Rottweiler question

[Tollers-n-Dobes]

Rottweilers, Dobermans, Pit Bulls, etc. are just like any other breed. As long as they're bred properly, are in the right home, and were raised properly then they will usually be incredible dogs. Sometimes you come across one here and there that was raised in a proper home and such and they just aren't a stable dog (like my Morgan), but the vast majority are wonderful. The dog you met was exactly like a Rottie should be. I'm glad you had such a good experience.

[Danegirl2208]

Sometimes you come across one here and there that was raised in a proper home and such and they just aren't a stable dog

That is an excellent point. As much as I'd love to say it's ALL in how you raise them, in many cases it is just not true. The dogs you hear about attaking people are NOT stable dogs and yes, in many cases they were born that way..but it is never fair to judge a breed as a whole because of these dogs.

[critter crazy]

Rottweilers are not naturally mean or agressive dogs. We have owned many, and own our Lovely Brutus now, and they are the worlds largest Teddybears!! They are very people orientated, and do not like to be seperated form their families. Rottis do not make great outdoor dogs, specuifically because of their need to be with their humans. All of our rottis have come from bad backgrounds, including one which came from a fighting backgroud, and every single one adapted very quickly to indoor family life. We have never had any problems wit anypf our rottis. They just always aim to please!! I love my rottis!!

[cassiesmom]

That is an excellent point. As much as I'd love to say it's ALL in how you raise them, in many cases it is just not true. The dogs you hear about attaking people are NOT stable dogs and yes, in many cases they were born that way..but it is never fair to judge a breed as a whole because of these dogs.

I guess that's what I'm trying to get at. It's not "All Rottweilers are mean ... oh my goodness, I'm in Petsmart with a Rottweiler ... he must be mean". This dog was DEFINITELY not mean. I could see how he might be protective of his family, though.

I saw on a TV program where a Rottweiler was doing inspections of baggage by smell for drugs. The suitcases came one right after another, but that dog never let up for even a moment until the handler instructed him that it was time to stop. I guess it is a combination of what is in the dog's genes and proper instruction.

I'll pipe down now. I just wanted to tell everyone about this very handsome dog that got me thinking

[bckrazy]

I grew up with one of the sweetest dogs on earth... who happened to be a Rottie! Named Rex. C: He was super laid back and friendly toward all people and animals, he was just a big teddy bear. And he was stunningly handsome, too!

I was once home alone with my older sister, and Rex was whining at the back door. We let him out, and he proceded to bolt over to the fence and bark his head off... a MAN dressed in all black was climbing back over the fence, in a hurry. D: Seriously. I don't even know what I owe to that amazing dog. And that was the one and only time he showed any aggression towards any person.

He was rescued from a very neglectful, and probably abusive, home. But he was just grateful to be loved, from the moment he came to live with us. I think Rotties are incredibly loyal, sweet, gentle, intelligent dogs, and I would LOVE to own one again someday!

[K9karen]

I couldn't agree more with what you all said. You all know my story. I have an idiot neighbor.

You all know me a long time. I'm a dog fanatic. But I've been told I suffer from PTSS (post traumatic stress syndrome) and I have to admit, my one bad experience has made me terrified of Rotties. I even went to the Phila dog show and stood next to the ones ready for the ring and talked to the owners. When they looked up at me, and I remembered how huge and powerful the jaws are, I nearly passed out.

Gawd, I pray I get over this. I've never been fearful of any dog. C'mon, I was puppysitting a red nose pit puppy and adored their RB black pit, Loco. he and I would have a kiss fest.

I just felt the need to say this. No offense to anyone and their gorgeous Rotties. And I know in my heart and head that it was a bad owner who messed me up. Big head rubs to all your lovely pups.

[kallisto4529]

I have owned a Rotti, my RB Natasha. She was one of the best dogs I have ever had the honor of having in my life. She was extremely large for a female, at her healthiest weighing 125 to 130lbs. She was raised with two Cocker Spaniels and thought she was there size, she was indoor/outdoor, she slept inside and she liked to be outside with the cockers for a while. she was so gentle and loving and i could just go on and on about her. But we had never had one before so we asked the vet how to handle her, she told us to socialize her, be very loving and gentle with her, not to rough house too much, due to her size and lack of knowledge with it, she might become to rough. She never in all the years we had her, growled or acted mean towards anyone. It is in how you raise them and how you treat them, it is nothing about them in particular.

[IRescue452]

I've never met a mean rottie. However, one of my uncle's rotties had rage syndrome and had to be put down. I've only ever heard of rage syndrome in springer spaniels, but either way it makes the dog too dangerous, especially for the owner themself. But this is extremely rare and can happen in any breed.
Rotties aren't meant to be aggressive toward humans. They are meant to work directly with their humans. They even have a long history with children. Being used as a cart-pulling dog on farms often meant pulling the little kids around the yard in the cart as well.
They do have a bad reputation though. It can be hard sometimes to own a dog and have people cross the street when they see you, or tell you to put the dog down just because of its breed. The neighbor of that same uncle once shot one of his rotties because it was roaming too close to his property. We're talking farms with acreage. He couldn't let the other dogs out of his sight because the neighbor's had this idea in their mind that all rotties were bad, and they weren't giving the dogs a chance.