Soon to be new Rottie owner

[Babybags]

Hello-

I'm new to the site. My husband decided last year (around April 2007) that he wanted a Rottie to protect his family. When he mentioned Rottie, I told him that's Kujo and was he crazy. Since he felt very strongly about getting one, I told him we wouldn't be able to get one until I did my research on the breed. I'm used to German Shepherds, Chow Chows and Yorkshire Terriers but not Rotties. I've been studying and researching since April 2007 and still going. I've found a breeder who might have a female puppy for us, however; she's not sure if what we want will be in this litter, so I've been trying to find a second breeder, it's not very easy. We live in Central Virginia. We'll be going to clubs soon. I've checked out Obedience trainers, private and club ones. I'm just trying to make sure we're prepared, including we have two daughters 5 and 7 years old who aren't used to dog.

Also, finding breeders is not easy in my area. Most that I've met at dog shows are not very friendly and I understand they have a show to do, so I usually observe them, get information from them, then email or phone them later, but they still seem to be a bit snoody. Overall, I've gotten a lot of information from my research and being persisten about learning about the breed. My family and I love the dog shows, especially the one last year in PA. We'll be going to another dog show this April in Fredericksburg, VA.

If anyone has any suggestions please feel free to tell me your opinions.

[Zumie05]

Congrats on doing research before going out and purchasing a Rottie! I wish I had researched more about breeders before getting my pup. We knew all along that we wanted a rottie, but failed in choosing a good breeder. It is good to hear about people doing things the right way though!

When you get one don't expect it to protect your family. Usually just people seeing you with a rottweiler or knowing you have one is enough to deter anyone from coming at you with bad intentions. In reality these dogs rely on you to protect them though!

[Janus'sMom]

I'm not a breeder or trainer. I'm just here to learn about the breed since I already have my puppy and love having him around. But something I have noticed in alot of the threads on this site (and in general) is that Rottweilers are not a dog to just have as a guard dog. Your puppy/dog that you get needs to be with the family and be part of the family pack. Rottis are not a good dog to keep as a guard dog if it's going to be left alone.
But a propperly bred/raised/trained rotti, in my opinion is worth more than his/her weight in gold.

But I can tell you that my pup Janus is alot of work at only 3 1/2months old. Always active, and very intellegent and dare I say sneaky. He gets along great with my boyfriend's son whom is 3yrs old.

And just a lil thing on the side... "Cujo" I'm assuming you're referring to the Steven King movie (not sure but I think the book also)... Cujo was a St. Bernard. I'm not trying to split hairs, but any breed can become a "Cujo" if mistreated, impropperly raised, or taken care of impropperly.

And like I said, this is just my observations and opinions. There are many breeders and trainers at this site that can answer your question better than I can.

[Janus'sMom]

Just out of curiousity... are you refering to "Cujo" from one of Steven King's movies/books? If I do remember correctly, that was a St. Bernard, not a rottweiler. I'm not trying to split hairs about it. Just wondering if I'm missing something on another "Cujo". But never mind the breed, any breed or mixture of breeds can become "Kujo". It's all in the breeding, raising, training, and of course how the dog is taken care of.

One thing that I've noticed in alot of threads and forums is that this breed ( or in my opinion any breed) is not made to be left alone tied up out in the back yard or left in the basement. If your husband is looking to keep you and your family safe, then he's better off getting an alarm. I'm not trying to discourage you from getting a wonderful rotti pup, just want to make sure that you are getting this pup for the right reasons.

Also, have you looked at some Rottweiler rescue groups or animal shelters? They may have just as wonderful and protective (characteristicly speaking) puppies/dogs there.
And just out of my curiousity and nosiness... why was your husband so set on getting a rottweiler to protect the family? I'm sure you must of told him or he already knows that you're familiar with GSD and Chow Chows, why not get a GSD or Chow Chow instead? You don't want to get a puppy that's going to grow up into a dog that you're nervious or scared of.

And as Zumie said, congrats on taking the first responsible step in researching the breed first. Good luck with the researching, and with getting a reputable breeder. Just and FYI, ya might want to do some searches on this sight on some info to ask breeders. I'm sure its not your first time going through breeders and asking question, but sometimes theres a question we don't think of to ask.

[SuziHeaton]

I just wanted to say I'm thrilled to find someone interested in researching the breed prior to purchasing!

I agree with Zumie - you don't need to bring a rottie home and train him/her for protection - the dog's appearance alone will deter anybody who intends to bring harm upon your family. Mine is a big wimp, but nobody would ever know that just by "looking" at her. Lookers will quickly walk away - but I personally feel it's more important to train the dog to be a family pet in this situation - something the breed can easily be trained to do!

[linedog]

Originally Posted by Babybags

Hello-

I'm new to the site. My husband decided last year (around April 2007) that he wanted a Rottie to protect his family. When he mentioned Rottie, I told him that's Kujo and was he crazy. Since he felt very strongly about getting one, I told him we wouldn't be able to get one until I did my research on the breed. I'm used to German Shepherds, Chow Chows and Yorkshire Terriers but not Rotties. I've been studying and researching since April 2007 and still going. I've found a breeder who might have a female puppy for us, however; she's not sure if what we want will be in this litter, so I've been trying to find a second breeder, it's not very easy. We live in Central Virginia. We'll be going to clubs soon. I've checked out Obedience trainers, private and club ones. I'm just trying to make sure we're prepared, including we have two daughters 5 and 7 years old who aren't used to dog.

Also, finding breeders is not easy in my area. Most that I've met at dog shows are not very friendly and I understand they have a show to do, so I usually observe them, get information from them, then email or phone them later, but they still seem to be a bit snoody. Overall, I've gotten a lot of information from my research and being persisten about learning about the breed. My family and I love the dog shows, especially the one last year in PA. We'll be going to another dog show this April in Fredericksburg, VA.

If anyone has any suggestions please feel free to tell me your opinions.

all you will see at akc dog shows are show rotts, with a few exceptions ,a mercedes 500sl body with a Yugo drivetrain.

[SABELLESMOM]

Go back one step and read a thread above these under General Info...the sticky's. There is one about a Rottweiler not being for everyone which should make interesting reading in addition to your present research.

I'm happy to see you are looking into things before buying. Research is KEY. Research the breed and research the breeder! You may be surprised! For example, protection in this case, may actually take specalized training. Then again, hubby may be thinking of tying the dog up outside to "protect" yard and property. Rottweiles do not do well here either.

They are a dog who needs his family. He needs to be physically with his people. They do not come pre trained. But, they have tremendous potential for learning. They respond best to formal classes, especially with a first time Rottie owner. It takes work, dedication and love. But I can promise, if you decide a Rottweiler is for you...you will never regret on moment of positive training you put into it! You will be rewarded many, many times over.

Good luck with your research! Good luck with your decision! And good luck with a very special breeder matching the right dog...to you and your family.

[Shelby427]

I will have to agree with the above posts - if you ONLY want a rottie to protect the family, the rottie is not for you. Rotties although a deterrant will probably not "protect" you unless trained in protection and it takes a very special rottie with the proper temperament to do that. Get an alarm system if you want protection.

Rottie are family dogs - they LOVE to be close to their families. You will need to dedicate time for training and this training should go on for the first couple of years. They are an awesome breed, smart, love to learn etc. But you have to make sure the breed is right for your family. When people come on here and the first thing they say is "I want it to protect my family" - it raises a red flag.

[Luvtails]

It's funny the security thing. I have 4 adult Rotties and last year I had an incident (I live on several acres) where my phone went dead and I looked out the window and my storm cellar door was open. My husband was at work and I was scared. I went out ALONE with his BB Gun (It looks like a handgun) and creeped around my yard. Luckily there was no one there. Everyone I tell this story to laughs and asks "Why didn't you just let the dogs out?" I tell them "I didn't want them to get hurt!"hey are my babies and I protect them. Granted they are somewhat of a deterrant when in the yard but not much as many people drive up to my house and they don't even bark, or bark very little (I usually tell them to quiet after a few minutes)

[fostermom]

I found a website once that rated dogs for their guard ability...shepherds rated high, rotti's barely made the cut because of their "wait and see" temperment, they also tend to not be barkers, whereas gsd's tend to more reactive (and vocal!). I foster for a german shepherd rescue and the gsd's I fostered drove me nuts...my rotti's would be snoring happily in the livingroom while the shepherds would CONSTANTLY patrol the house. I also read on another site that shepherds were more likely to bite than rotts which, after having fostered both breeds, I tend to believe as all the rotts I've had the pleasure to own, foster or meet have had wonderfully stable temperments. I absolutely agree with the earlier poster...I think simply owning a rotti irregardless of it's guarding ability is a great deterent...I have a rotti crossing sign posted on my gate...in case anyone thinking about breaking in doesn't know I have four black and tans (who would probably happily lick any intruder to death).
They can be headstrong and do best in a home where consistent rules are established and obedience training is employed. These dogs adore their family and NEED to be with them, preferably in the same room....they are not dogs that do well as back yard dogs.
I lived for quite a few years in MD and agree that finding a good breeder can be quite daunting. I considered breeding a golden I had (many years ago) and checked out several large, show kennels. One had a very aggressive male they were studding out, another had a female with hip dysplasia they kept breeding because she "threw such nice pups". Look for someone who considers the entire package (health, temperment as well)! Or you might want to consider rescue where you can see what the dog's temperment is. Best of luck in your decisions and search.

[SABELLESMOM]

Originally Posted by fostermom

I foster...

I also read on another site that shepherds were more likely to bite than rotts which, after having fostered both breeds, I tend to believe as all the rotts I've had the pleasure to own, foster or meet have had wonderfully stable temperments.

They can be headstrong and do best in a home where consistent rules are established and obedience training is employed. These dogs adore their family and NEED to be with them, preferably in the same room.... Or you might want to consider rescue where you can see what the dog's temperment is.

Judy? Hey! Today was typical MARCH, all in the same day, wasn't it? A 2 hr delay of schools due to freezing rain on the roads! Then warm and sunny...all the way to 54! I thought of an Otsiningo walk, which we should do, ya know....

Back to the OP...<sorry counldn't hep myself!> A foster or rescue would definately be a nice idea. Doesn't get you out of the "training" aspect, any... ask Judy! Rescue's often recognise when they've got it good. Well temperamented, those will do nearly anything for you. The emphasis is still their need to be with family.

Good luck with your research!

[Babybags]

My husband laughed at me and told me it was a St. Bernard. I still told him he was crazy. Our dog would be a house dog, since that's the way I've been to all my dogs I've owned. I'm starting to pick out my items for my first aid kit for the puppy. I'd like to be fully prepared before bring the puppy home, which by the way I'm not sure if we'll be getting one this Spring/Summer or the next year. My husband said we wouldn't need to teach the dog to be a guard dog, it would pick up on my vibes if something is wrong, including he said just by looking at a Rottie is enough to change a person's mind from coming near me.

From the breeders and trainers I've spoken too, they've told me no one needs to train any dog to protect it's family, all dogs do that in general, well at least the majority do. I'm not concerned about training a dog to guard me (THAT'S NOT MY INTENT) I'd only like to train my dog to be a good well behaved companion for my family and to be able to take walks with me and runs with my husband. I've been thinking about the CGC and Obedience trails that I'm very interested in doing with my Rottie. I love to walk around my small town and I'd really love to take my dog with me, I can't take the ferret, he'd run away.

[Janus'sMom]

I thought Cujo was a St. Bernard. And I'm glad to hear that your intent is for this new addition to be as a family pet. And you can still take the ferret for a walk. They have harnesses and leashes for the, I use to take mine for a walk all the time. Just gotta watch out for other puppies thinking it's a chew toy. And its an excellent idea to have the puppy's first aide box ready, just keep in mind if there's anything in there that might have an experation date on it to keep an eye open for it.
Good luck, and good puppy searching :)

[Rangers Mom]

A couple of things:
1) Rotts are great family dogs and need to be with their people. I have a 5 year old who is now starting to want to 'work' with Ranger (basic obedience). It's a kick!;

2) Regarding 'snooty' breeders: We found that our first time around talking with the breeder we ultimately got our dog from, she was very stand off-ish, cold, and skeptical. When we came back 6 months later after lots of research later, she had open arms and was great. I think the skepticism is natural - particularly if you mentioned that 'guard dog' aspect. Breeders can jump in here at any time and correct me, but I think that the primary concern for them is the safety and well being of the breed. Many people *think* they want a rottweiler but the reality of owning one is different so breeders need to be skeptical, cautious, and careful. Both for the safety of their dogs and for the people who share a home with them.

Happy reading!

[Jaidann]

With regards to breeders, I have pretty good luck just writing down the dogs name that I liked, then doing an internet search. A lot have websites, some don't and it takes further digging. And sometimes I'm not able to find anything. But I approach them by phone or email first. I start by giving them my name and then saying something like ... "I saw your dog 'so n so' at 'such n such' show ..." I find them much more open and talkative doing it that way. Maybe because they are busy at the shows, nerves and who knows how many people approach them daily there? I don't know, I just found this method works better for me and they are a lot more receptive. I had one say to me "I can't believe you took the time to do this. You must really be interested." ... That one led to our English Mastiff girl and an excellent relationship with her breeder ;)

Good luck in your search, you are doing it the right way! And my old rottie girl would have shown someone my best jewelry (if I had any) and helped them put it in their pockets. But as stated before here, just her look was enough of a deterrent.