Rottweilers...

[Elfie.]

Hey everyone,

I may be getting a female rottweiler puppy a few months from now and would like to hear from anyone who has any experiences with this breed. I'd like a rottie because, provided they are raised properly, they are said to make wonderful family pets and excellent guard dogs which is important to me because I'd feel much safer with a good guard dog by my side when I go for my early morning/night time walks.

[_Bethany_]

Two of my family members have had Rotties. They were really quick learners and incrediable family pet, both were raised with kids. I love "taboo" breeds. Pitbulls are my first love (check out my boys in my pics), Rotties, Dobermans my family's has them all!

Best of luck with your new addition =D

[paulytosway]

Originally Posted by Elfie.

Hey everyone,

I may be getting a female rottweiler puppy a few months from now and would like to hear from anyone who has any experiences with this breed. I'd like a rottie because, provided they are raised properly, they are said to make wonderful family pets and excellent guard dogs which is important to me because I'd feel much safer with a good guard dog by my side when I go for my early morning/night time walks.

My buddy had a 120 lb rott named dolly. Sweetest dog ever. She would flip over so you could rub her belly or try to curl up on your lap. You could run over to her and jump the fence and she would run and hide..lol

That being said, however, one night Dolly went crazy. When my buddy went outside to see she was barking about he was encountered with a guy wearing a mask hiding between his fence and the neighbors fence...

[Elfie.]

Thanks guys. My only worry regarding a rottie is that they have bad reputations for being "vicious" and there seems to be a steady flow of rottweiler attack stories, although my guess is that in 90% of these incidents the dog involved was either abused, neglected or provoked. There seems to be a lot of unfair judgement placed on this breed.

[_Bethany_]

Originally Posted by Elfie.

Thanks guys. My only worry regarding a rottie is that they have bad reputations for being "vicious" and there seems to be a steady flow of rottweiler attack stories, although my guess is that in 90% of these incidents the dog involved was either abused, neglected or provoked. There seems to be a lot of unfair judgement placed on this breed.

Your 100% correct. It's all in the way you raise them.

[JoelM05]

My Aunt used to breed Rotts, I have loved those dogs since the early 70's when most people had no clue what they were.
They need room as they like to run, and obedience training is a must with a big dog. They are very loyal and make great guard dogs but with proper socialization early on they are awesome companions as well.
They get a bad rep sometimes, but it's all in how they were raised.
My Aunt doesn't breed anymore but she does "foster" unwanted rotts or ones with alleged behavioral problems and has no trouble rehabbing them, training them and finding them good homes.

[humblegenius]

The last three people I know that had Rotties had to have them put down because they started to turn. Each were in families, and each raised the dog properly, walked it, trained it, never abused it etc.

IMHO, these dogs, although they can be trained, you cant train away nature, sorry.

If you want a guard dog, by all means buy one, but if you want a pet that you can be 100% confident with kids (when they come along) then my advise would be buy a lab.

[pryme]

they are not known as a long living breed.

[JoelM05]

Originally Posted by humblegenius

The last three people I know that had Rotties had to have them put down because they started to turn. Each were in families, and each raised the dog properly, walked it, trained it, never abused it etc.

IMHO, these dogs, although they can be trained, you cant train away nature, sorry.

If you want a guard dog, by all means buy one, but if you want a pet that you can be 100% confident with kids (when they come along) then my advise would be buy a lab.

I believe a lot of that comes from unscrupulous breeders who want to turn a fast buck on a popular breed. They churn out deeply inbred pups who end up half retarded. Find a reputable breeder. I don't think there are "bad" breeds, but there seem to be a lot of "bad" people.

I will say that my black lab, Damien, was one of the best dogs I have ever had though!

[IzzieUpNorth]

Never owned a Rott, but I work in a shelter and see alot come through. They are one of the biggest dogs who would love to be lap dogs and sometimes seem completely oblivious of their size. We have a mock home at the shelter to assess dogs and I've had to rescue more then one from getting stuck behind the couch .
I can attest though to the safety you feel with big dogs, I have wolfhounds they would make terrible guard dogs but their perception as huge dogs keeps people away.

[Emoore]

Make sure you go to a good breeder that gets hip/elbow certifications on their breeding stock and does something with them like obedience competitions, schutzhund, or rally. A good breeder will be able to state the goals of his/her breedng program and will have a thorough knowledge of bloodlines. You'll stack the deck in your favor going through a reputable breeder vs. buying a dog out of the newspaper where female A was mated to male B because those were the two dogs who happened to be at hand.

Another option would be to adopt a young dog through a good local Rottweiler rescue. A good rescue will have had the dog in foster care for at least a month, often longer, and will be able to tell you about the dogs temperament and training, how she gets along with kids/cats/small dogs/big dogs/old people/thunder/fireworks/people knocking on the door/etc. If you choose to go the rescue route, you can take the dog you're interested and have her hips, elbows, and general health checked and you still will be a long way from paying what you would pay from a reputable breeder. You get out of housebreaking and teething on the furniture too.

[jsmircich]

Rotties can be great pets, and guard dogs, but due to their dominant nature can be a difficult dog for a first time owner. You must have the time to properly train and socialize your puppy. They look so cute when they're young it's easy to forget they need consistency and discipline as well. That little ball of fluff will grow to be 90-150 lbs of muscle in a couple years. Also some homeowners insurances will not insure or will cancel insurance if there is a rottie in the home (this is also done with pitbulls and german shepards). They also need space, a lot of space, they need to go out more than once a day.

Make sure you are getting your puppy from a reputable breeder, meet the puppies parents, speak to the vet, get the medical historys of the parents: hip/elbow dysplasia are common in rotties and can sometimes be managed with meds or require surgery, eye and heart checks of parents and a vet check on the puppy. If you're adopting from a shelter, make sure you get a vet check. Purebreds can be more prone to some genetic illnesses. Our Rottie, Roxy, and her friend Kona, both tore their ACL's and required surgery to repair them (3-6 months of recovery time, it's an interesting task keeping 90+ lb dogs from moving a lot, as well as lifting a 90+ lb dogs in and out of cars because they can't do it themselves) Roxy was also a puppy mill girl and was diagnosed with hip dysplasia at 6 months, she took glucosamine and condroitin, and was on a prescription diet to keep her weight down. We had to put her down at 4.5 due to another illness (also believed to be genetic)

In regards to a rottie turning, I believe any animal can turn. No matter how well you raise your pet, you still need to supervise them and make sure they and those around them are safe.

[eKONA]

We rents have a 29inch (at the shoulder) rottie, he weights just under 11 Stone ( 154 pounds ). He is the most gorgeous lovely dog you could ask for, he's so soft and loving but he is protective and he deffinatly intimidates the average Joe that doesn't know what he's like.

An important thing to remember is that Rotties really need to be walked as they are a heavy dog anyway and can develop arthritus in their shoulders quite quickly, other than that their pretty maintenance free :P

[_Bethany_]

Originally Posted by JoelM05

I believe a lot of that comes from unscrupulous breeders who want to turn a fast buck on a popular breed. They churn out deeply inbred pups who end up half retarded. Find a reputable breeder. I don't think there are "bad" breeds, but there seem to be a lot of "bad" people.

I agree with this! I have owned 4 pitbulls over the course of my life and all are and were the most incrediable animals I have ever met, my children seriously! You need to make sure the parents are on site when you pick up your pup. Meet the puppies parents and see how they behave, look at the kennel conditions, build a relationship with the breeder. Make sure you get a good "vibe"!!

[martina92685]

Rotties are good dogs, but you need to make sure that you are the pack leader.

They are also working dogs, so if you give them a task they will complete it and be thrilled when they are done.

[BatsyWatsy]

As Caesar Milan (The Dog Whisperer) says, "There are no bad dogs....just bad owners." And boy do I believe that!

[Elfie.]

Thanks for the advice guys. I still have quite a bit of time to think about it but I've got to say I'm a bit less enthusiastic about the idea than I was before. The idea of having to put down a dog because of health or temperament reasons is pretty depressing. Maybe I'll go with a shepherd cross instead because right now I can't afford to pay $1200 for a registerd rottie puppy.

[Emoore]

No good Rottie rescues nearby?

Originally Posted by Elfie.

because right now I can't afford to pay $1200 for a registerd rottie puppy.

[Elfie.]

Originally Posted by Emoore

No good Rottie rescues nearby?

To be honest I wouldn't feel comfortable bringing a fully grown rescued rottie home. In most cases they have been abused or neglected and thats what brings out the aggressive streak plus I have a 14 week old kitten and spaniel and it would probably be better for all involved to get a puppy so that they could grow up together. While rescued rotties need good homes I think they do best in homes without kids/small pets.

[MissionControl]

my first dog was a rot, they are truely something else. Never once had her on a leash, we didnt even own one.

[Deborah_Lyn]

good luck with whatever breed you decide on!

I have 2 rottweilers - Athena aged 7, had since she was a puppy and Max, age unknown, rescue. Athena is 54 pounds and very lean, muscular; Max is 65 pounds and tall for a rott.

This is not an easy breed because if you are not alpha, they will become alpha. Athena was a brat for a short while, but consistencey paid off and she's the best dog ever!

If anyone is interested, there'a great web site at rottweiler.net that can answer any questions. Really good knowledgable members there from trainiers to hobbyists.

Rotts are nicknamed 'velcro dogs' at the above site because they always wnat to be with their owners.

Good luck with whatever breed you decide on.

As for worries about kids and dogs - you never leave a kid alone with a dog unless both of them have been properly trained ( and imo never a kid under age 10.) My fav saying from the site I mentioned is: never set your dog up for failure. Dogs are animals, humans always have control of a situation, so it's their responsibility to properly train and maintain safety and security for all loved ones.

edit to add: oooh, get the book 'The Art of raising a Puppy' by the Monks of New Sket - excellent book on raising puppies! they've raised German Shepards for over 30 years and have a wealth of knowledge! everything from bite inhition, bad berves/weak temperment and fear periods is covered there.

[TikiCabales]

Rotties are fabulous dogs and, extremely loyal (well mine are). My female is like my shadow - even at the age of 9 she still follows me "everywhere" - if I walk out of the room she'll get up to follow me; whether I'm just going downstairs or even to the bathroom. *lol* With that said, if you're choosing a puppy be sure to meet the parents (and ask about their social history) because, temperament is extremely important!!! *i want to stress that* And, so is "your ability" to be the Alpha.


There's plenty of helpful advice here so, there's no need to repeat it. I will point out a few things though....

It's difficult to Travel with them because, although many hotels now allow dogs, many have limits to the size dogs they allow (upto 70lbs for most that allow larger breeds) and, many won't allow their breed at all.

Also, some neighborhoods and cities have created rules and laws against owning Rotties so, that's one thing to consider and look into where you live or, if you plan on moving with you Rottie.

Although my dogs are extremely loyal, there's also a downside to that. Example: I went on a girls weekend to San Francisco last month and, when I got back home I was told that my dogs hardly ate, didn't play, and stayed/slept by the front door for 3 days until I came home. --- Of course I must have a life of my own - and yet, it breaks my heart to know how depressed they get.

One more thing, find a Vet that is comfortable handling large breeds.


Just a few things to consider and keep in mind.


My male was just a few months old here.


My Female is 9 years old.


Female is 90lbs. Male is 140lbs

[Emoore]

I'm a volunteer with a German Shepherd rescue, and the HUGE majority of our dogs come to us not because they've been abused or neglected but because their owners are being foreclosed upon or little billy is allergic to dog hair or they're moving and can't take fido or their elderly owner has died. . . very very few are abuse or neglect cases and most are wonderful with kids and other pets. About half of our dogs are even good with cats. Those that aren't, their foster family knows about it and can tell the prospective adopter of any issues. Most of our dogs go to homes with kids or small pets and do wonderfully. Not trying to pressure, just educate. There's a public misconception that rescue dogs are damaged somehow and it's just not the case.

Originally Posted by Elfie.

To be honest I wouldn't feel comfortable bringing a fully grown rescued rottie home. In most cases they have been abused or neglected and thats what brings out the aggressive streak plus I have a 14 week old kitten and spaniel and it would probably be better for all involved to get a puppy so that they could grow up together. While rescued rotties need good homes I think they do best in homes without kids/small pets.

[DemetriaF]

Originally Posted by Emoore

I'm a volunteer with a German Shepherd rescue, and the HUGE majority of our dogs come to us not because they've been abused or neglected but because their owners are being foreclosed upon or little billy is allergic to dog hair or they're moving and can't take fido or their elderly owner has died. . . very very few are abuse or neglect cases and most are wonderful with kids and other pets. About half of our dogs are even good with cats. Those that aren't, their foster family knows about it and can tell the prospective adopter of any issues. Most of our dogs go to homes with kids or small pets and do wonderfully. Not trying to pressure, just educate. There's a public misconception that rescue dogs are damaged somehow and it's just not the case.

Those are some really good points!

I saw a special once on television about rescue shelters (don't remember the name though), and how they evaluate dogs for aggressiveness. I remember one scene where a fake hand attacked to a broom handle was used to test a dog while it was eating. The hand was pushed in to manipulate the dog's bowl, food and muzzle while it ate--the dog was considered aggressive if it attacked the hand, and non-aggressive if it continued eating while the fake hand kept manipulating the various areas. There were some other tests as well, but this was the one that really stood out for me.

So like you said, vicious dogs are NOT being sent home with families, as their temperaments are being evaluated thoroughly before even being put on the list for possible adoption.

[DemetriaF]

Originally Posted by TikiCabales

My male was just a few months old here.


My Female is 9 years old.


Female is 90lbs. Male is 140lbs

These are some beautiful babies! I love Rotties, they look like big, sweet bears!

[DemetriaF]

Originally Posted by _Bethany_

I love "taboo" breeds. Pitbulls are my first love (check out my boys in my pics), Rotties, Dobermans my family's has them all!

Great comment, I love that! Yeah, taboo breeds are pretty awesome!

At this point I have a big 90 pound black Airedale, as well as a 5 pound Pomeranian (don't you dare freaking laugh, lol), but I'm itching for a red Pit Bull or either a Giant Schnauzer.

The Giants aren't available where I live, and they can't be imported from the mainland due to Hawaii's restrictions. So I'd have to either get one from New Zealand or Australia. Pit Bulls on the other hand are plentiful and in great abundance here in Hawaii, many even run around free on the hill where I live.

But I really do love the big dogs, their protective instincts are simply incredible (my Airedale is a frothing monster)--and as a female this is pretty important to me. Hey, and even though my Pom is small, he does a kick ass job of defending the homestead as well. No one will be running up in here without leaving with some serious ankle injuries!

[Jess89]

I don't have a rottie but I know someone who does and the dog is very sweet. I have a pit lab mix named Emily. Pit bulls have a bad reputation but she is also very sweet with us. At the vet she does bark and growl at others. I'm thinking she is just protective. She has a pack now and doesn't want anyone to spoil it. We have only had her since the end of September. Here is her "Happy Tail" http://abuddyforlife.org/pets.html?id=1894.
Just because the dog is a rescue doesn't mean they are going to be really aggressive. There is a pet over population problem. If someone doesn't get their dog fixed and they have a litter on the streets and all those dogs end up homeless and creating more dogs. This is where most dogs in shelters come from. My mom has Emily's foster brother and yellow lab from a different rescue. Both dogs are couldn't be a better family pet. Harley, the yellow lab, had hip dysplasia and there was a fund raiser for him and he got the surgery. He was born from a puppy mill and the first owner was going to put him down, but someone talked him into giving the dog to a shelter. Harley went from shelter to shelter then my mom and step dad saw him on petfinder. They weren't sure if he needed surgery or how bad it was. The took him to their local vet and an animal hospital and decided to keep him anyway. Even though this dog was in pain he was still the sweetest dog I ever met. After the money was raised for his surgery he had it and is doing great. Even if your dog needs an expensive surgery there will be a lot of people willing to help you. Very few dogs need to be put down beacuse of temperament. You can find puppies that need to be rescued. My step dad had 2 cats that get along fine with their dogs. All three dogs run from my drawf hamster. That hamster is vicious. You can do a home visit to make sure the dog is 100% compatible with your family. That's how I got Emily. Turned out Emily didn't like my step dad's cats so I took her.

[TikiCabales]

Yes, I second adoption in a BIG way!

Basically, my female was the last puppy left in the litter and, initially wasn't wanted because she was the runt. The older she became, there was an even less likely chance of someone buying her. At nearly 4 months old, the parents no longer considered her a puppy; she was just another dog encroaching on their space and, they treated her as such. When I picked her up, she had scabs along her back from the parents nipping her so often (most likely during feeding time). If I hadn't accepted her as a gift from the original owner, she would have been dropped off at a shelter.

As for my male, although I was open minded to adopting any type of breed, I had my heart set on adopting a male rottie puppy. Well after weeks of searching online and touring every shelter in town, I was almost in tears from the disappointment of not finding a puppy that I connected with - and I was done searching.

Before leaving the last shelter on my list, I told my friend that I needed to go to the restroom real quick (basically to choke back the tears). I gathered myself and, the moment I stepped out of the restroom, a kennel attendant escorted a Male Rottie Puppy into a crate right in front of me! *I was in shock* Not simply because he was exactly what I had my heart set on, but because at first site it was apparent that he was extremely neglected and abused. He was malnourished, more than 20lbs under weight, each vertebrae and his hip bones protruded from under his skin - he had no muscle or fat on his body. I had to have him - it was the only way to ensure he was finally going to be given a loving home.

Although my female has an amazing pedigree and hardy genetics, my male has the better temperament of the two. He's so mellow, cuddly, and is such a ladies man! *lol* He just loves being around girls that come over to visit. Demetria, he would simply adore you!


There are so many dogs in the world that need good loving homes - if possible please consider adoption!
Also, you can put in very specific requests at your local shelters and with rescue organizations for the age and breed of dog you're looking for - they'll contact you when your request is met or, you can check in with them frequently.


The day after adopting him.




He's so handsome now

[dunkonu9]

Tell you the truth you were right above seems in almost all of those occasions the dogs were abused or neglected or taught to fight. There is one other aspect of them THEY ARE STILL ANIMALS. People tend to forget that. You never know what they are thinkinig 100% of the time. Big dogs get a bad rap because when they do attack it is viscious. If you took real statistics on dog bites over all I would bet smaller breeds bite more than the larger ones.

[jsmircich]

not all rescue dogs are older dogs either. I currently have an app in for a 1.5 year old rottie, he comes from a family that could not keep him anymore, that had nothing to do with him. he's already house trained , knows basic commands and is just an all out handsome, happy friendly boy