We live in the country, so it's not going to be around that many people, and I was wondering if all rottweilers are really as crazy as they show them on television and stuff. Are those just extreme cases, or are rottweilelers really like that. Any information would help, thank you.
2007-11-20 11:20:51 · 14 answers · asked by mofo 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
rotties are awesome pets. Strong willed and strong features, many people assume they are all mean. They are great home protectors and family pets. They need obedience training and must be taught early on the you are the alpha, not them. Read lots of training books. Get a rottie only from a reputable breeder. Most are back yard breeders. Good luck
2007-11-20 11:25:58 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Most "lemons" of any breed were not born that way, but made that way through lack of training and improper socialization, neglect, abuse or just downright stupidity on behalf of their owners. But like humans, some dogs are born abnormal both physiologically and behaviorally/mentally. Certainly a small number.
When getting a dog, I always suggest getting an adult. The reason for this is that the behaviors are KNOWN by a reputable rescue group. No one really knows what a puppy will turn out like. There are puppies in one litter across the spectrum... from very shy or timid, to very bold and assertive. Most buyers do not know how to puppy test. An adult dog, however, has known behavior (assuming stable health).
Read a lot about this breed and be very careful when chosing a dog or puppy.
If from a rescue, do YOUR homework and it never hurts to get a behavioral assessment. If from a breeder, be SURE and get a dog from champion lines, not from a backyard breeder: a dog that has been shown for conformation and, frankly, that doesn't assume the line is bred for temperment. Some are, some are not.
Were it me, I would prefer rescuing a solid, adult rottie. Many have been in foster homes with children, other dogs and often cats. A foster dog will have more known about it than a shelter dog.
Sadly, like the Dalmatians, Chis, and Irish Setters, for instance, many breeds, including the rotts, have been badly bred by people seeking additional income with absolutely NO clue what they are doing. It wrecks havoc with the breed, its health, and its reputation.
2007-11-20 11:43:35 · answer #2 · answered by cany 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Rottweilers are VERY social dogs. They want to be with their humans and to please them. They are NOT a breed of dog for everyone, and I don't recommend them to a first time dog owner.
Be prepared for LOTS of dog hair...they may have a short coat, but they shed A LOT....yearround. They are not a breed of dog to throw outside. Obedience training is an ABSOLUTE. Rottie puppies are adorable, but those puppies grow into large, often stubborn adults, that need to understand their role as the dog and the human as the alpha.
Only buy from a reputable American Rottweiler Club code of ethics breeder. This is someone who does all required health testing on both sire and dam (ofa hips & elbows, heart and eye cerf), and that shows their dogs in either conformation or performance events, preferably both. Good quality dogs with stable temperaments don't come cheap and this isn't a "cheap" breed to maintain.
Begin your research by reading THOUROUGHLY the American Rottweiler Club's website.
http://www.amrottclub.org
2007-11-20 11:37:52 · answer #3 · answered by zappataz ♠ Since 1999 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Rotties that we've had (living in the country) were never crazy. The male is Canine Good Citizen certified, and the two females would have been if they didn't die (one had cancer, one had a heart attack). The media often shows large breed dogs like Rotties, German Shepherds, Dobermanns, etc. as 'crazy' because they're large, and can look intimidating.
The truth about Rotties? They're big lap-landing babies.
2007-11-20 16:04:18 · answer #4 · answered by hockey_gal9 *Biggest Stars fan!* 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, not all rotties are like the ones on TV. Any dog can be ferocious if it is raised the wrong way or mistreated. The issue is that they are huge dogs, so little mistakes seem bigger than for other dogs. Just treat him or her with love, but make sure your dog knows you are the boss by spending time giving it exercise and training. The rottweilers I have known, one belonged to my roommate, so he was my roommate for 3 years was a big baby. He slept with me every night, a bit of a bed hog and snored, but that was his worst problem. He was easy to leash train and he was very well-behaved, but as with any dog, it requires effort on your part. Rottweilers by nature are very even-tempered. I, personally have never met one I didn't like.
2007-11-20 11:34:49 · answer #5 · answered by Elsie 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why would you even consider getting a breed of dog that you dont trust and know nothing about. I have 2 rottys,and do Rotty rescue--guess what--they are warm blooded animals that need love, affection, attention,just like anyother warm blooded animal. I have never met a mean rotty,although I am sure that they exist. I would not recommend getting any dog to watch the property--they need to be socialized,and meet people--they love people. I think you should rethink your decision--I do not think that you are doing this for the right reason.
2007-11-20 12:04:18 · answer #6 · answered by liz c 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have had the privilege of knowing 3 rotties closely. One was my own dog and the other 2 were strays that found there way here. The first one when he came, I was terrified of him. I wouldn't go out of my house for days because I thought he would attack me. I kind of threw food out for him and put water just out the door where he could reach it. In a few days, I found out he was not the big bad wolf I thought he would be. He was a quiet gentle old guy with hardly any teeth. We kept him until a home could be found for him. The second was our rottie that we bought as a young pup and she was perfect in every way. The third guy was a giant. He attached himself to me right from the start. When we had male visitors, he would stand up with his paws on my shoulders and look at me, then look at them and growl, back and forth 2 or 3 times, just letting them know they better not try to hurt me. We had to rehome him as well. I would have loved to have kept him. All 3 were wonderful dogs, very loving, very smart. I think the third one would have killed someone if they had tried to hurt me. He wasn't mean, but he just was not going to let anyone do me harm. You could probably find one in a shelter. Or if you buy from a breeder, see the parents and the other dogs and see what their temperament is like.
2007-11-20 11:32:50 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Rottweilers have become a BIG problem. I don't think so but I am researching about why the government in some places is trying to pass laws that make you buy a fence if you own a Rottweiler or Pit Bull. If you live in Milwaukee, this is a law!
2007-11-20 11:32:11 · answer #8 · answered by (; 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Rotties are wonderful, loyal and very sweet dogs. It really has everything to do with the owners. Mean dogs mean bad owners. You must do obedience classes. Make the dog sociable as soon as you get the dog. So in summary, training classes and having the dog around all kinds of people and dogs is the key. Before you get the dog, play with it's ears and feet, make sure it doesn't get aggressive around food etc. It's wonderful that you live in the country, lots of room for it to run and play. Just make sure to take your dog to dog parks, bring it to doggy day care, or find some other dogs for it to play with. Have fun and congrats!
2007-11-20 11:30:05 · answer #9 · answered by sun day 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I had the pleasure of owning a very sweet rottie
Rotties are calm, confident, courageous dogs. They are very intelligent and loyal, strong and protective. Rotties belong to the working group and are truly amazing.
If trained properly they can be the best family dog and a great loving dog
However I wouldn't necessarily suggest them for ,first time owners as their size and power can be deadly if not trained and socialized.
2007-11-20 11:33:54 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋