The Rottweiler is best for active homes without small children or cats and an experienced pet parent.
A well-trained Rottweiler dog is calm and confident. Unlike a Golden Retriever who readily welcomes guests to your home, a Rottweiler may hang back and assess the situation, not ready to make a friend. To their family, they are ready to play and ready to protect in a split sec...
A well-trained Rottweiler dog is calm and confident. Unlike a Golden Retriever who readily welcomes guests to your home, a Rottweiler may hang back and assess the situation, not ready to make a friend. To their family, they are ready to play and ready to protect in a split second. Despite their size, your Rottweiler may think they’re a lap dog and squeeze as much of themselves onto your lap as possible.
This highly intelligent and protective dog needs a confident, experienced family. Rottweilers were bred to be guard dogs, and they are really good at it. They have a deep growl they use to alert their families to a potential threat, but they have an equally famous “rumble” sound they make when they are happy and content. (It frequently accompanies a belly rub.) Because of their protective nature, Rottweilers have high biting tendencies. So, it is important your Rottweiler starts their training as a puppy.
Rottweilers do best in homes where they are the only pet, as they tend to make their BFF their family instead of another dog or a cat. If your Rottie is properly socialized and well-trained, they can be a good dog for your family.
The Beauceron is best for experienced and active pet parents who love outdoor adventures. They can do well with kids when socialized, but they do best as the only dog in the home.
This high-energy, intelligent dog loves to get out and adventure with an active family. As a friendly and regal guardian, Beaucerons can adapt well to children if they’re socialized from the time they’re a puppy. To be extra safe with kids, you’ll want to set up pla...
This high-energy, intelligent dog loves to get out and adventure with an active family. As a friendly and regal guardian, Beaucerons can adapt well to children if they’re socialized from the time they’re a puppy. To be extra safe with kids, you’ll want to set up playpens and baby gates and close doors when needed, since the dogs can be pretty strong. Plus, they’re herders, so they may try to herd smaller children. And of course, monitor their interactions when they’re together, to ensure everyone—dogs and tiny, young humans alike—respect each others’ boundaries.
Although they look intimidating, Beaucerons are not aggressive. When they do run up to people, it’s to greet them enthusiastically. (HELLO! HOW ARE YOU? WE’RE SO GLAD YOU’RE HERE!) However, Beaucerons are protective of their families and can be effective guard dogs when needed.
Their high levels of intelligence makes them easy to train, but those smarts can also lead them to feel stressed or anxious if they don’t get enough mental stimulation—and it also can mean they can be comedians and get into a lot of funny antics.
Beaucerons have a strong prey drive, so they may not be the best pet for homes with cats or small dogs. But early socialization can certainly help with other dogs and cats in the home. But even around other dogs, you’ll want to supervise them, since they can be a little bossy when they play.
Because of their intelligence, large size and high energy levels, they may not be the best choice for first-time pet parents. But experienced pet parents who have previous experience training dogs may find a Beauceron to be a loyal companion for life.