Are Rottweilers Protective?

[Patty1231]

I was just curious about this. I love my rottie so it doesn't really make any difference one way or another to me but...I've read and heard (including national dog shows) that the Rottweiler is the "Rolls Royce of Guard Dogs". Many descriptions I've read about them state that they will protect their owners to the death, if need be. However, there are many very experienced and knowledable people in this forum who, I've been able gather, have trained, bred, and shown these dogs for a long time and are far more experienced/knowledgeable than I may ever be - who seem to state just the opposite. Believe me, I am not doubting your knowledge at all, I'm just very interested to know why you believe this and why these other descriptions of the breed are so off?

[TrinityRun]

It depends on the temperament of the dog. It depends upon the situation. Given a chance between fight or flight, most dogs choose flight.

Stereotyping a breed to say they will fight to the death or that breed is a one person only breed, is not correct and not fair. They are typically uttered by people who don't own the breed, or are new to the breed. They are merely repeating what they've heard.

I suppose when the speaker happens to own a Rottweiler, the listener gives his opinion more credence. But, as with anything else, you must consider the source.

You are correct, your more experienced Rottweiler owners/handlers will not make such claims. Typically the new, uneducated owners do.

[Judi W]

"I've read and heard (including national dog shows) that the Rottweiler is the "Rolls Royce of Guard Dogs". Many descriptions I've read about them state that they will protect their owners to the death, if need be. ".................

Well, I can't account for what you have heard, but I'd love to know the sources of what you have read that make those statements. Particularly the "to the death"

[rotts and roses]

I think it all depends on the dog/and/or the situation.Personally I feel if my life was threatened, Dash,Sheridan or Ozzy wouldn't just stand there and watch me get injured/ killed. I think they would fight for me. However I don't take 100% stock in this thought and don't EXPECT that my dogs will protect my life.
Even though I am pretty sure, one never knows until it happens whether or not our big dogs will fight or flee.

[Miabella]

I've heard similar comments from the announcers during many of the Animal Planet televised shows, such as the Eukaneuba Invitational and such. Ridiculous, such comments always make me think of the mockumentary "Best In Show", where the dog show announcer played by Fred Willard had no idea what he was talking about and came up with really absurd comments.

[samanthac]

"I've read and heard (including national dog shows) that the Rottweiler is the "Rolls Royce of Guard Dogs". Many descriptions I've read about them state that they will protect their owners to the death, if need be."

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. That has to be one of the MOST utterly ridiculous things I've read about Rottweilers to date. Thanks for the laugh.

Most dogs of ANY breed, even when trained, DO NOT have what it takes for this kind of protection. Silly people mistake hackles and a bark/growling and maybe if your lucky an advancement towards the offending individual or a fear bite as 'protection'. The truth of the matter is that the dog is simply doing this in an effort to hopefully ward off the offending party before a direct threat is issued.

Its a fact that well over 90% of dogs will turn tail and run if faced with a direct threat...and I am not talking about the fabricated kind on the SchH field. I am talking real life-endangering threat. Dogs are genetically predisposed to remain alive...you can't procreate if you are dead. Yes, a dog may stand its ground, but only until it assesses the gravity of the situation...will I live or die should I decide to challenge.

So yes, will a dog bark or growl or try to scare the threat into retreat? Yes. Will a dog defend you to its death? Very, very doubtful. If you need protection, get a gun.

[tcrott]

Like that header? Pretty cute. Anyway...

I'm very new the this forum and don't have any credibility whatsoever - but I can see where this person got their information from - if you research rotts and dobes on the internet there are SEVERAL articles that give quotes like this about these two breeds in general. My wife just had our 3rd baby two days ago so give me a little time to back that up with documentation - but I will provide some quotes. Probably more people than you think are feeling this way and saying these things about these types of dogs. Especially now that it's in "cyber" print for everyone to read. I've come across it several times while researching the breeds before purchasing. And to be quite honest, that's one of the reasons that I want a rott not to kill people or hurt anyone of course, but to keep unwanted guests away. Usually seeing one does the job because everyone is so scared of the breed. :p

[Judi W]

When asking for written sources, I meant authoritative books.

[samanthac]

Originally posted by Judi W
When asking for written sources, I meant authoritative books.

***still chuckling***

I'd like to see them too, Judi! ;) Please do point out the sources.

[C Ross]

The yutzes announcing during the Eukanuba shows on Animal Planet like the phrase "Rolls Royce of guard dogs." When my rottweiler does something particularly stupid my husband remarks, "Yup, there's the Rolls Royce of guard dogs."

Christine

[tcrott]

Let's *chuckle* at new members who don't know what they're talking about. This person was asking an innocent enough question, and I only offered what I'd read...

Here's the article about dobes describing "defending until the bitter end..."

http://www.petplace.com/Articles/artShow.asp?artID=3239

I'll find the rott article and follow up later

Brian

[samanthac]

Relax Brian, no need to get your knickers ina twist ;). No one was laughing at members who ask questions, but rather at the STUPIDITY of the people who write this fodder. We asked for authoritative written sources, NOT internet links. Unlike print, people can put anything they want on the Internet and position themselves as semi-experts on subjects of which they really know nothing about. In print, you have to have reputable documented sources/research to back your statements up.

THAT is why we were asking for books and not web links.

[tcrott]

Look reputable to the layman, don't you think?

http://www.acacanines.com/breeds/Rottweiler.htm

again defending to the end and this time it's rott's.

I told ya it's out there. Is it reputable? I have NO clue.

;)

[Judi W]

Quite truthfully, I have heard that "Rolls Royce" comment so I do not doubt that it is repeated. I have however, only heard it originate from those who are selling guard dogs. I mean, you can ask a lot more money for a Rolls............

[tcrott]

I would tend to believe these sources at first glance being a layman. However, anyone with a brain would see that these particular descriptions are "sexied" up a bit kind of accentuating the "machoness" of these breeds.

Brian