Proper Rottweiler temperament

[BostonRott]

It was recently mentioned in another thread that a person's dog is very friendly, out-going and loves everyone and that the dog is a good representative of the breed. A second person then quoted this statement with a comment leading to the idea that this is incorrect.

The American Rottweiler Club (parent club of the Rottweiler to the AKC) standard states the following:

Temperament
The Rottweiler is basically a calm, confident and courageous dog with a self-assured aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships. A Rottweiler is self-confident and responds quietly and with a wait-and-see attitude to influences in his environment. He has an inherent desire to protect home and family, and is an intelligent dog of extreme hardness and adaptability with a strong willingness to work, making him especially suited as a companion, guardian and general all-purpose dog.

Underlining is my own added emphasis.

Here is the FCI stanard (version: F.C.I.-Standard Nr. 147 / 19.06.2000 / D Rottweiler )

Behavior / Temperament:
Good natured, placid in basic disposition and fond of children, very devoted, obedient, biddable and eager to work. His appearance is natural and rustic, his behavior self assured, steady and fearless. He reacts to his surroundings with great alertness.

At Dictionary.net,

placid - Pleased; contented; unruffied; undisturbed; serene; peaceful; tranquil; quiet; gentle

Devoted - To give up wholly; to addict; to direct the attention of wholly or compound; to attach

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Open for discussion: is a Rottweiler who "loves everyone" and runs up to new people in happy greeting of correct temperament?

I understand the need for peacable dogs in today's political and litigious society. Is the need for political correctness ruining the breed? What are the responsibilities of a breeder, in considering correct temperament?

[cuppacoffee]

Hi Gretchen,
Great topic for discussion. One I wondered about a lot since I got Coffee. However, recently I realized something. He is a very friendly dog. If anyone gives him any attention at all, he is very happy. I would say he loves everyone. But he doesn't even look at people UNLESS they're paying him attention. Not that he's not aware of them, he just doesn't even look most of the time cause they don't interest him.

I think maybe this is what the standard means by aloof. Coffee is by no means a standard rott. He's from a long line of BYB's, but he'll never run up to a person for attention like a lab would (what I think of as friendly) but waits for someone to come to him first. Then he's just as happy as can be to lavish some love on them And as soon as they're done with him, he's done with them....

I've only had him as an adult though. I would probably say that it's pretty normal for pups to run up to people and be very friendly because they're immature.

I'm curious as to what other people think.

[Gunsey'sMom]

Thanks for bringing this up, because I have had a lot of discussions lately about just "what is the correct temperment?"

I know Gunner Is not welcoming of everone right away. HE kind of sits back and judges people- takes them in so to speak. There are other components of the temperment though. He is firstly devoted to me as his companion , but is always happy to see my boyfriend. He always watches what the kids do and notices when they leave (with their Grandmother to go their Mom's house) At first this upset him especially when he was in the car and we dropprd them off one time.

HE is always VERY alert-so alert that I wonder how he gets any sleep at all! I can hardly tip -toe by him with out him perking up! HE is very intelligent and picks up very quickly on everything-so we have to be very careful of "GIVING" him bad habits by mistake-by rewarding him at the wrong times. HE loves to run and play fetch and tug and I have begun a designated digging area for him. He is calm even when other dogs are barking in there yards at him. he willl just sit and watch. I would say overall he is pretty well tempermented.

The thing I left out was fearless. I really feel he is lacking in self-assuredness. He barks at things he is afraid of. I am working with him right now to show him that everything is normal during the times he is fearful. HE is fearful of the neighbors big tractor lawnmower and our wheelbarrow- so large things in motion.

He is 10 1/2 months so is fear of large moving things a phase he can come out of? OR will this remain part of his temperment? Can mouthing/biting be part of a temperment , or is it strictly and OB problem?

[SigTau66]

I would vote no on temperment. I can't remember who said it on here a while back, but (if I remember correctly) a rottweiler that does that type of greeting is actually trying to placate a possible perceived threat? Correct me if I'm remembering wrong.

Ever since I read that comment, I've tried to correct my boy from greeting like that. He still is very much a wiggle butt, but he actually calms down now after a few hyper seconds.

I think most people would rather see a PLACID rottie with a wait and see attitude instead of a rottie that wants to run up to you. I know in my area, people see my dog and think aggression...even with his stub moving a million miles a minute.

[Gunsey'sMom]

Gunner is also from a BYB and is a pretty and good dog, but by NNNNNOOOOO means within standard either. I have definately learned alot sinces being here!

Sig Tau66, That would make sense.

[rottielover2004]

This is a great topic.....Harley is alittle overly friendly. But when situations arise that he is unsure of, he stands his ground. Meaning he will not approach to quick.
Does this mean he does not or does not have the correct temperment. I have never been in a situation with people I don't know coming to close to me.

[rottcrazed]

When my trainer was assessing my litter, she clarified a few things with me first regarding Rottweiler temperament because she usually assesses litters of retrievers (both Lab and Golden) or other sporting breeds, not as many working breeds. She owns Goldens but used to have Dobes and is a seasoned and very accomplished dog trainer, so I completely trust her. I needed to clarify that if a Rott pup does not immediately wrap himself around her head (figure of speech, you get my drift), it is NOT an incorrect thing. She went on to tell me that if a retriever puppy DID NOT immediately wrap himself around her head during her assessment, that would be displaying incorrect temperament.

Now, most of my pups did respond to Jackie almost immediately, not making fools of themselves over her, but wanted to meet her and they wiggled a bit (remember, I was doing this for 2 reasons, I wanted my working pick who was biddable and cooperative and I wanted correct placement of puppies), but some sat there and sized her up first. They didn't growl or shy away, just kind of sat there and made their own little assessment of her, and then appraoched her.

For me, I prefer a dog who does not go batty when meeting new people like my Golden did. Being able to stand and talk to someone about Rottweilers at a dog show while having one of them on a leash just patiently waiting is ideal to me. They accept petting, not wrestling, from strangers, but I feel they must be a little outgoing as I have them at CKC dog shows and trials throughout the year and they cannot be standoffish towards the general public as that with just reflect on the breed as a whole if they are. Am I asking for incorrect temperament in my dogs - maybe to a degree, but for ME personally, this is what I want.

For me, as a breeder, I want a patient, biddable and friendly, but not stupidly friendly, dog to be bred to a dog with the same type temperament.

Honestly, I may be wrong, but I have WAY more people asking for pets at this point in my breedings, and although I am not trying to compromise drive and looks because of this (both males I have bred to are multi-advanced working titled dogs), I want to make sure that their temperaments are solid and that they can also live in a house as a pet.

JMHO

Kristi

[observer]

Well, Missy is a little of both..... when we are out walking, she seems to have very good instincts for those people who are not interested in interacting with her (whether or not they have dogs with them) and which ones she wants to approach. The first group, she will walk right by without so much as turning her head. With people she knows AT ALL, or that she hasn't met but can tell I am friendly with, she is, I suppose, overly friendly and loves their attention. "Dog people" who have encountered her comment on how confident she is. While I didn't make her that way, that to me is a compliment.

So, I suppose she's not the correct temperament as described. My Annie, in retrospect, was. As I compare them now in layman's terms, Annie was the concierge, (nice to see you, if you need anything, just let me know) and Missy is the cruise director (GREAT to see you, we are going to have BIG FUN today!).

[rottielover2004]

[quote=So, I suppose she's not the correct temperament as described. My Annie, in retrospect, was. As I compare them now in layman's terms, Annie was the concierge, (nice to see you, if you need anything, just let me know) and Missy is the cruise director (GREAT to see you, we are going to have BIG FUN today!).[/QUOTE]


That is exactly how Harley is, so even though I see him to have a great temperment, I guess you can say he does not have the correct temperment.
If you are not breeding, is that reaklly a bad thing if controlled by OB training

[observer]

Originally Posted by rottielover2004

If you are not breeding, is that reaklly a bad thing if controlled by OB training

I don't think so. A happy, friendly, well-mannered dog is something to treasure as a member of the family.

[JuneyB]

Good topic. As a pup Duke was much more likely to approach people looking for attention. As he matured he became a bit more "aloof" in that he would not initiate much contact with strangers. He is perfectly happy to be approached and be spoken to and patted (with permission from me) by just about anyone, but generally he just checks out what is going on while continuing on with whatever we happen to be doing.

When the kids friends come to the house, if they all just walk in saying hi to everyone...he goes to greet them with his nub wiggling like crazy. But the doorbell ringing prompts a quick bark...dash to the door...and sit.

And in the therapy arena...I'm the one introducing him to people initially...and he waits for my instruction prior to approaching anyone. When an elder gentleman approached him the other day, Duke looked at me for the "ok" and then moved over to be patted.

In general, I'd have to think that he is much more focused on what I am doing at any given time than what the rest of the world is up to....and even dogs rarely elict anything more from him than an acknowledgement of their presence...unless it is one of his playmate friends.

Don't know if this fits the proper "temperment" for a rottweiler, but it sure works for us!!!!

[jakesfostermom]

Gretchen - what a GREAT topic for discussion!!! One of my adopted rescue males is a hard case - and I've been told by several people with rottweiler experience that he is more "true to breed standard than most rottweilers of today" I think that's an excuse to try and explain his crappy-take charge attitude that he developed as a result of his poor unbringing.........I read the breed standard no less than a hundred times trying to understand why someone would consider this dog "true to standard"........and for me - it just doesn't work. I think a well balanced rottweiler can be both aloof and friendly. There is nothing wrong with a dog that doesn't just bound into your lap with wet slobbery kisses, but this same dog will wag his nub when you give direct attention to them, and they will allow friendly strangers to approach with introductions. (My male CANNOT do the aforementioned) I will forever cherish JudiW's private words of wisdom to me when this male first came to our home.....she said "he sounds like a loaded mouse trap that you are carrying around in your pocket"........she knew he wasn't true to standard just hearing my description of him and his behavior (remember the days of discussions here about "sharp" and "hard" dogs?) I hope that the "doesn't lend itself to indiscriminate friendships" portion of the standard isn't being used to justify or excuse crappy behavior in poorly bred and/or raised rottweilers.

[AB1101]

Great Thread! I am not sure where this would figure in the standard. When I am with my puppy(almost 7 months) and she notices someone new, she assumes a stiff no emotion position. I know that this will be argued, but I swear she reads my reaction with that person. If I am OK, than she will be friendly, IF the person calls her. Now, if I am not to thrilled with the new person, she will not be friendly. She doesn't growl, bite, or run. But she will not be friendly, unless I am OK with that person. I have noticed this, and strangers have commented on how she doesn't look friendly:). I am not sure but I would think this would be somewhat close to the standard.

Oh ya, if it is a known friend or family, she is a mush ball.

[mrs1885]

Baron is soooo incorrect temperment then. He loves everyone from the word go. The more people can love him the happier he is.

Roxy I'm still not sure of. She needs so much training still. With the move we had to put off her CGC again. Very frustrating. I brought her to work with me one night. She barked at a man that came in - maybe afraid of the new surroundings. It was the first person that came to the desk while she was here. I immediately correcter her and told her to go to the back room. She did for a few minutes and then poked her head around the other corner. I told her she had to lay down and be quiet and she was. After that she seemed fine. Several people came to the desk that night and she sat up and watched but didn't bark or try to approach them - just watched. I think she is going to need a good bit of training before I really know "who" Roxy is.

[Ganko]

I love this topic! This will be fun. thanks.

Originally Posted by BostonRott

Open for discussion: is a Rottweiler who "loves everyone" and runs up to new people in happy greeting of correct temperament?

I think a Rottweiler that "loves EVERYONE" is not the correct temperament for an adult Rottweiler. Everyone is too indiscriminate, but making a fast decision on whether you like someone or not is OK. No need to ponder if you like the obviously friendly person greeting you.

On the other hand controlled friendliness is a perfect fit (in my mind) for the Rottweiler standard. My definition of aloof is "I don't really care if strangers love me or not". Rottweilers should not show a level of NEEDY friendliness that a golden or other sporting dog may show. But if a person offers a friendly greeting, it is polite to return a friendly greeting. A "thank you, I know I am beautiful, you may pet me, tail wag." (body wags are fine, Rotties only have a stub to work with, so using additional body parts is only natural) If everyone around the dog is genuinely friendly, why not be friendly to everyone around you?

Originally Posted by BostonRott

I understand the need for peaceable dogs in today's political and litigious society. Is the need for political correctness ruining the breed? What are the responsibilities of a breeder, in considering correct temperament?

The responsibilities of a breeder is not to breed dogs that are shy, fearful, or aggressive. Friendliness is a sign of confidence. An overly friendly Rottweiler is most likely a training based phenomena and not a genetic one.

I think that all Rottweiler puppies of stable temperament are very very friendly and we train them to stay that way. The recent trend towards positive experiences ALL the time for our pups in training (socialize with friendly strangers, friendly dogs etc) does not allow for the pups to learn to be reasonably wary of strangers. I am guilty as anyone in this. A friendly dog is easier to live with in our crowded society.

In the last fifty years the population in the USA has doubled. Our behavior and our pets behavior has to change to accommodate this. The recent popularity of dog sports including Agility, Carting and Herding (as a weekend sport, not as farm work) show how we are adjusting to the more stringent rules of society and finding new ways to exercise our dogs. There was a time when a “small town dog” was allowed to roam free and entertain itself. When everyone in town knew you and your dog, this was OK. Now we are all strangers and we have to gather in organized areas to let our dogs off leash not to offend others.

I do not think this is just simple political correctness or fear of litigation. If the population continues to grow, it is just a necessity that we learn to be more harmonious or society will explode. The harmonious “peacemaker” Rottweiler is an indication that some of us are adapting. I do not think it is ruining the breed. We can always teach our dogs to be more careful with their affections too.

Got long again. Sorry.