I *really* want a rottie, but I think I should start off with something a bit smaller and easier to handle! I'm not that used to dogs, my parents had a mutt (cairn x jack russel) and he was good, but appart from that I've not had much contact with dogs.

So, which breed would you recommend that is easy to train etc for a first time owner?

Thanks, Viv

Hi Viv, there is probably a thousand right answers to your question. It really comes down to a self assessment of your domestic situation.
What appeals to your eye?
How much time can you devote to training, grooming and general attention?
How much do you want to pay, puppy prices vary beween a few hundred pounds, and a few thousand depending on the breed.

There is probably no reason why you shouldn't have a Rottie if thats what you really want. You will have to have lots of time to devote to training though, but I believe there are no bad dogs, only bad owners. You should do lots of research into the best breeders, and definately NOT buy a Rottie from an ad paper.

Contact the Kennel Club, and ask for a list of breeders, join a breed club, then ask what health tests are advised for the breed. Promise yourself you will only buy a puppy that has parents that have passed all those tests with better than average results. On top of that, only buy a Kennel Club registered puppy. There are other registries, but they are not reputable.

You have done well to find Champdogs, please come again and let us all know how you get on, any more questions, just ask away.

Regards, Dawn R.

Thanks for replying :)

I think I need to build up confidence before going for a rottie, you know? I have done alot of reading about them and have wanted one for ages, but there is just something telling me I'm not ready yet, maybe its just the size of them, I dont know.

I've done the petplanet breed selecter thing (is that up to much?) and my top dog would be a Finnish Lapphund which I must say looks absolutely gorgeous! and 2nd on the list is cocker spaniel, I was already considering them anyway along with springers. I have children so its very important that the breed I choose will tolerate children, not that they will be horrible to it or anything, they are quite wary of dogs, one of the reasons I want to get one, so they can grow up knowing dogs are OK (just now they are 7 and 6)

Gosh its such a huge decision isnt it!

Thanks again, Viv

My first ever dog was a Rottweiler and i have had them now for 14 years. I would opt for a bitch first as they do tend to  be less dominant. Having said that i now have two males who are daft as poo! If you  decide to get one, do plenty of research first, find a reputable breeder who will offer continual help /advice and do training - socialisation classes from when pup is young!

Hi Viv
any breed needs training and socialising so what ever the size or breed you will need to put in the work.Some breeds are 'easier' to train then others.Any dog...from JRT to great dane can be the worst pet imaginable...size has very little to do with it.
If you really want a rottie I would suggest you contact some reputable breeders who will be willing to take 'rottie' to you.You can then go and visit and see if it really is the breed for you.If you pick your breeder carefully then she will be more than happy to assist you through all aspects of raising your dog. Where are you? would it be possible for you to have a day out at LKA next month.It would be a great place to see lots of rotties and speak to lots of owners.
Alternatively can you wait till crufts...go along to ''discover dogs '' and see more breeds of dogs under one roof than you can imagine!!
Archer  

Hi, I'm in north scotland, I read on here about discover dogs, but its just too far for me to travel at the moment, do you know of anything similar north of the border?

I was in touch with a rottie breeder 2 years ago, she was due to have some pups but unfortunately only 1 survived, since then I dont think they have had anymore and I've not been in touch with any other breeders. The closer I am to actually getting one the more I'm thinking I should go for something smaller, maybe I'm a bit chicken! lol

I deffinitely have the time to devote to a pup, just a bit daunted by the choice I think.

Thanks, Viv

Viv, if you email me, ill do my best to help you decide on a breed :)

Viv, it's funny you should say about a Cocker Spaniel. That was the breed that immediately sprung to my mind when I read your first post. If you decide to go for one of the Spaniel breeds you mentioned, you will be better with a 'Show bred' rather than a Working bred' one. The ones of working breeding are extremely active and busy, the show bred ones are calmer and easier to live with in a pet situation.

Again though, the advice about KC registration and health test results, remains the same whatever breed you choose.
All the best, Dawn R.

Border Terrier, no question...

Geoff :)

Viv
If you go for something smaller are you going to be happy with your choice if you've set your heart on a rottie? As you know dogs can live for 15+ years and so would you be happy with a different breed or would you want to have your rottie in a few years too in which case have you got room for  2 dogs?
Archer

I hear what you're saying archer and you're probably right, its a rottie I want, been putting it off but there's no way round it really is there! I think its the fact my kids aren't so keen on dogs yet, especially big ones, I've got them to think about too. I've been looking back the archives and reading up on what people think are good first-time breeds, can you honestly say you think a rottweiler would be ok for a first time owner? Granted I am determined, have loads of spare time and will be a devoted owner, maybe its just the stigma thats getting to me (I know I shouldn't let it though)

If I got a smaller dog I'm sure I would love it, but you're right, I want a big dog, but I dont want to make the wrong decidion and have to re-home a rott because its been too much for me (you can see I'm not taking this decision lightly cant you!) still alot to think about!

Viv

As I said...contact some good breeders and chat. Rotties are not my breed but I have known a few and when raised correctly they are beautiful loyal well behaved pets.
I often find that smaller dogs...especially terrier types can be more unreliable around children as they can be 'sharp'.
If you really want a rottie don't give up. Do your research and spend some time looking into the breed more. Most good breeders will welcome someone who is 'doing their homework' and will encourage you(and your children) to go round and visit.
Archer

"I often find that smaller dogs...especially terrier types can be more unreliable around children as they can be 'sharp'."

Hi Archer,

I always grit my teeth when I hear someone steering people away from terriers because they have young children.  My breed, Cairns, are highly recommended for anyone with children.  Even if they are not raised around them they are great with them and seem to love the high-pitched excitement and rough and tumble that would unnerve other breeds.  The two I have now are shining examples of this characteristic.  Never exposed to children as puppies.  No special care needed when grandchildren from infant to seven years of age visit.  Do everything the kids ask of them and put up with anything, they are fantastic.

Given the number of Westies I see - and the children at the other end of the lead - I have to believe that is true of them too.   Border terriers as well.

Stacey

Stacey, ditto 100%

I do to have to shake my head when I hear this. I have grown up with terriers and owned then forever. My parents, have had Cairns , scotties, Westies and a few labs all over 50 years. ( not all at the same time but over their 45 years of marriage.

Badly behaved small dogs are often the error of the owners who buy a little dog thinking they are " cute"  and just for cuddling into. They give them no basic training and spoil them.  This doesn't happen quite as often with a large breed dogs because people generally try to give some kind of training.

I have never ever had a suspect natured terrier, they don't bark excessively. In fact the only time we have ever had a complaint for barking was because of our labrador :-) who is a monkey at times.

I had a couple come to see me a couple of weeks ago and they could not believe just how well behaved my westies were. They sat in the lounge along with my 3 westies who never even blinked an eye at them.

The to thought that little dogs were yappy etc etc

I take pride with my little ones just like our big one that they are raised and trained properly. :-))

Pam

Hi Pam and Stacey
I didn't mean to offend and I know not all terrier types are unreliable around children etc but I do believe that people tend to see small as meaning safe and a small dog can bite and hurt just as much as a big one.I also find that because they are small owners...esp.novice ones...have a tendancy to carry their little bundle around and lift them out of the way when other dogs are around which doesn't help with socialisation.I agree it can be down to bad ownership but you also must agree that terriers arre feisty little characters and in the wrong hands can be little terrors.I know this is the same with all breeds but as I said I do think people see small as safe....and its simply not the case
Archer 

Archer,

Well, I've never met anyone who picked a terrier because they want to carry them around.  At least in my experience people who want a dog  to "baby" and carry around with them in their handbags usually go for the smallest toy breeds.  And many of them do end up with tiny terrors instead of well behaved dogs, which at least in my mind is just as maladjusted as those people who want "macho" accessories and go for large dogs or bull breeds that they think fit the bill. 

I agree that any dog in the wrong hands can be a terror.  I don't think terriers are any more likely to end up that way than other breeds.  The only terriers I've owned are Cairns and they are real feisty to foxes, squirrels and other vermin - but not toward people.   I personally think they are better as suited as the first dog than some breeds which are more territorial by nature, require more socialization and have more of a protective instinct.  

Stacey

My old terrier loathed being carried.

I cant do links but if you go to the rottie page on champdogs and click on 'clubs' you will find contact details for the scottish rotweiler club...they may be able to help
Archer

Here you go... Scottish Rottweiler Club. :) I would definitely agree with archer, speak to as many people involved with the breed and do as much research as you can-and involve your children so that you can make an informed decision together. 

Thanks spaniel-lover
Archer

Viv,

I think that you are being really sensible. My advice (for what its worth) would be that if you dont think you are ready for a particular breed then you probably arent.

I've always felt that confidence plays a huge part in succesfully training a dog, and find it a shame when people put every effort into finding and owning a dog only to find that it is 'too much dog' for them however hard they try.

I'd be inclined to give this advice whatever breed of dog you had named. From your posts I'd guess that once you find a breed that suits you, you'll make a great owner.

Havoc
I read Vivs posts more as 'cautious' that she did the right thing. I think by 'doing her homework' before she dicides either way she will make a well informed decision. All I was thinking was that if she got a smaller breed that she would forever be wondering whether she could have coped with her first choice.At least by researching she can make an informed decision rather than a rash one
Archer

I'd definitely agree that further research is advisable before making a decision either way. However the original post and the subsequent replies reminded me of a few people that I have met, who, despite doing all the research, still ended up with a dog that they couldn't cope with. I was also reminded of Hsin-Yi who used to post on here about her great dane.

If Viv's research eliminates her apprehension then great, but if some doubts remain, I would stand by my advice. However, I'd agree that there is no point in buying a breed that she doesnt particularly want.

Viv, Best of luck whatever you decide!

Couldn't agree more ....wasn't trying to talk into a rottie just talk her out of making a decision without checking it was the right one!
I somehow think from her posts that she'll make the right decision..whatever that may be
Archer

you've all been really helpful, I've contacted a breeder who is quite local (rottweiler) and hopefully I will get to go and meet their dogs to see how I get on, they dont have any puppies just now but I'm not looking for one asap (if I was I would have one by now). WHo knows, meeting some in the flesh might scare me right off! lol

I'll be back for more advice, that you can count on :-)

Thanks again everyone, Viv xx

Let us know how you get on.Your dead right ,a visit may put you off or make you decide they're the right breed but at least you'll know ...and by the way its really nice to hear from someone who is doing things the right way and not rushing into buying the first furry thing on 4 legs on a whim cos they want it now!
When you eventually get your new addition I'm sure she/hes going to be one very lucky little pooch
Archer

Hi Viv!
Would it be possible for you to visit a Rottweiler rescue?? I just thought they may have the perfect older dog for you and that way you would see if you could handle it etc. Also they may have some good advice. The only one I could find was on www.dogpages.org.uk and was unfortunately in Kent which is maybe a bit too far for you but heres the number anyway:

Rottweiler Welfare Association
Mr C Colbourne (Secretary), Belvedere, Kent. Tel: 0208 310 4422
Email: chrisnett@lineone.net

Hope you find the perfect dog for you and your family :) 
    

Hi Viv, Have you considerd a mini schnauzer, i know the word mini puts a lot of people off but there's nothing toyish about them, very managable and i don't know of one thats not got a lovely tempament great with kids and very obedient with a great scents of fun, agility flyball ect. Cheers Viv

Cute, but not really my kind of dog I dont think.

Viv x

If you get a rottie you may find  a bitch a bit easier due to being slightly smaller if nothing else, also probably less powerful mentally :) I always think one of the things to be taken in to consideration when getting a dog is to research the job they were bred for because to some extent this will "out" in the dog somewhere.

So you may need to think of something to do with the dog to channel energy, stimulute the mind and so on.

Maybe also search out some good training classes near you and visit puppy classes etc so everything is in place when you get your pup. If your gut instinct tells you that you are not ready for a Rott, take note because gut instinct is usually right i find ;) Women are good like that. For example would it be possible to get one dog  and then a Rott later, or is that not feasible? as many end up with more than one dog anyway.

I would recommend a CKCS for an excellent family dog, but it's important to check for health with bloodlines and breeders.

Good luck.

Lindsay
X

I'm back again, been thinking alot about this and I think I've narrowed it down to a choice of either a rottie or a golden retriever.
I heard back from the breeder I emailed yesterday but it wasn't really the kind of reply I was hoping for, I was hoping to get a bit more info about her dogs and maybe an invite to ask more questions but she seemed more interested in putting me on the waiting list for a rescue dog, and although I've nothing against rescuing a dog, I'm not sure I'd be willing to risk it when I have children, its a bit pot luck with rescue dogs isnt it, and also with it being my first dog it might not be such a good idea?

I've been in touch with a goldie breeder (I'm looking for a darker coloured one if I do go for it) and she has a mating planed for march, so still plenty time to think about things :-)

I feel a bit like I've hit a brick wall with the rottie side of things, I know I'm in no rush but I think getting a puppy needs alot of time to prepare for and there's not alot of breeders local to me, well not on here anyway.

Waffling now, Thanks for reading.

Viv x

Hi again Viv, please don't feel too depondent, it's still early days. Plus you know alot more than you did yesterday. You are asking all the right questions, and you come over as exactly the sort of sensible, considerate, realistic sort of puppy buyer that good breeders would be thrilled to have on their waiting list. Keep on with the research and contacts you will find the 'pot of gold' eventually.

Good Luck, Dawn R.

ViV
    I've sent you a private message with a phone number for someone in Rotties in Scotland. I would REALLY trust this lady's advice

Anne

Agree with nursey...don't let one experience stop your research.It may end up that rotties are not for you but if you don't find out for sure I''m sure you'll only keep wondering 'what if'.
Did you try the scottish breed club? I'm sure they'll be able to help. and at least as you said your not in a rush.
Theres nothing stopping you researching both breeds at the same time..then you can compare the 2
Try going to the rottie page on champdogs and firing some e mails off to some breeders.Just a general mail stating what you are doing and asking if they would be willing to have a chat on the good and bad sides of the breed.Doesn't matter where they are...just explain you are not interested in booking a pup but just in gaining knowledge in order to make an informed decision.Some will ignore you but some who have a real passion for the breed and an interest in people making sure they are the right breed for them BEFORE buying will get back to you.
Archer

If you go for a golden retriever, the darker ones are sometimes likely to be more working bred, so do check with the breeder if you want to keep the dog more as a pet. IF you want to do canine activities etc it may be fine though :)

Lindsay
X

I did try the scottish rottweiler club but I keep getting, page cannot be displayed, could anyone try it out for me to see if its jsut me that cant get onto it?

Thanks, Viv

The link to the website doesnt work but I can see the phone no....if you can't I'll post them here for you.Let me know
Archer

I managed to get onto it, thanks.

This is a nightmare, the more I read about them the more I want one!!!!

I've had the kids looking at pics (maybe not a good idea? lol) of pups and grown dogs and they want one too :-)

Viv xx

hi
i have a 3year old son and a male rottie thats 16months, he is wonderful with my son, but its how you bring them up and training is a big MUST they are very big dogs. my son can get him to sit, down, and stand o and give paw son things thats so funny:) just read as much as you can in the breeds you like good luck ROTTIEMAD :)

I think it's really important to involve your kids in the decision making process-especially if they are not used to dogs.  After all, this is hopefully going to be a part of your family for the next 10 years + so it's important everyone knows whats involved and what to expect.  And I absolutely agree, good training and socialisation is a must for any breed!

If I may add my halfpenneth - try to meet a breeder who HASNT got puppies (whatever breed you choose). A litter of appealing puppies is too likely to cloud your decision. 

That's excellent advice Fillis. Make sure you like the adult dog before you see any puppies.
:)

Yip, thanks fillis, I was already thinking that lol, after all, they're not puppies for long are they :-) right now I'm more interested in seeing what they're like grown, would be a big mistake to look at puppies just now hehe.

Thanks, Viv

Ooh, got some exciting news!

Got in touch with a rottie breeder who is very local, and she also runs training classes so I've asked her if it would be ok to go along to the class to see what goes on and meet some dogs :-) if thats not appropriate I asked if she would be willing to let me and my kids go and meet her dogs!

She also has a mating planned for 10 days time, things could just click into place now (or not) I feel quite excited, even though I still haven't really made up my mind, just doing something about deciding feels great!

Thanks again everyone :-)

Viv

PS, is there anything specific I should ask about?

http://www.rottweiler-dog.fsworld.co.uk/rottweiler.htm

This is a good read about rotties. Good luck.

Hi again Viv, yes there is something specific you should ask. I know I keep banging on about it but it's so important. Ask about hip scores and eye tests. Find out from the breed club what the average hip scores are for Rottweilers, and also make sure the litter is to be Kennel Club registered, NOT Dog Lovers reg.

Dawn R.

PS Hip scores are given as two numbers one, for left and one for right, for example 6/10. The best score is 0/0 and the worst 53/53, but each breed has an average, breeding dogs and bitches should have below average scores.

Just to add re hip scores...the score should be as even as possible.A total of say 14 isn't bad (dependant on breed) however if the score was 2 / 12 total 14 this isn't too good since one hip is quite high scoring.
Archer

Do you think though Archer, that, in some cases very uneven scores might be to attributable to trauma, rather than heredity. Just a thought.:)

It is possible but is it worth the risk.I must admit if my nreeder told be she had used a dog with an eneven hip score due to trauma it wouldn't put me off but then she is a freind and I trust her.If I was buying from someone I didn't know I would steer clear esp in a breed like rotties where there is no shortage numerically.
The young GSD I had years ago had one hip that was basically non existant...turned out he inherited it from his dad who was the same but not as bad( one hip was 20+)
Archer