newbie question - German Shepherd or Rott?

[kona dawg]

German shepherd or Rott-I have no kids, 4 other dogs. I do have nephews. This dog will need to be very active, hiking, jogging, and traveling. I read a question on here about which one is best for kids, but I am wondering which one is best all around. I know I am on a rott forum, but was wanting the pros and cons from people who have had both. THanks

[targonrotts]

what other kinds of dogs you have and what ages and sexes?
have you had big dog experience? been around both breeds and learned about their characters , etc?
rotties can be very versatile. i use mine for agility,flyball,obedience and show. i have gone camping with them. to the beach,etc.
they love to be with their people and have activities. if dog is not in shape or too big, might tire out more than an in fit dog. also, many rotts are more sensitive to hot climates.
mine have grown up around my daughter, gone to classes with other dogs and socailized amongst crowds.
they do shed. they love to be destructive/creative when pups or bored. they need attention and training. i prefer this breed over any anytime.
the biggest draw back for me about them...they live between 9-12 years.

shepherds, when you get one from a good breeder with sound temperament dogs and good health, are very versatile too. shed too. they usually have more stamina and have similar training and socializing requirements as a rott.
to me, they both have a lot in common. it boils down to breeding,socialization and training.

visit some shows, view both breeds. in shepherds, try to see them at a schutzhund club or german style shows.

and good luck on what you decide on!

[Carol Burke]

Jackie pretty much covered it. The one difference that I found, having had both breeds, is sense of humor and ability to think for themselves. Rottweilers have a terrific sense of humor and are very adept at figuring things out on their own which can be good or bad. GSDs seem to be more worried about pleasing you and don't have that Rottie sense of humor.

[brunie's mom]

You have 4 dogs already?
What breeds and what ages and what sexes?

What experience have you had with large working breeds? Have you taken your other dogs to obedience classes? Are you prepared to take a new dog to classes?

I would be reluctant to bring in a new pup be it Shepherd or Rottweiler into a home that has so many dogs already. Both breeds need alot of training and time...and with 4 dogs getting alot of the attention I would be worried about a pup getting enough training and attention to grow into a well balanced dog.

Gina

[kona dawg]

I am a retriever trainer and obedience trainer as well. I have a golden, 2 boykins, and a yorkie. the golden is 5, boykins 2, yorkie 6.

[lagr01]

I think targonrotts' post is very informative. So the only thing I'd add is that Rotties (specially males) like to test their owners so the training while puppies is very important, you do not want to deal with a full grown undisciplined and dominant Rottweiler.

Don't know much about GSDs but I'd add that there are American Show GSDs (which I really dislike, their hind legs are so wrong they're sad to watch), German Show GSDs and Working GSDs.

Anyway, whatever breed you pick, make sure you get a dog from a good breeder.

I'm curious too about why you're looking to add a new member to your already big dog family. You should think about adding a big and powerful dog (both breeds are) that may cause damage to other dogs while trying to climb on the hierarchy ladder.

[Laura]

I have Rottweilers and a GSD/Rot X but she looks and acts all Shepherd. I find that my GSDX is noiser then my Rottweilers. The difference I see is that my GSDX button is always on and ready and my Rottweilers are a wait and see, and I'll figure it out type of attitude. My GSDX is also very fearful so I don't know if I'm a good judge. She is my 1st and last GSD, not the breed for me. I'm sticking with Rottweilers.

[adnan]

Originally Posted by Laura

I have Rottweilers and a GSD/Rot X but she looks and acts all Shepherd. I find that my GSDX is noiser then my Rottweilers. The difference I see is that my GSDX button is always on and ready and my Rottweilers are a wait and see, and I'll figure it out type of attitude. My GSDX is also very fearful so I don't know if I'm a good judge. She is my 1st and last GSD, not the breed for me. I'm sticking with Rottweilers.

I'm like you ,i have a female German Shepherd 2 years old,she is dominant, and recently i adopt a puppy female Rottweiler 2 month, i'm afraid to put them together cause i think that the GSD will eat the Rottis Puppy,so what do you think?

[SABELLESMOM]

I've had, trained and adored both! Both are highly intellegent, powerful, intense dogs. Both were well bred, proper temperament, and duly socalized. Both like to run like the wind, and love to learn.

I believe the motivation for learning differs slightly. My GSD's were more like a "little soldiers" and they were doing it for me. My Rotties, were in it for pure fun. They enjoyed stretching their minds and puzzling out what I wanted. While they enjoy pleasing me as well, they were more in it for themselves. Then they literally glowed with pride and achievement when they got it. Now my GSD's had that pride, too, but to a lesser degree. Does it make a difference? Not really. It depends on your own personality, I guess.

I found the hair is worse with a Shepherd... more undercoat. But that's managable. Rotties have a more pronounced sense of humor. I'll agree the GSD's button was always "on," while the Rotties, tho alert and scrutinizing, were more prone to "wait and see."

I'd say it depends on you, what your personality is best suited too. Differences between the breeds is minimal enough. You could go either way. Right now, Rotties have more negative press, I think, but the same thing effects both breeds. Good luck with your choice!

[Steelerfan]

I had a GSD for 13 years, we adopted a 6 yr Rotti three months ago. The GSD was male, the Rotti is a female, so that might account for some differences.

I completely agree with the comments about GSDs being "on". My boy would assume that any stranger that pulled into the driveway was trouble, until he saw us greet them. The Rotti likes everyone the moment she sees them.

Our GSD was one of three dogs in the family for most of his life (and three cats), he was an alpha, and there wasn't any trouble. But none of the others were inclined to challenge him.

In my experience either breed will be a bigger presence in your pack than what you've got now.

[Laura]

Originally Posted by adnan

I'm like you ,i have a female German Shepherd 2 years old,she is dominant, and recently i adopt a puppy female Rottweiler 2 month, i'm afraid to put them together cause i think that the GSD will eat the Rottis Puppy,so what do you think?

I would put the puppy in a crate around your GSD and let them get use to each other. Then I would leash the GSD and put the puppy and her together and see what happens. If all goes well, I would put them together for short supervised peroids of time.

I also have to add that when it came to Obedience training my GSDX was on the money. She is a fast learner and executes her commands quickly and accurately. Unfortunately I can't put her in the ring because she is a nervous wreck and I had to pull her from school.

[adnan]

Originally Posted by Laura

I would put the puppy in a crate around your GSD and let them get use to each other. Then I would leash the GSD and put the puppy and her together and see what happens. If all goes well, I would put them together for short supervised peroids of time.

I also have to add that when it came to Obedience training my GSDX was on the money. She is a fast learner and executes her commands quickly and accurately. Unfortunately I can't put her in the ring because she is a nervous wreck and I had to pull her from school.

Thanks for your advice, i will do it soon.
Happy new year.
Adnan

[kona dawg]

Originally Posted by lagr01

I think targonrotts' post is very informative. So the only thing I'd add is that Rotties (specially males) like to test their owners so the training while puppies is very important, you do not want to deal with a full grown undisciplined and dominant Rottweiler.

Don't know much about GSDs but I'd add that there are American Show GSDs (which I really dislike, their hind legs are so wrong they're sad to watch), German Show GSDs and Working GSDs.

Anyway, whatever breed you pick, make sure you get a dog from a good breeder.

I'm curious too about why you're looking to add a new member to your already big dog family. You should think about adding a big and powerful dog (both breeds are) that may cause damage to other dogs while trying to climb on the hierarchy ladder.

I am wanting another dog 4 the following reasons 1-The yorkie and male boykin are my wifes kids, they sleep with us, eat with us etc. 2- The golden is a hunting retriever champion (hunt test title) and the female boykin is also a trained hunting dog, I expect nothing but excellence from them the whole time they are out. I am wanting a dog that I don't have the pressure if they sit crooked, raise their butt on a sit command, etc. I want just a dog to hang out with me and clown around without the pressure of perfection. Of course he will have obedience and as far as being a big dog that will try me, I'm not worried about that, a chesapeake will test you to your limits.

[Rubyhead]

What's a 'boykin'? I have two rotts and they do like to play hard and the little dogs tend to make alot of 'injured animal' sounds when they get stepped on which has a tendency to trigger the prey drive in my dogs. It's kinda tense so I keep the play restricted to the bigger dogs. One thing to keep in mind, (sorry if I'm repeating already posted info), is that the rotts don't always do so well in hot weather, so if you want to do a day hike, mid summer, it might not be so much fun with the rott who's always at risk for heat stroke.
good luck
Niki

[JD102175]

Originally Posted by Rubyhead

What's a 'boykin'?

A Boykin is a type of spaniel.

The Boykin Spaniel Club and Breeders Association of America


Jaime