| While all of my Rottweilers have been good with children, my own and others, some have been enamoured of children and the others exceedingly tolerant. This is a result of their basic temperament as well as the training and socialization I insist on. I would not however state that this is true of all Rottweilers any more than I would of any other breed. I always felt the one of the reasons they were so very good was because they do not startle or get defensive about things.
The prey drive is an issue and requires that you be aware of things (screaming, running children) and raise children that understand the rules and know when the dog should be put up (especially a young dog). Train to competition level. Raise your dog as a dog and not a child- you've indicated you understand that.
The batch I have now were not raised with children in the home and they too understand, like and behave well with all aged children from babies to teens. They DO want to smell all over the infants. I had an adult male Rottweiler in my home when my first child was born. He was a best friend. Others followed and both of my children grew up with Rottweilers in the home. I had one bitch who had to be discouraged from being too bossy with the boys, but that was all and she learned that I would boss them around if they needed it. :)
Without knowing your bitch and knowing the children who might be around her I would not make a blanket statement endorsing the situation. I can simply state that mine have been wonderful family dogs and most reliable.
As far as the family visit is concerned, just count it as lesson learned and leave your girl behind next visit. Saves all the emotional angst. The proof always comes with reality so conduct your family to please yourselves, see to it that you have a trained and reliable dog and most will come around. They'll probably say, "I hate Rottweilers, but Tia is a good girl".... that'll do. Some will never like her but make sure it is dislike without reason.
It would be an obvious lie to state that all members of the breed are safe. Don't even try to go there. Just raise and train your girl and show her off whenever possible.  |