Question: To muzzle or not?

[Dominey]

I guess as the law doesn't state the type of muzzle, I would suggest the black nylon fabric ones (that they often have a vets) rather than the metal grill ones.... the black ones would hardly show against the black muzzle and would make the dog look much less intimidating to others... also looks a bit like a gentle leader (we had one of those for our family lab when I was growing up and people always asked why she was muzzled - duh!!!)
Boy am I glad we haven't added rottweilers to the DDA here in the UK... poeples perceptions are bad enough as it is! I had the same reaction from 99% of people when I told them we were getting a rottweiler. People also seem to think they are HUGE dogs as well I tell people that they are a similar height to labs, just broader and more muscular... people seem to think they are the size of great danes, but broader!!!

[Judi W]

Although those muzzles do the best job of not allowing the dog to bite, the basket muzzle allows the dog to pant freely and drink when needed.

[K9-man]

Originally Posted by Johnser

here in Ireland, the Control of Dog's act makes sure that if you own a Rottweiler and you have him/her in pubic, then they must be muzzled.

Originally Posted by Johnser

The control of dogs act here in Ireland covers quite a few breeds from german Shepards to Rodesian Ridgebacks to the Pitt Bull and of course the Rottweiler.

The law covers your dog any where in public, be that parks or in your neighbourhood. Anywhere the dog has a chance of interacting with the public.

Man! How sad. How oppressive!

[Johnser]

Hey guys,

I agree with the basket muzzle, it gives them a little more freedom.

I know the law is oppresive, but I think it stems back to the late 70's and 80's when there was a boom in some of the dogs listed and being raised my the wrong type of people. Its sad that because of these few wrong owners the breeds have been given the bad name.