Why a Rotty?

[Karyn]

I didn't want a rottie! Got one for every wrong reason you can think of. Withing 24 hours I was hopelessly lost to him. I have owned a GSD, a beagle and live with a Boxer - but the strong, quiet confidence and loyality of the Rottie won my heart. As Jean T once said

'He is always a gentleman. Or is he a gentle man? Someone anyone approaches me whom he has not met. He steps in front of me and stays between us. He sniffs. People think he is friendly and coming up for a petting. I realize he cares not a wit if he is petted or not. He is deciding if this is friend or foe. I come to realize that he is implacable. He is fearless. He is centered, to the very core of his being. I have never felt "unsafe" (perhaps stupidly at times), but I come over time to realize that I am truly protected. I have owned dogs. I have loved dogs. I have taken care of all of the dogs I have owned and loved. I have never before been "taken care of" by my dogs. This dog would die before any harm could come to me. I am his Last Assignment."

Nothing more needs to be said.

[StephanieandToby]

Originally Posted by Karyn

'He is always a gentleman. Or is he a gentle man? Someone anyone approaches me whom he has not met. He steps in front of me and stays between us. He sniffs. People think he is friendly and coming up for a petting. I realize he cares not a wit if he is petted or not. He is deciding if this is friend or foe. I come to realize that he is implacable. He is fearless. He is centered, to the very core of his being. I have never felt "unsafe" (perhaps stupidly at times), but I come over time to realize that I am truly protected. I have owned dogs. I have loved dogs. I have taken care of all of the dogs I have owned and loved. I have never before been "taken care of" by my dogs. This dog would die before any harm could come to me. I am his Last Assignment."

Nothing more needs to be said.

Yup. This is perfect.

[gore]

I've chose a rottweiler because is a working dog, and I already had 2 GSD, i needed a smart dog that can learn fast and love training. If is not capable or predisposed to that for me is not a real dog. I also like the physical appearance they inspire strength more than any colie or retriever, but in the same time they dont look like the house just burned and everyone died, like a mastiff does. As for the dominance issues, i call that personality, that is something i love in a dog if i can control it. The dog is your friend not your kkitty-cat. I didnt buy another GSD because is hard to lose a dog you care about and get another that resembles too much...

When i first start to document myself about this breed, i found that rottweilers can't learn as fast as a GSD but from what i saw thats really not true. My rotty is still too young to be sure, but at five1/2 months he already knows a lot. He knows sit, stand, down, come, get the ball back and i didnt even want to train him until 7-8 months! I want him to be a puppy for as long as possible. But he learns so fast that even without trying is easy...he learned sit in like 40 mins of total training over a few days. He found out how to get the water running in the bathroom ( he likes to drink from there =/) after he saw how i did it a few times. Is certainly a very smart and aware dog, and is geting better every day, he never stops to amaze me.

The bad reputation is a problem, but is not the dog fault. Ive figured that ppl who dont like dogs or are afraid of dogs will act the same way no matter what you carry at the end of the leash. I do all i can to prevent my dog getting in trouble and i dont care what they think or say.

[smileygirl]

I got my first rottie after doing alot of reading and asking questions. In all honesty I wanted a dog that would deter anyone from coming into my home or near my children. After learning their true nature of loyaly and true characteristics(before owning) I got my first(now 3yrs old)...and every positive thing I read or heard has come true many times over. Until you experience the bond with this breed I don't think anyone can prepare you for how intense it is. They are not "guard dogs" as most people use the term...but none the less not too many people will approach uninvited. They are strong, powerful, large, alof, active, intelligent but best of all loyal to a depth I have never experienced(I have owned/raised with GSD,Dobes,St Bernards, terriers, poodles and mixes) Yeah I'm a Dog Person raised by Dog People! If they are right for you and you have the time and are willing to train....I will never live without a rottie again!! Good Luck on your decision...Tina

[leachna]

Originally Posted by Tebeda

I'm new to the dog world and just have some questions about why everyone here loves this breed. I always assumed it was for their natural guarding ability, but reading through threads on this forum showed me that they a very small percentage of them are good guardians. So my question to everyone here is why choose a Rottweiler when there are dominance issues to deal with, BSL, and the bad reputation this breed has developed? Is it just because all of you like a challenge? What positive qualities does this breed have that say a golden retriever, or colie doesnt?

I may be new to the Rotty ownership army, with only my second dog. But they are so much a people person dog or at lest from my point of view. They are affectionate, smart, and I think with there personality they push you to be a better person by helping them to be better dogs. I know now after bringing Sr. Kyzer Von Kodiak home to our family, I will never own another bread of dog.
Nate

[bigdogweilerx2]

Any other bread is just a dog!But a Rottie is a part of your family!

[Baxter's Mom]

What everybody above is saying is absolutely true... Loyal, is a key word, I've never met a dog, or had a dog that is so loyal. Baxter follows me from room to room and when we go on the trails, he's still right there. He's quirky, funny, calm, nothing fazes him, loving( I get strategically licked throughout the day) and protective if need arises, which was only once in Miami. He's quiet, I've had him for over three years, and he's barked maybe 6-10 times, 3 of those was when Isabella got on his nerves. That's perfect for apartment living, because there is nothing worse than having a neighbor's dog bark and keep you up. They are special, it's almost like they have old spirits in them, wise way beyond their years, and when they look at you, it's almost like they can read your mind and what's in your heart and go from there. Amazing creatures and I've been fighting for Baxter and the rottweiler cause since I got him, he's a ambassador for the breed, going everywhere that has lots of people so they can see a calm, friendly dog... He'll every dress up in a costume... lol... Anyway, gotta go, I can go on for days!!

[NDDogLvr]

I wasn't looking for a Rottweiler and I thought that getting a third dog was a pipe dream...my husband likes dogs but he isn't a nut like I am. I already have two Pomeranians, but when I saw her picture, it was love at first sight. When I met her at the shelter, I knew it was meant to be. I knew that it was a big commitment to keep this breed, but I have not regretted it for one moment. She's fun to train and work with because she's so smart (too smart sometimes) that she keeps me on my toes. She's loyal, goofy, friendly, beautiful... She's changed a lot of people's minds about this breed and has turned my husband into one of THOSE people..(ooh...how's my big girl...wanna go outside and play...)

[dennisj]

Why do we love our rottweilers? BECAUSE A ROTTIE'S GOT SOUL!!!!

[ElsasFamily]

I'll be completely honest.

I've owned a Golden before and he drove me crazy. That dog would go for a 5mile jog 4days a week and swimming the other 3days and it was never enough. Plus he really wasn’t all that bright. They are great dogs for some, just not me.

I was raised with Rottweilers and have always been comfortable with them. I know that my Rottweiler will probably not attack an intruder, but the intruder doesn't know that! I got Elsa because I wanted an intelligent, loyal, gentle, intimidating looking dog. I'm home by myself often with my three small kids. I am no longer afraid of the salesmen coming to my home that just don’t want to take no for an answer. I haven't had that problem since I brought Elsa into our home.

[yogee]

RE: why a Rotty?

I dont know about you all but we had a male rott and he was the best guard dog ever. He protected my husband twice and defrayed a robbery and took
down one of the guys that had a gun. He was fearless and loyal to the bone.

My opinion in this post is that if you dont know why you would have a rott
than you shouldnt have one. Go get a sheppard!!!!!!!!

[kayozzy]

One more reason to add: This is by far the most expressive dog I've ever known! He has almost as many expressions as a human, and learning what they mean has been so fun!! He just started laying his head in my lap and looking up at me with those beautiful dark brown eyes! Such an amazing, wonderful, and fun journey we are having together!

[Milo'sMom]

I think it's great that someone asks questions before buying a Rottie. It's the people that get them for the wrong reasons and don't train them well that give the Rottie a bad name. I have had many dogs during my 35 married years, (my mom always said "you can have all the dogs you want after you get married!"), two Bullmastiffs, Bull Terrier, Giant Schnauzer, golden mixes, and now have two Jack Russells, a Norwich and Milo, my Rottie. After much research, and my vet trying to dissuade me, I went ahead and got Milo. I will always have a rottie. Milo is the smartest dog I've ever had, period. He looks at me and just wants to know what I want him to do. He amazes me every day. I could go on and on, but it has all been said here already. Right now he is lying on his back (all 100 lbs of him at 7 months) and my daughter is rubbing his belly. He is in heaven! Did I mention he's a genius??? Yes, he is strong, loyal, handsome, etc. but as far as brains, he beats them all! I'm obsessed!

[leachna]

Originally Posted by bigdogweilerx2

Any other bread is just a dog!But a Rottie is a part of your family!

That is SOOOOO True!!!

[JemarsSerena]

I agree with all of the above so I won't re-hash it. I tell everyone that I know that Rotts are the best family dog out there. My first Rott was a runt that the breeder could not sell. She wasn't show quality but so what. I took her to obedience classes (as is necessary with any dog ) and I was amazed at how well she performed. When my wife got pregnant with our second child, Isabelle would not leave her side thoughout the pregnancy and would sleep right next to the crib after the baby was born. Never once did she show any aggression, she just wanted you to know she was looking out for you. As the kids got older I was amazed at her tolerance, they would try and jump on her, pull her ears, stick arms and legs in her mouth, and so on. Isabelle recently passed on, while I cannot replace her, there was no doubt my next dog would be a Rott. My new pup Serena is now 14wks and she shows many of the same qualities I had in my first Rott. As well because of that Rottweiler tolerance my kids are actively involved in her training and excersise. I could go on and on and on and on but I just love the way they interact with my family.