Rottweilers and children

[mercedes]

I was on this web site a little bit ago, and they had a description of a rottweiler on there. It says that they are not good with kids, dogs, or other pets. Is it just me, or does this seem like they just went on bad statistics to write this? I dont know about you, but in all the Rotties I have ever been around, all the people that had them either had kids or other pets. What do you think? Do you think that they are dogs that can't be around kids and pets? Mabey its just me, but that kind of upsets me that they have that on there.

[KellyWrae]

I would just chalk it up to lack of education. There is nothing to stop people from writing as if they're an expert even when they don't have all the FACTS. Although I have seen the Rotties that website is talking about, they are like a completely different breed from the one I own, my heart breaks for them. I live in an area where they are used for fighting. They live in deplorable conditions, it's obvious what they are used for but no one will do anything about it. I'll stop my rant here since it's gotten so off topic. Sorry.

Kelly

[sparklemom]

From the American Rottweiler Club site:

TEMPERAMENT: Rottweiler temperaments vary from natural clowns, who are affectionate to almost anyone, to the very reserved, one-person dog. Ideally they should be calm but alert companions. These dogs often follow their masters from place to place in the home, keeping a constant but unobtrusive watch over their loved one. Nervous, shy, excitable or hyperactive individuals are exhibiting traits which are undesirable in an animal the size and nature of the Rottweiler and should be avoided.

AGGRESSIVENESS: This trait varies with the individual dog to some degree, although all have a strong territorial instinct and will defend their master's home, car and property from intruders. Rottweilers have also been known to bully or bluff their owners or other people, a trait that is most disconcerting. This problem is easily prevented through early obedience training and the development of a mutually rewarding working relationship.

PROTECTIVE INSTINCT: Many families have purchased a Rottweiler for this trait, only to discover that it brings with it a considerable moral and legal responsibility. Problems can arise quickly; the dog may not be able to distinguish between a bear hug greeting of a family member, or a cherished friend, and the hostile advances of an intruder, particularly if the greetings between parties includes loud shouts, laughter or screams. Dogs must be carefully schooled to accept your friends into your home but physical contact should be approached carefully until the dog realizes that you belong. Strangers must never come into your yard unannounced, the dog doesn't know the difference between your brother or a burglar. Although the Rottweiler does not usually bite without provocation, even being cornered and held by one of these dogs is a very unnerving experience for meter men, delivery persons or neighbors wandering into the yard while the owner is absent. People expected to be in contact with the dog while the owners are absent should be thoroughly familiar to the dog.

SMALL CHILDREN IN THE HOME: The adaptability of the Rottweiler to small children varies with the individual animal. Many are very tolerant and loving towards toddlers; others resent the sometimes rough treatment an unknowing child can inflict. One serious problem is the size of the dog. Families have been forced to give up much beloved pets because the dog inadvertently caused injuries to small children in the family by bumping into them or knocking them down or into furniture. This bumping is a natural behavior in the Rottweiler, a legacy from the days when the breed was used to herd cattle in Europe. They will "bump" and "herd" children, adults, and other pets. This can be a problem if your home contains young children or elderly family members. Some breeders recommend waiting until the children are at least school age before introducing a Rottweiler into the home. The amount of space in your home, the age of your children, and the amount of time the dog will be in contact with the children should be part of your decision.

OTHER PETS IN THE HOME: Rottweiler puppies frequently adapt well to older dogs or cats in the home, however, older Rottweilers may be more difficult to integrate into a home with existing pets. Dog-to-dog aggression is influenced by the early socialization of puppies, their bloodlines and sex; males are less tolerant of other males than they are of females. Bitches may also be intolerant of other dogs, sometimes of either sex. It is an individual matter and can be controlled to a great extent with obedience training of the offender, a necessity if you anticipate having your dog around other dogs and out in public places.

[MaxiesMom]

I think people who are uneducated about the breed have nothing nice to say about Rotties, there vicous, blah, blah, blah. But when I tell some I have one (and they are familiar with the breed) they are always like: I hear they are wonderful family dogs. I was talking with another dog owner recently and we were chatting about dogs biting children, and how sometimes people will volunteer how mean rotties are with children (again, uneducated) and this guy told me he read that most dog bites are done by Golden Retrievers, but they still have this great reputation as a family dog. Interesting.... On the few occassions I had taken Maxie to the dog park and a dog fight has broken out (thankfully Maxie is far from that scene and never been in a fight) it has always contained a Golden Retriever.

[mercedes]

That is exactly what I dont get. My parents own a Goldie, and this dog is absolutly enormus. She is about 150lbs and 27", but know one is scared of her, even though she isnt properly trained. And then I have my baby rott, and people already dont want to be around her because "she will be a mean dog".

[BostonRott]

Yep, that's part of the joy of owning the breed. The best way to handle it is to keep your dander down (as hard as that is at times!), and work with patience to explain to people that there are bad dogs in all breeds, that the Rottweiler IS a strong and intelligent breed, and if they are not raised with those facts in mind, they can become a problem. They require a household, discipline and proper raising, just like any child.

Invite your neighbors to get to know Mercedes now, while she's small and cute, and you'll have less hassles later.

[MaxiesMom]

I would have to agree. Get you neighbors to meet and get to know your dog. That is what I did. Practically everyone knows Maxie in my neighborhood and they all love her. Our neighbors who don't have dogs consider Maxie their little adopted dog.

[Carina43]

From the GERMAN :) ADRK standard:

Temperament: He is descended from friendly and peaceful stock and by nature loves children, is affectionate, obedient, trainable and enjoys working. His rough appearance belies his ancestry. His demeanor is self reliant, with strong nerves and fearless character. He is keenly alert to and aware of his surroundings.

And while we're at it, from the UK standard:

Appearance displays boldness and courage. Self assured and fearless. Calm gaze should indicate good humour. Good nature, not nervous, aggressive, or vicious: courageous, biddable, with natural guarding instincts.

Note that in NONE of the standards does it say anything about "likely to go off without warning and maul people." So whoever was writing that description was totally ignoring the actual standard and relying on - like you said - statistics and hype. That'sunfortunate because a well bred and properly raised Rottweiler is probably a heck of a lot more stable and safe around children than, say, a Dalmation or Cocker Spaniel!

[MaxiesMom]

When people give funny looks or make rude comments. I am always more than happy to explain that any type of dog can be vicous and maul, not just rotties. You have to be committed to the breed, training, exercise, etc... I can not tell people enough train train and more training. I have seen all types of dogs fighting at the dog park and not once a rottie involved. We put so much time and energy into Maxie. I refuse to leave her for more than a few hours, I swear she is almost human and understands me. She is my bestfriend, well besides my husband. I don't understand some people who get dogs, just to leave them for 10 hours a day and leave them outside all alone with no socialization. We have friends who mock us that we baby her, but I got dog to have one, not to leave her alone and pay no attention to her. She is such a lovey, happy dog not to mention she is funny as all. She has personality. Always make me laugh. My husband is a CPA and used to be so cranky when he would come home, but now he can't wait to get home to see Maxie and the way she greets him.

[RottiMomCT]

A family my sister was a nanny for had a GSD. Richter was hit by a car, and the family wanted to get another dog. When Dad was researching (dear Lord, I said that, didn't I...someone RESEARCHED before getting a dog!) breeds that would be good with their growing family (the family has four children under age 10!), guess what the top three breeds were:

Rottweiler
German Shephard Dog
Doberman Pinscher

The family seriously considered a Rottie but ended up getting another GSD. With recommendations from me regarding obedience and crate training, Tasha is a much more welcome canine in the neighborhood (Richter was a bully....he was named after a NY Rangers hockey player so, I can see where that came from !!).

My sister has an annual block party (disguised as a birthday party for her dog!) that just about the whole neighborhood, and friends and family attend every year. Last year we brought Ben along for the first time. Apparently my sister had been doing some bragging about Ben and how well trained he is because not ONE person made any comments at all about him because of the breed of dog he is. Everyone was very curious about where I got him (adopted from NERR in Feb 2000) and asked lots of questions about Rotts in general. The kids loved him and had a great time playing fetch with him (none of the other dogs would bring the balls back!), and were sad when we had to leave, but we promised that Ben would come back next year!

I guess being a parent to a Rottie is like an unpaid job...we have to tolerate the jerks and teach the uneducated...and we get love and adoration from our dogs in return!! Tough job, huh???!!!

[rottimom2b]

There is only one thing that I can say about this....a tea-cup poodle attack doesn't make the papers, but it does happen...a Rottie will because they are "dangerous" dogs. All dogs can be dangerous if not trained properly. I have seen more "rat" dog bites than Rottie bites. I wish people would stop making judgements on these wonderful animals and do a little research first. :D