Have you ever seen the powerful strides of a Rottweiler as it gallops through a park or ever watched a shinny, well-groomed one obediently following the command of its owner? Surely, you can’t help but ponder on the intelligence of such a grand breed. Hence, the question up for exploration today will confirm or refute the hypothesis: Are Rottweilers smart dogs?
Rottweilers, also known as Rotties, are some of the most often misjudged dog breeds out there. They are often perceived as aggressive guard dogs, mainly because of their sheer physical power and dark, sleek coat. However, as many Rottweiler parents will tell you, beneath their tough exterior lies a loving, loyal, and very intelligent dog.
Let’s dive into the story of Charlie, an adorable, bubbly Rottweiler. Charlie, who is now in her twilight years, was brought home by the Johnsons when she was just a puppy. She became part of their bustling family of five, with three young kids. Mr. Johnson would often recollect how Charlie quickly managed to figure out things around the house all by herself. “She was quick to understand the rules of the house, she knew where her food bowl was, knew where to do her business, and also knew when it was time to go for a walk. All these at just 8 weeks of age!” he exclaims, then adding, “Smart dog!”
But how does one determine if a dog is smart? To assess a dog’s intelligence, we cannot solely rely on how quickly a dog can learn tricks or commands. Understanding the measure of canine intelligence has become more complex. Dr. Stanley Coren, who is renowned for his work in canine psychology, has proposed that there are three types of dog intelligence: instinctive intelligence, adaptive intelligence, and working and obedience intelligence.
Let’s consider each of these aspects in relation to our special breed of focus – the Rottweiler.
Instinctive intelligence refers to what a dog was bred to do. Originally, Rottweilers were “drover’s dogs,” which means they were used to protect and herd livestock. This breed has a natural instinct to guard and protect, and who knows, they might be calculating strategies to provide the best protection, showing off their instinctive intelligence. Perhaps this is why Charlie knew how to protect her food bowl from the cat!
Next is adaptive intelligence which refers to a dog’s ability to solve problems independently. Here’s another amusing Charlie anecdote for you. Once, Mr. Johnson recounts, Charlie was trying to retrieve her favorite ball which had gotten stuck under the sofa. You could see the gears turning in her brain as she tried pushing the ball out with her paw, but to no avail. Then, she ran off and returned with her chew bone, which was longer and managed to push the ball out with it! Charlie showcased her adaptive intelligence in this instance.
Lastly, working and obedience intelligence refers to a dog’s ability to learn and follow commands from humans. Mr. Johnson started training Charlie at a young age, and she did not disappoint. Sit, stay, fetch—Charlie was top of her puppy training class, quickly learning and responding to her commands.
Now, looking at all this, it’s tempting to think that all Rottweilers are as smart, however, that’s not always the case. Just as humans have individual intelligence levels, it’s the same with dogs. Some Rottweilers will be more intelligent than their peers, just like some humans outshine others.
So, based on the shared anecdotes and analysis, are Rottweilers smart dogs? The answer is a resounding YES! Rottweilers are incredibly intelligent, both in terms of understanding and following commands, and in their problem-solving skills. They are intelligent, capable, and always ready to learn new commands and tricks.
Remember, a Rottweiler with its intelligence and strength can be a joy to have around if trained and managed correctly. So, the next time you see a Rottweiler gliding seamlessly through a park, remember our Charlie tales, and appreciate the intelligence shining in their eyes.
In conclusion; Rottweilers are beyond their giant muscular bodies and exude intelligence. They sure are smart dogs, displaying both instinctive and adaptive intelligence in addition to top-of-the-notch working and obedience intelligence! So the next time you see a Rottweiler, don’t be intimidated by their muscular build and stern appearance; instead, marvel at the smart being that dwells within.
