Potential owner questions.

[Romo]

Hello,

I'm considering buying a Rottweiler and I need some information to determine whether or not a Rottie is right for me and my family.

I've been doing some google searches about Rotts and they sound like a great dog...only thing concerning me are the bite stats. Rotties are the number 2 dog involved in fatal attacks. I just can't ignore this.

I have 2 boys and a daughter, ages 14, 12 and 9. We owned a Doberman Pinscher (passed away in May) for 8 years and we're familiar with how to behave around dogs.

My close friend is the breeder and it's one of his dogs I'm looking into buying. I've talked to him about this and the dog we're looking at is one he feels very confident about...but he may be slightly bias and I'd just like to get some more opinions and input regarding this breed and children. etc.

Thanks!

[Nishasmom]

http://www.rottweiler.net/forums/chi...-bite-you.html
Just because they are number two for fatal attacks doesn't mean they attack for no reason. Many, many people on this forum have rotties and kids that get along wonderfully! This breed does well with children but should never be left unsupervised with them (this goes with ANY breed though ).

[observer]

What Paige says is correct. They are higher on the fatal bite list (they are not that high on lists that just look at bites in general) because of their jaw strength. The dogs that cause the statistics that cause you concern are a very SMALL percentage of the Rotties out there. Yes, there are some that are just not "wired" right. That's true of any breed. Combine that with those whose behavior is due to irresponsible ownership (poor or no training, failure to safely confine the dog), and that's where those statistics come from.

Proper supervision of ANY dog with children is the key, as Paige said, with ANY dog. For the safety of both the children AND the dog.

[Ayoka]

Please also know that bite statistics are only based on REPORTED bites to authorities or those seen in a hospital. Many bites happen that go unreported and MANY people don't even know what a rottie looks like.

Please understand that any statistic has it's limitations. I would also wonder how many of these "biters" came from back yard breeders and homes where they didn't get the love, attention and respect they deserve.

If your friend knows what he is doing then he will only be breeding healthy (OFA tested) and temperamentally sound dogs and evaluate each puppy to ensure that it goes to the right home. If this is not the case, and you still want a rottie, there are plenty of breeders out there who do the showing, testing and evaluating which will ensure you less chances of heartache in the future.

[Romo]

Thanks for the replies.

I posted the breeder's name before I knew that was not allowed. He's a very well known breeder and one of his Rotts is considered to be one of the top working dogs of all time. He's a close friend of mine and I value his input tremendously but at the same time it never hurts to get other opinions.

[Xena Rio's Mum]

I have owned Rotties for the last 10 years and in the right hands you will not find a more loyal and loving dog. I have 2 nieces who are 8 & 10 and the dogs have always been very good with them. In fact my mum had a westie and it was always biting my nieces when they were smaller. Don't go by the bite statistics, if you bring them up to accept you as pack leader and ALWAYS supervise them when children are around you should have no problems. Just remember if you get a puppy then can be quite mouthy and their teeth are like little needles....

[winnie22]

Just my 2 cents, but I would rather my Rottie be around children than my parents cocker spaniel. Just because when the cocker bites it doesn't cause MUCH damage doesn't mean it is O.K. My rottie wouldn't bite or mouth anyone.

[jrc87]

In my experience, well-bred, well-socialized Rottie is wonderful with kids! I'd recommend going to a rescue. They can help you locate the perfect temperament for your household, and the foster parents will know all about your new family member. Good luck on your quest!

[warrior1]

I am a mother and I have had this and only this breed for over 12 years. I was a rottweiler owner before I even had a child. I live with 2 now. I never, ever had one issue between my dogs and my son. He was raised to respect my dogs and my dogs have always respected him. Nothing short of that was ever tolerated from the dogs or from the child. I have to say it is wonderful to see him communicate with them. They wait for him to get up in the A.M. They go to him for treats, he feeds them and makes sure they have water. I know, someday, he will be a great pet owner because of their presence in his life.

With constant training and leadership, you will be presently surprised.

[tpa232]

Originally Posted by winnie22

Just my 2 cents, but I would rather my Rottie be around children than my parents cocker spaniel. Just because when the cocker bites it doesn't cause MUCH damage doesn't mean it is O.K. My rottie wouldn't bite or mouth anyone.

Too funny ... growing up, we had an English Cocker. Dad, sis, and I all have scars to this day from his bites.

[Robenk]

You say you've been a Dobie owner, right? Then you probably already realize how wrong stereotypes can be about certain breeds (with the exception of untrained/unsocialized dogs of course!) Most people I have talked to in my life were terrified of dobies because they've been in lots of movies and don't realize how sweet they really are. Rotties are in the same boat and they are semi related breeds. Personally I feel dobies are sort of a hyper version of a rottie LOL :) AND if your kids were able to properly behave/live with your Dobie they'll have no problem with a Rottie (our first baby was a rottie and my children were actually our 2nd & 3rd kids--Nero raised them! :)) My kids are currently a 13 yo son & 11 yo dtr and they're doing great with our 7 1/2 mo old rescue Rottie. Keep reading RDN and doing research until you're TRULY comfortable with your decision. GOOD LUCK and you'll be happy you "crossed over" to "our side" LOL

[Robenk]

Originally Posted by tpa232

Too funny ... growing up, we had an English Cocker. Dad, sis, and I all have scars to this day from his bites.

I totally agree! I am MUCH more comfortable with a big dog...I've been chased/stalked by cockers, chihuahua's and terriers but never a big dog! My inlaws beagle was viscious and bit but never my rotties, GSD's or labs!

[1rohttor]

I am on my second rottie, my first was 10 years old before I had to put him to sleep. I now have my second rottie and both have been very good with my family, I have nine grandchildren that swim and play with him all the time and never a problem. The more time you spend with your rottie the more you will be rewarded, they are a very good family dog. They do not do well alone, they love company. If you can not give them the time, then find some other breed. If you do give them the time you will be very well rewarded and have a dog that will give you and your family much joy.

[MarleysMama]

I have a 1 year old and a 3 year old and I have never had any issue. That being said, Marley is well socialized, we train him, and there are rules in my home that work both ways. Marley and the children must respect eachother, and I never leave them alone. You have raised children and a dog before, so this shouldn't be a problem. Keep in mind (and I dont know much about Dobies, forgive me) Rotties tend to have a high prey drive and children your age I am certain are active. Marley knows now not to chase the kids, and the kids arent allowed to run in the house anyway ;)

Yes, I am sure that Rotties have the capability to cause a serious injury, but that doesnt mean that they will.

I also have read bite stats and some lists like to say that Rotties and Pits top the list, and other lists dont even have them in the top 10. The most important thing is to train and raise your dog correctly and you won't have to worry about it :)

Good Luck with whatever you decide for you and your family :)

[freakygoldfish]

You should look at this link!
http://http://petloverstips.com/ForT...ds-dachshund-1

The very fact that they use breed to compare bite stats means they have little to no credibility in my book. I would love to see an indepth study that looked at where the dogs came from, whether it was trained socialized, was it chained, altered and/or allowed to roam the neighborhood. Comparing those factors would actually involve work, though. It so much easier to call and ask a not so well educated AC officer what breed the dog looked like.