I enjoy participating in several forums centered around all things Rottweiler. I live here in the Southernmost region of the United States, where my main concern is keeping my Rottweiler, Maximus, cool and comfortable. I hadn’t considered the opposite problem until I saw it addressed in a forum. Someone asked, “Do Rottweilers Need a Winter Coat?”.
My curiosity was piqued so I began some independent research and will share what I learned with you here today.
Do Rottweilers Need a Winter Coat? When the temperature drops below freezing, YES, your Rottweiler will benefit from wearing a winter coat. Find out why and when you might consider a winter coat for your Rottie.
Understanding that a Floridian like myself might describe the word “cold” differently than someone who lives in Alaska, I took more than one factor into consideration in my research. So let’s get down to it!
In this article, you’ll discover what factors you should consider when contemplating whether you should put a coat on your Rottie. You’ll learn more about the “winter coat” he already wears, and how to enjoy winter temps with your four-legged buddy safely.
Additionally, I’ll go over proper shelter for a Rottweiler lives outside, and when to bring him inside. Lastly, we’ll take a look at some helpful products for Rottie who rock the winter season!
Doesn’t a Rottweiler Already Have a “Winter Coat”?
You’re right! Rottweilers are one of the dog breeds that has a shorter, more course coat under the coat you can see. During colder temperatures, this second coat becomes thicker with fur, helping to better insulate him. However, this protects him only to a certain extent. There are certain winter conditions which call for more than his natural protective coat!
DID YOU KNOW? Most of the shedding you sweep up comes from your Rottie’s undercoat!
Rottweilers Have a Cold History
Rottweilers were recognized as a breed when the Romans settled in Rottweil, Germany. There, the temperature only reaches 70 degrees (f) during the months of July and August.
Surely, Rotties raised there developed a higher tolerance for cold temperatures! It is believed that Rotties migrated with their humans to the United States in the 1920s, forcing the breed to adapt to higher temperatures.
DID YOU KNOW? Rottweilers were first used as “drover dogs” moving cattle and sheep from one location to another.
How Cold is Too Cold for Your Rottweiler?
There is more to consider than the temperature when deciding how long your Rottweiler can safely be outside in winter temperatures.
3 Factors to Consider Regarding Your Rottweiler in Winter
- Wind Chill- Although wind chill does not change the temperature, it does change how quickly body heat dissipates, making your Rottie’s body react as if the temperature were actually lower.
- Cloud Coverage- Even in the coldest temperatures, the sun is a warming factor. When the sun is behind thick cloud coverage, this little bit of cold relief vanishes.
- Moisture- Snowy rain is called sleet and it saturates skin just like rain. Furthermore, when freezing snow hits warm skin, it melts, leaving your Rottie’s fur and skin just as wet as rain would. This moisture promotes a more rapid loss of body heat.
DID YOU KNOW? Some Rottweilers brave cold temperatures often as search and rescue dogs!
Protecting Your Rottweiler’s Paws During Winter
Like humans, Rottweilers are subject to frostbite. The areas of a Rottie’s body that are most susceptible to frostbite are his ears, nose, tail, paws, legs, and genitals. Additionally, if you live in an area that uses salt for de-icing sidewalks and roads, this salt can be an irritant to your Rottie’s paws.
Aside from bringing him indoors, there are 2 Ways to Protect Your Rottweiler’s Paws in Extreme Cold:
- Paw Balm- This inexpensive balm can be found in any pet care display, or bought online. It can be used as a precautionary measure, or as a treatment for paw pads that are irritated for any reason. It softens the skin and adds a layer of protection.
- Booties- Although your Rottie may initially protest to having booties on his feet, they are an excellent measure of protection when he will be out in winter months for a prolonged period of time. Taking your Rottie hunting or hiking are two examples of when you might consider booties. Remember that booties are moisture and cold resistant. They are not 100% protection.
DID YOU KNOW? Some Rottweilers, although it is not the breed standard, have webbed feet!
Signs of Frostbite on Your Rottweiler
If you see any of the following signs of frostbite, it’s time to get your Rottie indoors!
- Discoloration of skin in the areas prone to frostbite (discussed above).
- Prone areas are painful or cold to the touch.
- Swelling in prone areas.
- Your Rottie experiences pain as the prone area(s) are warmed.
Treating Frostbite on Your Rottweiler
If your Rottweiler exhibits signs of frostbite, first get him to warm shelter. Next, slowly warm the area with warm (not hot) water. Do NOT apply direct heat like a heating pad or hairdryer, and do NOT rub the area.
This could cause permanent tissue damage. If the area has turned black or does not warm to the tough, I urge you to get your Rottie to his veterinarian immediately!
DID YOU KNOW? Frostbite can lead to serious complications that can be fatal!
Dog Houses Designed for Winter 
A good winter dog house should be at least insulated, and at best have a heated floor like THIS ONE, shown above found on Amazon.
DID YOU KNOW? A Rottweiler can freeze to death in a sub-standard dog house!
Normal Routines for Your Rottweiler in the Winter Season
Things like taking your Rottweiler for a walk, exercising him, and outdoor playtime can continue through the winter months. As a rule of thumb, address your Rottweiler’s need for temperature precautions as you would your own. If it’s too cold for you to be out for more than a few minutes, it’s too cold for him, too!
DID YOU KNOW? Your Rottie may enjoy the same kinds of winter fun that you do. Hiking, hunting, and even sledding are more opportunities to bond with your Rottie!
Danger Signs that Your Rottweiler is Too Cold
It’s time to get your Rottie to warm shelter if he starts exhibiting these 5 behaviors:
- Shivering
- Whining
- Anxiety
- Slowing Down
- Paw Lifting
Can Rottweilers Get Hypothermia?
Hypothermia is a condition in which the body temperature drops dangerously low. If you see your Rottie exhibiting the following red flags, he is in potential danger of developing hypothermia:
- Excessive Urination
- Rapid Breathing
- Cold Feet and/or Ears
- Hair Standing on End
Treating Hypothermia in Rottweilers
When you see any of the above signs, get your Rottie to warm shelter! Be sure he is dry (if wet) and wrap him in a warm towel or blanket. Carefully monitor your Rottweiler as his body temperature slowly returns to normal. Your Rottweiler will need IMMEDIATE medical care if he displays any of these 3 symptoms:
- Your Rottie’s Breathing Becomes Slow and Shallow
- He Becomes Lethargic or Disoriented
- The Shivering has Stopped, but Your Rottie is Still Cold to the Touch
DID YOU KNOW? Rottweiler Puppies and Senior Rotties are more susceptible to hypothermia.
Winter weather need not ruin your Rottweiler’s normal routines or activities! Simple precautionary measures can help prevent a tragic outcome. As responsible Rottie owners and lovers, we need only address his winter-time needs in the same way we address our own.
Keep your Rottie warm when temperatures drop below freezing. Protect the pads of his feet and keep him away from ice and water. Following the simple guidelines addressed in this article will allow your Rottie to enjoy winter as much as any other season!
DID YOU KNOW? Rottweilers will live through 8-12 winters in their life.
Your Rottweiler and Extreme Climates
On the opposite end of the climate spectrum, extreme heat, there are precautionary measures to ensure your Rottie’s safety and well-being, too. Learn more about these precautions by reading “Can Rottweilers Live in Hot Weather?”
Keep Weather in Mind When Traveling With Your Rottweiler
When planning a trip with your Rottweiler, always check on the weather conditions of your destination. A trip as little as four hours away from home can find you in VERY different weather than what you and your Rottweiler are used to!
The old adage “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is wise to apply when traveling! For more great travel tips for your Rottweiler, check out THIS helpful and informative post!
If your Rottweiler is kept outside, they will need some warm items. I did some research for you, keeping quality and cost in mind, and found some warm things for your Rottie.
CLICK HERE FOR BIG DOG COLD WEATHER SUPPLIES FROM AMAZON
*This article has been reviewed in accordance with our editorial policy.
