NotABully.org is reader-supported. We may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page.
Rottweilers are big, powerful and intellegent dogs. As a result, these big pups sometimes need different accessories than your typical dog. Not only is picking up the right beds, collars and toys going to make your Rottie happy, but it can also make your life easier as you have the right equipement to manage your big goofy Rottweiler!
While there’s no toy to replace training and proper socialization, the right accessories can help you and your Rottie have more fun!
We’ll go over all our favorites choices for that special Rottweiler but if you’d like to skip ahead and see the full list, here are the essentials:
- Best Harness for Pulling: PET ARTIST Dog Sled Weight Pulling Training Harness
- Best Muzzle: Mayerzon Basket Muzzle
- Best Everday Toy: KONG - Extreme Dog Toy
- Best Collar: Max and Neo Stainless Steel Chain Martingale Collar
- Best Head Halter: PetSafe Gentle Leader Headcollar
- Best Leash: Black Rhino Dog Leash
- Best Tug of War Toy: Tug Toy Training Bite Pillow
- Best Dog Bed: PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed
- Best Water Fountain:
How Are the Best Accessories for Rottweilers Different?
A Rottweiler’s size, strength, and very powerful jaws mean they have different needs than other breeds. Rottweilers can easily crush toys that would work well for dogs with less powerful jaws or less strength overall. They may also be able to break or slip out of a leash and collar that would hold other dogs.
There are also toys and accessories that tap into the long history of the breed but wouldn’t make sense for other breeds. For example, I’m a big fan of sled pulling for Rottweilers which makes sense when you consider their long history pulling carts (which is one reason why they breed historical had a docked tail). Smaller breeds aren’t even able to pull a sled and for others there are better exercises and accessories that just make more sense.
There there are the daily accessories like leashes and collars. Picking the right set up here can make walks not only easier but also less stressful as you know that you’re in control of your pup. Rotties are also known for being more than little messy, especially at the water bowl, which is why we’ve added one of our favorite automatic water bowls to the list.
Then there are nice to haves like a basket muzzle. Even if your Rottweiler doesn’t have any aggression issues, a basket muzzle can set veterinary staff at ease which will help everyone feel more comfortable!
What to Look for in Rottweiler Accessories
Let’s take a look at a few of the most important things to look for when finding the perfect Rottweiler gear!
Size
Obviously bigger dogs will need bigger accessories. Unlike some other breeds, Rottweilers are relatively proportional and big all over. Compare the big Rottie to the very deep chested but otherwise thin Doberman and you’ll see what I mean. While they’re both big breeds, they’ve got very different needs when it comes to sizing and Rotties need something that’s just plain big! Even accessories that may be marketed towards large dogs aren’t always strong enough for a Rottweiler.
Strength & Durability
With all that extra size comes more strength and power. Toys, beds, bowls and just about every other Rottweiler accessory needs to be ready to stand up to our powerful pups. We’ve looked specifically for gear that’s up to the task.
Easy to Clean
While Rotties aren’t the messiest breeds, they do have their fair share of drooling and shedding, so you want to choose accessories that are easy for you to clean up regularly. This is especially true of anything that’s going your Rottie’s mouth. Slobber isn’t very fun to clean so you want to make sure the process is as easy as possible.
Safety
Of course, we always want any accessory for our pets to be safe. But we always want to make sure we’re factoring in the size and power of Rottweilers when we’re picking the right accessories. Is the item small enough for a big Rottie to swallow? Can they create any sharp edges by chewing?
Is This Everything A Rottweiler Needs?
Not all!
There are several items that didn’t make the list because they either deserve their own article or because we didn’t want this article to get too long! For example, if you’re looking for accessories to manage shedding you can check out this article which goes over an entire brushing, bathing and grooming routine. Grooming and shedding is such a big topic that we felt it needed it’s own article!
We’ve also got articles that go in-depth on a specific accessory, like this one on Rottweiler collars. So while this isn’t meant to give you everything your Rottweiler needs it will give you some great ideas for possible upgrades.
Best Accessories for Rottweilers
With the background information out of the way, it’s time to talk about our favorite accessories starting with one piece of equipment you may not have thought of before…
Best Pulling Harness: PET ARTIST Dog Sled Weight Pulling Training Harness
- ▶DURABLE & STRONG:Made of extremely durable 50 mm wide nylon webbing material with reinforced...
- ▶COMFORTABLE & SAFE:This training harness is padded with wider padding strips that are very soft,...
Rottweilers love to pull. Not only is it a big part of their history as cart pulling dogs, but they’re also very good at it. Many people find that they have difficulty controlling their Rottweiler’s pulling, particularly if they walk their dog in a harness, leading many people to choose a head halter or martingale collar instead.
However, clever owners quickly realize that their Rottweiler’s tendency to pull can actually be an advantage!
Your Rottweiler can pull things around the house or yard to help out with chores or just for the fun of it. Your Rottweiler can also be trained to pull you or members of the family in a cart, on a bike, on a skateboard, or in many other ways.
Whether you want your Rottweiler to pull something just for exercise or you’d like to use their pulling functionally, a good pulling harness is essential.
This harness from PET ARTIST is my go-to. It’s extremely strong and durable, thanks to the 50 mm wide nylon webbing which should be more than enough for most folks. It is designed to distribute tension across your dog’s body so that no particular strain is put on the neck or limbs. This can be particularly important since Rottweilers are prone to hip dysplasia.
This harness can handle resistance of up to 1,200 lb, which makes it ideal for training a large, powerful dog like the Rottweiler. There are wider, padded straps in the neck and chest to relieve pressure where your dog puts the most strain. The company guarantees the harness with a replacement or refund if you are unsatisfied which is always a good sign.
You can read more reviews and check out the latest price on Amazon by clicking here.
What I love about it: The weight distribution on this pull harness is very good, and it is much less likely to cause problems when your dog pulls than a standard harness.
What I wish it had: This harness doesn’t have any reflective lining, which would be nice for nighttime pulls. Because of this, it’s best to use this during the day.
Best Muzzle for Rottweiler: Mayerzon Basket Muzzle
- Tough yet Soft: Made of a pliable Non-toxic rubber, The Basket Muzzle is extremely tough, durable, and...
- Secure and Adjustable Fit: Adjustable nylon neck strap allows you to quickly adjust fit size for your...
Rottweilers naturally have very strong protection instincts, which tend to intensify as dogs reach maturity. Rotties may also experience prey drive and sometimes this is even directed towards smaller dogs.
It is perfectly normal for Rottweilers to begin showing more protection instincts, more intense prey drive, and increasing dog selectivity as they get older. Even if your one or two-year-old Rottweiler has never shown aggression towards anything, they may suddenly begin to show these aggressive characteristics when they are three or four.
Therefore, it is a good idea for all responsible Rottweiler owners to muzzle train their dogs. Muzzle training enables your Rottweiler to become comfortable wearing a muzzle well before they need one. If your Rottweiler begins to display aggressive behavior, the muzzle can keep everybody safe until you understand exactly what your Rottweiler is likely to do.
Think of it like insurance. Hopefully you never need it. But if you do, you’ll be glad it’s there.
I’ve found that preemptive muzzle use can be great for the veterinary office, too. Rottie can be intimading, even to the seasoned professional, and a muzzle can set everyone at ease.
This Mayerzon basket muzzle is made of a pliable non-toxic rubber that is strong enough to do the job but soft enough to keep your Rottie comfortable even if they wear it for extended periods. The design enables your dog to breathe freely and even pant through it, which is why I prefer these muzzles to the traditional ones that keep the mouth compeltely closed.
Your dog can even drink and be fed treats through the muzzle, so it works well for training. This muzzle is secure enough that it is very unlikely your Rottweiler will be able to bite through it no matter how hard they try.
You can check out the latest price and read more reviews on Amazon by clicking here.
What I love about it: Your Rottweiler can breathe freely, drink, and eat treats while wearing this muzzle.
What I wish it had: It would be nice if this muzzle came in some fun color options like pink or turquoise to make it less intimidating-looking.
Best Toy for Rottweiler: KONG Extreme
- Large Dogs (Up to 65 lbs): The KONG Extreme black rubber toy is 2.75" by 4"; it helps satisfy dogs'...
- Fetch and Chew Toy: The KONG Extreme's unpredictable bounce makes for exciting games of fetch and other...
If you can only get your Rottweiler one toy, this heavy-duty Kong should probably be it.
This is one of the most multifunctional toys you can possibly buy. It’s strange shape makes it bounce all over the play so it’s perfect for a game of fetch. It’s a great, heavy-duty chew toy when it’s empy and when stuffed with food will occupy your Rottweiler powerful jaws (and brain) for hours.
Rottweilers have some of the strongest jaws in the dog world, and like all dogs, they need to chew. Rottweilers can quickly destroy most types of chew toys, but the heavy-duty black Kong is likely to be able to hold up to even the most intense chewing.
This toy is trusted by dog owners across the globe, including for powerful chewers like Rottweilers. I have several of these and like to stuff them ahead of time, and freeze them to keep your Rottweiler entertained anytime you need some downtime.
You can read the more than 30,000 reviews and see the latest price on Amazon by clicking here.
What I love about it: This multifunctional toy works well for playing fetch, as a chew toy, and as a food distributing toy.
What I wish it had: There’s not much that the makers of Kong can do about it, but you’ll quickly discover if you play fetch with this toy that it gets very gross and slobbery. Luckily, it’s easy to clean.
Best Collar: Max and Neo Stainless Steel Chain Martingale Collar
If you’re going to walk your Rottweiler on a collar, you’ll likely find a martingale to be the best type to use. Martingale collars tighten enough that it is nearly impossible for it to slip over your Rottweiler’s head when properly fitted, but it won’t tighten so much that it could choke your dog even if they pull hard.
In other words, they’re a great balance.
Martingales provide a comfortable, relaxed fit when your dog isn’t pulling and pressure when your dog does pull, which can be very helpful in training them not to pull.
Even better, the chain portion on this martingale makes a clicking sound as it tightens which will cue your dog that the collar is tightening before they even feel the pressure. This martingale is also a great choice because it has a secure locking buckle which makes it much easier for you to put it on and take it off of your Rottweiler’s thick neck without having to worry about the buckle giving way.
It is highly adjustable to make it easy for you to be sure that it has the exact right fit and is lined with reflective stitching so that your dog will be more visible at night. It also comes in several colors to match your Rottweiler’s style and personality (teal is my favorite).
As an added benefit, you can feel good about purchasing from this company which donates a collar to an animal shelter for every one that is sold. You can click here to read more reviews and see the latest price on Amazon.
What I love about it: This is a very secure, but easy-to-use collar that clearly communicates to your dog when they are pulling- which helps in anti-pull training.
What I wish it had: This collar has a little tab to attach the tag, but it is a little flimsy, so I recommend using a D ring instead.
Best Head Halter: PetSafe Gentle Leader Headcollar
- MOST EFFECTIVE NO-PULL SOLUTION: Designed by a veterinary behaviorist, the Gentle Leader Headcollar is...
- INTERRUPTS YOUR DOG’S INSTINCT TO PULL: Recommended by vets to interrupt your dog’s natural instinct...
Sometimes it can be difficult to keep a big Rottwieler focused on a walk.
This can be even more difficult when you don’t weigh much more than your Rottweiler!
A head halter is a safe and humane way to control a Rottweiler that may be stronger than you are. Head halters work the same way on dogs as they do on horses, giving you control of the head and neck so that the dog is not able to use their strength to pull against you.
It’s not about causing pain or using force to control your Rottie- instead, it’s about getting proper leverage so you can guide your dog without having to apply much force at all.
While abrupt jerks to a head halter can be dangerous, as long as you use the head halter carefully and prevent your Rottweiler from putting sudden strain on it, it can be a superb way to give you control over your walks.
The Gentle Leader brand headcollar has been the standard in the industry for a long time. It is easy to put on and adjust to create a custom fit. It comes in a number of colors and is thin enough that it is unlikely to be mistaken for a muzzle.
Rottweilers aren’t always happy about wearing the head halter at the beginning, but by providing positive reinforcement in the form of treats and the opportunity to take a walk, most are willing to accept them in time.
Another advantage of the head halter is that it gives you complete control over your dog’s attention, enabling you to pull their head away from stimuli that they may be over-focused on or aggressive towards.
You can read more of the 30,000+ reviews of the Gentle Leader and see today’s price on Amazon by clicking here.
What I love about it: This head halter makes it easy for you to take control over your dog on walks, enabling even people who are not particularly strong to handle their Rottweiler with ease.
What I wish it had: It is possible for your Rottweiler to get out of a head halter if it’s not secured properly, so you’ll need to attach it to your dog’s collar.
Best Leash: Black Rhino Dog Leash
- TWO HANDLES - Our leash has two strategically placed handles. One handle allows for the leash to fully...
- BETTER CONTROL - Use the long leash for casual walks, runs, or jogs and also for allowing your dog the...
The Black Rhino leash is another great option for making sure you’re staying in control during walks. There are two separate handles, one that is six feet out for loose leash walking and another that is a foot out to control your dog in close situations or if they are misbehaving.
The closer handle has a fairly slim fit to make it less likely that your dog will step in it when you are using the long handle. Both handles are padded with neoprene to keep your hand comfortable even when your dog pulls hard.
A detachable poop bag pouch is included, which is quite convenient for poop bags or any other accessories that you may have with you. This heavy-duty leash is unlikely to give out no matter how hard your dog pulls, and can even withstand some light biting, although you should certainly not let your Rottweiler chew on it.
A swivel clasp ensures that it won’t get tangled up even if your dog twists around. It comes in a number of attractive colors, each of which has reflective stitching for nighttime safety. Black Rhino offers a no-hassle money-back guarantee so that you can feel confident you will be happy with the leash.
Check out more reviews and see the latest price on Amazon by clicking here.
What I love about it: Tw handles give you great control whether you’re loose leash walking or you need to hold your Rottweiler closer.
What I wish it had: If you want to hold onto the leash anywhere other than the handles it is not particularly comfortable. However, the handles are very comfortable so this usually isn’t an issue.
Best Tug and Training Toy: Dog Tug Toy Dog Training Bite Pillow
- Interactive Dog Toy : Tug toys is great reward and exercise toy, suitable for indoor and outdoor play....
- Not a Chew Toy : This dog tug toy is built safe and tough but no toy is indestructible. Tug Toys are...
One of the Rottweiler’s most iconic roles throughout history has been as a protection and police dog. The powerful bite force of a Rottweiler is not just for show. These dogs are brave and loyal enough to be trained to protect you even when their own lives may be threatened.
Whether you intend to train your Rottweiler in bite work or not, having a great tug toy for bite training will likely come in handy. This toy can help your Rottweiler to develop self-control around biting behavior. It is also a great way to exercise their powerful jaws and muscles.
This toy is ideal for you to hold in both hands so that you can let your Rottweiler pull as hard as they like without knocking you over or ripping the toy. It also works well for fetch. If you decide to transition to bite work training, it will be easy to train your dog to move from this toy to a bite sleeve. If you don’t want to do bite work with your Rottweiler, this toy will always be a great self-control training aid and tug toy.
Check out the latest price on Amazon by clicking here.
What I love about it: This is a highly durable toy that can hold up to being bitten and pulled on by your Rottweiler over and over again, with two comfortable handles that make it pleasant for you to play as well.
What I wish it had: It would be nice if the handles for you were a bit more durable, since it will not take much effort for your dog to chew through them when they are returning the toy from a fetch.
Best Dog Bed for Rottweilers: PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed
- PREMIUM COMPONENTS & BETTER HEALTH: (i) SOLID 4 inch MEMORY FOAM base for superior overall comfort,...
- SMART DESIGN: (i) Base & bolsters provide optimal support & security. (ii) Water resistant & tear...
Rottweilers can be prone to some hip and joint issues, and arthritis is common as they get older so your Rottie will appreciate a high-quality orthopedic bed from the time that they are young.
This bed is made of four inches of solid memory foam. This is superior to many other beds that may look similar but are actually memory foam placed on top of a different kind of foam base, which is not as effective. Four-inch memory foam is enough for even a heavy Rottweiler’s joints to sink in and be supported without pushing through the memory foam layer.
This bed is great for dogs that like to snuggle or sprawl, which makes it a good pick for Rottweilers since the breed is prone to both styles of sleeping. The water and tear-resistant cover are important for Rottweilers since they are prone to drooling and have very hard nails which may damage upholstery when they are scratching and “nesting” in the bed.
The removable cover can be machine washed and it’s easy to spot clean and lint roll hair in between washings.
You can read more reviews and see the latest price on Amazon by clicking here.
What I love about it: This thick orthopedic bed is made with real orthopedic memory foam all the way through and it’s thick enough to accommodate a heavy dog like a Rottweiler.
What I wish it had: While the cover is water-resistant, it is not waterproof, so if your dog has an accident on the bed, it could ruin the foam. This is important for puppies that aren’t fully house trained but is also relevant when dogs get older and may become incontinent.
Best water fountain: CLEEBOURG Cat Water Fountain, 2L Automatic Dog Water Dispenser Electric Water Drinking Fountain
Many people find that they have more problems with their Rottweiler making a mess when drinking from a water bowl than they do with drooling the rest of the time. Rottweilers often love playing in the water, so it is very typical for them to be messy drinkers and like to put their paws as well as their face in the water bowl.
A water fountain is a good way to prevent your Rottweiler from making a mess when they drink. This water fountain doesn’t have a lot of parts which your Rottweiler may mistake for toys, and it holds two liters of water, which is enough for your Rottweiler to have water all day and perhaps even for several days depending on their water consumption.
It is easy to see how much water is left by looking at the transparent window. The lack of parts makes it convenient for you to keep clean. It also comes with replaceable sponge filters which do a good job of keeping any mess and dirt that your Rottweiler gets into the bowl from coming back up in their drinking water, keeping the water cleaner.
Check out the latest price on Amazon by clicking here.
What I love about it: This straightforward fountain will prevent your Rottweiler from playing in the water but also holds enough water to keep your Rottweiler hydrated all day long.
What I wish it had: This water fountain doesn’t have a wide base so an overly playful Rottweiler may tip it over.
Closing Thoughts
The ideal accessories for your Rottweiler can make Rottweiler ownership much easier. Choosing from these durable selections also makes it less likely that your Rottie will get into trouble by breaking loose from a collar or leash or eating a chew toy. Quality accessories may cost a bit more to purchase, but they’ll quickly make up for their cost in their superior functionality.
Which accessory is your Rottweiler’s favorite?
