Rottweilers are tough working dogs. They have been bred to withstand many conditions, ranging from hot summers to cold winters. This begs the question, do Rottweilers get cold?
Rottweilers get cold, just like any other dog, but they are better suited to the winter than many breeds. They have a thick double coat and a tough spirit, which means they don’t get cold easily, but you should definitely give your dog access to the inside if it drops below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Keep reading to learn more about cold weather and Rottweilers. There’s actually a lot to know about this tenacious dog’s ability to withstand the cold.
Do Rottweilers Get Cold?
Rottweilers are just like any other dog or mammal: they can get cold if the temperature dips dramatically. If the temperature drops down low enough and they don’t have access to fat foods and warm habitats, Rottweilers will get cold. In extreme scenarios, they can even freeze to death, though this is not common.
That being said, Rottweilers do not get cold easily. On the contrary, Rottweilers are very tough and well suited for many environments, including hot weather and cold weather. In fact, Rottweilers were originally bred in Germany as working dogs that could withstand the intense winters.
In order to withstand working in the cold, Rottweilers have a super warm double coat. This double coat makes them better suited for the winter than other breeds, such as Chihuahuas or Pitbulls. It even makes stay warm in the rain. Still, Rottweilers aren’t quite as suitable for the snow as a Husky, but they certainly don’t get cold easily.
More so, Rottweilers are very determined and constantly active. This active spirit means that they don’t sit still often, which causes them to move around and create their own body heat. This extra body heat further allows them to withstand cold temperatures better than lazier dogs.
In other words, Rottweilers do get cold in extreme scenarios, but they are better suited for the winter than you might think thanks to their working backgrounds.
What Is Too Cold For Rottweilers?
If you have a Rottweiler, it’s imperative to understand the limitations of these dogs. Rottweilers are loved for their determination and hardiness, but their determination is a double-edged sword.
Though it makes them resistant to many scenarios, they don’t like showing weakness when they are cold, which can make it tough to know when your Rottie has reached its limits. It’s your job as the Rottweiler’s owner to know when the dog is cold.
Generally speaking, you don’t need to worry about your Rottweiler until the temperature starts dropping below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Even at the 40 degree Fahrenheit mark, your Rottweiler is likely not cold. You simply need to be paying attention to the thermometer so that you can act accordingly if the temperature drops too much.
Most Rottweilers will continue playing, fighting, and enjoying their lives when the temperature drops to freezing. You only need to start truly worrying once the temperature drops below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Once it gets colder than this, you need to keep the Rottweiler inside and provide some layers for it.
So, 20 degrees Fahrenheit and lower is too cold for Rottweilers. You still need to be cautious when the temperature is around 30 degrees Fahrenheit, but your Rottweiler likely won’t be too cold or uncomfortable, especially if they are playing.
Signs Your Rottweiler Is Cold
In addition to knowing the limit of Rottweilers, there are some signs you can pay attention to tell you if your dog is cold. Dogs are just like humans in that they will have a physical reaction if they are too cold. Knowing the signs that your Rottweiler is cold can help you act accordingly when the time comes.
Shivering
Just like humans, Rottweilers actually shiver or tremble whenever they are cold. Shivering is a common response to cold in most warm-blooded animals. How it works is that skeletal muscles will shake quickly, thus creating extra warmth. If your Rottweiler is shivering, it is either cold or scared.
Barking
Barking is how dogs communicate with us, and they bark for a number of different reasons. If your Rottweiler is barking at the door and trying to get your attention, it might be cold. Listen and respond accordingly to your Rottweiler’s barks.
Huddling Up
Rottweilers know that cuddling up to another person, item, or surface will help to warm them up whenever they are cold. If you notice your Rottweiler huddling up, it is almost guaranteed to be cold. This is especially true if they are trying to huddle up in a warm area, such as next to you or underneath a blanket.
Lifting Paws
Whenever it’s cold outside, the ground gets cold too. If you notice your Rottweiler constantly alternating lifting its paws, the Rottweiler’s feet are likely cold. Rottweilers are most likely to do this if the ground is icy, snowy, or wet.
Less Motivation To Play
Whenever it’s cold outside, the last thing you want is to do is dilly dally in the temperature. Dogs are the same way. If you’re normally outgoing Rottweiler can’t wait to get back inside, it is likely cold.
Ways To Acclimate Your Rottweiler To The Cold
Unless you live in an incredibly cold environment, your Rottweiler will likely be perfectly content to go outside in the winter. That being said, some nights or days may be too cold for your Rottweiler to truly enjoy the outdoors. Here are some ways you can acclimate your Rottweiler to the cold.
Change Diet
Dogs naturally respond to the drop in temperature by eating more. Whenever they eat more, they gain more fat, which helps to insulate their bodies. Whenever it starts getting colder, begin feeding your Rottweiler a little bit more. This extra fat will help to keep your Rottweiler warm in the winter.
Get Clothes
If you live in an area where the winters are very extreme, consider getting winter clothes for your dog. Not only are winter clothes adorable on Rottweilers, but they will keep your dog warm. It’s important that you introduce clothes to your dog slowly. Some dogs will fight the clothes. If your Rottweiler absolutely hates them, don’t force it.
Still, it’s a good idea to try winter clothes depending on your environment. The clothes will help to trap heat closer to the Rottweiler’s body so that it stays warmer in the winter.
Install Outdoor Heaters
If you have a pretty big budget to spend on your Rottie, consider installing outdoor heaters in the yard. That way, both you and the Rottweiler can enjoy a little extra heat even when it is cold outside. These heaters will help to warm up the area so that the Rottweiler can go to the bathroom and run around without freezing.
Bring The Dog Inside
Most importantly, don’t force your Rottweiler outside if it is cold. Rottweilers are very tough and determined. As a result, take your dog seriously if it is showing signs of being cold or uncomfortable. Simply bring the dog inside if it is cold. It’s your job as the Rottweilers owner.
When Should I Bring My Rottweiler Inside?
During the summer, it may be next to impossible to get your Rottweiler back inside. After all, these hardworking, active dogs love being in the outdoors. During the winter, it’s important to know when to bring your Rottweiler inside so that it is safe and happy.
As a rule of thumb, do not leave your Rottweiler outside for extended periods of time if the temperature is over 70 degrees Fahrenheit or under 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme hot and extreme cold can be dangerous for your Rottweiler.
Whenever the weather is super cold, still allow your Rottweiler to be outside when it wants to be. At the same time, keep a close eye on your Rottweiler during this time. Watching your Rottweiler will allow the dog time to play, but you will know as soon as it gets cold and once back inside.
It’s important to note that you should never leave a Rottweiler unattended outside because this can be dangerous – even when the weather is perfect. It’s especially dangerous to do so in the winter.
Final Thoughts
Just like any other warm-blooded animal, Rottweilers get cold. That being said, your Rottweiler is much more likely to withstand the cold than you or other breeds of dogs, thanks to their determination, double coat, and activity.
Even so, Rottweilers are not invincible to the winter cold. Whenever the temperature drops below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, pay close attention to your Rottweiler to ensure it isn’t freezing. If you notice your dog is shivering or lifting its paws, your Rottweiler is likely cold and needs to come inside.
Remember, it’s your job to care for the Rottweiler appropriately. Do not leave a Rottweiler outside in the winter. Even though these dogs are suited for the winter, they require the warmth and love of any other creature. Bring your Rottweiler inside so that it can stay warm, even when the temperature drops down.