CAN MY ROTTWEILER SLEEP OUTSIDE?

What Size Kennel Does My Rottweiler Need?

A kennel should be perfectly proportionate to the size of the dog. Contrary to what you may think, bigger doesn't always mean better. Being a large dog, a Rottweiler will need a fairly large kennel, but there’s no point buying one that’s any bigger than it needs to be. Dogs like to feel surrounded and protected. Ideally, your dog's kennel should be about ten centimetres higher than their standing height. Your Rottweiler should be able to stand up and turn around without touching the walls. Lengthwise, choose a kennel twice the length of your four-legged friend, measured from nose to tail. Additionally, since kennels don’t have heating, your Rott will warm it up with their own body heat; the more space around them, the more difficult it will be to keep warm.

Please note: If you plan to buy a kennel for your Rottweiler puppy, it’s no use planning ahead and trying to buy one taking into account their predicted adult size, for the reasons mentioned above. You will instead need to invest in more than one kennel during your dog’s growth phase, to adapt to their increasing size and weight. For this reason, you may want to wait until your dog is fully grown before transitioning them to sleeping outdoors.

What's the Best Material for an Outdoor Kennel?

Size isn't everything. The quality of your Rottweiler's kennel also depends on the material used to build it. There are two main types of kennel on the market, each with its pros and cons:

• Plastic kennels: These have the advantage of being lighter, easy to clean, more easily transportable, and also much less expensive.  However, they are not so well insulated nor robust and can deteriorate quickly. This means that your dog may be too hot in summer and too cold in winter.

• Wooden kennels: These are more expensive but offer better insulation both from the cold and the heat. They are also much sturdier and constitute a better investment in the long term. Wooden kennels are however more difficult to clean and move, which means they require more maintenance.

If you live in an area with a lot of rainfall, opt for a kennel with a sloped roof. This prevents water from stagnating and damaging the kennel. Alternatively, if you live in a rather dry area, choose a kennel with a flat roof. Dogs love to settle on top of their kennel and use it as a viewpoint to observe their territory.

Where Should I Put My Rottweiler's Kennel?

Think carefully about where in the garden to place your dog's kennel. Try to situate it in a strategic location, where your dog has an unobstructed view of the whole of their territory. Do not place your dog's kennel in direct sunlight during the summer nor exposed to the wind. If you can, move your dog's kennel into the shade when it's hot. Remember to place a bowl of fresh water nearby at all times, and especially in summer when the temperature rises. If temperatures get too hot in the summer, don't leave your Rottweiler outside. This dog does not tolerate high temperatures very well.

You can also place the kennel on a pillory or a concrete slab to elevate it slightly from the ground and improve insulation. This will help to protect your dog against parasites and insects as well. Above all, never tie your dog up in front of their kennel! It's important that your dog can move freely about the garden and easily find shelter if need be. Finally, make sure your garden is fully enclosed to prevent any attempt to run away.

Can Rottweilers Sleep Indoors?

Of course, your Rottweiler will also be perfectly happy sleeping inside your home. Again, you will need to choose their sleep accessories well to ensure your pooch gets good rest. Your dog may prefer a basket-type dog bed with a raised edge, a pillow dog bed without a rim, a rug, a dog sofa, or even a cage. Whichever the case may be, make sure it is perfectly suited to your Rottweiler’s size. When lying down, the edges should just touch your dog on all sides, so that they feel safe and secure but not cramped. 

The choice of material is also important! If your pooch has destructive tendencies, you’ll be better off with a plastic dog bed, which is sturdier and much easier to clean than a fabric or leather dog bed, for example. A plastic dog bed also saves you from pest infestations, such as dust mites. Plastic dog beds are less comfortable than other types of dog bed, but you can make them cosy and comfortable by adding blankets and pillows. In any case, avoid wicker baskets, which are more likely to be destroyed. Your dog could swallow the debris, causing intestinal obstruction or suffocation.

Create a sleeping area for your Rottweiler in a quiet area, such as a corner of the living room; somewhere out of the way, which is airy and well ventilated. Your dog must be able to rest there without fear of being woken up. Try to avoid having your dog's bed in your bedroom, so as not to disrupt the family hierarchy or risk your pooch developing an over-attachment to you. This could be harmful to their well-being in the long run. If you have children, teach them not to disturb your Rottweiler while they’re sleeping. No matter how nice your dog is normally, they might react badly to being woken up.