Do Rottweilers Like Snow? Confirming your Suspicions
Rottweilers love playing outdoors and will still jump at the opportunity during snowy weather. This is unavoidable in colder climates, but can understandably raise the question whether or not your Rottweiler will enjoy the snow. This article will outline exactly why Rottweilers do enjoy the snow and why.
Rottweilers love the snow because they can play new games with their owners and jump in the snow. However, this only applies when weather conditions are calm and the temperature is above 20 degrees (F). In colder, wet or windy conditions, your Rottweiler may quickly become cold and uncomfortable.
You can find more about why Rottweilers love the snow below, including video evidence of one very happy Rottie. You may also be interested to know that Rottweilers can even live outdoors in snowy conditions.
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Why Rottweilers Like Snow
Snow is a New Adventure
Rottweilers are an incredibly playful breed. They love the outdoors and they love playing games with their owners. They are also fearless, meaning a change of setting is not going to upset them.
Once you've introduced your Rottweiler to snow for the first time, you will soon find them doing any of the following things. You can even find a video at the end of this article with a cute example.
- Leaping around and wagging their tail
- Burying themselves or jumping in piles of snow
- Scooping up snow to eat
- Trying to catch snowballs or shovelled snow
- Nipping at snow falling from the sky
- Rolling around in the snow
These are all pretty good indicators that your Rottie is loving their experience of the snow. They are even built to withstand the cold weather, which I will explain below.
In saying that, not every Rottweiler is the same and there may be some that do not like the snow. This could be due to a previous bad experience or because they are uncomfortable.
I will talk more about what makes a Rottweiler uncomfortable in the snow below, but for most Rottweilers, leaping in the snow is an incredibly fun experience.
Rottweilers are Built for Cold Weather
Double Coat
Like a Husky, Rottweilers have a double coat. This means that they have coarse hairs in the outer layer to help protect against wind and rain, with a soft inner layer that keeps them warm.
Even though this coat is shorter than other double-coated breeds, the effect is still the same. Rottweilers are able to withstand the cold, just as if we were to put on a coat of our own.
Black Fur
On top of this, their black fur helps them absorb any warmth from the sun. In fact, this is something that can make them too hot in the summer time.
Large Size
A final genetic advantage is their size and body shape. Rottweilers are a large dog breed and have a solid frame, meaning that the lose body heat at a slower rate compared to smaller or skinnier dogs.
Powerful Muscles
Rottweilers also have very powerful muscles. Although this does not directly keep them warm in the snow, powerful muscles makes it much easier to navigate the uneven terrain after snowfall.
Why Some Rottweilers May be Uncomfortable in the Snow
Although Rottweilers are build for colder climates, there are still dangers if they are left out for too long or in the wrong conditions. Even in the right conditions, you should still keep an eye on them to make sure they do not get too cold.
Below 20 Degrees (F)
Anything below 20 degrees (F) is considered potentially unsafe for your Rottweiler. Despite their double coat, black fur and solid build, temperatures below this will still penetrate through.
You can still take your Rottie out for short walks, toilet breaks or a game of fetch. Just try to keep these outdoor activities short and stay with them at all times. If you get too cold in your coat, chances are your Rottweiler is getting cold too.
Wet or Windy Weather
Any wet or windy weather will also make conditions too harsh for your Rottweiler to enjoy themselves. In these conditions, even temperatures up to 35 degrees (F) should be avoided.
Harsh Terrain
Objects that have frozen in the snow may become incredibly hard or sharp, potentially damaging the paws on your Rottweiler. This is not something that you can control (unless you keep your Rottie inside all day!), but something to be aware of.
The salts used on roads and footpaths to prevent slipping can also be quite harsh on exposed paws. One way you can help this is to rinse your Rottie's paws in warm water after a walk.
Age
Puppies and older Rottweilers are more susceptible to the cold. They cannot regulate their body temperatures as well as adult dogs, similar to babies and elderly people. Therefore, try not to leave small puppies or Rottweilers over 7 years old in the snow for too long.
Can Rottweilers Stay Outside in the Cold?
If your Rottweiler lives outdoors, he or she can still stay outside in cold and snowy temperatures, proving there is adequate shelter.
As I mentioned earlier, Rottweilers are build for the cold. They have a double-layered black coat that keeps them warm in the snow and will also generate body heat as they run around.
Much like any other outside animal (cows, sheep, horses, etc.), there are ways you can protect your Rottie from the cold so that they can still live outdoors.
Shelter
You must have some form of shelter for your Rottweiler that is dry and warm. This can be something like a shed or kennel that has soft, warm blankets to sleep.
You need to make sure that this area is kept clean and dry so that no snow gets in and no ice can form. This can be done by laying hay or other dry, insulating materials on the ground.
Keeping the shelter clean will ensure your Rottweiler uses the shelter. Most dogs will not feel comfortable sleeping in their own mess.
You should also test how much wind passing through the shelter. Generally, shelters that are only open on one side (such as a kennel or shed) will be fine because wind cannot pass through from one side to the other.
Food and Water
Make sure that your Rottie has plenty of food and water. Food provides energy, which then produces heat when he or she runs around. It is especially important to keep an eye on the water bowel as this may freeze in cold temperatures.