Why a Rotty?

[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?

[dogsbydoug]

Not all rotties are good guardians, and not all rotties have dominance issues.

I deal with the BSL and bad rap of the breed by making sure my own personal dogs (and fosters) are well trained, well behaved dogs and show people what the true nature of the dog really is. I lead by example and by being as well educated about the breed and their reputation...not by force.

I know several people with Golden Retrievers and a few with Collies - I pesonally don't want to deal with the grooming aspect of either breed.

My dogs are far from natural guardians and I would not expect them to protect me, although I suspect just having them here is a deterrant to all but the incredibly stupid.

Positive qualites? Hmmm...loyal, smart, funny, gorgeous.

The health problems are a risk I am willing to take, especially since all of my dogs are rescue adoptees and their backgrounds are unknowns.

[AngelBunny]

A big positive for me is simply that Rotties aren't like Goldens and collies

Levity aside, I've had this breed exclusively since 1984 and won't have any other breed of dog until I'm too feeble to handle them. I like and admire almost everything about them.

Rotties are highly intelligent dogs. They fit my active, outdoory lifestyle. Their energy, drive, and desire to be with me appeals to me. As does their versatility.

They aren't too big, they aren't too small. They are easy to keep looking sharp--no Collie or Golden would look as good as my Rotties do with the amount of grooming I give my dogs. They lack tails, so things stay put on my tables and my legs aren't swatted by wagging tails. Their coloring and markings are gorgeous.

I also, frankly, like the fact they keep me on my toes--what they were bred to do can make them stubborn and they often enjoy getting their own way. I like my dogs to push back, basically giving me a run for my money.

They are, by head and shoulder, a superior breed of dog.

I deeply regret the dark side of Rotties--the fact that the wrong people often own them for entirely the wrong reasons and have caused so many profound problems in terms of difficulty in retaining and securing home owner's insurance, the push towards BSL, the knee jerk reaction exhibited by the general public when the word "Rottweiler" is mentioned.

However, I do my best to make my dogs worth of this great breed.

[llwaxan]

Welcome to the Forums and I commend you for asking rather than assuming. Curious, open minds are always welcome.

Rotties are excellent guardians. A stable, sound tempered Rott is very courageous, however unless they are specifically and properly trained in protection work, they will likely not attack an intruder, lets say. It is our job to protect them. They will alert us and the rest is up to us.

As for the qualities that have made me settle on this breed, ( I have had Schnz, GSD, Samoyeds, G. Retrvrs, rescued mixes, etc) I would say their elegance and intellect and loyalty, are my top 3. They are also challenging, steadfast, funny, and very very coooool.

The versatility of this breed is remarkable as well; one can do carting, agilility, rescue, protection, tracking, therapy, ob, you name it and pretty much a Rottie can do it. This can be said of very few breeds.

I happened onto this breed by rescue hapenstance and am so grateful that I did for in truth, I would never have sought out a Rottweiler. I have been happily allowed to have rescued or adopted 4 grown Rotts, all deceased now, and I currently have 2 puppies. Rott pups are a whole 'nother topic...

I know that the more experienced owner's will have a million other thi ngs to add. So enjoy reading.

[Nitro&Bailey]

Wife and I Rescued a male and female approximately 7 yrs ago. Female is about 9 or 10 and male is 7 or 8 yoa. Age is vet estimation. Both were found running in small rural community and taken to local vet. No owner claimed them, vet held them for several weeks, he just knew they were stolen or got loose and someone would come looking for them. They are our first larger breed dogs and were a challenge until we did obedience and that changed all our lives dramaticaly. They are by far the most intelligent breed and we have experienced several breeds between us over the years.

Male had seen TPLO repairs in both real legs. Other than that minor allergies with both. They have such a strong will to please and they want to be with you. If you have rotts they are not leave alone outside dogs. They are excellent family members and very protective when they need to be.

You must be prepared to do your part in any relationship with rotts. Firm and fair and they will love you.

[keller27]

I got my first Rottie in 2004 and love him to death. Like everyone said is that they can do practically anything. They are comical when playing. When I come into the room to use the computer, Khori comes in after me and closes the door for me. He isn't as active as other breeds. Maybe he is just more laid back than other Rottweilers. Maybe because our household is very calm.

Don't have to worry about going out to my car in a dark parking lot at night! I guess people just think that they will naturally attack and stay away from you. Unknown to them, Khori would kiss you to death.

No tail to shipe everything off the table with. Grooming easier, even tho they shed like crazy. Who couldn't love kissing that face of theirs.

[hokisteph5]

For me, I like the breed because their personality and lifestyle fits my own. When my beagle passed away last summer at the age of 13 and I decided that I missed having a dog around (since I had then considered myself a cat lover), I did research on the breeds to see which ones would fit in with my lifestyle.

At the time, I was looking at my local shelters' websites and I spotted a female rottie that posed for the camera by rolling on her back and showing her belly. I had never considered rotties before, but was pleasantly surprised by what I read about them at DogBreedInfo. I tried to go to the shelter to look at her and a few other dogs, but none of them were there.

The rottie I ultimately adopted appeared online about two days after I visited the one shelter and the posting said his best friend had been a cat (which met my requirement that the dog I adopted had to like cats). He was four months old and already weighed about 35 lbs.

A nearby Puppy K class was starting up about three weeks after I got him and I signed us up because I didn't want to make the same mistakes with Samson that I had made with Harley, my beagle, due to ignorance. I also was semi-aware at the time of the negative stigma sometimes attached to rotties so I wanted to ensure any issues were handled when he was puppy rather than an adult since he would be eventually be 70+ lbs bigger than Harley.

The trainers were great and Samson's best friend in class was a yellow lab female. Samson's since been in two obedience (CGC Prep) classes since Puppy K and enjoyed both of them very much. I was going to sign him up for another class this summer, but the trainers are taking it off to train their own dogs. If I can't find another place to take him, I'm definitely signing us up in the fall for a refresher course. He's already passed his CGC, but his training/reinforcement never really stops.

Samson's younger "sister" Gretchen has also been through Puppy K and her first CGC prep course and will definitely be in refresher courses periodically to maintain her training.

Overall, I've found my rotties to be intelligent, loyal, and a little stubborn at times. I've also found that they can be as active or inactive as me, but tend to be more well-behaved when they've gotten their daily dose of exercise.

[Gunsey'sMom]

I LOVE MY ROTT!

Why a Rott? Gunner is my first dog, and a Rott. I am hopelessly hooked on this breed now. There are many , many things that dictate whether or not a Rott is right for you or not.

Things I love about my Rottweiler:
-he wants to be with me
-he is intelligent and quick learner
-he is active, but not hyperactive
-he will let me know of approaching strangers,cars,ect.
-he has a strong desire to please me
-since he is smart-he keeps me on my toes to not teach him bad habits
-he is beautiful!!! (and like someone else said-with little grooming)
-he licks my face, makes cute doggy noises, and loves to lie sprawled out on his back.

I could go on for days, but I feel that Rotts are the ultimate companion dog. You have come to the right place and keep on reading! Do a lot of research before you make your choice, and be prepared for your new addition if you decide on a Rott. But remember , Rottweilers are not for everyone-as you will hear over and over.

You are already educating yourself , so good for you-You will know the more you read if a Rott is right for you!

[SABELLESMOM]

A well bred Rottweiler will suit me just fine. And I've had well bred Collies and Goldens. It's hard to come up with specifics other than what has already been mentioned, but here's a thought. I think owners and dogs need to be suited for each other. It goes both ways.

Rottweilers are highly intellegent and powerful (many attributes) and will respond best to an owner who understands how to make the most of these, as opposed to an owner who is intimidated by either. I enjoy a dog who locks those jet black eyes on me intent on learning. The sheer joy and exhillaration Rae gets out of figuring out a task, makes my day.

My stepson and my sister both spend an inordinate amount of time grooming their Goldens. Again matching the owner and the breed together. My friend spends hours doing her rough Collie. They enjoy it. I don't. A Rottweiler coat is low maintainence by any comparison.

My Rottweilers are fiercely loyal. Last year, my husband was hospitalized for 6 weeks in ICU. His girl, Sable was distraut. She carried his pillow in the house. She slept in the same spot on his bed every night. I finally had to bring her to the hospital parking lot to hear his voice from the window.

I love the outward calm and settled behavior of the Rottweiler. Most won't get unduly excited and hyperactive over everyday occurrences. Mine even know it's not necessary to bark at people walking by on the sidewalk. They don't bark at the guy who mows the lawn, or the usual mailman. They save it for a stranger coming to the door. I like that.

Collies are lovely. Goldens are wonderful too. It depends on who best suits whom. I like both, but my heart belongs to the Rottweiler.

And I love ZOOMIES!! Rotties are well known for them.

[aseemom]

I love rotties for . .

Their intelligence.
Their love of work.
They don't let me slide on their care. I have to get pleanty of exercise because Asee needs it.
I don't think rotties are necessarily a challenge. If cared for CORRECTLY a rottie is the easiest dog to live with.

In essence, I have a rottie because it is the breed of dog that fits BEST with my lifestlye, my personality and my abilities as a dog owner.

[JuneyB]

The wording in the standards (American; Canadian, British) jump out at me ...calm, confident, powerful, courageous, loyal, aloof, self-assured, intelligent, fond of children, alert, adaptable, willing to work, adaptable.

After years of owning large and small breeds I felt I had enuf experience to properly raise a rottweiler. I was also fortunate, when Duke was a puppy, that he could accompany me to work. We spent 24/7 together.

I have been rewarded with a dog that definitely meets the breed standard in terms of temperment. What I did not understand prior to owning a rott, was how strong the bond between the 2 of us would become, nor have I ever owned a dog with a "sense of humour" before!!!!!

Now that he is "mature"....I find him to be very reliable....and predictable...and incredibly loyal. We know what to expect from each other....and I am sooooo glad to be involved with this breed. Until I can no longer be a good owner, I shall always own a rottweiler...or two.....or 3!!!
He has totally met and exceeded my "requirements" for a canine companion.

[SWEETBREW]

I say why not a rottweiler...
If you do your research and decide that a rottweiler is a good match for you (as they are not for everyone) then you will be rewarded with more loyalty and companionship than you could ever think possible. This is my second rottweiler now and the comments above ring so true. I have owned other dogs before large and small and the bond has been there but never so intense as between a well looked after and trained rott and their loving owner.

[StephanieandToby]

It's hard to put my finger on it...but when I'm with a Rottweiler I can just be calm and enjoy the dog's company. I know this dog will be pleased as punch to do whatever I am doing. There is a feeling of being a team that I don't get from many other breeds.

I always feel a little bad for people when I see their dogs running off after "just anyone"....I'm glad Rotties show some loyalty.

Hard to say, but I think it's the "whole package."

[Denise L.]

After spending quite a bit of time taking care of a friend's Rottweiler I knew I had to have one of my own. For all the reason folks already mentioned and the intangible of it just felt "right".

I didn't, however, avoid any of the grooming issues of a Golden...my Cyrus is a long haired Rottweiler. Hair everywhere, all the time

[gail pang]

I have been in love with rotties for twenty years. My first was Ms Sadie,
that was my hubby and son's girl. Then Bo and Rufus came into my life.
you couldn't tell me squat. I worked them in the Dan Ryan Forrest Preserve
everyday, they got critiqued, when you saw me you saw them. My friends
still laugh about Rufus, when I would get out of the Jimmy he would jump
up front and sit under the wheel until I returned.

They are most loyal and sincere,smart, alert and very good to please. Didn't
worry about the shedding, just kept a couple of shed blades on hand, took care of that problem. My husband( Chicago Policeman) would take them to the firing range, not one time did they get alarmed.

Nothing like a rotty .