Firstly, I must say I have no problems with this breed per se as have met lovely examples as well as ones which have had me quaking!

My daughter, who has a 2 1/2 yr old GR bitch from my first litter, has recently purchased a male Rottie. He is now 5 months and growing fast. He is very well bred, and they are attending ringcraft classes with a view to showing him. The bitch he lives with is just lovely, friends with everyone and great temperament.

The Rottie pup is also lovely, bouncy, full of fun & loves coming over to our house where he plays with my 3 GR's with no problem.

I've just got home from walking my dogs in woods local to us, and had more than one alarming moment, unfortunately involving Rotties. First was a man with a black lab (offlead) and two huge Rotweillers (on lead). I saw him move to the side of the path, which I appreciated, and had time to catch my 16 month old, just so that she didn't go in too close and cause a problem. as soon as we were within lunging range, both dogs went absolutley beserk! I calmly walked on by, thanking the man, but was left wondering why take such dogs to a place where there are lots of off lead dogs running about?

Later, I came across another Rottie, a bitch this time, who is always on lead. If the owners spot us in time, they always head off the path and disappear. Well today, we almost bumped into them. Luckily, my 3 were very sensible and just avoided the Rottie bitch who went mental as soon as she saw the dogs. I was a little shaken, but again calmly walked by smiling at the woman and realising now why she avoids other dogs like the plague.

Our third incident involved another breed (boxers & possibly boxer crosses) also on lead.

In all cases, no real incident, as my dogs are quite sensible really & would never start a fight or engage another dog in vicious behaviour. It seems every single Rottie I've met recently (not just today) has been baying for blood, with owners hanging on for dear life!

It has made me start to wonder what's going to happen with this 5 month male Rotweiller pup my daughter has in the future? Will he always be fine with my dogs or will there become a time when he'll change? I guess what worries me the most is that one "incident" will be one too many, especially if it should happen to one of mine (or the bitch I bred which she also owns).

Would appreciate other's experiences and opinions.

Thanks
Tanya

Thing is you don't know the history of these Rotts and why they were on lead..

If bred correctly as with any breed and keep temperament in mind then you have a majorly good starting point. A lot is how they are raised, how much they are allowed to interact with other dogs offlead and also in a training environment.
They are a guarding breed and some dogs are not good when on lead, they go into the protect mode, when off lead they can be nice as pie around other dogs. Its knowing the breed and the breed traits and working with them as well. Also some Rottie have very strong prey drive which isn't always managed very well, others are soft and dopey in comparison.

If the pup came from a decent breeder then i'd have no worries providing your daughter is doing right by the pup that she will have any issues as he grows up..

Normally you don't get any issues when you have a bitch and dog living together which is what I have now. 1 Bernese male and 1 Rottie bitch(puppy).

In comparison the dogs I get issues with are the JRT and Schnauzers who go hell for leather at my dogs, what do mine do, look on in sheer amazement and then carry on ignoring them..

I own 3 Rotties, my boy could be one of those snarling lunging yobs you've encountered, my eldest girl is a dream - almost bullet proof (the human dressed as a dog in pets at home spooked her), and my middle girl is somewhere between the 2, although nearer my girl than my boy on the scale.

My boy came to us at 5 months'ish. He was bred by someone out to make money, purchased as a status symbol, and then passed from home to home until my OH confiscated him from an employee and brought him home. Initially we were going to nurse him back to health and re-home him, but OH fell in love and couldn't part with him. He started showing aggression to other dogs around 7/8 months and then people not long afterwards. He missed out on that crucial initial socialisation window, was abused by humans and attacked by a bitch (who was just protecting her litter), just before we took him on. He's fear aggressive and has to have a routine, anything different can set him off, although he isn't always reactive. He's always muzzled and on lead when out, but that doesn't stop off lead dogs running up to him, which would usually trigger an aggressive response. He's a complete puppy indoors, although he does pay rather too much attention to the TV (Formula 1 is his favourite thing to watch)

My eldest girl was 6 months when we got her, the difference here was she was brought in by a breeder as a show bitch, with a view to breeding from her and enhancing their lines. So the socialisation was spot on, and they only decided to let her go as her bite wasn't perfect, and as she also lacked some pigment in her gums, they felt they were too many faults to breed from her.

They do go through another fearful phase/window at around 7-9 months, so providing this is managed properly, and the lines he's from have bred for temperament as well as substance, they should come through the other end OK. I am by no means an expert, so hopefully someone who is will be able to give you some more assurance, I just thought I'd share as I do own complete opposites.

Wheres the brush for this tar????

Why should those of us with reactive dogs avoid places which dogs may be off lead they still need exercise and as long as the owner is responsible i dont see the problem? avoiding dogs all together near impossible and wont do the dog any good. I meet plenty jrts cavs and cockers that lunge at me and my dogs but that doesnt mean they will all be like this nor will your daughters rottie hopefully if socialised properly. They are not a scene from Cujo. Being abit breedist dont you think.

> Wheres the brush for this tar????
>

.

That's not very nice.  The OP has listed specific incidents that have concerned her.  She is clearly not wishing to believe all Rottweilers are the same and is looking for reasurance.  Thankfully more well measured responses have already been forthcoming :)

No, I don't think my post in any way was being down on all Rotties! I have in fact met some really lovely ones. Perhaps you could re-read my initial post. I'm sure it didn't come cross that way.

BUT, just lately (and especially today) it felt as though I was bumping into aggressive ones every 5 minutes during my walk. I worry that my pup, now 16 months may get herself too close and into trouble. She does tend to lay herself down in front of them, which is no good when someone's hanging onto their snarling dog, trying to get at her.

My post was mainly asking for reassurance over my daughter's pup. We have a male here (albeit neutered) and I fear that one nasty incident will be one too many. Because they will be showing him, he will also remain entire for the foreseeable future. They have some excellent people advising them, and from what I can tell, atm they are doing a good job with him.

No, I don't really think that those with reactive dogs shouldn't go to these places. Personally, I would take my dog somewhere quiet where they wouldn't get so many chances to react (but that's just me). This is a very popular place with many dog walkers and I encountered MANY other different breeds this morning - none of which we had any problems with.

Thanks for your reply Tadsy. It seems clear from the experiences you've had with yours that poor breeding practices and bad socialisation/training can have a lot to do with problem dogs.

Sounds like you've got your hands full but are doing a great job.

My daughter's pup is from excellent temperament parents from what I can gather, hopefully he'll grow up a well rounded individual.

Totally agree Suejaw, I obviously don't know the history of these two dogs we met today. I did appreciate that the man moved off the path, and said thanks to him. It wasn't appropriate to hang around and chat though, his dogs were not very happy.

I do agree about the breeding part though. A few years ago, we met this huge Rott bitch in the park. My boy went over to play, and they had the most wonderful 20 mins playing. We do meet her occasionally, and she's as lovely as ever.

However, another pup we knew was fine playing with my boy (I guess they were both around 6 months). All was well until I put my boy on lead. The other pup immediately went for him. I had heard several other owners warning me about the change in temperament of this pup. I didn't pay much attention until this happened. I didn't see him again, probably just as well.

Which is why I made the initial post, because I am hoping my daughter's pup will remain friendly towards me and my dogs.

We have owned Rottie's for the last 14 years and show them aswell.  A good breeder should be able to give you an indicator on the temperament of the pup because they should only breed from dogs with good temperaments. 

I have come across a couple bitches at shows - however these bitches are owned by the same person and I wouldn't trust either with people or dogs...i'd say it has something to do with the owners after seeing their rough handling skills. 

The males can be temperamental with other males but generally when they are entire and i think living with entire bitches makes a difference....but many breeds can be like this.

I have a very gobby male Rottie, although he really is all mouth and no trousers.  He is from an excellent breeder but unfortunately he underwent two big operations and between the age of 13 months and 3 years he was not able to socialise fully with other dogs...this I believe to be his downful...however I know full well if off lead and met by a bitch he is very respectful when put in his place.

The bitches we have owned - including 2 now are a dream, never once had a problem with temperament and they will play with other dogs very well.  None of the bitches have suffered with any issues that have stopped their socialising.

So I think maybe you have been unfortunate in the dogs you have met and it is a shame that you felt worried by them, however even though I own and love the breed I understand that some people are wary of them because of the way the breed is portrayed.

Oh and on another note, as long as pupster is socialised he should always get on well with your bitches...my boy loves the girls!

Edited to say he will love you too....male Rott's generally love to give everyone a big cuddle and slobbery kiss, I know my boy likes all the attention he gets when friends are round.

I agree with 'staff's' post as long as the Rottie male pup continues to be well socialised and trained well
I don't think he should have a problem.

Thing is today some owners are unrealistic about socialisation and expect all dogs should 'get on' with each other.
It comes as a big shock when they don't.

Sadly we have had returned to us a Boxer boy (neutered) he has not been well socialised, although he has been
well trained in obedience commands. He would be one that you would steer clear of as he presents an awful picture
of the devil incarnate lunges on lead and is a complete pain in the backside when anything new comes into view and too close
for his comfort especially people and other dogs. This is because he feels threatened and is frightened of 'new' things.
The thing is to try and rehab him he has to be walked in area's where he will see people and dogs otherwise he will never
ever get over his fear. Obviously we are responsible and keep him on lead.
So there are some people that are responsible and trying to rehab dogs - but it's hard to tell them apart from a distance.

Sadly the way breeds are portrayed in the press can skew people's views towards them.
I have been bitten/mouthed by a Rottie but that was a case of the owner inciting the dog to bite by wispering to it whilst I was giving the
dog a treat after asking the onwer if it was ok to do so - extension of his ego..
Thankfully I wasn't badly bitten having pulled my hand away before the dog had real contact. Had a tooth mark on my knuckles
for a while. Was it the dogs fault? No it was just obeying it's owners command - I place the fault at the owner - this incident happened
many years before the rotties were demonised.
I still think rotties can be lovely dogs it's just if the owners are ok and have socialised the dogs properly that's the problem.
Same can happen in any breed.

My little gits favourite two dogs are a pair of rotties, he adores them and runs off to play whenever we meet them on a walk. The owner is well aware that people can be iffy about the breed and always calls his dogs back and puts them on a lead when he sees another dog, they don't react at all and it's such a shame that people won't let them mix.
They have never had a cross word with Merlin. it's a pleasuyre to see them all together

My pup and her Mum can be quite vocal (furstration) when we meet other dogs when they are on lead walks as needless to say most dogs find five dogs wanting all to say hi (tails wagging madly)too much so I hold mine back.

The older ones aren't bothered but the two youngest ones really would love to say hello. 

I often do let just the pup say hello first while I hold others back, and it teh other dog is brave allow the others to one by one, but I am sure when Safi and Inka start getting excited it may worry some owners.

Never happens at shows as there is no novelty to lots of dogs, it's the lone dog being walked that gets their curiosity up.

As with most breeds, it is down to the owner to ensure that any dog is trustworthy.
Having been a dog owner for 40+ years, I am not a Rottie lover - too many bad experiences, as my passion is old/elderly dogs who have had to endure behaviour that they have been unable to cope with, involving, amongst others, Rotties.
To show a dog involves,in my opinion, even more control over that dog. It must, surely, be unacceptable for that dog to be allowed to harrass any other dog, during the training period, under any circumstances. To be able to behave in the "ring" is a prerequisite and so, I feel, the local field/park is a good starting point.
With so many dogs in rescue, many of which are Rotties, I have to question the reason why anyone would wish to purchase such a dog.
I, and my rescue ex-puppy farm dogs, will continue to avoid these potentially designer breeds.
I wish your daughter well, but has she really thought this through? The thought of riches in the "ring" is fraught with problems, and a GR is  completely different from such a potentially difficult dog, who is not universally popular.

> I have to question the reason why anyone would wish to purchase such a dog ...

> I wish your daughter well, but has she really thought this through? ... a GR is  completely different from such a potentially difficult dog, who is not universally popular.

That seems very harsh. Many Rotties are carefully bred and are light years away from the 'Devil dogs' the media likes to portray. Personally I know several Rotties, all of whom are delightful dogs, as are their owners.

Let's not tar a whole breed with the same brush.

> Let's not tar a whole breed with the same brush.

I think the poster said "potentially" difficult dog.  I don't think anyone has said they are all devil dogs but equally I don't think anyone should say they are all a doddle to own.

> I don't think anyone should say they are all a doddle to own.

Has anyone?

What an awful thing to say 'why would anyone wish to purchase such a dog'.  A very ignorant statement that suggests you know not a lot about various breeds especially the loving Rottie.  My own Rotts have been chased and attacked by toy poodles - without a hint of retaliation.  I have come more Goldies that attack other dogs up the field but again I would not tar all Goldies with the same brush, I meet many friendly one's...but these are the well bred and well socialised one's. 

All dogs can be potentially a problem, it just depends how well they were bred and how well they have been bought up.

Thank you Stooge. I love all dogs, but can only speak from my experiences.
My dogs, now at Rainbow Bridge and still with me, had their own, often unpleasant experiences, and I now choose, for my friends' safety, to avoid certain breeds.
I keep my dogs under my control, even though 2 of them are totally deaf, and just wish others would do the same.

> My own Rotts have been chased and attacked by toy poodles

I know which I would rather be chased by :-D

>> I don't think anyone should say they are all a doddle to own.
> Has anyone?

It does not seem to be accepted by some posters that some people have had some bad experiences of them.

I am sorry if I offended anyone. Rotties can, indeed, be loving and loyal pets, as can Staffies. Having kept dogs for so many years, my experience has not been a good one with certain breeds. That is no reflection of the dog concerned, but rather the owner. My vet bills have included many dog attacks by dogs not under the owner's control, and I reiterate that it is down to the owner, not the dog!

When I walk my rotts I have them on the lead as we also walk in a woods , they have been pounced upon and nipped by many a dog by persons walking their dogs of lead and with not so much as an apology. I f my dogs were to do the same in return it would no doubt be my dogs fault, because of what they are. My dogs are sound temperaments, but what is to say this has not happened to the dogs you have met and now they are on the defensive or nervous. A dog that is trapped on lead that is nervous being approached by dogs free of the lead can act in this way. It all come down to training and as long as your daughter's dog is well socialised and obedient then there should be no problems. Your dogs and your daughters are all part of one pack so I don't see any problems arising, so enjoy the pup , they are  a great breed in the right hands.

I know what my own views are on this situation outlined in my message here I can only presume that some of you may feel the same anger as I felt when I visited a pet shop. 

What I found amongst all the other breeds of puppies on display were three rotties for sale two dogs and one bitch puppy aged 15 weeks in a pen together about 6 or maybe 8 x 4 going round and round with nothing to do, they had no toys so what did one do to the other play bite and what comes naturally with boy girl constantly in close contact to the young bitches annoyance. They have lost their early window for socialization and undoubtable may have behavioural problems when eventually sold with their lack of social and physiological needs being met. Lack of excercise and house training is going to be another problem. To be a puppy sold from a pet shop is not acceptable but for rotties, I cannot imagine what their future is going to be like for these three. Puppies sold from pet shops should be banned. 

> It does not seem to be accepted by some posters that some people have had some bad experiences of them

That is scarcely the point. My view is that it is 'deed, not breed' that matters. My own dogs have been attacked in the past by a Jack Russell, English Springer Spaniel and a mongrel. But I would not slate these breeds or mixes on a public forum as that would be most unfair to the majority of owners of these breeds.

And my response on this thread was to this request from the OP who asked:

Would appreciate other's experiences and opinions

What I posted is my experience and opinion.

> Puppies sold from pet shops should be banned.

Completely agree, sooner the better.

> What I posted is my experience and opinion.

I am sure that would be most welcome but infact, until your most recent post, you have merely commented on other peoples opinions.
Personally, I am not fond of the "Deed not Breed" adage as it implies something must happen first before we take action rather than looking at things in a pre emptive manner.

It does go to show Staff, that Goldens have potential for poor temperament/breeding. I think the problem some have with my breed is that they don't give enough thought into proper socialisation and training, thinking (wrongly) that they are such an easy breed. They are fairly easy if you know what you're doing, but I'm sure the same can be said for 80% of breeds out there. They're a fairly large strong and rhobust dog who can be nightmare "mouthers" and love flinging themselves on people - all things which are fairly straitforward to iron out - if you attend training classes and have an idea what you're doing.

As for my Goldens, they are very sociable, have never been involved in any unpleasantness, and will avoid dogs who are displaying negative body language. I do not avoid any breeds so long as the body language is good.

However, I have always been more cautious around certain breeds, and my only advice to my daughter and her husband when they were about to get this pup, was that the requirements of a Rottweiller were different to those of a Golden, and that they needed good advice from his breeder and others in the breed in the correct way to "be" with the dog, which to be fair they have done so far. My SIL's father has trained Rotts and bred GSD's for years, so I feel they're in very good hands, as he will have a good understanding how they "tick". I only have experience with Golden Retrievers, which I felt was not much help really :).

I have no wish for this thread to turn into a breed bashing, that was certainly not the thinking behind it. I was interested in hearing from Rottie owners about their own experiences as if you only see aggressive Rotts, it would be easy to think they're mostly that way. Obviously they are not, but will always be a breed I will show caution around (as I said to my daughter, I hope her pup will convert me). I've always thought that Rottweillers are stunning looking dogs, and would have one tomorrow if I could guarantee a sound temperament.

Thank you to all the Rotweiller owners who have taken the time to give your personal experiences.

> until your most recent post, you have merely commented on other peoples opinions.

I always try to address the matter under discussion. This thread was started by someone looking for others' personal experience of Rotties. That is what I gave.

TBH I find your personal style to be confrontational and argumentative but I will not pursue it any more as I at least am capable of recognising that it takes all sorts, dogs and people alike.

> TBH I find your personal style to be confrontational and argumentative

Well funnily enough...............:)

I've never owned a Rottie and I only meet 1 when out with Buster - it's Busters bestest buddy in the whole wide world :-D

Buster is entire, so is his rottie chum (rottie is about 3 years old). Buster gets so excited when they meet he just can't help try to hump the living daylights out of him, the rottie doesn't care, he loves Buster, giving him lots of licks and diving on his head.

Sorry, not much of an insight into the breed, but my limited experience has been good.

Edited as for some reason my post duplicated itself!

Sorry to add to the tail end of this thread but feel I must add my feelings.
I have never owned a Rottie although I have known some wonderful friendly ones. However as the owner ( a few years ago ) of a dog fear aggressive rescue GSD I needed to walk her where she would see other dogs but not need to interact with them, and I found it most annoying when people assumed they could allow their offlead dogs to run over to greet my on lead dog. They would then glare at me when she did her mad dog act on the end of her lead, as if to blame me for not training her. If they could only realise that this walking WAS part of her training and gentle socialising would not have happened if I had been forced to walk her in places where she would not see another dog.
Please be more considerate when allowing your well socialised dog to run offlead as not all dogs have been lucky enough to have the stable, loving start in life as yours and for this reason NEED to be walked on lead but left at a distance.

This is exactly why I catch my youngest dog when we come across on lead dogs, as she is the most likely to get too close. She is learning, however, but still has the silly habit of draping herself onto the floor across their path (has had myself and other owner in stitches of laughter :)).

I guess it's the fright of unexpectedly coming across a person hanging on for dear life to a dog going mental on the lead (more scary for me if it's a large breed, but just as often a smaller dog).

The only time it went "a bit wrong" was the couple with 3 staffies, one on lead, I carried on walking, and two of mine were milling around the man holding the on-lead staffie. It turned out he had extra special treats in his pockets. Dogs were more interested in that than the dog! Still, they came when called which was the main thing.

There may be many reasons why a dog is on lead, not always because they can't interact off-lead with other dogs.

> With so many dogs in rescue, many of which are Rotties, I have to question the reason why anyone would wish to purchase such a dog.
>

Sadly the large powerful breeds attract a section of irresponsible back yard type breeder who far from selecting for the non aggressive reliable temperament the standard calls for, breed without reference for temperament or deliberately for 'aggressive hardness'.

You are very unlikely to see many well bred Rotties, as with other breeds in rescues, as the responsible breeder will have helped with their re-homing when needed.

I live in the catchment area of a particularly good Rottie breeder and have met many of their former pups on walks and at classes, so my take on the breed is that they re generally very steady slow to anger, and not one of the dogs I avoid, unlike the various bull breed and staffie types that show no sign of being well bred (with the odd glarign exception), but certainly show the negative traits ascribed, but I live in a big City where there are plenty of druggies and low lifes breeding them.

I totally agree...we run training classes and the most recent Goldie's have been from working lines but well bred and so far well raised, they are lovely.  The one's I meet up the field however are not quite the same but again I do believe this to be to do with the owners and where the dogs came from. 

I think media portrayal has a lot to answer for with regards to how people feel about certain breeds...I own a number of dogs people wish to avoid...Akita, GSD's, Rottie's and a Staffie so I am used to prejudice.

You may find your daughter has an easier time training her Rottie pup, they love to work and if you spend the time everyday to train them they lap it up and are very, very responsive.  They can be a mouthy breed...although mine have always been very gentle so that may be something you can help with in regards to training this new Rottie pup.

Just make sure whoever is training doesn't take the 'it's a certain type of dog so needs harder handling', they are just the same as other working breeds but just up the socialisation so they meet everyone and everything...i'm sure you'll be converted in time. Would be interesting to know what lines he is from?

Just adding on the end, a vaguely relevent but (I found) sad conversation I had last night with a young couple living close by me. They have a 22wk old Rottie boy who I met and is very lovely. They've done all the right things - spent time to find a pup from a good breeder, been to training classes and continue to do so, try to socialise with people and dogs outside of the classes...and yet they have had people cross the road to avoid them, shout abuse at them from a distance about having a dangerous dog, been told that they were going to be reported etc etc...they're having a hard time finding dogs outside of the classes to socialise him with and even people avoid them.
Granted - the pup was a little mouthy at times with me and was jumping up a bit but they're aware of both issues and addressing them.
I really feel for them that despite all the good they are trying to do that they're experiencing such prejudice against the breed without people even taking the time out to meet their particular dog.

Incidentally, I meet a number of Rotties and Staffs out and about. My male has been bitten twice in his 2.5 years... but once by a Labrador and once a Rough Collie...

My girls have been attacked twice by Labrador males (ONCE AT A SHOW), and once by a Boxer bitch and once by a Stafford male, but my oldest and smallest girl soon had him changing his mind by swearing and posturing alone.

At 5 months my Rottie bitch was attacked by a Weimaraner - he was off lead although afterwards I found out he had a foul temperament, he was dragging her along by her head and also a collie - again this dog was off lead and continues to be allowed off lead but attacks anything that walks past or it runs up and attacks dogs.  There is also a male Goldie that has a go at anything male or female but he is managed a little better but again I don't think should be off lead because it could cause a problem.

I now walk in a different place to these dogs because I do think it is unfair to have to constantly look out for these dogs because they are running free.  Luckily my Rottie bitch has kept her fab temperament and these incidents have not put her off - made her more cautious but she still play brilliantly with everything big and small.

I have two males, infact litter brothers, socialisation here is very difficult no training classes etc.  One of my boys is fine on the lead and the other gets very excited when he sees other dogs and perhaps gives the impression that he is being nasty, if he is allowed to go up to them to sniff he is fine and off lead both of them are fine with other dogs and have been snapped at by various breeds of dogs and have never retaliated and they absolutely love people.  For me they are an absolute dream to own and wish I had got into them years ago.

> Puppies sold from pet shops should be banned.

OH how I agree.  I would love to know in the serious biting incidents where the dogs came from, and how knowledgeable/responsible (not) their owner.

One of the things that has not, seemingly, been addressed, is the sheer size and weight of this breed. An adult can weigh more than I do, and, with a rogue out-of-control dog, it would probably take a JCB to head it off. Although I have never, luckily, had the need to give a well-aimed kick at any dog attacking mine, I would think very carefully about aiming a kick at a first row forward!
One of my ex-puppy farm girls was recently targetted by a group of large dogs - the first one on the scene being a Rottie. My girl sat and refused to move, and so I had to stand watching her become more and more terrified. Finally, despite polite appeals to the owners to call their dog off (DURR!) the Rottie decided it was more fun to stick its nose up my rear end - the force being enough to make me fear losing my balance!
I have always taken the view that, if a dog is being walked on a lead, it is only fair to keep your dog away, and my dogs have been taught the rules.
All of my dogs have been rescues, and my boy Cav is a case in question. He is totally deaf, but will chase anything across roads, try to get under any fence, etc, and so is walked on an extending lead. He, obviously, cannot hear other dogs coming up from behind, and I have lost count of the times I have- politely - told other owners the problem. As I would in his situation, he will growl when startled from behind which can result in retaliation, which is completely unwarranted, as my boy loves people and, usually, totally ignores other dogs.
When a choice of pet/working/show dog is made, the perception of the breed chosen will be varied, but the rights of every dog owner to their own constraints should be accepted.

There is a pet shop which advertises that many sports "stars" have bought from them!
Being the owner of ex-puppy-farm dogs, I beg that everyone takes great care when taking pups from pet shops.
If they are from puppy farms, there is a huge uphill struggle, and there is a real danger that these dogs will never be "normal" dogs.
They will know more than we will ever will about "natural" dog behaviour, but the imposed, by us as owners, rules will be very hard to come to terms with.

> One of the things that has not, seemingly, been addressed, is the sheer size and weight of this breed.

They are large dogs, but they aren't huge.

Yes have to agree Rottie males are big but not huge and shouldn't weigh more than an average adult female.  My male is show standard, looks imposing I guess but weighs in at 45/46kg - this is only 7 stone, most adults weigh more than this.  My bitch is about 40kg so although people go on about their Rottie's weighing 10 stone...unless they are obese it's not true.  I do understand about them looking powerful etc but there are so many other breeds that are strong and powerful but they are not portrayed in the same light.

When i come across other dogs I always call my girl back and put her on the lead because she loves to meet everyone and I wait until they say they are happy for her to play...I understand a Rottie can look imposing running to see someone however I call mine to heel because I believe it is good manners for any dog.

No heavier than some show type labradors, and with the docking ban many people nowadays react to them as big black labradors until they notice the tan.

Well, what a todo.... From a dogs point of view... I've not had a very good time with rotties... i meet several when i'm out on my rounds... in general the owners are far more disciplined than their charges, who seem to go barmy when any dog comes in view... (quite what would happen if they were off the lead is open to question, either i'd get eaten.... or, because they are free we'd all get on fine... my defence as a lurcher... i can just bu**er off at 90 mph )

Now, you clever types may be able to fathom this out... next door to me they had a LAB, a rescue, probably about 6 year old, she was 'sort' of friendly.. lot of argy bargy at the fence, but out in the paddocks we were fine together... then they got a 6 month old Rottie bitch (another rescue)... almost immediately the LAB started to attack me! I mean... really have a go... got me cornered once and drew blood!... the Rottie obviously got excited by this and whilst not joining in was in 'close attendance'.... this worried me... 'cos my owner always ensured i was off the lead in the paddocks so i could clear off in the event of 'the black bomber' appearing with the rottie.... but with 2 of them in hot persuit i really got nervous as the 2 of them could corner me... anyway, the Rottie is now full size (i blummin hope so, she's huge) and still doesn't join in the fracas, but gets very excited if there is argy bargy.... I'm assuming the LAB is either jealous or protective... and i'm really hoping the Rottie doesn't let her obvious excitement turn into the outright agression shown by the LAB.

that my two pennyworth

Monty

I could very well be reading this incorrectly so apologies in advance if I am...but this, to me, is a completely classic example of a dog being considered 'suspect' because of its breed and not its actions. The Rottie hasn't actually done anything wrong here, the Lab is the one with the issue. Yet because its a Rottweiler, the innocent dog who isn't actually joining in with any fighting, is being viewed in a negative light.
To me, this is breed bias of the worst kind and makes me quite angry.

Funny you should say that Brainless....we quite often get comments of 'oh does that have a little bit of Rottie in it'....ummm I should hope its all Rottie for the price I paid lol!  The tails make a huge difference in people's reactions to them...for the better.

With Katien on this one, complete breed biased....why are you not concerned about the Labrador that has actually drawn blood but you are concerned about the Rottie which has done nothing wrong???? I'd be taking responsible action by not letting my dog off lead in a field with a dog that has attacked it once already and speaking to the owners of the said dog.  Also i'd leave the Rottie out of it, she has already shown self control and good temperament but not joining in.

It was an observation... nothing more... as you say the Rottie is the innocent party in that particular instance.. and a pleasant dog to know, it was the Labs change in attitude that I was pointing up... We have no problem with the breed whasoever.

and not letting me off the lead is not an option... if i'm on the lead then the lab attacks me and i'm unable to escape (this is in my paddock, which is used by our neighbours to graze their horses)

The neighbours are fully aware of the problem and in general keep the dog under control, and i stress.... Rottie is fine on her own. The Lab is just as bolshie with other dogs... the point i was making was that it only started happening after the Rottie joined the family.... and I was wondering whether this was just a coincidence or some sort of jealousy or protective behaviour on the Labs part.

pip pip