The Rottie Rumble: A Sign of Happiness or Aggression? What You Need to Know

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Learn the difference between rottweiler “rumbling” and growling
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If you have a Rottweiler, you’ve probably heard them make a low, rumbling sound when you’re petting or playing with them. This is known as the “rottie rumble,” and while it may sound like an aggressive growl, it’s actually a sign your dog is happy. In this article, we explain what the rottie rumble is and how it differs from a growl. We also interviewed professional dog trainers and behavior specialists to teach you about actual signs of aggression in Rottweilers, what other Rottweiler vocalizations mean, and whether Rottweilers are an aggressive breed.

Rottie Rumble: Quick Overview

The rottie rumble is a low, rumbling sound Rottweilers make when they’re happy or content. While this sounds similar to a growl, the rottie rumble is accompanied by relaxed body language rather than aggressive behavior. It may sound intimidating, but it is often a sign of positive emotions.

Section 1 of 5:

What is the rottie rumble?

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  1. Unlike an actual growl, Rottweilers exhibit no other signs of aggression when doing the rottie rumble. The vocalization can sound intimidating because it’s so similar to a growl, but it typically means the dog is feeling happy, playful, or content. [1]
    • The sound is called the “rottie rumble” because it is mainly made by Rottweilers and not other dog breeds. This is also sometimes called “purring.”
    • Dogs often do the rottie rumble when they’re being pet , played with , or receiving another form of affection.
    • Typically, the rottie rumble is accompanied by relaxed body language and a lack of bared teeth.
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Section 2 of 5:

Signs of Aggression in Rottweilers

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  1. 1
    Growling and snarling For most dogs, growling and snarling are a strong indication that the dog is aggressive. If you’re not sure if your Rottweiler is growling or rumbling, do not approach and observe the rest of the dog’s behavior and body language. [2]
    • Even if the dog isn’t making sound, it may bare its teeth as a warning to back off.
  2. 2
    Stiff and rigid posture When a dog’s body is stiff and still, it usually means the dog feels uneasy. The dog is on high alert and is in a position where it can act quickly if it feels threatened. It may lunge or lean forward if it’s about to attack. [3]
  3. 3
    Raised hackles When a dog raises its hackles, the hair on its neck and back will stand on end. This is a response to heightened arousal, so it could mean the dog is aggressive if it feels threatened or defensive. However, raised hackles can also be a sign of fear, curiosity, or excitement, so it’s important to monitor the dog’s other body language. [4]
    • When you’re faced with an aggressive dog, dog trainer Belgin Altundag stresses, “You really have to be calm and assertive. Take a deep breath. No touch, no talk, no eye contact. I would move slowly, and I would not look down or baby-talk the dog.”
  4. 4
    An intense stare and pinned-back ears Dogs use eye contact to assert dominance, so a dog giving you a hard stare is often a sign of aggression. Similarly, when a dog pins its ears back , it’s instinctively trying to protect them from getting bitten. This could mean the dog is prepared to fight. [5]
  5. 5
    Tail flagging A dog’s tail can tell you a lot about how they’re feeling. Tail flagging is when a dog holds its tail high and stiffly waves it back and forth. While dogs typically wag their tails to show happiness, this behavior often indicates the dog is displeased and could be aggressive. [6]
    • When attempting to train an aggressive dog, dog trainer Elisabeth Weiss says, “If the dog feels insecure, let it back away so it does not feel trapped. The more control a dog has over an exercise like that, the more they can develop trust …It’s definitely not a good idea to force a dog to do anything or to punish a dog for being fearful.”
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Section 3 of 5:

What if my Rottweiler shows teeth?

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  1. Showing teeth isn’t always a sign of aggression. Some Rottweilers may show their teeth while doing the rottie rumble. Many people assume this is automatically a sign of aggression, but that isn’t always the case. Some dogs just show their teeth, or “smile,” more than others. However, showing teeth can definitely be a sign of aggression in certain situations. This is why it’s important to observe the rest of the dog’s body language. If its body is tense and its hackles are raised, it’s probably aggressive. [7]
    EXPERT TIP

    Indigo Will

    Professional Canine Expert
    Indigo Will is a Canine Expert, Trainer, and Founder and Owner of K9-INDIGO® Holistic Dog Training LLC™, a dog training service in Los Angeles, California. Indigo specializes in understanding canine temperament and dispositions to allow canines to reach their full potential. He has studied various methods of training and philosophies to develop a unique, innovative, and result-driven method for canine behavior training.
    Indigo Will
    Professional Canine Expert

    Read a dog’s body language before petting them. Dogs are constantly showing us body language about when to proceed and when not to proceed. Every tail wag doesn’t mean they’re happy, and every growl doesn’t mean they’re going to bite you. Pay attention to these behaviors in relation to each other.

Section 4 of 5:

Other Rottweiler Vocalization Meanings

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  1. 1
    Barking can mean your Rottweiler is excited. When your Rottweiler is excited, they may emit a high-pitched bark accompanied by a full-body wag. This type of bark often means your dog is feeling playful and welcoming, especially if they do it while playing or when greeting you at the door. [8]
    • If the bark is low and agitated, however, your Rottweiler may be feeling protective or defensive. This type of bark serves as a warning to back off, especially if it’s loud and steady. Your dog may bark this way when they see a stranger, for instance.
  2. 2
    Whining may mean your dog wants attention. Rottweilers often whine when they don’t have enough stimulation. Your dog may sit next to you and whine when they want your attention, so make sure they’re properly stimulated to help prevent this. Play with your dog regularly and give them toys to play with when you aren’t around. [9]
    • On the other hand, whining can also indicate pain or fear. Observe your dog’s body language to make sure they’re feeling okay. For example, if your dog has a limp or is keeping to themselves, they may be sick or injured. It’s a good idea to take them to the vet.
    • In general, it’s easy to tell if a dog wants to be pet or not, but it’s possible to misread their body language. Canine behavior specialist Colleen Demling-Riley explains, “A dog will willingly roll onto their back and softly wag while being pet. Some dogs are insecure and will roll on their back but do not want to be pet. Observe the body language to see if they want to be pet. If the dog is stiff, avoiding eye contact, or using their paws to cover their stomach and chest area, they do not want to be pet.
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Section 5 of 5:

Are Rottweilers aggressive?

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  1. Rottweilers are a large breed that often get a bad rap for being scary and aggressive. However, dog trainer David Schmucker assures us, “That’s not true. They have characteristics that, if enhanced, can make them that way, but naturally, I’d say no. If the environment is comfortable and loving, they’re not going to be aggressive.”
    • If your dog is aggressive, “You have to change your mind that they’re a bad dog,” explains Weiss. “Some dogs are more reactive than others. Some are aggressive because they’re afraid. Observe their body language to figure out if they’re afraid, if there are possibly some genetic predispositions, or a mixture of the two.”

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      Warnings

      • Never punish aggressive behavior, as this may only escalate the situation. Reach out to a behavior professional for a behavior modification program.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://dogo.app/do-rottweilers-growl-when-happy/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/aggression-in-dogs/
      3. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/aggression
      4. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/warning-signs-aggressive-dog-fight-bite-barking/
      5. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/warning-signs-aggressive-dog-fight-bite-barking/
      6. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/aggression-in-dogs/
      7. ↑ https://beyondthedogtraining.com/dog-training/why-does-my-dog-show-their-teeth/
      8. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/meaning-dogs-barks/
      9. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/whining

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