If you find yourself searching for the perfect canine companion, you might ask yourself, “What breed of dog should I get?” From bulldogs to beagles, schnauzers to shih tzus, the number of choices can make your head spin. But, what if we narrow it down to one breed, renowned for its intelligence and strength? Let’s talk about the breed that frequently graces the top 10 lists in terms of intelligence– the Rottweiler.
Rottweilers have quite a towering reputation, loved by many for their loyalty as well as their impressive looks. But, is it true they are some of the smartest canines around? Let’s dive into the world of Rottweilers and discover their intellect, and maybe, just maybe, determine if this breed could be your new best friend.
Before we dive in, let’s start at the beginning. Once upon a time, in the charming German town of Rottweil, the breed we now call the Rottweiler was born. In this town, they served as cattle drovers, bringing livestock to the market. And given the rudimentary nature of ancient livestock pens, they served as the protectors of their owner’s money, which was often tied around the dog’s neck. They were essentially the first four-legged, furry bodyguards and mobile banks! Cattle driver by day, security officer by night, these diligent canines were working hard even way back when.
Fast forward to the present day, Rottweilers still hold traces of their ancestral traits. Committed, confident, and courageous – these are the three C’s that define a Rottweiler. For many people, their imposing appearance and history as guard dogs might make them seem daunting. But ask any Rottweiler owner, and they’ll tell you about their gentle, warm-hearted companion, who is smart as a whip.
Now, we’re sure you’re eager to hear about their intelligence. In terms of doggie IQ, Rottweilers rank impressively high. According to the reputable dog psychologist Stanley Coren, they are in the top 10 intelligent dog breeds. Coren’s ranking is based on three types of intelligence – instinctive intelligence, adaptive intelligence, and working and obedience intelligence.
Instinctive intelligence refers to the skills that specific breeds were developed for. An example would be like how retrievers instinctively know to fetch and return, or how shepherds are born with a knack for herding. For Rottweilers, their instinctive intelligence is seen in their guarding and protecting capabilities. They also have a natural herding instinct, a tell-tale sign of their historical duties as cattle dogs in Rottweil.
Adaptive intelligence refers to a dog’s ability to solve problems on their own. Let’s say your Rottweiler figures out that sitting attentively by your dinner table often results in a treat. That’s adaptive intelligence at work! Numerous anecdotes from Rottweiler owners will testify to their clever problem-solving skills and exceptional memory.
Working and obedience intelligence is perhaps the one that really stands out for Rottweilers. You see, this type of intelligence involves learning from humans, understanding commands, and executing them. A Rottweiler is known to understand new commands after only five repetitions on average and follows a command 95% of the time or better. That’s pretty impressive!
Let’s look at a little story about a Rottweiler named Jake. Jake was a police dog partnered with Officer Matt in the city of Seattle. Jake’s intelligence and skills were highlighted when he managed to track down a burglar hidden in an industrial area. Despite the area being vast and complex, Jake used his sharp senses and problem-solving skills to find the culprit hidden within a stack of pallets. This episode truly showcased the working and obedience intelligence of a Rottweiler and its potential to be smart in real-life situations.
But smart doesn’t just mean obeying commands or doing jobs — it also means being emotionally in tune. Rottweilers are also quite ‘Emotionally Intelligent’. They are known for their loyalty and a strong sense of companionship. They form deep bonds with their families and are particularly gentle and watchful around children. This distinct emotional intelligence has endeared them to families worldwide making them an increasingly popular choice as family pets.
However, a Rottweiler’s intelligence also means that they need proper training from an early age. A smart dog without guidance can quickly become a stubborn one. But, with the right training, they can channel their intelligence into being obedient and helpful companions.
While it’s true that certain breeds like Border Collies or Poodles might consistently outscore Rottweilers in terms of intelligence, it’s vital to remember that intelligence can vary within a breed, just like with us humans. Just because a Rottweiler isn’t University Challenge-winning smart doesn’t mean they aren’t a fantastic, intelligent companion.
To sum up, while Rottweilers may not hold the title of ‘smartest dog breed’ by a global standard, they are undoubtedly a highly intelligent breed. Their combination of instinctive, adaptive, and working obedience intelligence sets them apart in the canine world. These brawny beings with their robust intellect and loving heart make for an excellent pet choice. Just remember, intelligence without guidance leads to mischief! So invest your time and energy into training these fantastic creatures and watch them exceed your expectations.
Whether you’re looking for a guard dog, a companion, or a playful, affectionate buddy for your kids, a Rottweiler checks all the boxes. Their high intelligence, coupled with emotional sensitivity, makes them a splendid canine choice. So, if you’ve got a big backyard and a bigger heart, the smart, lovely Rottweiler might be perfect for you. If not, well, there are like 339 other dog breeds to choose from. Happy searching!
