Rottweilers were bred to be working dogs and guard dogs. They have a muscular build and can look very intimidating. Rottweilers aren’t necessarily built for speed, but they can still reach top running speeds of about 20 to 25 miles per hour.
Rottweilers have the potential to be good running companions. So, if you’re looking for a running buddy to accompany you on your morning jogs, a Rottweiler is a considerable candidate. Here we’ll compare a Rottweiler’s top speed with those of some other animals and provide tips to ensure your Rottweiler can run alongside you safely to avoid injuries.
A Rottweiler’s Speed
A Rottweiler’s average running speed is faster than a human’s. When sprinting short distances, they have been known to reach up to 25 mph. However, Rottweilers weren’t primarily bred for speed, they were bred to be strong dogs used for guarding and protection.
It is commonly thought that large dog breeds are faster than smaller dogs due to having a larger lung capacity, longer legs, etc. And yes, Rottweilers are faster than a lot of small dog breeds. However they are not one of the fastest breeds due to their stockier body shape. That’s why some of the fastest dog breeds are slimmer.
In fact, a study was done that relates the size of a dog’s head to their strength and running ability found that dogs with larger and broader heads tended to be stronger but weren’t as fast as dogs with smaller and slimmer heads. The Rottweiler has a fairly large and broad head, so it makes sense that they aren’t able to run as quickly as a breed such as a Greyhound.
Because Rottweilers were built for strength and not speed, their stamina gets depleted relatively quickly, so they won’t be able to run at top speed for too long. Rottweilers can usually maintain a jogging speed of about 7 to 10 mph, especially with training.
Comparison of Top Running Speeds
| Human/Animal | Speed (mph) |
| Rottweiler | 20–25 mph |
| Human | 15–20 mph |
| Track Athlete | 20–25 mph |
| Greyhound (Fastest Dog Breed) | 40–45 mph |
| African Wild Dog | 37–44 mph |
| Wolf | 31–37 mph |
| Horse | 35–45 mph |
Running Safety for Rottweilers
Rottweilers can make good jogging companions, and running with your dog is a great way to exercise and spend quality time together. However, it’s important to be mindful of your Rottweiler’s health and make sure they don’t overexert themselves since Rottweilers are prone to joint issues. Here are some safety tips that will help protect your dog and prevent injuries while they run with you.
Increase Running Distances Incrementally
Just like humans, dogs need to train to run longer distances, and it usually takes several weeks to get them ready to run more miles. If your Rottweiler’s just getting started, start by adding short segments of running into their daily walk. Continue to increase the running time in small increments with each subsequent walk.
Warm Up Your Dog Before Running
Warming up your Rottweiler before your main exercise will help prevent injuries and muscle fatigue. Start by walking and transition to an easy jog for a few minutes before running at faster speeds. Spending 5 to 10 minutes on warm-ups can help ease your dog into a comfortable run.
Watch for Signs of Tiredness
Make sure to check in with your dog periodically while you’re out jogging with them. Sometimes, dogs will continue to run even when they need a break because they want to please their owners or stay by their side. Therefore, it’s important to familiarize yourself with signs of tiredness in dogs.
First, be mindful of your dog’s pace. If they’re starting to lag behind, it’s time for a break. Heavy panting and resistance to keep running are also signs of overexertion.
Carry Water With You
Hydration is essential any time your dog exercises. Make sure to offer your Rottweiler water throughout your run and keep them from gulping down large amounts in one sitting. It’s safer for them to take small sips of water in frequent intervals, as over drinking water when dehydrated can cause vomiting and may put them at risk of bloat.
Check Your Rottweiler’s Paws Regularly
Paw pad damage is often an indicator that your Rottweiler is overdoing it. Therefore, examine your dog’s paws after each run and check for signs of wear and tear. Damaged paw pads often look red and sore, and they can also be cracked or bleeding. They’re often painful when touched, and you may also notice your dog limping.
Avoid Running in Extreme Weather
Running when it’s too hot or too cold can put your Rottweiler’s health and safety at risk. Hot weather can cause dogs to overheat and experience heat exhaustion. Running when it’s too cold can cause frostbite and lead to hypothermia.
Provide Off-Leash Running in Safe Areas
It’s also important to note that many Rottweilers enjoy off-leash exploration. Off-leash exploration is an excellent enrichment activity that enables both physical exercise and mental stimulation. Letting dogs take their time to sniff can also provide your dog with some enrichment.
Of course, it’s important to ensure Rottweilers are only allowed off-leash when outside in safe areas. Rottweilers may have a strong prey drive, and it’s highly likely they’ll pursue squirrels, rabbits, and other small animals relentlessly when they’re off-leash. So, it’s important to ensure they’re inside a safely contained area with secure fencing so that they won’t roam and get lost.
Conclusion
Rottweilers are not the fastest dog breed, but they can run at speeds up to 25 mph for short distances. Their middle of the pack speed can make them great running companions, just be sure to warm them up properly and increase running distances gradually.
It’s important to be mindful of your Rottweiler’s safety whenever they prepare to run, especially as they age. Knowing your Rottweiler’s limits will prevent overexertion and injury and ensure your Rottweiler can continue to enjoy running for a long time.
Featured Image Credit: Ricantimages, Shutterstock