Rottie plays "mum" to newborn lambs (UK)

[Rene Allegrini]

New-born lambs' Rottweiler 'mum'

They have a fearsome reputation, but one Rottweiler is proving that the breed has a softer side by helping to rear two lambs.

Molly has been using her maternal instincts after lambs Lucky and Charm were born with complications on a farm.

Her owner Maria Foster, 38, from Forden, near Welshpool in Powys, said Molly slept with the pair at night, and even protected them from other animals.

Lucky and Charm are recovering and will be placed in a field in about 10 days.

Ms Foster said the pair needed help to improve their circulation soon after they were born.

They were placed in an Aga oven for warmth and after being lifted out Molly took over and started licking them as a ewe would have done.


"The first 12 to 24 hours for a lamb are absolutely crucial and if Molly hadn't been doing what she was doing, I would have had to have been there rubbing the lambs through most of the night to keep their circulation going," said Ms Foster.

"She could have ignored them but she didn't and it is quite comical to see."

Now 11-month-old Molly is like a mother to the two lambs, who stick closely to their unlikely guardian.
Ms Foster added: "The cat came into the kitchen the other day and walked over to the bucket where the lambs were sleeping, but Molly pushed her away as if to say: 'They are mine.'

"She will let the sheepdog have a look, but only for so long before she pushes him away as well."

Ms Foster said they cannot be returned to their mother because they would be rejected by her after so long apart.

A spokesman for the Kennel Club, which organises Crufts, said in the right hands Rottweilers should not pose a problem.

He added: "Rottweilers were originally bred as guard dogs in Germany, but in the right hands they should not pose of problem. They are not born aggressive, they learn it from us.

"Nonetheless, it's certainly the first time I've ever heard of a Rottweiler caring for lambs."

BBC NEWS | UK | Wales | Mid Wales | New-born lambs' Rottweiler 'mum'

[hokisteph5]

I'm not surprised the Rottie in this story took over caring for the two lambs. My Gretchen was like a little mother to 2-3 week old kittens.

[EmmysMom]

My big ol' male Baron was a "mom" to newborn kittens too! He would take them from the mom and "mother" them until she came to get them for their feeding!

[Disturbed_Angel]

Such a beautiful story and just the coverage Rottweilers need in the UK at the moment! I hope this restores peoples faith in our breed.

[observer]

The pictures are priceless. Thanks for posting this!

[SABELLESMOM]

I'm not surprised at all. My girls are both very gentle and watchful of our pesky but elderly Cocker Spaniel. They are cautious and will show another dog he is under their protection.

Sable, then 3, after due "consideration" decided to adopt Raven when she came home at 8 weeks. She got up off the couch, picked up a giraffe and proceeded to teach her to tug. They have been inseperable since. Often, they were seen to be carrying opposite ends of the same giraffe thru out the house.

That pic of the lambs climbing on their Rottie "mum" is priceless!

[Gunsey'sMom]

I hve heard stories before of Rottweilers "raising" animals who have been rejected from their natural mothers. These dogs are truly amazing! What a touching story! Thanks for sharing this with us Rene!

[Jazzycats]

Well said Disturbed Angel!

[peachesandchubby]

Oh those mean ol scarey rotties, be careful she might lick you to death!! LOL!! That was priceless!!!

[heidi's mom]

That's a great story!! That rottie has the sweetest face!

Thank you so much for always finding the good, the the bad, and the ugly regarding our beloved rotties in the news. It helps us all keep up to date and well-informed.

[wilma06]

I have heard many stories such as this - its unbelievable how they still have such a bad reputation

[GracieSilva]

Wonderful story.

Just a shame that news of this type doesn't get front page recognition like the bad reports do.

[GracieSilva]

Wonderful story.

Shame our dogs don't get the front page coverage for this kind of story eh?