Why, when my Rotti (Hannibal) see's a cat he wants to kill it?

Question

Is this learned behavior or natural instinct? He wants to kill small dogs too?

Answer 1

It's instinct.

Rottweilers are naturally aggresive to begin with. Cats just set off the instinct for large dogs to kill small animals. You should try to train it though, and with some determination, it's likely that Hannibal's habit will happen less often, or stop completely.

Answer 2

How do you know he wants to kill it?  Has he actually killed one?  Mine also wants to chase them, but when he actually comes face to face with one he isn't sure what to do.

It is probably instinct, being that it is a prey instinct.  They were originally hunters, so it's still hiding in their DNA even though they rely on us now.

Answer 3

Your walking on dangerous territory, I think you had better get a muzzle for the dog that wants to kill smaller animals, if you dont you may  end up in court for the destruction of another dog,or cat. he can still have fun with you  while wearing the muzzle, I know it sounds mean or crule, but, for your oun sake and the life of the dog you should get one, you can buy them at the pet store.  Good Luck April

Answer 4

could be natural.

I would take him to obedience training right away before he slips your grip and something bad happens---these days, you could get in some bad lawsuits with his behavior...

You could find some good training for a reasonable price and it will be all worth it!

Answer 5

Your Rottweiler is similar to the Boxer we had since a pup and our recently rescued American Pit bull who just turned 1 yr, in that they’ve been breed as working and hunting dogs, in particular large animals like domestic animals, bear, deer and wild boar; they certainly wouldn’t pass a meal that gets within their senses.  Your Rotti has roots that originate from the days of the Roman Empire.  Any army moves on its stomach, so herds of cattle and pigs were herded and these “dover dogs” were bred for their strength, loyalty, tenacity to perform under difficult conditions, weight, stamina and ability to command and control.  At night they also served as guards for the supplies.  

Whether you can “train” this stalk and kill instinct out of this particular dog will be a big unknown.  The links below get into this and more.  Medina was a puppy when she lost her cat buddy and became very depressed, so we quickly replaced her and today they play and barter back and forth.  Cello, our Pit is a different story.  An animal behavior specialist at the humane society stated that introductions to cats have to be slow, the dog on a leash or the cat in a crate.  Obedience training might work, but regardless these breeds with their undying loyalty to their owners, are also extremely possessive of you and in their eyes the cat is at the bottom of the pack order, so the cat has NO RIGHT to be in the close contact with you.   An excerpt from “purebredpuppy”:

Animal aggression. Many Rottweilers will not tolerate another dog of the same s*x, and some won't tolerate the opposite s*x either. Some Rottweilers have strong instincts to chase and seize cats and other fleeing creatures. If anything goes wrong in the breeding, socializing, training, handling, or management of this breed, it is capable of seriously injuring or killing other animals.