Missrock

Six weeks ago I euthanized my second Rottweiler at age seven. He had osteosarcoma. The one I had before him seven years ago was euthanized for hemangiosarcoma. I have owned and trained many dogs. (I currently have a large mixed breed who is a certified therapy dog.) I absolutely fell in love with Rottweilers after my first one. They were both smart, socialble and very trainable dogs. I want to have more Rotts., but losing TWO at age seven, (Actually the second one would have seven the week after I put him to sleep, so he was officially six!) makes me very hesitant for another, but I feel a huge void without a Rott in my life. I am exploring the BARF diet and and different way of vaccinating. I'd be interested in any input you may have for me.

It's pure genetics as the main underlying factor. I thought my Daisy 1/2 Golden-1/2 Yellow Lab would have the genetic hybrid vigor to get around such problems. Unfortunately both the Goldens and Labs have an extremely high incidence of Lymphoma- which she got at the age of 10 yrs.

Rotties also have a high incidence of hemangiosarcoma, and lymphoma. Sad to say but until cancer is recognized as a genetic problem its incidence is only going to increase. It's my personal belief the economics of breeding will get in the way of decreasing the genetic load of oncogenes. If you are tied to Rotties (and I prefer Labs), then the only realistic long range hope is better treatment for cancer when it strikes- because it will in those breeds.

I'm very sorry to hear about you having to put down your rotti, it's not easy.

I wish I had some input for you but unfortunately I don't. I just wanted to say I know what it's like to own one of these stunning dogs.
I do understand the tie you have to them though as I had one myself. They are nothing short of awesome.

We were lucky that our boy Angus (in my avatar) lived almost until his 13th birthday. At the time we couldn't bear to get another dog that even looked similar to our boy so we opted to get a mastiff but at some time I would love to own (or should I say "Be Owned") by another rotti.

Thanks for responding guys. I'm really just learning to use this type of forum so it took me awhile to find your responses. I don't get on here every day. Anna 66 ,I really know what you mean about being owned by a Rottie. I don't know if I can bear to get another, yet I don't know if I can stand to NOT have one in my life.

Dragondawg, I appreciate your input also. I've read about the genetic links and I've researched hybrid vigor because my other two dogs are mixed breeds, but both large. What can I say? I love the big guys, but they sure seem to have longevity problems. A friend of mine has such a good attitude about it. She says, "Yes, it's sad when they don't live long, but think of what a good life you gave them."

Meanwhile, I guess I'll just try to use common sense and do the best I can for my guys.