Best waterproof GPS tracker for Rottweilers

A cracked GPS collar after swimming is a frustrating but common failure point — water ingress tends to split the casing over time if the waterproofing isn't up to the job. Before I suggest a replacement, a couple of quick questions: how active is your Rottweiler in water — regular swims, or was this a one-off? And are you in a reasonably well-covered area for mobile signal, or more rural?

Good to know — regular river swimming is a proper stress test for any tracker, so you need something with a genuine IP67 waterproof rating, not just splash resistance. Is he much of an escape risk, or is this more about tracking him off-lead during those walks? And roughly how much did you pay for the one that cracked — just so I can pitch the replacement at the right level?

Perfect — microchip is the right baseline, and a GPS layer on top makes total sense for a dog who wanders with purpose. Given the regular swimming and semi-rural use, I'd go with the Tractive GPS DOG 4. It's IP67 rated, meaning it's designed for full submersion up to a metre, not just splashing — that distinction matters for river dogs. It uses a multi-network SIM so it handles patchy coverage better than single-network trackers, and the live tracking updates every 2–3 seconds when active. The app is genuinely good: you can set a safe zone and get an alert if he drifts too far. The tracker itself is compact and light enough that an 8-year-old Rottweiler won't notice it. It runs on a subscription — around £3–5/month depending on the plan — and the hardware is typically £40–50 on Amazon UK. That's slightly under what you paid before, and you're getting a meaningfully better waterproof spec.

Tractive offers both — monthly rolling if you want flexibility, or annual which works out cheaper per month. Given you've already committed to using a tracker regularly, the annual plan is worth it for the saving, but there's no obligation to lock in straight away. One practical tip: when you attach it, check the casing seal every few weeks after swims rather than waiting for visible cracking — it keeps the waterproofing honest for longer.

Good choice for a dog who earns his tracker. The IP67 rating and multi-network SIM are the two things that will actually matter day-to-day. Enjoy the river walks.