Behavioural risk profiling in Rottweilers (Canis lupus familiaris): A survey-based analysis

This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors for behavioural issues in Rottweiler dogs in Zimbabwe, a topic that has not been systematically studied in the country. A cross-sectional design was used, with a validated questionnaire distributed to Rottweiler owners in Harare, Bulawayo, and the Midlands provinces. The questionnaire captured information on dog and owner characteristics, housing conditions, training practices, and fear-related behaviours. Of the 256 participants, 97.2% (n = 249) reported one or more behavioural issues in their dogs, with fear (18%, n = 90) and disobedience (11%, n = 54) being the most common problems. Fear of noises (10%, n = 51) was the most prevalent fear-related behaviour, and inter-dog hostility (8%, n = 40) emerged as the leading aggression issue. Factors such as housing in apartments were linked to a heightened likelihood of fear-related problems compared to living in houses with gardens or outdoor arrangements. Conversely, increased training frequency was associated with a lower likelihood of fear, aggression, and disobedience, and advancing age in dogs was correlated with a reduction in disobedience-related behaviours. These findings align with existing research while offering fresh insights into the epidemiology of behavioural issues in domestic dogs, emphasising the need for targeted interventions to improve animal welfare, reduce behavioural problems, and prevent the surrender or abandonment of Rottweilers in Zimbabwe.