Proper Rottweiler temperament

[winniecnm]

I am voting # 4 for the test Damp.

And for the original question about wether a rottweiler should love everyone and accept everyone he meets- I emphatically say NO! A dog can be devoted and aloof, placid and unlending to discriminate friendships all in one lovely black and tan package!

In no way should a breed with a guardian heritage be a tail wagging, hand licking roll over towards strangers. I just don't see it. The flocks he would be tasked to guard would have been SOL so would the butchers who entrusted him with their dough for the day LOL!!!

I personally would not own a rottweiler without those characteristics mentioned in the standard. I love that calm quietness and that they dont break their necks to wiggle up to the guests for a pat. It took my mother a long time to get on the "preferred people" list and some of my extended family is still ignored.. And Jasmine - well she just is disgusted with everyone lately. Mid life crisis.

[SABELLESMOM]

Great topic. Let me say, my girls may appear a bit softer by the first description. But that's when the people and children they are meeting are quality folks, or even already known to them. There is a definate, stand back... something's off, I need to assess further, attitude with others. So are they the correct temperament?

I know I've related the story of the prowlers we had one night. Sable (the softer of the 2) came, "boofed," softly and woke me with a paw. Then went to the bathroom window, jumped up to bark at (thoroughly frightened) the intruders trying to break into our cars. Police thought she was wonderful!

Raven is the more placid and aloof, in general. Raven has never had occasion to frighten prowlers, tho I'm sure she would do a similarly reputable job. Her size and alert stature, exudes pride and confidence. She has a more definable watchfulness about her.

I believe both my girls to be correct temperament. They are not shy, fearful nor aggressive. They tend to hold their ground. But the one thing I've always insisted on is their tolerance of children. And this has not been difficult. It seems they rather come by it almost naturally, perhaps believing/understanding that children generally mean no harm. If that's made them "too soft?" then too bad. I won't go away feeling I've deminished the breed any, because I haven't.

[RottyMom]

I think that Rottweilers being fond of children was mentioned. One of my dogs has always seemed to be very interested in children (sometimes to the chagrin (sp) of the parents) Just wanting to see them, sniff them and sit quietly beside them, preferably with one stroking her ear.

[Canula2000]

Sorry if someone stated this earlier, as I did not read any of the prior posts...I understand a rottweiler to be calm and collective around stranger and to allow pettings but not overly enjoy it. Doing rescue work I came to understand the average owner wanting a rottweiler thought they should be lab-like with their friendliness and enjoy everyone's company. A rottweiler is not a labrador and in my opinion should not be running up to everyone looking for approval.

[BostonRott]

Originally Posted by Canula2000

Sorry if someone stated this earlier, as I did not read any of the prior posts...I understand a rottweiler to be calm and collective around stranger and to allow pettings but not overly enjoy it. Doing rescue work I came to understand the average owner wanting a rottweiler thought they should be lab-like with their friendliness and enjoy everyone's company. A rottweiler is not a labrador and in my opinion should not be running up to everyone looking for approval.

I agree whole-heartedly, and part of what I was getting at in asking this question is the breeders (as were recently discussed in another thread) who breed for "nice pets." Such breeders have no regard at all for the standard (as evidenced by their lack of time in the show ring and in the performance venues) and they seem to think that it can be changed to how they see fit.

If we change a little of this and a little of that, constantly and continuously, we are not going to have any Rottweilers left. We will have black and tan dogs.

The Rottweiler is NOT for everyone and those who want a dog that loves everybody should really consider another breed in the future. I am NOT saying that people's individual dogs are trash b/c they're too friendly, but I am pointing out that they are NOT correct and in continuing to look for and buy such dogs, people fuel a demand for breeding of incorrect Rottweilers.

[jakesfostermom]

Originally Posted by BostonRott

The Rottweiler is NOT for everyone and those who want a dog that loves everybody should really consider another breed in the future. I am NOT saying that people's individual dogs are trash b/c they're too friendly, but I am pointing out that they are NOT correct and in continuing to look for and buy such dogs, people fuel a demand for breeding of incorrect Rottweilers.

....and a truer statement I've not seen written! On one hand, you have this magnificent breed of dog, with such a wonderful history and ability to perform many different tasks/jobs, with power, strength, determination, loyalty and a beautiful reserved presence.....and on the other hand you have the average pet owner, who thinks it's "time" to own a rottweiler......many haven't a clue that bringing a "true rottweiler" into their homes would likely NOT be something they were prepared for.

[BostonRott]

Originally Posted by jakesfostermom

....and a truer statement I've not seen written! On one hand, you have this magnificent breed of dog, with such a wonderful history and ability to perform many different tasks/jobs, with power, strength, determination, loyalty and a beautiful reserved presence.....and on the other hand you have the average pet owner, who thinks it's "time" to own a rottweiler......many haven't a clue that bringing a "true rottweiler" into their homes would likely NOT be something they were prepared for.

I just started a new thread on this.

[SonnyRott]

I also did not read through the entire thread so maybe this was mentioned....

But we read a lot of posts where new owners say that their puppies "are too friendly" and what can they do to make them "guard more" or words to that effect.

PUPPIES SHOULD BE KISSY, FRIENDLY, WIGGLY, AND LOVERS. That's all part of being a puppy! As the dog matures, its natural (true) character will emerge. It's not something you have to train. A mature Rottweiler will not have the need to run up to people and flip over on its back and be fondled. He will stand and allow someone to pat him and be tolerant if you allow the petting. He will also "naturally" want to alert and guard his territory.

I think people are in too much of a hurry (or don't understand) the puppy stage and just want this BIG, INTIMIDATING, GUARD DOG and want to rush to that stage.

[Ganko]

Originally Posted by BostonRott

I agree whole-heartedly, and part of what I was getting at in asking this question is the breeders (as were recently discussed in another thread) who breed for "nice pets." Such breeders have no regard at all for the standard (as evidenced by their lack of time in the show ring and in the performance venues) and they seem to think that it can be changed to how they see fit.

If we change a little of this and a little of that, constantly and continuously, we are not going to have any Rottweilers left. We will have black and tan dogs.

So you think that the overly friendly Rottie is a breeding issue vs. a training issue. I do not argue. I have only had two so far.

One was TOO friendly, but I assumed because she had bad knees and felt vulnerble she compensated by be-friending everyone. My first would just walk away from people if they were too pushy about their affections. Yeah, aloof.

I prefer the latter to the former myself. But how much of this is environmental and how much is genetic? Can you breed a calm confident dog that will not become very friendly if encouraged (trained) to?

I would not breed a dog just because it is so friendly. It has to be a good specimin of Rottweiler, health, conformation, intelligence, temperament (specifically not shy, fearful or overly aggressive) but are you suggesting that the cuddle bombs should not be bred just because they are TOO friendly?

(one could make a point that an overly friendly dog is not showing much intelligence, but that is another matter altogether)

[BostonRott]

When breeding, you aim for the standard. Where your dog lacks, you look to the partner to help "fix," and in looking at the partner, you must also look at what is behind the dog/bitch and how those lines have produced over the years.

Yes, temperament is heritable.

A dog, when stressed (and as mentioned in the thread that Damp referenced, "stressed" is not necessarily a specific test, but what affects THAT particular dog), will revert to it's genetic make-up. Training will only carry a dog so far, but can NOT completely change a dog.

You often hear working people speak of a dog that only ever trials on it's home turf as a "club dog" and often this is said with some disdain. Why? Because such a dog often does not have the confidence to succeed in new and unfamiliar surroundings. For THAT dog, new places are enough of a stress that the training falls apart and the "real" dog comes out.

This is not to say the dog forgets everything it knows, but perhaps grips on the sleeve are no longer full, and instead of being calm, become chewy and nervous. A dumbell carry may not be done with speed and upright posture, but rather a slow slink, and perhaps mouthing. Heeling is no longer crisp and upbeat, but rather instead perfunctory. In tracking, articles are missed. Agility dogs get the zoomies, or completely shut down.....both are signs of high stress. It is seen in all venues. The true dog shws through its training.

The above explains why people who REALLY want to work their dogs in sport to a competitive level need to study bloodlines, see how often, and where, dogs trial (AKC, SchH, etc....are they always at the same location/venue??). Are the titles representative of what the dog is about, or only of the dog at one location where it is comfortable? Temperament and working ability/ethic pass on in the genes.

[GraceAAA]

Originally Posted by fbkeays

A breeder friend of mine said that while it might be good PR for a rottweiler to be a therapy dog, a correct rottweiler would not be suited for therapy work. Not that they would harm anyone, but because they are supposed to be aloof and not form friendships quickly. She did not encourage any of her puppy buyers to do therapy and wouldn't sell to anyone that even thought of doing so as she knew that they would not like her dogs.

Apologies if this is taking the discussion off topic (certainly not my intention to hijack the thread) but I just wanted to speak to the implication that proper Rottweiler temperament is not suited for therapy work. I think it does a disservice to our breed (and those active in therapy work) to think a Rottweiler with correct temperament is not an asset as a therapy dog.

Not every therapy dog need be a tail wagging pushy baffoon that lives and breathes for the approval of people. In fact, in many settings a Rottweiler's aloof, calm, discerning demeanor is far more suited than that of your stereotypical therapy dog (Golden, Lab, etc.). Often times a Golden/Lab is far too pushy (and even invasive) in their affection for those patients in need of interaction with a therapy dog...more often than not, a patient simply needs companionship...gentle relations with a dog who is not demanding of their attention but simply content with sharing the same space. Also, adult patients appreciate a dog whose friendship they must earn...most people realize that relationships are built over time and we have found patients to appreciate the non-fickle nature of a Rottweiler and therefore the relationship they develop with the dog over the course of several therapy visits.

I can't tell you how many times Silver and now Joy's companionship is specifically requested by a patient's family member, or the hospital staff. Not because either Silver nor Joy are bubbly in your face, outgoing dogs but because they are the exact opposite...aloof, dignified, unintrusive, confident, unflappable dogs...true to correct Rottweiler temperament.

We do alot of therapy work for those in hospice as well as in the psych ward...and have found the last thing a dying patient wants is a bouncy, ultra happy, kissey-kissey dog bounding into the room. These are serious times...and the respectable demeanor of Rottweiler is best suited for this type of visit. Also, during our visits in the psych ward things can become volatile very quickly...and where your typical bubbly therapy dog may get easily riled by such hostility, we have found Rottweiler therapy dogs with their "wait and see" attitude to handle these situations with grace. Our breed standard calls for a dog that is not-reactive...which again makes the Rottweiler with correct temperament an ideal candidate for certain environments within therapy work.

[Ninasmom]

Great topic!!! Nina loves everyone and has never been aloof in her life. That being said, Nina has never claimed to be a 'well bred' rottweiler. I would say that she is potentially one of the worst bred rotts I've ever seen. She's got so many health issues that we're grateful that she's a mushy love. It's made the vet visits alot easier over the years.

[moondog]

Originally Posted by fbkeays

A breeder friend of mine said that while it might be good PR for a rottweiler to be a therapy dog, a correct rottweiler would not be suited for therapy work. Not that they would harm anyone, but because they are supposed to be aloof and not form friendships quickly. She did not encourage any of her puppy buyers to do therapy and wouldn't sell to anyone that even thought of doing so as she knew that they would not like her dogs.

IMO, there is correct rottweiler temperament, "good" temperament (ie therapy dog candidates) and incorrect temperaments.

Well, I have to agree with GraceAAA on this one. I'd say it's fair to assume your breeder friend never met Conrad.... http://www.rottweiler.net/forums/325981-post156.html ....I doubt anyone would claim his temperament was not "correct".

I don't think I've heard anyone say it better than Fred Al, "maybe we should try breeding for sensibility, too."

[jakesfostermom]

MD - that was a while ago, wasn't it? I remember wanting to stand on a box and really champion for rottweilers who do therapy work, because many of my rottweiler acquaintances do therapy work with their rottweilers, and those same rottweilers are shown in conformation, agility, do cart work, sheep herding and a few in bite work.........much like CONRAD

[HerculesMomma]

Personally I don't think friendliness equates into the same thing as "not quick to make indiscriminate friendships".

I think a true Rottweiler will be friendly, just not overly interested in strangers and/or is interested in seeking that strangers approval.