Immune Systems And Maturity

[VON KIRCHER]

Zeus and I began obedience training last night, with a very reputable trainer. I thought her training techniques were great. However, some comments she made about Rotts, brought up some questions. Maybe I can get some feedback and opinions.
She said that Rottweilers have some of the worst immune systems out of all dog breeds. I qustioned, if that in fact were true could that be due to the Rottweiler's sudden surge in popularity, and the influence of poor breeding. She still said that did not matter.
Next was that she said that Rottweiler's were also one of the slowest developing dogs, mentally as well. This would lead to alot of work in training. I was told he would not develope until the age of 3.
I have heard the age of 2 when talking about developement, but not 3. Both of these statements irked me because my past experience with Rotts have been the opposite.

[Rott-Wiley]

It would be curious to know if your "reputable trainer" ever had a bad experience with a Rottie.

[VON KIRCHER]

That was a question of mine as well. Though she was very good with him. Its easy because he is such a great pup.

[Rott-Wiley]

The most important part is that she is good with both you and your dog. You don't have to agree with every thing the trainer you're working with says but it is helpful if you do agree on the basic training methods they employ. The trouble with making two statements like the ones she did, does not improve the lesson at all and what exactly did she hope to accomplish by saying that? Not only do I disagree with the immune system statement, I don't even know what it is supposed to mean? Is she trying to tell you that they are weak and liable to become ill form something?

[VON KIRCHER]

That is exactly what she was trying to get at. I explained to her about my past dogs, and the fact that my last two Rotts were 12 and 14 when they passed. I may have been lucky but it was still worth noting.
She went on to say that a Rotties immune syst. will never be very good and are more likely to get sick than other dogs. I disagree as well. Her training tips were good for Zeus and myself.

[LORHEL]

In general "large breeds grow faster", but mature slowly. That doesn't mean they are any less intelligent. I still feel that these are one of the most intelligent breeds around.

JMO.

I don't know about the immune system, as far as what that person told you... unless they have knowledge firsthand, of the breed, I would stick with your Vet, and what you know about your dogs own health, (immunizations, etc)..

;)

[alexav]

As younger puppies, the Rottie, Dobie and a with a few other breeds are very susceptible to Parvo even though vaccinated like any other pup. This is common knowledge and perhaps this is where your trainer got the idea that somehow the immune system is defective.

IMO, Rotties are indeed a later maturing breed and physically, a male will not be fully mature until the age of three and females will take almost that long. As for mentally? I think they act like pups to the day they go to the bridge. ;)

[spidey]

I agree with alexav about parvo, Rottie pups are prone to it. Another possibility is that Rotties are prone to cancer, and there may be a link between immunity and cancer in some cases, but I don't agree that this necessarily means that Rotties have poor immune systems. "Slow maturing" is true of many large dogs (and some smaller ones too) and is no big deal, it just means that you have to be aware that a dog who looks grown up on the outside may still have a bit of puppy brain going on. I wouldn't worry about it if she's a good trainer, her job is to help you train, not be your healthcare advisor.