Let's talk about Rotties!

[Buddy'sParents]

I've mentioned a few times (to my hubby) that I would like to one day, have a rottie.

Awhile back, I was doing my hopeless searching on one of my favorite rescues and they had this gorgeous rottie. I mean, it was an "awwwww" rottie. I had mentioned it to hubby (fully knowing that we would not adopt her, but wanting to touch bases to see how he felt about a rottie to begin with) and he felt really unsure about adopting an adult rottie.

I guess it can sort or be related to adopting an adult pit, which he also wouldn't feel entirely comfortable of. Not to say that we would never own a pit or a rottie, but there are concerns about adopting them when they are adults.. their histories may be unknown, etc..

I've not heard of rotties being dog agressive or human agressive unless trained to do so, am I correct?

And, we do plan on having our own rescue one day (years down the road of course, because, well I'm going to spend so much money on Grad school.. might as well do something with my degrees) and I can't imagine turning away any animals, regardless of their breed.

Ibelieve, with determination and hard work, any breed can be "rescued" but I was hoping people could share some stories or experiences with rotties.... :)

[RedyreRottweilers]

As anyone well knows, I love Rottweilers.

I have owned and loved this breed since the late 80s.

EXPECT dog aggression. SOMEtimes you won't have it, but same sex dog aggression is the rule rather than the exception.

Invest in a really good vacuuum. These things shed year round like you would not believe. I tell my husband every week, LOOK at this bag full of hair? How on EARTH they have a hair left on their bodies I have no idea. I'm serious THEY SHED.

A LOT.

Say goodbye to your nice lawn too. What they don't dig up and shred, they will pound into the dirt with those darling little paws that turn into giant ones. LOL

Get used to a wet lap. One of the Rottweiler Rules of life is drink, then wipe in the nearest person's lap. I swear I can hear them giggle when they do it.

Make sure you enjoy training, and that you can and will be able to give ORDERS to a dog. This breed is a joy, but they can be pushy and overbearing, esp when young. They need early and continuing obedience training and a person who can be in charge.

Fencing is also very important. It is the rare Rottweiler who when of age does not feel the inherent drive to protect what s/he feels is the hearth and home of their owner. Rottweilers WILL threaten an intruder or trespasser, and most will back it up with deadly force if pressed. ANYONE considering this breed should well understand this aspect of it. These dogs have been bred for over a hundred years to be couragous and fearless under a threat. The VAST majority of them still are. Of course with proper training and socialization, almost every Rottweiler can be a joy to take about, and really enjoy mixing and mingling with people of all kinds. To a large degree this is dependent on early socialization and training by responsible owners. The liability that goes with owning a dog such as this should be carefully considered before one makes the decision to own one.

Home owners insurance can be an issue.

Another sad fact is that due to Breed Specific Legislation, ownership of this breed is illegal or restricted in more areas than you might think. This should be carefully researched before any purchase.

Health issues are also of concern in this breed. Responsible breeders will be carefully screening all stock for hip, elbow, eye, and heart issues. Even with careful screening and the MOST responsible breeding, problems can happen. Being aware is advisable.

On the plus side, these are some of the most loving, playful fun strong wonderful dogs I've ever been around.

If you can deal with the responsibility, training, and shedding (!!), they are just awesome dogs.

When properly bred, socialized, trained, and confined, there is no better companion dog out there, as far as I'm concerned.

:D

Further reading and information can be found at http://www.amrottclub.org

[Snark]

I, too, would love one day to have a rottie and I don't have a problem with adopting an adult. (Most of my foundlings have been adults anyway, I actually prefer an adult dog - don't have to *usually* worry about housebreaking, chewing, the zoomies at 10pm, etc.)
Most rescue organizations are pretty careful about the temperament of the dogs they rescue and will note any problems the dog might have (that they know about), such as: would be better as an only dog, doesn't like cats, etc. I figure my biggest problem will be 'qualifying' to adopt one, given some of the requirements. (I've got about three acres fenced for the dogs, but it's not a six foot fence so they might turn me down for that. Then, too, I do have to work all day and while my neighbor very nicely checks on my dogs for me, the rescue people might decide that's not good enough, either.)
My younger sister rescued a Rottie from the pound, they were actually taking the dog back to put her to sleep but let Sis have her. (Sis volunteered at the shelter to walk dogs, so they knew her.) It took a little bit to get Maddie used to the cats and vice versa, but she's been a joy to have for the past ten years. She loves people, especially babies, and has the sweetest temperament - even the UPS guys will stop to pet her.
Maddie at the beach:
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a283/dogma_1957/Maddie.jpg

[Buddy'sParents]

Oh, she's sweet, Snark.

Thanks for the info, Red. I had no idea they shed that much!!! I'll need a better vacuum if we ever have one. :D

So, we would need to worry about dog agression if we were to have one in our home, that worries me a bit, but with proper training and control of a dog, it can be handled.

Red, how many rotties have you owned? do you ever keep any from your litters?

[RedyreRottweilers]

Oh gosh, BP, I've owned quite a few over the years.

I have only had surviving puppies from one litter.

I had planned to keep two puppies from that litter, a dog and a bitch.

The bitch came up lame in the forehand at about 6 mos. Before I EVER got to show her. :(

She had a serious inherited elbow problem called Fragmented Coronoid Process. This was combined with an osteochondritis dessicans lesion on the medial humeral condyle, where the elbow bones meet in the joint.

It required surgery if she were to have ANY sort of normal lifespan without lameness. Thankfully, the surgery went well, and she walked out of the vet's office better than she walked in the day before. She was given to a loving pet home who already had another pet dog I had placed with them.

The young male I kept earned several points towards his CH title as a puppy shown in the Bred By Exhibitor class. He also had elbow abnormalities when I had him screened as a young dog. He was also placed in a pet home subsequently.

I hope to keep at least one if not two puppies from the breeding I am planning now.

Dog aggression varies from dog to dog, and is influenced by the pedigree as well as the socialization and upbringing. If you get a dog who is the opposite sex from your current dog, chances of issues would be greatly minimized.

I recommend bitches for first time owners almost always, as they are smaller, and in my personal experience, less likely to challenge owners, and slightly less dominant.

:D

[RedyreRottweilers]

Snark, what a lovely photo.

Such a sweet faced old girl, I'm a sucker for the oldies.

:D

[Buddy'sParents]

I'm sorry, Red. :( At least you found loving homes for them. :) How often do you breed, err, or have litters, because obviously *you* aren't breeding, lol...

I have no idea what kind of dog(s) we will have if we get a rottie. A fila is planned for sometime next year and really, we'd like to have no more than 3 dogs at a time. (We'll see how that goes).

[RedyreRottweilers]

I attempted another litter in 2003.

There were no surviving puppies.

I'm planning to breed Penny later this year, and praying for better luck.

:D

[Buddy'sParents]

There were no surviving puppies.




Oh no! :eek:

I just read that on your website about Penny. Good luck! She's gorgeous.

[Bella's Mom]

I am on my third adult rescue and they have all been very sweet, they did need some work on doggie manners;) I'm still trying to break my current rotten one from jumping on people to greet them, they all seem to think they are pocket poodles:D One issue you must consider are the health issues and there can be many:mad: I havent had one live past 8 years old due to arthritis and bad hips or other health problems. Having owned and been loved by a rottie there is no other breed I think, that can beat them for there love and devotion and the personalty that they have. They make perfect family pets:D

[corsomom]

[IMG]http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a2/corsomom/mixmatchpics089.jpg[/IThis is my rotti- Bruno. Great dog, wonderful temperment.

[corsomom]

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a2/corsomom/mixmatchpics089.jpg

[Roxy's CD]

Before I got Roxy, she's a mix as many of you know rott/dobe, I read up on Rotts. In my little book, LOL, it says that Rotts can be very stubborn. I've found this out first hand.

As Red said, THEY SHED! A lot! At least three times a week I swear I sweep up a whole other dog! I groom her once a day too!

I read in my book that Rott's are very quick to protect but not quick to actually bite. They would rather corner the intruder until the master comes home. I don't know about the latter, but from personal experience I KNOW that the previous statement is very true, they are VERY protective.

I got Roxy at 6 weeks. She had never been inside a house. I had her not even for 10 minutes inside my apartment at the time. Where my door was, you had to go down 2 sets of small stairs. Someone was coming down the stairs, Roxy immediately headed for cover underneath the coffee table and began growling. I hadn't even had her inteh house for 10 minutes!!!! Of course she could've been scared in a new place, but in the many months to come it would become very prevolent that Roxy was protective, and still is.

IMO Rott's a big teddy bears. Loving, kind, gentle giants, but if push comes to shove they WILL protect.

I took some pics of Roxy yesterday... I love to show off my beautiful princess :)

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/roxy_hades/roxyhead.jpg

Roxy protecting the house from the evil next door neighbors cat!

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/roxy_hades/roxystand1.jpg

Neighbors, drunken yelling across the street. LOL

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j98/roxy_hades/roxystand.jpg

[RedyreRottweilers]

HANDSOME photos of Bruno and Roxy.

:D

[bubbatd]

I've always admired this breed, but wonder if they are now going the way of the pitts with wrong intentions and bad breeding. My neighbor ( 3 doors down ) got a pup about 2 years ago. He's an inside/ outside dog and walked daily. As a pup he played with Chip .... today I wouldn't allow Chip within 3 feet. The owner is a big man and can hardly handle the dog !! He had had a Boxer and thought he could train his Rottie the same way ( when I recommended puppy class and then obedience school. )It's sad as basically this dog was a " Carl " ( love those books ! ) How can a sweet Rottie end up this way when the owner cares and loves him ?? I really think he should have had more socialization , but until a year old he seemed fine.... and yes, I've recommended neutering.!

[corsomom]

Thanks Red. We lucked out with Bruno. My husband picked him up from a byb 5 years ago on his way home from a fishing trip, put him in my arms and said "happy birthday" He is a great family dog, likes meeting new people, very stable. And also protective. I am home alone at night, I feel very safe with this boy.

[RedyreRottweilers]

Your CC is nice looking too, CM.

Boy do I ever know that feeling of security. :D I've slept with 1 to 6 Rottweilers lying in my floor since 1988.

:D

[Zoom]

I too am looking at getting a Rottie sometime in the next two years. My biggest concern is the potential for same sex dog aggression. Is it less when the dogs have grown up with the same sex or is just sort of a crap shoot at maturity? I'd like to get a female for the reasons Red listed. But I am concerned as to how the Rott and Aubrey would get along. Aubrey plays well with both males and females, but if things work out like they're supposed to in the next year or so, I'll be having the puppy live with me and Sawyer while Daniel and Aubrey are up at K-State finishing his degree. How much of a problem do you think that would pose when they move back home? More than likely the puppy would be visiting Aubrey every weekend, and I'm sure that I could arrange it so that Aubrey was living with me for at least a few months when we first get the puppy. Thoughts?

[Gempress]

My uncle has a big country house with six rottweilers. A female rottie showed up at his home one day, and the family decided to keep her. Imagine their surprise to find out she was pregnant! And an even bigger surprise.....all the puppies were purebred. He couldn't find good homes for them all (my uncle was such a stickler for only selling them to good homes). So he ended up keeping five of the pups.

It's funny; Sushi (the mother) is an oversized rottie, but is very friendly. Certainly not very protective, although she does have her moments. Her children inherited the same temperament. It is rather intimidating, though. As soon as your car stops in the driveway, it's swarmed by a pack of enormous, barking rotties. We always tell my uncle that he shouldn't bother locking his doors, LoL. :D

[RedyreRottweilers]

It's hard to say, zoom.

The only dog fight I ever had was between 2 bitches, the younger of which grew up with the older one. They were 4 years apart. The fight happened with they were about 4 and 8 years old.

The 4YO jumped the older girl in the dog yard with zero notice under normal conditions.

After this fight they hated each other with such a bloody passion I was afraid one would dive through a window to get the other one outside.

When switching dogs, I would put one bitch inside a room in a double locked crate, close the door, and put the other bitch in another room in a double locked crate, and close the door, check the door to make SURE it's closed, and then let the other girl out.

It was a completely UNTENABLE situation, and I ended up rehoming the younger bitch.

Some people have same sex pairs that live together with a minimum of issues for their lifetime.

But if and when that fight does happen, it can be serious, even fatal, in minutes, and can also cause serious injury to the people who try to stop it.

It is just one more thing to be aware of when considering this breed.

:D

[Zoom]

Is it one of those things that seems to be elevated within the dog's own breed or is it just same sex aggro all the way around?

[Roxy's CD]

I'm going to kind of go off on a tangent a bit. Try to stay with me.

Like many dogs that were bred for a purpose, Rotts for protecting, when getting a show animal or what not you strive for "good lines". "Good lines" would mean that the parentage has succeeded in a sport that relates to the dogs breed specific "jobs", rotts maybe PP we'll say. If you get a rott that's not neccessarily "pureblooded", or that doesn't have good "show lines", I don't think you would run into as many problems.

Ok, I'm going to give an example to try and clear my post up! LOL

My bf wanted a presa canario. )There's a man at my school who has a 4yr old female as well as a 7yr old mutt. This sparked my bf's interest in them) After looking at many breeders, I found one in WI that I thought I would at least speak to about any upcoming litters. She told me that presas DA is soo bad that they wouldn't be allowed to be left alone unsupervised regardless of the fact that they were all raised together.

This lady bred her dogs for the sole purpose of competing in PP. Now, a couple of people on this forum, and the man at my school, have begged to differ. The man at my school got his presa from a breeder that's purpose was for pets/guard dogs.

All of the rotts I know have just been family pets and have always gotten along notoriously well with other dogs or cats in the family. Kids especially.

[RedyreRottweilers]

Just one minor correction.

Altho Rottweilers have been bred for courage and for fighting drive somewhat, their original purpose was driving cattle.

:D

[Roxy's CD]

Hey, yano I knew that!! But after that I've read that they were used to guard Roman posts.

Roxy's herding came out when I was working at a ranch last summer. Constantly nipping at hocks and trying to get the "herd" moving.. LOL. Little brat.

Edit: Although you don't seem them used very often in "herding" competitions, although they are classified as a working breed. Do they classify them as a working breed because of herding or protection I wonder... or it doesn't matter regardless they "work" . LOL

[filarotten]

IMO Roxie is perfect, except for shedding. I have never had a dog shed like my rottie. I have to vacuum, sweep and brush her everyday, and you could still have enough fur left over to clothe a naked tribe in Africa.

I could not ask for a better loving or well mannerd dog. She is sharp, incredibly smart and very protective. Wary of strangers, but controllable. She is a nurturing dog. She is a great role model for puppies, and is very patient. She has to keep both Brutus, and now Spike in line so she has to be. lol yet she teaches them, and expects them to know and understand the rules of the house.

I have always had males around her except for Maggie. She could rip Maggie to shreds if she wanted to, but she doesn't. Maggie was a full grown dog when we brought her home, granted Maggie is much smaller than her, but it is still two females. Roxie actually met her with open arms, Maggie was the testy one. But, Roxie is now 9 and she has her own idea of how the pecking order goes in this house as far as the dogs are concerned. Maggie has her order, Brutus, which I have to say...is Roxie's beloved no one can mess with Brutus, but there are certain things that Maggie does outrank Brutus on. Spike is at the bottom of the totem pole. It may sound wierd but it works, no fights or problems here. If one gets too out of line, Roxie quickly puts them back into line with a warning growl.
Rotties are very verbal dogs. Roxie talks through little growls.

[borgorn]

Rottweiler is a good choice of dog. Mine never dug up the yard or anything like that, but as a puppy he destroyed alot of things. Table legs,window ledges and a whole linolium floor were destroyed when I wasn't home. But he grew out of the chewing and became the most loving dog a person could have. He never was aggressive to my other dogs even though he outweighed them. He weighed 153lbs and was very passive. Actually the doberman picked on him and now the german shepherd still picks on him.

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f211/sarek442/lurchcouch.jpg


http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f211/sarek442/lurchsleep.jpg

[Buddy'sParents]

Aw, great pictures Corso, Roxy and Borgorn..

Red, do you have pictures of your babies?

Dog aggression concerns me greatly although I've never had a problem with it at all. My parents have six dogs, 4 female, 2 male and they've never had a problem (I lived there when there was only 5, 3 female and 2 male). The dogs have always known the "order" of the house.

We've also never experienced DA with Buddy. Are dogs more accepting of animals that they already know? When we dog sat this last week, we were concerned with how Buddy would handle another male dog and except for his jealousy (I could not pet Cooper without Buddy being 'what about me' but this was directed towards Cooper) he did very well. Is this because he's played with Cooper almost every day at the dog park?

From what everyone is saying, I will do a TON of reading before we ever get a rottie. Buddy was a lets-go-to-the-spca and see what pulls at my heartstrings. Our Fila is being very well planned for. Any other purebred also will.

On a side note, I always said I would never buy a pure bred dog. But when Hubby fell in love with the Fila, we knew for sure that that was a dog that would need to start out with us right as a pup and I get the same feeling about a rottie, unless he/she is a rescue which has had extensive temperment testing.

[RedyreRottweilers]

Lots of photos of Penny on my website.

Here are a couple of the other 2.

All 3...L to R, Penny, Fenja, Odessa
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/RedyreRotties/girlsandme.jpg

Odessa practicing attention and heel position...
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/RedyreRotties/heel2.jpg

Fenja playing with baby Penny
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/RedyreRotties/playgroup.jpg

Fenja doing her famous batweiler imitation...
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/RedyreRotties/batweiler.jpg

[RedyreRottweilers]

Odessa....
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/RedyreRotties/didds_smilepatio.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/RedyreRotties/diddsfence2.jpg

Fenja...
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/RedyreRotties/peeweegrin.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/RedyreRotties/peeweepose.jpg

[RedyreRottweilers]

I can't forget my darling Roxy, who is gone to the Bridge for almost 5 years now.

Oh I still miss her so.....

Earning her CD title at 9 years old....
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/RedyreRotties/showclothes1.jpg

Loving the Boomer Ball (she is 10 here)
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/RedyreRotties/roxyball.jpg

My first point ever in the AKC ring. She was so young and strong. 23 mos old...
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/RedyreRotties/roxy1stpoint.jpg

How she LOVED the water...
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/RedyreRotties/roxyjump.jpg

[RedyreRottweilers]

Winning Best in Veteran Sweepstakes at a Regional Specialty.

She was 11 1/2 in this photo, and very ill altho I did not know it at the time.
I lost her to Osteosarcoma just 8 weeks after this photo was taken.

RIP dear girl, I mourn you still, and can't wait to greet you at the Bridge...

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a22/RedyreRotties/RoxBISsweeps.jpg

[Buddy'sParents]

Oh, Red, they are gorgeous!

I'm very sorry about Roxy, it looks like you gave her a great life though!

[anna84]

roxy was beautiful red and obviously very happy with you. i love that shot of her jumping in the water she looks like she was in amazing shape

[rottiegirl]

I had a rottie/dobe mix (75% rottie), and I only had 2 problems with her. She LOVED to chew on everything. She had a doggie door, and I would go out to the yard and find chewed up shoes, clothing, plastic soda bottles, grocery bags, books from the library, and a pillow with the stuffing pulled out.

The second problem was potty training. She struggled with that.

She had lots of energy so I took her for a mile walk in the morning and a mile walk in the evening. On the weekend she went to the dog park.

She never had a problem with dog aggression, but when she turned 7 months old, she wouldnt back down from a fight, if another dog started it. Thank god she never got into a serious fight. She enjoyed playing with other females and males, but she played a little too hard at times. She loved people and she was very confident.

[LabBreeder]

My dad has a Rottie/Hound mix. I swear he's like 95% Rot and 5% hound. The ONLY thing "houndish" about him is that his legs are about 2 inches longer than a purebred Rottie and he's got a slightly (very slightly) smaller chest - width wise. He was docked before he was given to my dad as a birthday present almost 13 years ago. He weighed 90 lbs (last I heard) and was definitely getting up in years. He's old and slow now and has some arthritis (I think).

The only thing Harley (yes, my dad named him Harley Davidson...aka Harley D.) ever did was bark at strangers and...ummm...anyone that wasn't caucasian. It was NOT something he was taught, but he did catch the "vibes" from my dad whenever someone unwanted would come by, regardless of color. He's very loving and get's along great with Buster (male mastiff/mix) and Coco (pit/mix). Buster is pushing 15 and Coco is about a year old.

[RedyreRottweilers]

Rottiegirl, what happened to your Rottie Mix?

[RD]

Rottweilers are such good-looking dogs.

I'm curious, to those of you that own them or are familiar with Rottweilers (that have been well trained by responsible owners) -- What is their typical reaction to strangers in a friendly situation? Guests in the house, someone wanting to pet them in a store, etc. I keep telling myself that I am a magnet for poorly bred/poorly trained Rottweilers, because nearly every one I meet has regarded me (not my dogs, but me) with a belligerent attitude, some were downright aggressive and a couple of them in petsmart scared me by lunging to the end of their leads and barking like lunatics.

An online friend of mine is really encouraging me to look into getting a Rottie, she has two show bitches that sound lovely although I've never met them... I couldn't own one of them if most are as unstable as the ones I've met - I don't want a dog that will be beyond my control, freaking out at a random stranger in petsmart. Since I can't seem to meet any decent examples of the breed that have been raised by responsible owners, I figured I'd ask those of you who own them.

[Roxy's CD]

Red your Roxy was gorgeous!!
filarotten you Roxie is also "princess like".

I think "roxy" is a name that should be reserved for intelligent rotts.. LOL

RD I have to admit that before Roxy went to school she lunged at people a lot. Anyone that came near me or spoke to me actually. My trainer said it was because we spent SOO much time alone together. (I got her at 6 weeks, and up until about 6 months we were together 24/7, I also had been physically abused by my bf at the time.) She was EXTREMELY protective. Not good at all.


Most rotts that I've met that haven't had formal training though, seem to be big teddy bears. In my town as I mentioned there are A LOT of rotts. Most of them are horribly overweight, but happy animals.

As, I mentioned in another thread, since her lessons Roxy has improved greatly with strangers. She doesn't lunge anymore (unless provoked; a drunken man approached me awhile back, arms waving, hollering, so she lunged to scare him, snarling etc), but with the general public, people I stop to talk to, she just sits at my side. She's not exactly friendly, like she wouldn't run up to you, but she definitely would not attack/lunge anymore. (Of course this was Roxy's specific problem with strangers being near me because of our unnaturally close bond since she was a pup)

In most situations though, after speaking to a lady with a Rott, I think it's because their such large dogs, that people are afraid to socialize them when their young. And then when they get bigger, it's just a huge mess. A lady with a Rott told me that her puppy was "bad" with other puppies, so she stopped taking him around other dogs. When he's older he won't be as bad... DUH! Of course he got worse when he was 120lbs and hadn't seen or been close to other dogs for years!!!

Yes, that's my stance on it, socialization. Not enough of it! :D

[rottiegirl]

Rottiegirl, what happened to your Rottie Mix?
I will start from the beggining... longish story...

I had just moved out of my parents house a few months before getting Kahlua, my rottie mix. I came over to visit my parents one day and there were two little puppies playing in the street. I called them over to me and fed them, because they were very skinny. To cut the story short... I ended up taking one because they were being neglected at 7 weeks of age. I planned on taking both, but my boyfriend said no.

I had kahlua for 7 months when I had to move into an appartment. About a month later the appartment rules had been changed. Only dogs under 20 pounds were alowed in the park. I tried hidding her, but the appartment owner found out and knocked on my door telling me to get kahlua out ASAP. I didnt know what to do, and I didnt have enough money to pack up and move again. I asked my family and friends what I should do, and they told me to find her a new home. So, being 17 and DUMB, I found her the best home possible.

I should have faught harder to keep her... no question about that. They shouldnt have been able to change the rules like that. Another reason that made me want to find her another home was because a couple who lived next to me threatened to turn me in to the appartment owner if I didnt get rid of kahlua. I wasnt going to be forced to drop her off at some pound.

I made a mistake. When the new owners showed up and drove off with her, I immediatly started saying... "oh my god, oh my god, what did I just do?". I still think about kahlua and what I should have done....

[filarotten]

Rd, we have company come over quite a bit. Roxie pretty much has the same reaction to company as Brutus. Some she adores, others she prefers to stay away from.

She will bark when a stranger comes in the yard, no lunging though. I can take her to Pet smart and she behaves quite well. It all depends on how much you socialize and work with them.

I can't say that she likes everyone she meets, she doesn't. But, she knows when she is told ok, that means it is ok, and to chill. She will go lie down. Sometimes she will talk back to me if she really senses something is wrong with them, but she doesn't react on that feeling... unless someone would truly threaten us.

With any dog that has protective instincts. It is imperative that they know the difference between a threatening and a non threatening situation.

Red, your girls are beautiful.

[RedyreRottweilers]

Rottweilers are such good-looking dogs.

I'm curious, to those of you that own them or are familiar with Rottweilers (that have been well trained by responsible owners) -- What is their typical reaction to strangers in a friendly situation? Guests in the house, someone wanting to pet them in a store, etc. I keep telling myself that I am a magnet for poorly bred/poorly trained Rottweilers, because nearly every one I meet has regarded me (not my dogs, but me) with a belligerent attitude, some were downright aggressive and a couple of them in petsmart scared me by lunging to the end of their leads and barking like lunatics.

An online friend of mine is really encouraging me to look into getting a Rottie, she has two show bitches that sound lovely although I've never met them... I couldn't own one of them if most are as unstable as the ones I've met - I don't want a dog that will be beyond my control, freaking out at a random stranger in petsmart. Since I can't seem to meet any decent examples of the breed that have been raised by responsible owners, I figured I'd ask those of you who own them.

RD, all of my girls, even my import, who was not raised by me, and was mishandled and ill socialized, are friendly, sociable, outgoing, love to be petted by anyone, whether in my home, or out in public.

I do feel that a great deal of this is strongly influenced by early training and socialization, and the expectations of the owner/trainer. I expect my dogs to be friendly and sociable. I take puppies EVERYWHERE with me from 10 weeks on. When I have a new puppy, that puppy is out with me going SOMEWHERE for active training and socialization with people they don't know a MINIMUM of 3X per week. I take puppies to Home Supply Stores. (We have been welcomed at many Home Depots, and Lowe's stores...when she was small, we arrived with our own clean up supplies as well). We go to banks, the place where I get my oil changed and tires rotated. I've been known to hang out outside Walmarts, etc, to intercept friendly people who want to pet and visit with a cute puppy. To me, this is one of the things that makes a MONUMENTAL difference in the dog you end up with later. It builds confidence, and puppies learn very early about attention under distraction.

I have never owned a single Rottweiler that was concerned about the approach of any stranger when on the end of my leash, or once someone is inside my home.

Like most dogs, they charge the door if someone knocks. They are BALLISTIC inside my van, or behind my fence, and I have NO DOUBT that any of them would use deadly force if I were ever confronted with a real threat from any person.

The early socialization does not diminish this protective instinct in the dog whatsoever, it just lets them learn early on what friendly unthreatening people look like, and how to enjoy being approached and touched by a wide variety of people.

I have zero interest in a dog I can't take places, or that does not like being petted by people of any flavor.

:D

[RedyreRottweilers]

Thank you all for your comments about my dear girls, and especially my ^Roxy^. I have had many dogs over the years. They have all been wonderful, but she was special.

[borgorn]

Rottweilers are such good-looking dogs.

I'm curious, to those of you that own them or are familiar with Rottweilers (that have been well trained by responsible owners) -- What is their typical reaction to strangers in a friendly situation? Guests in the house, someone wanting to pet them in a store, etc. I keep telling myself that I am a magnet for poorly bred/poorly trained Rottweilers, because nearly every one I meet has regarded me (not my dogs, but me) with a belligerent attitude, some were downright aggressive and a couple of them in petsmart scared me by lunging to the end of their leads and barking like lunatics.

An online friend of mine is really encouraging me to look into getting a Rottie, she has two show bitches that sound lovely although I've never met them... I couldn't own one of them if most are as unstable as the ones I've met - I don't want a dog that will be beyond my control, freaking out at a random stranger in petsmart. Since I can't seem to meet any decent examples of the breed that have been raised by responsible owners, I figured I'd ask those of you who own them.

When almost anyone comes over my rotti has the same reaction. He charges them and puts his head in their lap and demands to be pet. He won't leave them alone until they acknowledge him. But when at the vet he puts on a big show and barks at everyone. But he's a big baby and is bluffing.

[RedyreRottweilers]

I would not count on the fact that a dog who "charges guests", demands to be petted, and who barks at everyone at the vets is "bluffing".

I'm also disturbed when anyone describes a breed that is so powerful mentally and physically as the Rottweiler is, as a "big baby".

Dogs are not babies, and Rottweilers are certainly not.

If I were you, I would listen to what your dog is telling you, and it has nothing to do with being a "big baby".

[bubbatd]

Disagree ....I've known many " big babies " ...

[RedyreRottweilers]

bubbatd, from one who has about 20 years of experience with this breed, there are some that are extremely gentle.

It is wise, however, to always keep in mind the strength and power of this breed.

There are 40+ tombstones in the US under which dead people lie who were killed by Rottweilers.

Just last week another child was killed by a Rottweiler in Texas.

This breed deserves respect, and IMHO, representing any of them to the GP as "big babies" creates an incorrect perception of the breed, and dogs in general.

Way too many people make the mistake of trying to treat and train a puppy like a child anyway. My opinion is these sorts of terms perpetuate this train of thought in the GP.

A Rottweiler, even a very very friendly one, is a powerful animal who should be accorded a certain amount of respect.

The poster who has the dog charging guests, demanding to be petted, and behaving in an uncontrollable manner at the vets certainly does not have a "big baby."

Either of my 3 girls might be perceived by those who meet them in public on my leash as "big babies". They would have a radically different perception should they approach my van when they are crated in it, or my fencing at any time.

As always, JMO.

Others can and often do disagree.

;)

[bubbatd]

I didn't mean just Rotties....

[filarotten]

I have to say as far as family, and many of our friends are concerned, they do perceive Roxie as a big baby. She is my baby after 9 years of having her around.

But, I also know that big baby has some very big teeth, and very protective instincts which could get her into trouble, if not heavily socialized, trained and supervised. She is strong, powerful and built like a bulldozer, she could easily hurt someone.

I do trust my Rottie and my Fila, what I don't trust... are people. They are the ones that can get a dog into trouble. I know how my dogs will react and what they are capable of. But, I don't know how a stranger will react to my dogs and what they are capable of.

[JennSLK]

When almost anyone comes over my rotti has the same reaction. He charges them and puts his head in their lap and demands to be pet. He won't leave them alone until they acknowledge him. But when at the vet he puts on a big show and barks at everyone. But he's a big baby and is bluffing.

To me it sounds like he is trying to be dominate over the guests. 'Demanding" to be petted.

But thats just MO

[julieandchili]

The only experience Ive ever had with rotties, is Capo, a girlfriends dog. I would visit about 1x a month.....and Capo was such a friendly dog!
If I sat on the couch...he'd inch his way over until I was petting him. Then he'd inch his way up on the couch until his head was in my lap. LOL...then he'd inch his way ON to my lap! He must have weighed upwards of 150lbs....and Im a pretty tiny gal! It must have looked so funny...this big huge dog, trying to fit on my lap!
He was a joy...bless his heart. He passed away last summer.:(

[corsomom]

RD, my rott is great meeting new people, very friendly. Its a shame that you have only met poorly trained ones, they can be such great dogs.

[borgorn]

I would not count on the fact that a dog who "charges guests", demands to be petted, and who barks at everyone at the vets is "bluffing".

I'm also disturbed when anyone describes a breed that is so powerful mentally and physically as the Rottweiler is, as a "big baby".

Dogs are not babies, and Rottweilers are certainly not.

If I were you, I would listen to what your dog is telling you, and it has nothing to do with being a "big baby".
You don't live with my dog. He's a big baby. When he charges people he olny wants to be pet. He is trying to beat the german shepherd to get the attention first. He just looks intimidating because of his size. Instead of charges I should say excitedly runs towards. The vet is the only situation he ever barks at people. And they even say he's all bark. They don't even take him serious, they laugh. The dog is almost 12 years old. Not a threat at all. You can't say listen to what my dog is telling me. I know dogs and my dogs better then anyone. Have had many dogs my whole life. He is a passive dog and when people come over they say "Wow, he's a big baby. You don't know my dog better then me.

[borgorn]

The only experience Ive ever had with rotties, is Capo, a girlfriends dog. I would visit about 1x a month.....and Capo was such a friendly dog!
If I sat on the couch...he'd inch his way over until I was petting him. Then he'd inch his way up on the couch until his head was in my lap. LOL...then he'd inch his way ON to my lap! He must have weighed upwards of 150lbs....and Im a pretty tiny gal! It must have looked so funny...this big huge dog, trying to fit on my lap!
He was a joy...bless his heart. He passed away last summer.:(
Mine was 153lbs when he was lounger. Now he's 135lbs. He thinks he's a lap dog too.

[RD]

Thank you all for the explanations, I appreciate it. I know I just need to be a bit more open to Rotties, because the couple well bred ones that I've met were such lovely dogs.

[borgorn]

To me it sounds like he is trying to be dominate over the guests. 'Demanding" to be petted.

But thats just MO
He's not dominate at all. Just too affectionate. He's also competing for attention with the other dog.

[borgorn]

bubbatd, from one who has about 20 years of experience with this breed, there are some that are extremely gentle.

It is wise, however, to always keep in mind the strength and power of this breed.

There are 40+ tombstones in the US under which dead people lie who were killed by Rottweilers.

Just last week another child was killed by a Rottweiler in Texas.

This breed deserves respect, and IMHO, representing any of them to the GP as "big babies" creates an incorrect perception of the breed, and dogs in general.

Way too many people make the mistake of trying to treat and train a puppy like a child anyway. My opinion is these sorts of terms perpetuate this train of thought in the GP.

A Rottweiler, even a very very friendly one, is a powerful animal who should be accorded a certain amount of respect.

The poster who has the dog charging guests, demanding to be petted, and behaving in an uncontrollable manner at the vets certainly does not have a "big baby."

Either of my 3 girls might be perceived by those who meet them in public on my leash as "big babies". They would have a radically different perception should they approach my van when they are crated in it, or my fencing at any time.

As always, JMO.

Others can and often do disagree.

;)
wow, you are unbelievable. My dog is not uncontrollable at the vet. You made that up to strengthen your arguement.
Who tries to train their puppy like a baby? Not me. I am not a baby person. If someone broke in my house I question what my rotti would even do. He would want attention. But my german shepherd would make that person regret the decision to come in. I submit to this message board that you are trying to be a" know it all."

About the 40 tombstones. How many tombstones were caused by other humans. Does that mean all human should be labelled too?

[Roxy's CD]

I understand what your saying to a T Red.

They are big. I tried the baby thing with Roxy, (of course before I knew better) and the results were not good. With a dog that size you don't want them taking advantage of any type of situation like that. Although, I think with good leadership they can be very cuddly and loveable. Like any other dog.

[bubbatd]

Of course you don't treat any dog as a baby !!! Whether small or big they are puppies and must be trained ! It's only when they are trained, well mannered and over 75#s that they are " Big Babies " !

[GSDlover_4ever]

My dogs are my babies but I treat them as dogs. When at home they are all "big babies" but that changes as soon as someone comes over. A dog should never lounge at a person who is not a threat. Caza doesnt like people, but he was taght to be indifferent to them. Since he is a working dog, I rarely take him out the the store and stuff because my pet dogs are Neeko and Joe (they usually go with me). Just because he prefers not to be petted does not mean he is allowed to act a fool in public. As long as you dont mess with him then he will not care about you. And that is how it should be. A dog should be NUETRAL to its environment.

[GSDlover_4ever]

All breeds are faced with false descriptions. Many consider a GSD a wonderful family pet and blah-blah-blah. but someone who does not research the lines and the breed will probably end up with a dog that is uncontrollable. Some GSD's (mostly american bred) are great family dogs, but put a good working lines GSD in a family, you would end up wth an agressive, dominating, monster. :eek: