Experienced Rottweiler owners needed

[RSQRottweiler]

1) I love the Rottweiler's desire to work, even if it's just doing something kind of silly like carrying in the newspaper or the mail. It's like they have an unlimited interest in learning more, especially when it involves being with their owner. I also think they're a very handsome breed, from their stocky build and dark color to their expressive eyes.

2) My least favorite trait is also that they have such a strong desire to keep busy. . .not a problem for me, but it breaks my heart to see the Rottweilers whose need to learn and have a "job" goes unfulfilled because their owners just wanted a "pet" or a "dog."

3) Anyone who wants a status dog should NOT own a Rottweiler. Anyone who thinks it's funny to have an aggressive dog, should NOT own a Rottweiler (or any dog, really). Anyone who allows themselves to be bullied by their dog, and will not correct inappropriate behavior, should not own a Rottweiler. Anyone who wants an "outside" dog to guard the property should not own a Rottweiler. Anyone who is not prepared to provide consistent, lifelong training and health care should not own a Rottweiler.

[AngelBunny]

Originally Posted by Kendalyn

1. What is your very favorite trait this breed tends to exemplify? In essence, why do you love Rottweilers?

2. What is your least favorite trait that is common in many Rottweilers? Is there anything about them that sort of gave you a reality check after owning your first one?

3. Who should not own a Rottweiler?

1. Oh dear, oh dear, how to answer the Q--my "very favoriate trait.." There are SO MANY aspects of the breed I admire, the Q is exceedingly difficult to answer. I've had Rotties as my exclusive breed of dog for many, many years and will not have any other breed of dog til I'm too feeble to handle them.

But, I suppose if I had to note my FAVORITE trait, I suppose it's their willingness to work.

We have two Rottie girls. Both are rescues--so FANTASTIC! you're giving thought to making your Rottie girl a rescue I've done obedience, herding, and tracking w/ our youngest girl, and are working on her CDX. I'd like to try carting with her.

2. This is much easier. Hands down, my least favorite aspect of the breed is the fact that what I admire about the breed also appeals to people who get them for the wrong reasons and make no attempt to learn anything about the breed. The other least fav about the breed is their penchant for dreadful diseases.

3. The people who shouldn't own Rotties are those unwilling to invest the considerable amount of time (read The life of the dog) required to socialize and train their Rotties.

In a post you commented on being surprised at how many young Rotties there are looking for homes.

As one involved in rescue, this doesn't surprise me at all.

The vast majority of those dogs were impulse acquistions. The ages you mentioned are the ages where the jumping up on people, the mouthiness and nipping, the lack of housemanners, and the lack of manners in general is no longer puppy cute, but is becoming annoying--and where human toddlers are concerned, dangerous. The people surrendering these dogs are those unwilling to buckle down and take ownership of their Rottie seriously. Rather than accept their responsibility in terms of training their dogs, they take the easy way out and ditch them.

You are giving yourself plenty of time to become acquainted with the breed. You are sure to learn a great deal. And, if you learn the breed isn't for you, why, that's great! If more people did their research and concluded they would be happier/better off with another breed, people such as myself would be put out of our volunteer jobs. And we couldn't be happier

Ahhh... so nice to dream...

Have you thought about becoming involved in Rottie rescue in your state (http://www.rottrescue.org/national_l...tt_rescue.html)?? This is an excellent way to learn about the breed and be around people who admire and like the breed.

And so too is hanging around this place

[HerculesMomma]

Being a first time inexperienced Rottie owner, I think it's great you came here first to ask questions! I wish I had before I had gotten mine as well - not that I wouldn't do it over again. But you can learn so much here!

1. My favorite thing is how surprisingly loveable and affectionate my dog is. The loyalty and regard he has for me is clearly evident even over people he knows well. I enjoy that bond we seem to have. And for me, I've never owned a dog before, yet I've been able to train him rather easily - that part is great! I love the fact that I can take him out front off leash and he will simply listen to my commands. He also sticks to me like glue both inside and outside of the house.

2. My least favorite thing is the mess he makes between hair and having to clean carpets. Also, the fact that he was adopted I know no history on him, and I've had to learn it as I go in various situations. That can be stressful when you're not sure how your dog will react to something etc. And I don't think I was prepared for a few "issues" he had with other people handling him. I've had situations where he will growl at people for simply grabbing him by the collar, or if someone puts their face in his face etc. So that is something I have had to adjust to and work with him on.

3. You can not get a Rottweiler if you are going to treat it like a baby. My petsitter does this with him and I think if she owned him it would be a disaster. My dog is pretty spoiled with attention, but I am also very firm with him. And someone shouldn't own a Rottweiler who isn't willing to exercise it and train it, or thinks they want to keep it outside all of the time.

Good luck with your endeavor!

[Shaw_2112]

O.K. guys....I'm on a roll. Help me out! You should not own a Rottweiler if.............[/quote]

1. If you can't have an audience to pee
2. If can't stand a constant shadow.
3. If you can't handle a 100 lbs of goofy licking furball crawling into your lap when you're not looking
4. If you don't like you're furball constantly dropping her slobbery, muddy, chewed up toys in your lap for a good play.

Heres my two cents on the OP's questions

1. They're beutiful and intelligent, they up to doing anything, anywhere, anytime, as long as they get to do it with YOU, and at the end of the day they are content to lie at your feet and LET you rub their belly (all night if need be!) They are your constant companion (whether you want it or not LOL!) and they will be your best friend for they're entire life and love you unconditionally. With proper training they make excellent watch/guard/protection dogs.

2. The only issue I've really had a difficulty with is because they are large dogs everything costs MORE!!! vet bills, medications, FOOD, the list goes on..... Even so, I'm dedicated to this breed and I don't think I would own any other kind.

3. Besides the list mentioned already you shouldn't own one of these dogs if you don't have the time to train and just spend time playing with your dog. They are extremely pack oriented and need to be socialized. You shouldn't own this breed if you're will is weaker than your dogs, that's just asking for trouble and could be dangerous.



P.S. Good for you for going the Rescue route, most of mine have been rescues and they've all been great examples of the breed. Good Luck!

[TrishB]

Originally Posted by Kendalyn

1. What is your very favorite trait this breed tends to exemplify? In essence, why do you love Rottweilers?

Their work ethic. They love to work and they love to work for you. Parker is like a sponge and the more I enjoy working with him, the harder he tries. He's so willing and keen. His strength and power give him the ability to perform. Their minds and bodies are a wonderful reflection of mind enabling the body and visa versa.

Originally Posted by Kendalyn

2. What is your least favorite trait that is common in many Rottweilers? Is there anything about them that sort of gave you a reality check after owning your first one?

It isn't a quality of them but of what people perceive of them. I least like the fact that I constantly feel like I have to be on my guard, ready to defend my dog and my choice of breed. Sometimes, even when the situation doesn't call for it, I'm still very protective of him.

Originally Posted by Kendalyn

3. Who should not own a Rottweiler?

Someone not willing to make the commitment to a large, powerful, intelligent breed. Someone without the fortitude to defend their choice for the life of their pet. Someone unwilling or unable to own the dog responsibly - willing to accept the responsibility openly and completely.

[keller27]

Originally Posted by SonnyRott

I do not let my dog mark when out on a walk. He can mark all he wants off leash.

With Khori, I have two females at home, and he still pees like a girl. I would like him not to learn how to hike his leg so that I don't have to worry about marking. He is 12 weeks old today.

[SonnyRott]

Originally Posted by keller27

With Khori, I have two females at home, and he still pees like a girl. I would like him not to learn how to hike his leg so that I don't have to worry about marking. He is 12 weeks old today.

He will most likely "squat" for some time to come. He is still a baby.

Enjoy it while it lasts.

[Kendalyn]

Thanks for everybody's replys! I'm really learning a lot here :-)

[RAVENMOM]

1) I consider them physically beautiful. And they are wonderfully intellegent with a steady, self assured, wait and see attitude.

2) Peoples mistaken or misled attutude about what they should be, I suppose.

3) People who don't or won't make the lifelong committment to training and assuring the wellbeing of the dog. People who don't understand the breeds need to be with their people. People who have a mistaken preconcieved idea of what a Rottweiler should be. People who simply want a tough looking macho dog to "protect them." People who think the dog will automatically know how to protect or be a "guard dog" with NO training. People who think dogs are a throwaway item.