Bigger is not Better

[guberdog]

Cain is now 5 years old. We were lucky enough to get him from a "street sale" for $25 (basically so he could have a great home, and not someone looking for a brute). He's now 149 pounds, and is basically trim, we've worked with him to get him trim after the vet warned us. I want new owners of these guys to understand the serious health threat when wanting "a big guy." Cain "lumbers" because his size limits his ability to play with ease. Although we've worked with him to lose any excess weight, his legs just can't support the bouncing around that a healthy dog can enjoy. I know in my heart that soon, his size will limit his ability to live the vibrant life that a Rottie enjoys. So for those who want a "giant" please understand that it is a cruel and painful life, so please don't support breeders that brag that they have "bigger and better." It's not pretty.

I love Cain very, very much. I don't regret that he entered our family as a member, and I'll do everything in my power to make him happy and healthy. But these guys aren't meant to be that big. Andre the giant suffers great health problems because of his size, and so do these guys. It's just not fair. And I would love to put a stop to it, which is why I'm sitting here posting. Another reason for neutering and spaying to stop the insanity. BYW he's an angel.

[chuss]

i'm in the same boat, my female is a giant, but she's healthy, fit and very agile. I've cut down her feeding and reduced carbohydrates in her diet. All we have to do is feed them right, give them exercise and let them enjoy being a dog.

[cpalenchar]

guberdog--- that was really well put!!

the vet I worked with one summer was the one who gave me my education on big dogs! I went with her to a couple dog shows and I was "in love" with all of the giant breeds. She explained to me how dogs just aren't meant to be that size--- even the breeds who have "extra large" standards generally really suffer from it!!!

it also bothers me that many of the "superior size" rotts I've seen online are FAT! Like I said before-- I'm a nice solid 200 lbs.... but I'm a very different kind of 200 lbs than my 6'4" friend who works out at the gym 2 hours a day. :) Only one of us has bragging rights...... ;)

chuss-- your dog is only 11 months old. She hasn't had enough time for any extra weight to take its tole..... though I'm not sure if she's far enough out of the standard to really impact her...

-chloe

[LORHEL]

Guberdog, I have seen pictures of Cain, and he always looks so happy, but yes, I see the weight also.

It took alot for you to write this, because I can see how much you love Cain. Its hard to undo what is not this poor guy's fault, nor is it yours.

I am so sorry that he is uncomfortable, and you are trying to do what you can.

Take comfort in knowing, that each day with him is a treasure, and he loves you as well.

Please give him a hug for me, and tell him, he's a good boy.

[Rottlva]

Thank you. Your educational post will help alot of people..... Give your boy smooches for me.

[brunie's mom]

guberdog;

I also have one of those"giant Rottweilers". Bruno is 147lbs. and about 30" at the withers. ....he has suffered with HD since he was 7 months old....we have done everything in our power to keep him as healthy as he can be...with diet, moderate excersize and every supplement that is suggested.

My "normal " sized female that is 87lbs.....runs circles around him and it is such a pleasure to watch her run. Poor Bruno can run for a few seconds and that is it.:( He is also 5 years of age...and honestly the vet is pleased that he has lasted this long....we know that his huge size has shortened his life.

I still get idiot people asking me if we are going to breed him!!!!
He was neutered at 9 months.:D :D :D :D :D :D :D I always go into my "breed standards" speech and tell them not to even think
of getting an oversized Rott.

I also would suggest to anyone that has a dog that is too big for the standard....please have your dog neutered/spayed.....you do not want to produce anymore oversized dogs to suffer.

Gina

[rasmy]

There is a post, I think in the chit chat corner, that is talking about Sir Lancelot, who is a hoge rottweiler owned by a lady called the Puppy Lady, this dog is huge he is 165lbs and the lady was breeding him, to tell the truth the dog looks nice with a very nice head structure but this is far away from the standard!!!!!!