loyal defenders. German Shepherds get along well with children and calmly endure their pranks, perceiving the child as part of the pack.
Due to their balanced character, stable temperament, easy learning, and intelligence, they are actively used as detective, service, and guard dogs.
According to the breed standard, courage, fighting instinct, and endurance must be present in the character of the German Shepherd.
Best Characteristics Of Rottweilers
The Rottweiler is a born defender and reliable guard with a strong independent character. Smart, serious, and endlessly loyal to the owner.
The nature of the Rottweiler cannot be called simple. This is a breed that is aware of its power, moreover, with a well-developed sense of self-esteem.
Not everyone can become a real master for a Rottweiler, whom they will implicitly obey. Only a strong-willed person, who, moreover, can prove their superiority in practice, will become an authority for such a dog.
A Rottweiler must be treated with respect, but at the same time, the dog must feel that the owner is stronger than him not only physically, but also mentally.
Rottweilers are smart, alert, and fearless. For their owners, they are affectionate, loyal, and always ready to protect them, which makes them good guard dogs. Easily adaptable to different conditions.
How To Train Your Dog To Be A Guard Dog?
Guard dogs are known for their fierce attitude and aggression. Guard Dogs, if not properly and adequately trained, can either jeopardize the safety of those around you. Or worse, they can become the type of dog that can be pet by anyone, even strangers.
So, how do you make your dog a guard dog that can keep strangers away from your premises and not become someone who can be petted by everyone?
Training Approach For German Shepherds
You should start training German Shepherds from the very beginning. Try to keep them away from strangers. German Shepherds are a bit friendly and anyone can pet them if they are not trained properly.
Hierarchy doesn’t matter as much to them as Rottweilers. Be assertive, not rude, and they will follow all your commands. Give them dog treats for following the command so that they stay motivated.
Since they are intelligent, they learn new commands quickly. You don’t have to use force to train them.
Training Approach For Rottweilers
The Rottweiler needs to be trained from an early age. They should not be isolated from people. This breed is intelligent and well-trained but can be stubborn at times.
It is important to accustom the Rottweiler to discipline; this must be done firmly, but not rudely. Cruelty to a pet is not acceptable, because of this they will develop aggression and can become dangerous.
Always show your pet Rottweiler that you are the leader. Show respect and do not use physical force, otherwise, the Rottweiler may respond with aggression and it will end sadly.
You play with them with an interactive tugging toy to give them an idea of your strength. Once they acknowledge that your strength is superior to them, they are more likely to treat you as your leader.
It is better not to engage in self-training if you have no experience, they need to be trained by specialists. Rottweilers are capable of training but can be stubborn and disobedient.
Common Training For Both German Shepherds And Rottweilers To Become Guard Dogs
To train a dog to protect territory, housing, or a person, it is necessary to create certain conditions for the life of the pet. The main thing is that the dog should not freely contact strangers. Any stranger guard dog is a potential enemy.
It is necessary to ensure that guests of the house or just passers-by cannot freely approach the pet, especially treating it with a treat.
The dog must be trained so that the dog does not take food from strangers. To do this, they ask a person unfamiliar with the pet to throw him a strongly peppery piece of meat, accompanying the action with a forbidding command.
After several repetitions, the dog will learn that nothing tasty can be expected from strangers. A properly trained guard dog is alert and attentively watching the stranger in the presence of the owner.
To be a guard dog, they must learn a stranger’s command. To teach this command, an assistant is needed, unfamiliar to the dog.
He approaches the protected area and makes attempts to go inside the fence or approach the protected object. If the dog barks and makes attempts to rush at the stranger, he is praised.
If the dog is friendly to a stranger, he tries to anger the dog, throws a pebble at it, makes ATTEMPTS to hit him with a stick, and screams. Encourage the dog to attack the stranger and if your dog barks at the stranger or tries to attack them, praise him.
Which Dog Would Be a Better Guard Dog?
It kind of depends on why you need a guard dog — To protect your property, to protect you and your family? And when do you need to be alerted? Also, how much can you care for them?
German Shepherds(GSD) are very active and playful and they bark even when they suspect someone is in their territory. They make you alert in time. Since they don’t hide their presence, they can keep the potential thieves and trespassers away.
GSDs are herders and require a lot of exercise. You have to play with them for at least 2.5 hours to 3 hours a day, otherwise, they become destructive.
On the other hand, Rottweilers are sneaky, and you won’t hear their infamous growl unless someone is very close. They are fiercely obsessive to protect their owners.
An adult Rottweiler will be sitting on a couch, asking you for scratches. Even though they are also an active breed of dog, they do not ask for exercise.
However, Rottweilers are stubborn and only follow your commands if they find you stronger than themselves. From time to time you should play with them using tug toys to prove your strength.
Conclusion
To sum up, GSDs are more of a shepherd and they are more obsessed with protecting their territory from intruders. They ward off the threat from a distance.
Rottweilers are better at handling threats. If someone intrudes they will catch the intruders off guard.
Should you want foolproof security and guarding, you should have both.