Breed just like others or breed not for everyone?

[alessadry]

Being against breed stereotyping seems to be a double-edged sword. On one hand, you want to show the general public how the Rottweiler breed is loving and should therefore be considered as any other breed, in order to fight breed-specific legislation and all the negative portraits the media seems to draw. But then on the other hand, you want to avoid people from thinking the breed is just about for everyone.

It happens for instance that when the neighbor's kids see my dogs they start nagging the parents with the ''I want a Rottweiler'' cliche' despite the fact I told them repeatedly how much training and care they require. Of course, my warnings seem to go in one ear and out the other.

Yes, you may say, but can't they actually be a responsible family? who are you to think they will make bad pet parents? Thing is, I know for a fact they already have a Golden Retriever secluded all day in a pen which is full of worms and they cannot even afford to deworm him. He also often escapes from his pen and joins Petra and Kaiser on their walks... Fortunately, the parents seem to be strong on this and they tell the kids that only once out of the house they can do what they want.

The other day I posted a video of me and Petra doing some tricks on a local pet Facebook page (there was a contest going on) and the next day on the same page coincidentally I saw a young teen posting several ''looking for Rottweiler puppy'' notes and backyard breeders were giving her price quotes! I really hope this interest in the breed was not spiked by my video... but anyhow, it makes you think and wonder twice about the pros and cons of showing how loving and smart this breed can be. So how do you juggle the ''my Rotts are ambassadors of the breed'' with the '' but they are not a breed for everyone'' notion?

In a similar fashion, at times, I wonder if ever a movie would come out showing the real nature of Rotts so to debunk, once and for all, their negative stigma, and finally freeing the breed from all the negative black listing and bans. But then this sort of dream of mine comes to an abrupt halt as if I waken up from a nightmare, due to imagining all the irresponsible people purchasing Rotts by impulse and the back yard breeders striking it rich and laughing all the way to the bank!:(

[spidey]

NO breed is the right breed for everyone. Frankly, "breed stereotyping" is not a bad thing as long as it is accurate! If breeds did not have intrinsic characteristics, we wouldn't need breeds at all. Herding dogs herd, terriers dig and kill, etc. Stereotypes which are inaccurate are a problem, but I do not think that fighting against incorrect stereotypes means you have to pretend that there are no differences or intrinstic traits between breeds. Breeds were created for different purposes, therefore there are differences between them, and not every breed suits every home.

I have always said here and elsewhere that I feel you do your breed an enormous disservice by pretending that its intrinsic traits are not there and that problems within the breed do not exist, and that it's all sunshine and roses. I breed a different breed and the first thing I tell people is that my breed is wonderful IN THE RIGHT HOME, and that they have traits that some people adore and that others could not live with.

I do not see the conflict you are seeing - a dog can be a wonderful ambassador for its breed, but that still does not mean the breed is suitable for everyone. We have rescues and shelters in large part precisely BECAUSE people don't recognize that breeds and individual dogs within breeds are very different from each other, and that not every dog OR breed is suitable for every home.

[Letzroll]

^^^Agreed because yes the Rottie is a smart and loving breed...BUT it's still not for everyone.

[Rotpaw]

Originally Posted by alessadry

In a similar fashion, at times, I wonder if ever a movie would come out showing the real nature of Rotts so to debunk, once and for all, their negative stigma, and finally freeing the breed from all the negative black listing and bans. But then this sort of dream of mine comes to an abrupt halt as if I waken up from a nightmare, due to imagining all the irresponsible people purchasing Rotts by impulse and the back yard breeders striking it rich and laughing all the way to the bank!:(

Even though it was not a movie that prompted the Rottweiler's popularity in the late 80's-early 90's the result was the same......and we are still dealing with the ramifications from these results. When you deal with anything that can result in money to be made (ie. BYB breeding dogs) there will always be problems that are difficult if not impossible to correct.

[alessadry]

Originally Posted by spidey

I breed a different breed and the first thing I tell people is that my breed is wonderful IN THE RIGHT HOME, and that they have traits that some people adore and that others could not live with.

I do not see the conflict you are seeing - a dog can be a wonderful ambassador for its breed, but that still does not mean the breed is suitable for everyone. We have rescues and shelters in large part precisely BECAUSE people don't recognize that breeds and individual dogs within breeds are very different from each other, and that not every dog OR breed is suitable for every home.

Spidey, you made some wonderful points, and yes, I will make sure I keep reminding people how the breed is not suitable for everyone. Unfortunately, there is not much more I can do than this, as some people can be hard headed, but at least I warned them.

You claim: '' Frankly, "breed stereotyping" is not a bad thing as long as it is accurate! Stereotypes which are inaccurate are a problem.''

Exactly what traits would you say are the most accurate and yet effective to prevent the wrong people from thinking they can own a Rottweiler? What would you say therefore to discourage the idea of getting one but without looking like a ''know it all''? I noticed if I say the breed needs lots of training, ongoing socialization and exercise they sort of underestimate it, it sort of seems to go in one ear and out the other. I think they are blurred by the beauty and intelligence of the breed.

I really have a hard time coming to terms with people saying ''I want a Rottie (or pitbull) because they are ''protective'. I heard a teenager once claim: ''I want a rottie that growls at strangers that approach me at night''. The training forum so far has two users asking how to train a Rottweiler to bark at people, which makes me assume more and more are trying to use Rotts as a deterrent:( but then, the AKC standard claims the breed to be ''protective'' a term that is true to the breed but that may perhaps play a role in luring the wrong type of owners.

[Roxweiler]

On one hand , I want to believe the general public is capable of the simple task of having a Dog...
and on the other hand..
I realize that a lotta people should just own a goldfish...
I call it..PSL...Pet Specific Legislation..

[spidey]

Exactly what traits would you say are the most accurate and yet effective to prevent the wrong people from thinking they can own a Rottweiler? What would you say therefore to discourage the idea of getting one but without looking like a ''know it all''?

This is not a dog for a casual owner, it is a serious working breed which means it needs daily structured exercise, lifelong training (including training classes for most of its life), and an experienced owner. They are prone to dog aggression, especially same-sex aggression, as they mature, and they end up being a large, intelligent, strong-willed dog which is not suitable for many owners. They are great dogs in the right home, but can be hazardous in the wrong one.

But really, unless you are a breeder, all you can do is try your best to educate people about the pros AND cons of the breed.

[fbkeays]

I am trying to place one of my pups that was returned due to owner ill health. She is a super sweet girl that just wants to please. She loves being a lap dog. She earned her RN a few months ago without any real training, just being naturally biddable.
I tell people that she is extremely smart. To own a rottweiler, you need to be at least as smart as your dog, if not more. I tell this true story about Belle.
A good friend came to visit this summer. She wanted Belle to sleep on the bed with her during her stay. I reminded her that Belle has a thing for shoes and socks and to put them away before going to bed. Durning the night Belle got off the bed. That woke up my friend a little bit. What really woke her up was the sound of the zipper on her suitcase being opened. My friend put her shoes and socks in her luggage while Belle watched.
For some reason no one wants Belle, sigh.

[Rotpaw]

Francis...classic story about our smart, wonderful breed.

How old is Belle?

[fbkeays]

Originally Posted by Rotpaw

Francis...classic story about our smart, wonderful breed.

How old is Belle?

Belle is now 2 1/2 years old. Both of her parents were/are extremely smart and had problem solving abilities. Qualities I love in a dog. Most people want couch potato type dogs that don't need any effort. Smart dogs need both their body and mind exercised or they will make up their own activities to do. Unfortunately those activities are not folding the laundry or sweeping the floor. Belle is always looking for things to do and make up new games to play. It also doesn't help that her mother's breeder wrote a book about her grandmother titled, "Too Much Dog".

[Rotpaw]

I will keep my ears open for anyone wanting an adult.
When you find one that channels their energy/smarts to doing laundry or the floors, let me know!
Now you have me curious, I am going to need to check out that book.

[harleychik66]

Spidey...LOVE your post!! Absolutely awesome!!

Originally Posted by fbkeays

I am trying to place one of my pups that was returned due to owner ill health. She is a super sweet girl that just wants to please. She loves being a lap dog. She earned her RN a few months ago without any real training, just being naturally biddable.
I tell people that she is extremely smart. To own a rottweiler, you need to be at least as smart as your dog, if not more. I tell this true story about Belle.
A good friend came to visit this summer. She wanted Belle to sleep on the bed with her during her stay. I reminded her that Belle has a thing for shoes and socks and to put them away before going to bed. Durning the night Belle got off the bed. That woke up my friend a little bit. What really woke her up was the sound of the zipper on her suitcase being opened. My friend put her shoes and socks in her luggage while Belle watched.
For some reason no one wants Belle, sigh.

Wow, I am so suprised no one wants her. I would take her in a heartbeat. She sounds like an absolute dream.

I look at my two awesome boys...and maybe it's because I also lived with an issue dog that I really do appreciate the solid, stable dogs ( I don't know, just thinking outloud) and couldn't imagine taking in a dog like her. It would be as if I was sent to heaven right off the bat.

Duders is 11 and slowing down a bit and Lou is more of a couch potato dog. While he's not a bum by any means he has far less energy and drive than what I ever anticipated any rottie would have. I LOVE my bumble but I really really miss all the energy little Boppy had.

[alessadry]

Originally Posted by spidey

This is not a dog for a casual owner, it is a serious working breed which means it needs daily structured exercise, lifelong training (including training classes for most of its life), and an experienced owner. They are prone to dog aggression, especially same-sex aggression, as they mature, and they end up being a large, intelligent, strong-willed dog which is not suitable for many owners. They are great dogs in the right home, but can be hazardous in the wrong one.

But really, unless you are a breeder, all you can do is try your best to educate people about the pros AND cons of the breed.

Thanks a bunch, great sound advice! My male Kaiser fits more the Rottweiler standard he is slightly aloof (greets people happily, but after a few seconds, finds something better to do) and is always looking for some activity even after an hour long walk, as to my female Petra, people often exchange her for a Golden dressed up as a Rott, or some sort of lap dog, she literally loves everybody, kids, toddlers, seniors, disabled, you name it and is also quite low energy, -''walk? do we really have to? I rather stay in front of the wood stove right now!''- So she is ultimately the one that attracts most people. I guess it will also help to remind people that Rotts also have different personalities, and they may not necessarily end up with a Rott like her (which also took a bunch of training, socialization etc)