Rottweiler Retains Place In British Hearts Despite Bad Press (UK)

[Rene Allegrini]

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Rottweiler Retains Place In British Hearts Despite Bad Press

Rottweiler Retains Place In British Hearts Despite Bad Press


The Rottweiler, or "Devil Dog" as he is known in some areas of the media has proved that he is as popular as ever with the British public, retaining eleventh place on the Kennel Clubs official most popular breed list.

Rottweiler owners and breeders had been concerned that recent negative press attention surrounding the breed would have resulted in public back lash against the breed. Lord Baker, the former Home Secretary who implemented the Dangerous Dogs Act in 1991 had called for the breed to be added to a list of dogs which are required to wear muzzles in public.

The Rottweiler has been a popular family pet for many years in Britain, with celebrities such as the Beckhams and Robbie Williams favouring the German bred dog for its loyalty and natural inclination to protect. Since the tragic death of a toddler last year, who was mauled by two Rottweiler guard dogs at a pub in Leicester, the breed became the subject of a media campaign, branding it a "devil dog".

For years the Kennel Club have campaigned for a "punish the deed not the breed" style response to dog attacks, reinforcing the fact that in the wrong hands, any dog is a danger, regardless of breeding or size.

The release of their official most popular breed list, which is based on statistics of pet dog registered at the Kennel Club has reinforced the Rottweilers place as a popular family pet.

Members of the dog owning community have pointed out in recent months that the negative press surrounding certain breeds, including the Rottweiler, would contribute to an unwanted vicious cycle effect. With the breeds being painted as vicious and blood thirsty, precisely the type of owner that should not own a large, strong breed would be attracted to such a dog and thus more cases of irresponsible ownership would prevail.

Hot on the heels of the Labrador Retriever and in second place is the Cocker Spaniel. The breed known for its gentle and affectionate nature and intelligence has seen a steady 17% increase in registrations since 2005.