Dogs - Collar & Leash

If you are looking for a pet that can help keep your family safe from pesky snakes, along with other threats, a rottweiler may seem like a great choice. Rottweilers are great dogs, they are basically fearless, fiercely loyal, and surprisingly affectionate and cuddly dogs, and so they seem to have it all. But, snakes are really dangerous, so can a rottie take on a snake? Can a Rottweiler Kill a Snake? Rottweilers can kill snakes. Rottweilers are fiercely protective dogs with high prey drive and will attack snakes if they feel they pose a threat to themselves, their family, or their territory. A Rottweiler will try to bite the snake and shake it to kill it if they feel threatened by the snake. However, if you are looking for a dog that is better suited for killing snakes, a rottweiler may actually not be the first choice. To learn why Rottweilers should not be your first choice, why snakes are dangerous on rottweilers, and how to keep your rottie safe, keep reading. Can a Rottweiler Detect a Snake? Yes, Rottweilers can detect snakes. Rottweilers are natural hunters and will happily investigate suspicious rustles in the bushes. Rottweilers, like all dogs, have incredible senses of smell and hearing, so they can easily sniff out a snake. Their sense of smell is second-to-none and they have an acute ability to discern scents at long ranges making them excellent hunters with high prey drive. Research also shows that the scents of snake are more intriguing to dogs than most other scents, so the smell of a snake even from far away will intrigue your dog . However, they are not the best choice for protection from snakes. In fact, Rottweilers can kill a snake as mentioned above and may even be more likely to attack a snake then other dogs that don't have such high prey drive or protective instincts. This means they are also more likely to be bitten by snakes. Can Rotties Protect You From Snakes? Rottweilers can protect you from snakes, but if you live in a snake-infested area, you should consider a terrier because they are better snake-hunters than any other dog. Terriers were originally bred to hunt and kill rodents, and while snakes are a level-up from rats, terriers can still take them down. You can learn more about why terriers are the better choice in this article on the best dogs to kill snakes here. How do Rottweilers kill snakes? It appears that dog snake-killing methods are hereditary. The dog's natural impulse to violently shake a snake causes the delicate spine that runs down the length of the snake to be damaged. The dog's actions and posture prevent the snake from striking in the dog's direction. There is risk for the dog while attempting to capture the snake. A good snake dog will wait for the right opportunity to attack and kill the snake. Dogs have a natural proclivity for snakes, but not all dogs are inclined to chase them. Here is a video showing how a rottweiler attacks a snake: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yM5g9-bduA You can also learn exxactly why do dogs kill snakes here. There are numerous dog breeds that do not instinctively pursue snakes on their own property.This is why it's critical to ensure that your dog has been trained from a young age to identify snakes as a danger and taught how to kill them if they encounter one. However, even these dogs are occasionally bitten. Vaccines for dogs who reside in rattlesnake-infested regions are now available, and you can learn how they work in this article that explains why dogs are not afraid of snakes here. What to do if your Rottweiler kills a snake? You should visit your veterinarian as soon as possible if your dog has killed a snake. The snake's venom might be harmful to your dog. Take a photo of the snake so that your veterinarian may locate the appropriate therapy quickly and receive all available information. It's also better if you can call them while you're on the road. Can Rottweilers Keep Snakes Away? Rottweilers can keep snakes away. Snakes are afraid of dogs, and rottweilers are large, aggressive, protective dogs - one of the things snakes hate the most. Rottweilers are also attentive and alert, and they will move in the direction of a snake if they feel it, in which case the majority of snakes will flee right away. Snakes are afraid of dogs , and they will naturally try to avoid them. Should I punish my dog for killing a snake? If your dog kills a snake, it is important not to punish him afterwards as he might have been trying to protect you from the snake. Instead, take him or her to see a veterinarian right away so that the snake's venom can be treated. Can Rottweilers smell snakes? Most dogs can smell snakes if they are close enough. Dogs have a highly developed sense of smell , and they are able to detect snakes from a great distance. Do Rottweilers need snake protection? All dogs that are not raised in areas with very low rattlesnake populations should be protected against venomous bites, since this is what can happen if your dog encounters one of these reptiles even when far away from their dens. This is why it's important to ensure that your dog has been trained from a young age, especially if you live in an area with rattlesnakes . What happens if a Rottweiler meets a snake? It depends on the situation and where the encounter happened. However, even though rottweilers are large, strong dogs, they are not immune to snake bites. If you happen to be hiking in an area with venomous snakes , it's important that your dog has been vaccinated beforehand and you should keep them on a leash to prevent them from going to investigate the snake and getting bitten. Helpful Resources Rottweiler Breed Information - AKC