Experienced Rottweiler owners needed

[Kendalyn]

Hi

This is my first post here and the reason is that I need advice from people who are experienced with the Rottweiler breed. I am pretty sure that I want to adopt a Rottweiler within the next 2-3 years, but I do have some questions that only someone who really knows the breed through lots of experience can answer. So here goes!

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?

Also, right now I plan on adopting a young or adult female Rotti from a rescue. I already have one mixed breed (lab/hound) neutered male so that is why I'm thinking of a female. I know of one here in Michigan called Rotts of Love (or something to that effect) Can anyone who has done this before give me any advice? Is there anything I should know about this breed that I probably wouldn't think to ask?

Thanks! I look forward to learning more in your forum!

[Denise L.]

Hi and welcome to the forum! I am not as experienced as some but I would love to chime in.

1) I love the fact that while they are noble, smart and headstrong they can also be sweet and lovable goofs. I also think they are beautiful animals.

2) My reality check came with a Rottie I used to dogsit for. With him I learned how vital training is with these dogs and how important it is to be the leader.

3) Anyone who can't/won't take the time to train, meaning ongoing classes not just "rollover" shouldn't own a Rottie. Anyone who is looking for a "security system" shouldn't own a Rottie. If you cannot tolerate hair and a less than spotless house sometimes you shouldn't own a Rottie as they thrive inside with their people. If you are looking for a "snuggle toy" a Rottie isn't for you. Oh gee I could on and on here... I'll let the others take it away!

[SABELLESMOM]

Hi and welcome!!

1. I love their physical appearance. It appeals to the artistic and athletic side of me. I consider them one of the most intellegent breeds. They give you unlimited love and obviously believe themselves to be lap dogs! They are always "up for" what ever I want to do! I've never been turned down yet. They meet each task or excursion with excitement and vigor. You can take them hiking, swimming, boating...heck they even pose as gardners if you like. Mine have always loved to learn and seem to take pride in doing something right.

2. Least favorite is hard to say. Perhaps it's something not directly attributed to them. There are "Meatheads" out ther who think they know about Rottweilers, when in fact they know next to nothing. You've heard of the folks who think a 180 lb Rottweiler is normal? Those who believe they turn on you and eat your children. I find these people tedious and even occasionally frustrating.

3. As to who shouldn't own? Those not capable or willing to make a lifetime commitment to the dogs well being, overall happiness, and training. It takes a strong and fair minded, consistant individual to do right by a Rottweiler. It takes commitment, and a willingness to learn about the breed and training.

[Canadianrotti]

1) My favorite thing about my rotti is her ability to learn, she is very fast to pick up on new training. And her goof ball antics, that make my wife and I laugh on a daily basis. (I know that is 2, but they are a tie for #1)

2) My least favorite thing? Hmmmmmm, that is a tough one. There have been a few things that she tries to do, but because she is very quick to learn, she can be trained around the issue. I would just say that over all having 2 dogs in the house is totally different than just one, that has been the hardest thing for me to over come.

3) I would agree with the above. There are to many people out there already that don't have dogs for the "right" reasons. If you are going to have any dog (but especially one that is a larger breed that is seen as threatening), traning and socialization is a must.

And congrats on adopting a pup, a very noble thing to do. Also girl dogs are great, no peeing every 2 min while out on a walk!

[qhawkins]

1: I love them for so many reasons. They are truly gorgeous animals. I love their work ethic and eagerness to please. This combined with their intelligence makes them very trainable. In fact, they thrive on training.
2: My least favorite thing is probably their relatively high risk of certain cancers and lower than average life expectancy. Although, I think medical advances combined with better nutrition is improving this. There are many dogs on this board making into the double digits. While we never have them long enough, I wouldn't want to live without one in my life.
3: This is a link to an essay adapted by Liz Bauer from an essay originally written by Pam Green about Bouvier des Flandres. It does a pretty good job of pointing out some of the issues to consider before committing to a Rottie.
http://www.rottie-l.org/buyarott.html

Oh, and thank you for considering rescue!

[RottieGirl86]

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

They love to be with people - family, friends, etc. mine have typically wanted to engage in interaction, not just sleep all day! I've had terriers ( wire hair fox, carrin), mixed pek-shelties, I love rotties best.

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?

The hair - omg it's unreal how much they shed. I love my 2, but I won't own 2 rotties again at the same time because of the hair...even though I love how the play together!

3. Who should not own a Rottweiler?

Any one not willing to admit a mistake & move on. This includes not establishing themselves as Alpha and having dominance issues. People who are 'soft' or just plain lazy. This breed is not the dog for those faint at heart. I'd say probbaly 10% of the population who own these dogs can really handle them or make the effort. You have to out think the dog or anticpate their response and correct it.

[kristins1877]

Hi, and Welcome!

I think the best characteristic about Rotties are their loving nature. They are a dedicated, loyal family dog willing to please. Also excellent with children.

What I don't like? Leaning! I think I may need a knee replacement from being knocked down so many times! (ha ha)

You MUST be willing to invest in training. A lot of time needs to be spent with these dogs or you could end up with a 120 pound dog that runs your house. Fortunately they are quick learners and like to please you by working for you!

Good luck!

[majicka]

I love rotties because they are so regal. I love their eagerness to please and learn, their sense of humor and their undying loyalty. I love their work ethic, their passion for life. The soulful brown eyes..I could go on and on.. There is an aura about rotties that no other breed has.

What I don't like? the many health problems that plague this breed. My Bruno had SAS and Cardio Myopathy. His life was cut short at 7years old due to heart failure.

reality check after owning my first one? You betchya a big fat one! I had NO experience with rotties, not to mention experience with male dogs in general! I quickly learned that I had to let him know who the boss was. I learned that they were not lazy sedentary dogs and required A LOT of exercise. Training, training, training! Big tall secure fencing is a must! I learned a lot about health and nutrion as well. I'm still far from an expert but I've come a long way. Im still learning and reading as much as I can about rotties to this day to educate myself further.

Who shouldn't own a rottie? Someone whos not in it for the long run. A person who wants a guard dog or a lawn ornament. People who are not willing to work with their dog on a daily basis. I think a lot of the above goes for any dog, not only rotties.

[SonnyRott]

Originally Posted by Kendalyn

Hi
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?

Welcome!

1. Rottweilers are just plain gorgeous! I love their density, power, alertness, loyalty and self-assured nature. There is an unspoken admiration I have when I see a Rottweiler carrying him/herself, confidently.

2. Least favorite would be the health issues. Rottweilers are prone to so many these days, particularly HD. Also, the drool factor. This is a turn off to some of my friends and family. Many new Rottweiler owners are also surprised by how "close" the dog likes to be physically with its owner. I happen to love it, but some people don't.

3. Who should NOT own a Rottweiler? Hmmmm.......... Let's see....You should not own a Rottweiler if:

a. You are positive the breed is pronounced "Rockweilder".
b. Your friend Bubba owns a 180 lb Rott and you want one too!
c. You think you need protection and a Rott should fit the bill.
d. You plan to keep the dog outside since you spent all that money on a nice, new chain.
e. You get winded walking to your mailbox.
f. Your idea of exercise is walking to the bathroom AND the kitchen during the commercial break.
g. You are looking to supplement your income by breeding your "pet".

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

[majicka]

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

you want clean floors and carpets
you wear white alot
you don't want drool to be an accessory to every oufit you own
you take extensive vacations 250 days out of the year
training? you think training involves sit and paw

[Kendalyn]

Wow this is great information!

Also girl dogs are great, no peeing every 2 min while out on a walk!

That would be really nice! I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have to stop every 2 seconds for a quick leg lift

Least favorite would be the health issues. Rottweilers are prone to so many these days, particularly HD

This is a concern of mine and if I ended up going to a breeder I would make sure they OFA hips, elbows and heart of both dam and sire. I would prefer to go the rescue route though

I'm glad people mentioned that they're generally easy to train. I love training and one must for me is a dog who picks things up easily and loves to learn. That's awesome! My current mutt should be taking the CGC test soon and I would aim for my future Rott to pass it as well.

I was looking around at rescue Rotts on petfinder and I was floored at how many young dogs were in rescues! I saw quite a few between 8-13 months old! They are still essentially puppies! It's very sad. I wonder how many Rotts don't make it into the rescues?

[SonnyRott]

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

[rotnhouse]

Originally Posted by Kendalyn

I wonder how many Rotts don't make it into the rescues?

Unfortunately, probably less than 10-20% make it into rescue because there are just never enough qualified foster homes to take them all....

[JaniceH]

I am in no way as experienced as most others on this site as I have only ever had two rotties, but I will never have another breed. Here are my two pennies worth;

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

In no particular order ....their intelligence and good trainablility/handsome looks/endearing mannerisms/ability and stamina to walk with me all day/and because I live and walk on my own I feel safe. On the more practical side, they are easy to feed, easy to dry off and since I walk in all weathers their coat is very hardy.

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?

I can only think of health issues. They are vulnerable to torn cruciate ligaments/cancer. Also, if you get a puppy, you have to be careful with the amount of exercise given until their bones are fully grown.

3. Who should not own a Rottweiler?

Anyone who is not prepared to give the time, care and love to this deserving breed.

Ditto everything else people have said.

[LORHEL]

I choose a rottweiler for their loyalty, intelligence.

They can be serious, but also very playful. I love the fact that they like to be with their master, by their side, all the time. I don't mind having that shadow, since I can't have children, they are good company.

I love their beauty (although I wouldn't have one just for this reason) and strength.

I like the fact that they are quick to learn and although they do require lots of training, and attention, it is definitely worth it.

This is a big responsibility, one I don't take lightly, and it does take a strong person who can be a leader.

What I don't like is their life span is much shorter, and they are prone to certain diseases, so I have to realize that going in and do the best I can, feeding properly, regular vet/vaccinations, and everything else I can do to make sure my dog can live a happy healthy life.

Best of luck.