Thanks for spreading negative stereotyping

[alessadry]

Across the nation people are wondering what type of dog president Obama is going to adopt. The choice will seem to reflect the opinion people have on him. When considering a Rottweiler, the article below states the breed as being aggressive and ranking low for obedience. What a great way to help fight the difficult stereotyping, especially with many readers that take any political news as sacred!

Here is the article
wbztv.com - Keller: Bad K9 Choice Could Put Obama In Dog House

[KatarinasMom]

You're right, that's a horrible picture to paint of our wonderful breed. I would like to know where he got the statistics on rottweilers ranking low in obedience? I would argue just the opposite....every rottie I have ever owned or known has been extremely intelligent and easily trained.

[LeaPet]

Once again the media plays up to stereotypes and refuses to do any real reporting.

[Katoman]

That really burns me up, I would love to send an email to the author of that article. It also reminds me of when I was watching "When Animals Attack" a few weeks ago, where the was a rottweiler who attacked a man. It came down to a terrible owner, but the "animal expert's" explanation was that "rottweilers see everything as prey, including humans."

Why must people be so ignorant?

[missingmarley]

Yeah, but let's not lose sight of the fact that if the Obamas DID adopt a Rottweiler, the popularity of the breed would again most likely skyrocket - and everybody knows that's not a good thing.

Besides, the Obamas need a hypoallergenic animal because one of the girls is allergic. I see a cute little Bichon in their future! Hope it's indeed a shelter dog! That would send a beautiful message.

[Robenk]

You know, today I must be "in a mood" because I've never emailed a tv station or newspaper about one of their articles! BUT, I am SO SICK of the discussion as to what breed of dog should live at the White House! I looked yesterday at Animal Planet's website (totally diff reason) and saw the voting going on...there are several working/sporting breeds listed and it ticked me off! They won't have the time to properly devote to a puppy, and you know the Obama's will not be the one raising or training it...they'll delegate it out...they'll have to!!

I went to the link listed, and found the place that says "CONTACT US"...so I did...
Here's what I sent, but I know there are several of you here on RDN that could do a much better job!!! (I don't know how to change the color or italics or anything..sorry!)

I take offense to the article: "Keller: Bad K9 Choice Could Put Obama In Dog House"!! You are once again perpetuating a completely undeserved rotten reputation given to the Rottweiler breed! Due to negative stereotypes such as the one you reported, you encourage those who are inexperienced with large, extremely intelligent, EASILY TRAINED, yet powerful dogs, to seek Rotties out because they're "aggressive" and they will "convey toughness"!
ANY breed of dog will bite & be aggressive WITHOUT training & socialization! (Contrary to what you've reported, Golden Retrievers have been known to attack!!!)Rottweiler owners, trainers & breeders are a passionate group who would prefer that the new President does NOT acquire a rottie--popularity ultimately destroys a breed! AND, I don't know any GOOD rottie breeder that would feel comfortable giving the White House a pup because their lifestyle would not a good environment for the dog! The First Family wouldn't have the time or energy to devote into properly raising and training a wonderful Rottweiler!

Why don't you do some research into Certified Search & Rescue, Therapy (that visit the elderly or ill in hospitals), or Wildlife Rescue dogs? I KNOW you'll find EXCELLENT examples of Rottweilers that are TRUE to the breed!!!!

[Cdn1050]

Just last week I email a tv station for the first time, and I would advise everyone to do the same. I live close to the Michigan border so I tend to watch the U.S. news more than the Canadian news. Fox 2 did a story on "Pitbulls: Perception vs. Reality". They showed the pros and cons of the breed, and a couple ladies who do Pitbull rescue and educated the media. I thought they did a very good job on their part. I'll post the link at the bottom.

Anyhoo, when the story was over and it went back to the newscasters, one of the newscasters blurted out on air "I would never have one of those dogs around my children".

Don't know why, but it ticked me off. I sent the tv station an email letting them know that I heard it and I'm sure others did too. Also it absolutely unprofessional for a news organization to be chiming in with their opinions between clips. It blurs the objectivity of the story.

[Cdn1050]

Forgot the link to that story

MyFox Detroit | Pit Bulls: Perception & Reality

Also it was reported that Obama is looking more for a Golden Doodle, or some breed that would be ok for a child that has allergies. If they do get a Doodle, unfortunately that will be the popular breed for 2009.

ETA: Unfortunately at the end of the clip it doesn't show the newscaster blurting out his opinion.

[alessadry]

Originally Posted by Robenk

You know, today I must be "in a mood" because I've never emailed a tv station or newspaper about one of their articles! BUT, I am SO SICK of the discussion as to what breed of dog should live at the White House! I looked yesterday at Animal Planet's website (totally diff reason) and saw the voting going on...there are several working/sporting breeds listed and it ticked me off! They won't have the time to properly devote to a puppy, and you know the Obama's will not be the one raising or training it...they'll delegate it out...they'll have to!!

I went to the link listed, and found the place that says "CONTACT US"...so I did...
Here's what I sent, but I know there are several of you here on RDN that could do a much better job!!! (I don't know how to change the color or italics or anything..sorry!)

I take offense to the article: "Keller: Bad K9 Choice Could Put Obama In Dog House"!! You are once again perpetuating a completely undeserved rotten reputation given to the Rottweiler breed! Due to negative stereotypes such as the one you reported, you encourage those who are inexperienced with large, extremely intelligent, EASILY TRAINED, yet powerful dogs, to seek Rotties out because they're "aggressive" and they will "convey toughness"!
ANY breed of dog will bite & be aggressive WITHOUT training & socialization! (Contrary to what you've reported, Golden Retrievers have been known to attack!!!)Rottweiler owners, trainers & breeders are a passionate group who would prefer that the new President does NOT acquire a rottie--popularity ultimately destroys a breed! AND, I don't know any GOOD rottie breeder that would feel comfortable giving the White House a pup because their lifestyle would not a good environment for the dog! The First Family wouldn't have the time or energy to devote into properly raising and training a wonderful Rottweiler!

Why don't you do some research into Certified Search & Rescue, Therapy (that visit the elderly or ill in hospitals), or Wildlife Rescue dogs? I KNOW you'll find EXCELLENT examples of Rottweilers that are TRUE to the breed!!!!

Thanks so much for taking your time in contacting them. I think I will do the same, the more the better! Don't you just hate how ignorant reporters are? I would like to know the source of his findings, he should quote them so I can go to the source of the problem :) He also aired it on tv!
wbztv.com - WBZ-TV Video Archive

[Robenk]

[QUOTE=Cdn1050;851125]
Also it was reported that Obama is looking more for a Golden Doodle, or some breed that would be ok for a child that has allergies. If they do get a Doodle, unfortunately that will be the popular breed for 2009.
QUOTE]

Just an interesting note: My inlaws just got a mini poodle and in doing research for them, I found that most "oodle" crosses are NOT hypoallergenic so the end up in shelters!! It's just like in any breeding, you'll never truly know what you'll get...BUT since they're not looking at lines, many pups are getting the BAD of both breeds/dogs--therefore they don't only get the poodle coats!!

AND true COE breeders will not breed with other breeds!! Therefore the "oodles" we tend to see out there are BYB!! GREEEAAATT!! So it's OK'd by the new Pres!!!

[alessadry]

Ok, this is what I sent them:

"Many thanks for Keller's ignorant stereotyping about Rottweilers in his video:

wbztv.com - WBZ-TV Video Archive

Rottweilers are not an aggressive breed and nor are they hard to train. As a matter of fact, Rottweilers are great companions that are often used as search and rescue and therapy pets in nursing homes. They are friendly and very easy to train. I would like to hear the source of his findings about this breed. Was it just from hearsay? Can he quote where he got this info from?
Does he know that the so "friendly" portrayed Labs have also a history of attacking children? Does he know that ANY dog regardless of breed but with teeth can attack? Dogs become what owners make out of them!
I think that before coming with such non sense there shuold be proof to back up his findings. Breed stereotyping is the canine version of racial stereotyping. And now with a new African American president we should know better..."

[Katoman]

I can't find where to send something?? Can you post the contact link?

[alessadry]

I used this form and put complaint.
wbztv.com - Contact Us

[brutus'mother]

I also posted in the blog section of the article in question. The author responded and reports this is where he obtained his info...BestDOG!

[chicatropical]

For gods sake, I have a Rottweiler AND a Golden Retriever and let me tell you that the Golden Retriever (who is supposed to be one of the most intelligent dogs there is) acts "dumb" compared to the Rottweiler. The Rottweiler gets it, the Golden Retriever still looks like stupid - thats my case. Perfect dog to be the clown for children - but a Rottweiler is a "real" dog. (my opinion, and keep in mind I have both breeds)

Stupid article.... an aggressive breed? My Golden Retriever goes nuts barking at a ppl walking by, my Rottweiler just observes and stays quiet.

I wonder what kind of idiot wrote that stuff