But just how fast are Rottweilers, and what is their average running speeds, as well as their top speeds you can expect to see. Well, it’s not that clear-cut, so here’s my guide to Rottweiler speeds, starting off with the short answer to how a Rottweiler dog can run.

A full-grown Rottweiler can run as fast as 25 mph (40 km/h) if fit and motivated to do so. On average, the top speeds of a Rottweiler will range between 18 and 25 mph (29 to 40 km/h). One owner has recorded their Rottweiler running as fast as 27 mph (43 km/h).

Rottweilers are not fast dogs when you compare them to some other breeds. But you can train a Rottweiler to run faster with endurance training. It’s also worth noting that Rottweilers only run short distances.

Below I also explain why Rottweilers aren’t great long-distance runners. I’ll also discuss the dangers of taking your Rottweiler for long runs and a few things to consider before making them your jogging partner.

If you’re interested, I’ve also included a league table of dog breed top speeds so you can compare how fast a Rottweiler can run against some of the top canine sprinters in the world.

Rottweiler top speed statistics

Rottweilers give off Usain Bolt vibes going by their athletic appearance. They seem to have the “running champ starter-pack” due to their strong muscles, an energetic attitude, and a high level of enthusiasm to run.

Based purely on how they look, you might assume that the Rottweiler max speed is up there with some of the quickest dog breeds on the planet. It’s not the case though. Rottweilers are slow compared to dogs like Dalmatians, German Shepherds, Great Danes, and Greyhounds.

The reason why Rottweilers do not run fast and have top speeds comparable to other breeds is due to their lineage. Rottweilers trace their origin back to Rome, where ancient Roman soldiers relied on them to pull army carts.

This fact may give the illusion that Rottweilers have the endurance to run extremely high speeds. But do they? Especially as a mere household pet?

Not really.

At its peak, a healthy Rottweiler top speed when max running could be between 18 and 25 mph. And in truth, this isn’t that slow, considering the running speed of an average dog is approximately 15 to 20 mph… but it is slower than I think most people would expect.

On the contrary, Rottweilers are far from being crowned running champions if the speed of Sighthound breeds like the greyhound is anything to go by. Sighthounds can run for a whopping 45 mph! And for long distances too.

In human terms, Rottweilers are more of speedy sprinters, not long-distance marathon runners.

What this means is, the Rottweiler running speed is quicker over a very short distance. But they can’t do long distances at full speed without getting tired quickly or risking injury.

Light jogs are the safest and most enjoyable for Rottweilers.

A Rottweiler’s physical make-up limits their ability to run faster and for long distances. Let’s take a close look at these inconveniencing physical traits.

Why Rottweilers cannot go on long runs like other dogs

If you were to ask most owners how long can a Rottweiler jog, you will probably get answers of around 2 miles. Any long run will be hard for them, and here’s why.

The Rottweiler short legs problem

Normally, faster-running dogs like Dobermans and German Shepherds have long, lean legs that can bear their body weight when covering long distances.

Plus, their long leg bones have more cartilage, This is a tissue that prevents the joints in the dog’s legs from rubbing against each other.

Now, Rottweilers have thick, short-sized legs (in comparison to the faster-running dogs). This undermines their running ability in two ways.

One, their bulky size will strain these short legs if they run for long distances. And two, their legs don’t have much cartilage to deal with long runs.

The harder a Rottweiler runs, the more their joints press against each other, causing pain. Plus, frequent long runs will, over time, degrade these cartilages.

Your canine pal’s joints risk swelling and getting severely injured. And when this happens, they might be forced to say goodbye to any type of running — including short sprints.

So, sticks and stones can’t break a Rottweiler’s bones, but long runs can,

This is why Rottweilers don’t make good running partners for joggers.

Muscular physique puts Rottweilers at a disadvantage

If there’s one thing that makes Rottweilers stand out, it’s their muscular body. This gives them incredible strength. But it’s also why people think the top speed of a Rottweiler will be up there with the best runners – it’s deceiving.

Rottweilers have lots of muscle that go from the top of their big heads all the way to the tip of their tails.

But this muscular look can only give them victory at a canine weight-lifting contest, not in a long-distance running competition.

According to the American Kennel Club, an adult (male) Rottweiler can weigh as much as 135 pounds! This heavy size will only tire them out quickly and means Rottweilers cannot run fast.

When you decide to take your Rottweiler for a long run, just know you’re over-exercising them. This will eventually lead to joint problems.

Excessive running will also harm your canine buddy’s cardiovascular health.

So, besides light jogging, a Rottweiler is better off doing other fun exercises for the sake of their joint health. For instance, agility exercises, swimming, walking, and tug of war.

Rottweilers are short-snouted

Excellent runners in the dog world have longer noses. This allows them to take in enough air while running long distances.

Remember, running is an intense form of dog exercise. Your four-legged companion’s body uses up oxygen while running, so they need to replace the lost oxygen.

Because of their mesocephalic head shape (which gives them the somewhat squished face), Rottweilers aren’t fortunate to have long snouts. Their noses are quite short compared to the long-distance dog runners.

If a Rottweiler runs for too long, they’ll be short of breath soon enough. Their not-so-elongated noses will cause airway issues.

They’re likely to pass out if there isn’t enough air passing through their nose and circulating in the body as they run.

Long runs with a Rottweiler can cause overheating issues

When Rottweilers run fast more than they should during a hot day, they risk overheating. Their thick, black double coat will absorb and retain a lot of heat as they run.

For this reason, they may suffer a life-threatening heat stroke when covering long distances.

Sometimes, your Rottweiler may not be down for a run. But they’ll give in because they want to please you.

What might seem like a short, simple run to you may be tough on your canine friend. To know whether the running session is (or was) strenuous for your Rottweiler, you need to be on the look-out for some signs of discomfort, including:

• Panting or drooling excessively during or after the run (they will show their teeth and black gums).
• Lagging behind during the run.
• Reluctance to join you the next time.
• Slight limping after the run.
• Excessive post-running thirst.
• Appearing unusually tired after the run (sleeping almost the entire day).

Consider halting the running sessions or stick to light jogging when you notice these signs. You should also see the vet if signs like limping persist.

It’s also not advisable to take your Rottweiler for fast runs if they are still a puppy. Their bones are still developing and running can interfere with their joint health.

Jogging with your Rottweiler

At this point, you now know why long-distance running for Rottweilers is a no-no.

When you make your lovely Rottweiler your jogging partner, you should keep a few things in mind if you’d want to have more amazing jogging sessions together:

1. The jogging surface

Allowing your canine pal to jog on the pavement with you is a bad idea.

Your jogging shoes protect you from the hard surface, but your Rottweiler’s paws will face the wrath of the unforgiving hard ground. The best thing you can do is make sure your furry friend jogs on soft ground — for example, grass, the beach, or a dirt trail.

Otherwise, they’ll develop paw abrasions if they regularly jog on pavements. Plus, their joint health will worsen over time. Let them walk on pavement, but not run.

2. Consider bone supplements for your Rottweiler

Joint supplements will strengthen your Rottweilers joints, lowering their risk of joint-related problems due to constant running. However, only give your fury friend supplements prescribed by your vet. Avoid getting over-the-counter ones if you haven’t talked to a professional first.

3. Short breaks are important

Give your Rottweiler a small break during jogging — a few minutes to sniff around, catch their breath, and drink water before proceeding.

Yes, you need to keep your jogging buddy hydrated. So be sure to carry bottled water when you both step out for a jogging session.

Rottweiler speed vs fastest dog breeds

I also wanted to compare how fast Rottweilers are to the dog breeds that are said to be the quickest runners on the canine planet. Here’s the top fastest dog breeds, compared to a Rottweiler’s top speed which I am setting at 25 mph.

Related questions

Are Rottweilers slow?

Rottweilers are not slow compared to most dogs, but they are not in the top bracket of quickest dogs either. They are surprisingly slow though, compared to similar sized dogs.

How strong is Rottweiler?

Research shows a Rottweiler is strong enough to pull nearly 1000 pounds of weight.

How long can a Rottweiler jog?

A Rottweiler can jog for around 15 minutes before feeling fatigued.

Conclusion

Now you know how Rottweilers can run, I’d recommend checking out some more Rottie guides on the links below.

You might also like…

• Why your Rottie is growling at you
• How Rottweilers are a breed with one of the highest cancer rates

Image of running Rottweiler in the header via https://pixabay.com/photos/rottweiler-running-dog-leap-dog-run-750550/

The post How Fast Can a Rottweiler Run? (Top Speed Stats) appeared first on DoggySaurus.

Here’s the short answer first, followed by each possible reason in more depth and tips on how you should react to the growling.

Why does my Rottweiler growl at me? Rottweiler growl for different reasons. Understand that growling is just a way of communicating. It could mean they are in pain, fearful, in play, or even happy. Pay attention to your Rottweiler’s body language and the situation you are in when they growl.

Why is my rottweiler growling at me?

Originally bred as guard dogs, Rottweilers have strong protective instincts, which makes them more partial to growling to anything they deem a threat. Having said that, they can also growl when happy or in pain. 

Although the sound of your dog growling may seem alarming, it is important not to jump to conclusions right away. I will explore more about Rottweilers growling and how to deal with it in this article.

There are countless reasons Rottweilers may growl, not all of them negative. I will break down some of the most common reasons why your Rottweiler is growling at you below in more detail below.

1. Growling because they are having fun

If you’re just about to take your Rottweiler out for a walk or are playing a game of tug of war, don’t be surprised if they start growling at you! It doesn’t have to mean their mood has suddenly dampened.

Sometimes growling is just a Rottweilers way of showing you they are happy or their way of communicating that they’re excited.

2. Growling to say hello you

If you’ve been away at work all day or on a long vacation, don’t be surprised if your Rottweiler starts growling and barking at your reunion.

This doesn’t mean that they’re unhappy to see you. Instead your Rottweiler is growling at you due to his or her anxiousness to reunite with you.

3. Growling to be dominant

If your Rottweiler comes across another dog in the street or a new pet in the home (even a cat!), they will feel threatened in case this unfamiliar being upsets the current status quo: infringing on their territory or potentially disrupting the current pecking order.

So, in order to assert their dominance to this unfamiliar being or protect what they see to be ‘their’ turf, they will growl at the other animal they’ve encountered in order to scare them off and make it clear that around here, they’re in charge!

4. Growling because they are in pain

If your dog is in pain for whatever reason – it could be an internal injury or related to an underlying health condition – then don’t be surprised if they begin to growl as a response to the pain – for example, if you pick them up.

They do this for two main reasons; firstly, as a direct response to the pain (especially if you appear to be getting near to the site of the injury or pain), and secondly, to alert you to the fact that they’re in pain.

If you believe this to be the case, it is important to take your dog to the vets for treatment.

5. Growling because they are scared

If your dog comes across something they deem to be a threat – such as a person, other animal or a sudden frightening noise like fireworks – they will growl not only to try and ‘defend’ themselves from what they deem to be a threat, but also to alert you to the fact that, in their eyes, there is a ‘threat’ present.

This reason for growling is especially common in Rottweilers who have experienced some psychological trauma, whether that be from mistreatment from a previous home or from being attacked/mauled by other dogs in the past.

6. Growling due to food aggression

Instinctively, all dogs tend to be defensive of their food, particularly when they are puppies. Food aggression is in their DNA and harks back to their days in the wild when wolves (dogs’ descendants) would have to protect their meals from other wolves outside their own pack.

Their food supply was dependent on being able to hunt, with catches not always guaranteed, meaning sometimes food could be in short supply. The stakes were a lot higher!

Whilst Rottweilers are markedly different from their ancestors, this defensive nature of their food remains, so if they encounter what they deem to be a threat to their food, they will growl at your or other dogs.

Food aggression is common in all dogs, but if your dog was previously a stray, you might find that this reaction will be heightened due to the fact that coming across food was a bigger struggle on the streets.

I also mentioned puppies; this is a common reason why your Rottweiler puppy growls at you. Puppies have to battle their siblings for food and water and are in constant state of competition when with their mother.

This aggressive competitiveness can remain with Rottweilers puppies for quite a few months after they come to live at their forever homes. So, don’t be surprised if your Rottweiler puppy growls at you when you go near them at mealtimes!

Why does my Rottweiler growl at me when I hug him?

Now I’ve covered off some of the most likely reasons why your Rottweiler is growling at you, I wanted to give my view on one time they growl which can shock you; when you hug them.

There’s a good reason why your Rottweiler growls at you when you hug him, and it’s probably not what you think; it can be the complete opposite to an aggressive growl!

Understandably, a lot of Rottweiler owners feel anxious when in the midst of showing affection or giving their dog a cuddle, they suddenly hear them growling.

However, a lot of the time this is just a case of confusing your Rottweiler’s growling with another behaviour known as ‘rumbling’.

The Rottweiler’s ‘rumbling’ is the breed’s equivalent to a cat’s purring and is a deep sound the breed produces at the back of their throat when they feel content and happy. This is why so many owners say Rottweilers growl when happy.

If you are struggling to tell the difference between a growl and ‘rumble’, it is important to pay attention to your dog’s body language.

If the sound is accompanied by your Rottweiler clenching his teeth and tensing his body, that usually means he’s growling. If his body language remains relaxed, he is probably just ‘rumbling’.

However, if your Rottweiler’s growling becomes problematic and is aggression based, or gets in the way of your day-to-day life, there are two key steps to solve the issue: training and socialisation.

Socialising your Rottweiler to not growl

If your dog is poorly socialised (i.e. they don’t come into contact with many others apart from yourself), this can make them feel more threatened easily, which then leads to them snapping and growling at other people and animals, no matter how harmless they are.

This aggressive growling happens when your Rottweiler isn’t used to other animals or people. The lack of familiarity leads to them associating others as a threat to you or themselves, and consequently act aggressively.

Training your Rottweiler to not growl

Training your Rottweiler to stop growling might seem difficult, but with the right guidance or help of a professional dog trainer, it is possible.

1. Expose them to triggers

Although it might seem cruel to expose your Rottweiler to triggers that make them want to growl, it is ultimately to their benefit. It works well because after several repeated exposures, your dog will learn to understand that nothing bad will happen to them.

This will then reduce their anxiety and by extension their desire to growl.

2. React calmly to their growling

If your Rottweiler begins to growl, it is important not to react with outward anger towards your dog. It is important to stay calm because if you react adversely to your Rottweiler growling, that will only increase their anxiety, which will then make them growl more.

It is a vicious cycle and dogs will often meet what they believe to be aggression with aggression back.

3. Use positive dominance

Positive dominance is a training method where you aim to show your dog that you are authoritative through a firm voice and hand gestures. However, it doesn’t involve any shouting or other negative reinforcement that can upset your Rottweiler.

It involves communicating with clear hand gestures and commands which, through time, they will be able to understand what you want and respond to in the way you want them to.

When trying to stop your Rottweiler from growling, it is important to incorporate positive dominance training to ensure success.

4. Praise and reinforce their good behavior

It is important to reinforce positive steps in your Rottweiler’s training, so if they stop growling when requested or don’t growl in a situation they’d usually growl in, it is important to pet them, praise them and give them lots of treats.

This helps them associate good things with not growling, which will them encourage them to continue with their progress in order to reap rewards.

Conclusion

When you think of Rottweilers, you might think of scary, intimidating police dogs. Whilst it is true that Rottweilers make brilliant police dogs, this isn’t due to their stereotypically fearsome appearance and growling.

Instead, it is due to the breed’s intelligence coupled with their sheer loyalty that they are often used in law enforcement. They are devoted and extremely protective of their owner, which also makes them a fantastic pet for families.

There are a lot of misconceptions about Rottweilers and their perceived aggression, you couldn’t get a more loyal and loving family dog. With the right level of understanding and support, you can feel confident that if they do have a growling problem, with training it could soon become a thing of the past.

You might also like…

I write about all kinds of dog breeds, and the following articles might interest you.

• Is a Chihuahua’s bite really worse than a Rottweiler’s bite?
• How fast Rottweilers can run

The post Why Does My Rottweiler Growl at Me? (6 Reasons Why) appeared first on DoggySaurus.