When I let my friends know I’d decided on a Rottie puppy almost two years ago, more than one person warned me Rottweilers carried a high risk of locking their jaw. It got me thinking, Can Rottweilers Lock Their Jaw?
By the time I’d made my decision, though, I’d done my research on what was the truth about Rotties, and what is a myth.
This is what I found out…
So, can Rottweilers lock their jaw?
No, Rottweilers cannot lock their jaws. No breed has jaws that lock to a point they’re unopenable. It’s a myth. However, there are other jaw-related issues you will want to know about.
The only “Lock” on a Rottie’s jaw (other than having the medical issue known as Lockjaw) is his own level of determination to disobey the “RELEASE!” order from his owner when he “locks” onto something he shouldn’t.
Rottweiler Lockjaw
What is Lockjaw?
The only “Locked Jaw” you need to worry about concerning your Rottie is the kind that can develop from arthritis, illness, neurological disorders, or tetanus after a cut.
Rotties ARE susceptible to tetanus, and a veterinarian must be consulted WHENEVER your dog gets cut!
Signs that a Rottweiler has Lockjaw
(Source: Wag Walking)
- Abnormal facial expression Paralysis of facial expression
- Swelling
- Pain
- Dehydration
- Salivation
- Inability or difficulty with opening the jaw
- Inability to close the jaw
- Masticatory muscle atrophy (may display as a weakness when chewing or biting)
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Jawbone shift (may only be evident upon veterinarian examination)
And so, there is a difference between Lockjaw and a Rottweiler locking his jaw!
- Lockjaw is a medical condition resulting from illness, injury, neurological disorders or arthritis.
- A Locked Jaw is a dog’s determination to keep hold of what he’s been commanded to release.
Lockjaw, Dropjaw and Rottweiler Chew Toys
What breeds of dogs can get Lockjaw?
Any dog breed is susceptible to getting Lockjaw. It is a medical condition that can stem from illness, arthritis, neurological disorders, and tetanus.
How to Break a Rottweiler’s “Lock”
If your Rottweiler has a bite-hold on anything and “locks” on to it, in your most authoritative voice, issue the “RELEASE!” command.
Can Chew Toys Cause Lockjaw in Your Rottweiler?
A Rottweiler (or any dog) can injure their jaw muscles or Temporomandibular joint with an object they are chewing on.
It won’t cause immediate Lockjaw but can contribute to it on a cumulative basis.
This is why you must do the research before selecting your Rottie’s toys!
You’re Rottweiler Could Develop Dropjaw
What is Dropjaw?
Pet MD says Dropjaw is the sudden onset of the inability to close the jaw. It has to do with dysfunction of the mandibular (jaw) branch of the trigeminal nerves. These are cranial nerves. Drop jaw is a treatable medical condition. Its medical name is trigeminal nerve neuritis (inflammation). This is often a result of nerve injury.
Symptoms and Types of Dropjaw
- Acute onset of a dropped jaw
- Inability to close the mouth
- Drooling
- Difficulty in getting food in the mouth
- Messy eating
- Causes of Dropjaw
- The cause of trigeminal nerve neuritis is currently unknown, though it is most likely immune-mediated.
Do humans get conditions similar to Lockjaw or Dropjaw?
I know a person who has Drop Foot, a side-effect from Guillain Barre Syndrome. This syndrome is also neurological in origin and immune-mediated.
GBS is ascending. Numbness and/or paralysis begin in the feet and work upward on the body.
Humans are also susceptible to Lockjaw, usually acquired through untreated tetanus.
Why the myth that Rotties can lock their jaw?
Without question, it is harder to break the “lock” a Rottie may take with their mouths compared to other dogs. This fact most likely perpetuated the rumor that their jaw was locked and couldn’t be opened without breaking it.
What makes a Rottweiler’s jaw so much stronger than other dogs?
- Large Head
- Strongest of all the canine’s Jaw Muscle
Combined, these two factors make a Rottweiler’s bite force more than 300 pounds of pressure per square inch! It’s simple anatomy a Rottie’s Jaw is so powerful it seems to “lock”, not a super-strength Rotties possess!
If you find this interesting…Find out more about the bite force of a Rottweiler and other animals.
Preventing a Rottweiler from biting
#1 PROPER TRAINING~ The primary defense for not having your Rottweiler bite what it shouldn’t is obedience to your commands. Classes exist for pups as young as eight weeks, or you can begin training your Rottie yourself at the same age. Don’t forget that a muzzle is an important tool in preventing bites!
Most dogs are trainable at any age. Discuss your training options with your veterinarian, and follow through with their recommendation. Any untrained dog will not be obedient.
#2 Proper Restraint~ Check your state laws for specifics, but Rottweilers, or any other pet dog, must be under your control at all times. Proper kennels, runs, leashes, collars or harnesses must be used at all times!
Your Rottie can only run free in specified areas, and not even there if they are not trained to obey your commands.
#3 BREAK STICK~ It’s smart for owners of large breed dogs to carry a Break Stick when walking, and have one handy at home because the bizarre does occur.
A Break Stick is a device inserted into the mouth of a dog (behind their molars) to facilitate the release of their grip on anything.
If he is leashed or harnessed, tug firmly to return your Rottie to your side, issuing the “HEEL!” command.
If neither of these tactics work, use a “Break Stick”.
A responsible Rottweiler owner who has been diligent about training and given plenty of affection to their dog will have no use for a Break Stick. It’s good to remember, though, and to respect, that a Rottie has the potential to inflict great harm with their powerful bite.
When it comes to thinking he is protecting you, the old adage “Dogs will be dogs!” is appropriate. Even the most gentle giants will do what they deem necessary to protect their own!
Please Note: Never ever never stick your hand into your Rottweiler’s mouth to try and force him to release his grip! An injury may occur!
Should Rottweilers have Chew Toys?
Like all dogs, your Rottie has an inherent trait: the need to chew. Chewing helps break teeth for pups, can help clean teeth for adult Rotties and prevents boredom for all dogs of all ages!
Toys are also a great way for you and your Rottie to bond. Playtime is as important as mealtime!
What are the Best Chew Toys for Rottweilers?
With jaws that can exert over 300 pounds of pressure per square inch, durability is paramount in a chew toy for Rotties.
This is NOT an area to cut corners, moneywise. Rottweilers will demolish cheap or poorly constructed chew toys in moments!
Do your research, read product reviews. Compare.
~~~NEVER buy your Rottie toys with small pieces attached or any adornments at all. These can be chewed off and present a choking hazard, or cause tears and perforations in your dog’s mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines or anus.
The Best Chew Toy Brand for Rottweilers
Rottweilers and their humans have been consistently delighted with the integrity and quality of “Kong” dog toys. They are virtually indestructible and exceedingly strong! Find chew toys for large breed dogs here…
KONG CHEW TOYS FOR LARGE BREED DOGS
Should Rottweilers Eat Chewing Tobacco?
You may have heard the old adage that says to feed Rotties chewing tobacco for worm prevention.
This method of all-natural worm prevention has been used for years. However, while the nicotine in chewing tobacco poisons parasites, it does present a risk of poisoning your Rottie if the wrong dosage is used.
Diatomaceous Earth is a safer all-natural solution.
Related Topic
To learn more about Rottweiler-appropriate chew toys, I invite you to read “Tough Toys Your Rottweiler Will Love”.
*This article has been reviewed in accordance with our editorial policy.
