Playful, full of energy, and they’ll shower you with affection, but are Rottweilers hypoallergenic dogs? It’s a no. Rottweilers are moderate shedders all year round, meaning they aren’t suitable if you have dog allergies.
Rottweiler Quick Facts
Are you searching for a completely hypoallergenic dog?
We have some bad news.
An allergy-free dog can’t exist — all dogs carry allergens — in saliva, urine, and dander (dead skin cells).
However, many breeds are deemed hypoallergenic. These dogs release fewer allergens, hence are less likely to trigger an allergic reaction.
To find out more, check out our article What Is a Hypoallergenic Dog?
The Rottweiler has a predominantly short single coat. Yet, they also have a double coat in specific areas of their body.
Their coat is made up of:
- Straight top coat of short/medium-length hair.
- Thick and dense undercoat on their neck and thighs.
Rottweilers are black with either rust, tan, or mahogany markings. The fur of the Rottie has a coarse texture and will need to be brushed weekly to remain in good condition.
So, we know that this breed isn’t hypoallergenic, but do Rottweilers shed a lot?
Not a huge amount — they sit midway on the scale — but shedding is a daily occurrence. Rottweilers are on par with the Border Collie and the Australian Shepherd Dog. However, they will shed more during the fall and spring when they blow their coats.
There is no way that you can prevent a dog from shedding, but there are ways that it can be managed.
If you’re looking for tips to help keep your Rottweiler’s shedding under control, try taking the following steps:
1. Brush Your Rottweiler Regularly
While mainly short-coated, your Rottie will need to have a regular brushing schedule — set aside time on a weekly basis. This will help you keep their coat in good condition and reduce the amount of fur in your environment.
By brushing, you’ll remove any dead hairs and encourage the oils, thus keeping it looking shiny. During fall and spring, your Rottweiler will need to be brushed more frequently to stop the extra seasonal shed from spreading around your home.
2. Use the Right Tools
Using the right tools when grooming your Rottie keeps their coat in tip-top condition as well as removing any loose fur.
As Rottweilers aren’t predominantly double-coated, a slicker brush will be a great addition to your grooming tool kit. And, for removing the undercoat on their neck and thighs, you can use de-shedding tools.
However, de-shedding tools will only need to be used during the spring and fall shedding season.
3. Frequent Baths
Bathing your Rottweiler approximately once every 2 to 8 weeks with a dog shampoo will help manage coat and skin health.
But, avoid over-bathing.
This can dry out the skin, which means their hair is more likely to be weak and fall out. So, limit your Rottie to twice-monthly bathtimes.
4. Healthy Diet
To maintain good nutrition and healthy skin, all dogs need a balanced and healthy diet. This, in turn, also helps to keep their fur in good condition. Avoid feeding your dog overly processed food and instead choose a dog food high in protein and essential fatty oils such as omega 3 and 6.
Looking after your Rottie’s fur starts with their nutrition. A poor diet can cause hair to become brittle and shed more than necessary.
5. Improve Hydration
When your Rottweiler isn’t replenishing fluid levels adequately, their skin may become dry. And, if your dog’s skin isn’t well-moisturized, their fur (and your carpets) will pay the price.
Provide your dog with clean drinking water throughout the day, and seek advice from a vet if you’re worried your Rottie isn’t drinking enough. You could also switch from dry to wet food.
6. Invest in a Good Vacuum Designed for Pet Hair
This is a handy tip whether you have a hypoallergenic or non-hypoallergenic dog. Consider a vacuum for pet hair that can effectively pick up any shed fur throughout your home and help with allergy symptoms.
7. Watch Out for Rottweiler Allergies
If your Rottweiler is excessively shedding — and it’s not time for them to blow their coat — they may be suffering from allergies. Bear in mind, it could also be a sign of stress, or other health conditions. Have a chat with your vet if you think something isn’t quite right.
The hypoallergenic Rottweiler doesn’t exist. These dogs shed too much to be a suitable choice for allergy sufferers. However, several breeds out there have a similar temperament to the loyal Rottweiler.
Rottweilers are strong and protective, but also loving and gentle family dogs. If you want a dog that shares this personality, one of these hypoallergenic breeds may the one for you:
The Giant Schnauzer is a loyal and alert watchdog. These dogs are similar in size to Rottweilers, growing to around 27.5 inches. However, the stocky build of the Rottie means they’re heavier, weighing up to 135 pounds, significantly more than the 85-pound Giant Schnauzer.
Both of these dogs are natural guardians of their humans and will scare off any intruders with their intimidating appearance and bark. However, the Giant and Rottie share that loyal and loving side, making affectionate family dogs.
Giant Schnauzers are a good alternative for people with allergies. With a wiry coat, the small amount of shed fur becomes trapped, instead of releasing dander all over your home.
The Afghan Hound doesn’t look much like a Rottweiler at all, but they’re a similar size. Adult Afghans grow to around 27 inches, but weigh half that of the Rottie — weighing just 60 pounds. This breed also lives longer than Rottweilers, their average lifespan is around 12 to 18 years.
Loyal watch dogs, this breed loves spending time with their humans. That said, the Afghan Hound isn’t quite as adaptable to family life as the Rottie. Hence, they may need a little more training and socialization to become a happy member of the family.
Afghan Hounds have a low-shedding, long, silky coat, which is understandably higher maintenance than the Rottweiler. And, while you must keep their coat tangle-free, you won’t need to worry about triggering your dog allergies.
The Airedale is the largest of the Terriers and is often referred to as the ‘King’ of this breed group. These large dogs are slightly shorter than the Rottie, reaching around 23 inches tall. They’re also lighter, weighing approximately 70 pounds.
Airedale Terriers are bold, alert, and intelligent dogs. They have a typical Terrier temperament and can be stubborn at times. Yet, they make good family dogs and will best suit owners with an active lifestyle — just like the Rottie.
Shedding isn’t a concern with the Airedale, they have a wiry coat of medium-length. Plus, they don’t blow their coats during the change of seasons and only lose small amounts of fur all year round.
The Portie is another hypoallergenic alternative to the Rottweiler. Standing 23 inches tall and weighing 60 pounds, they don’t carry the same brawny build as the Rottweiler. Don’t be fooled though, the Portuguese Water Dog is athletic, and muscular and they love to have a job to do.
Portuguese Water Dogs are affectionate and devoted family dogs. Originally bred to assist fishermen, Porties adore being in the water. This breed will suit an owner who enjoys spending plenty of time outdoors.
These hard-working dogs have long, curly coats and only shed mildly throughout the year. Any dead hair from your Portie will become trapped in their curls, which you’ll remove when brushing.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an affectionate, playful, watchdog that doesn’t shed, Giant Schnauzers, Airedale Terriers, Afghan Hounds, and Portuguese Water Dogs are popular, hypoallergenic alternatives to the Rottweiler.
Rotties may not be the obvious choice for families, but their protective nature is a winner around kids. That said, if you have allergies, this breed is a big no-no.
Are Rottweilers hypoallergenic? Unfortunately not, while they have a smooth short coat, they’re moderate year-round shedders.
Are Rottweilers Ok for People With Allergies?
Not really. They moderately shed all year round and twice a year blow their coats.
Do Rottweilers Shed a Lot?
Rottweilers are a moderate-shedding breed — way more than a Poodle, but less than a Husky. But they do seasonally shed twice a year, which increases fur fall.
Are Rottweilers Aggressive?
Rottweilers are strong and powerful, but they’re also affectionate family dogs. Their aggressive persona has more than likely come from the fact that they’re extremely good watchdogs and aren’t open with strangers.
Do Rottweilers Like to Cuddle?
Don’t be fooled by their size, the Rottie is one of the most affectionate and loving breeds when it comes to their humans. This also means they often forget how big they are and jump in for a cuddle.
What Is the Most Hypoallergenic Dog?
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the following breeds are among the best for those suffering from allergies:
What Is the Best Hypoallergenic Guard Dog?
We’ve picked our favorites, check out our guide on the Best Hypoallergenic Guard Dogs.
