Tell my your stories about Rottweilers you have known.
I’ve owned four males and all have been lovely dogs. Friendly, intelligent, funny. My current boy, Bravo (Halo’s Beach Blanket Byngo RE, CGC and one leg short of his CD), is now 7 and I keep telling him he has to live forever. My only complaint… they aren’t around long enough. If you’re just learning about the breed and considering one, it’s important to know they need a lot of time and attention from their people. Lots of quality exercise for mind and body, too. And plenty of early socialization. www.esmondrott.com has a wealth of information about the breed. Temperment and physical health should be primary considerations when you shop… good, healthy rotties are not cheap. And worth every penny.
I’ve only really know our two, although I’ve been acquainted with a few others. All were sweet, mellow, loving & patient, even when kittens went to sleep on them or toddlers petted them. We did a lot of research before we when looking to buy & one thing one breeder told us was to never have them “protection” trained - it would be like having a loaded gun laying around the house all the time. That by their own personality they were protective of their people. Another told us they might let a burglar in - but never let them out. We had the first before we moved onto this boarding stable where we live now. Lots of kids, lots of dogs - no problem. If a fight brewed between dogs (one of the stable owners died of cancer & left 5 dogs) either of them would get between the combatants & using their body weight to push them apart but never joining the fight itself. The second we got from a boarder who was looking for a new home for her; she was low dog on the totem pole at their house. When we got her she’d run if you called her - she had obviously been called & then harshly disciplined. When she found out she wasn’t going to be punished she had excellent recall & was a great dog. They both were. Never any problems with either even in a rather busy environment. Both came from good, careful breeders.
I’ve only been acquainted with a few and they were very nice dogs. Reserved personality towards strangers until their people made it be known those strangers were okay. It’s definitely a breed that needs good socialization to keep that attitude reserved and not seen as aggressive.
My first heart dog was my Rottie, Cyrus. My ex husband surprised me with this little ball of fluff, I knew nothing of the guardian breeds having grown up with hunting and herding dogs. I buried myself in every book I could find, discovered online forums and joined Rottweiler.net (it was all so new back then) and became involved in all sorts of training opportunities.
We socialized the heck out of Cyrus. He was great with kids, dogs, cats, horses and he liked to herd my Nubian goats. He was standoffish with strangers, but once you were in the house and welcomed by the family, if you were a dog person, he was all about trying to be your best friend.
He was my Velcro dog. He went everywhere with me and I swear he could read my mind. When we got divorced, the only thing I cared about in the settlement was that the dog stayed with me, and even though my ex was a grade A a-hole, he knew that dog wanted to be with me.
He was super smart, incredibly attentive, always watching me and anticipating what I wanted. He was incredibly easy to obedience train, loved working and attention. He didn’t have great endurance so our hiking excursions were not very strenuous. If he was tired, he would just lie down in the shade and my leash would go taught, lol.
When I moved into my townhouse after my divorce, didn’t realize the door from the yard to the garage didnt stay latched and met my new neighbors when they brought my dog home. He had gotten out of the yard and ran into their yard through their garage, into their house and jumped on the couch with them to watch TV. Thank god they liked big dogs and were nice people. I still think about that day and know how lucky I was.
Most Rotties I have met have been wonderful dogs, they love their families and are not happy locked in a yard away from them. They require a strong willed owner who knows dogs, are committed to training and socialization and understands that some people will just be afraid of their big black dog. Most homeowners insurance won’t cover this breed (among others) so something to think about.
If you are really serious about having one join your family, do your homework and make sure it’s a good choice for your lifestyle. I know now how lucky we were, Cyrus came from a hobby breeder and was stable mentally as well as physically. Good hips, mild temperament, etc. I would encourage you to join some Rottweiler online groups. Those people will give you the straight info.
I lost my boy in 2007 to a hemangiosarcoma. It happened within a matter of hours and I still tear up to this day when I think about him. One day I will be ready for another Rottie, but they will have big shoes to fill.
Those that I have known have been very sweet. They are known to be sweet, loving, but protective of their family. It’s only stupid people that have given them the “scary” dog reputation. My husband owned one before I knew him and he has always longed for another one, so maybe someday we will have one as well (although I have gotten used to 40lb dogs!)
Definitely search for a good breeder for this type of dog - temperament is very important in any dog, but in one this size (and reputation), you want to be extra sure you are getting the right dog. I’d want references and to see offspring that live in normal families.
I appreciate the stories and information. My son is a fan of the breed. I just don’t know much about them. I’ve met a few and they have been great, but generally older. I finally read up on them and they do seem like good dogs. I wanted to hear some first hand impressions. This all seems consistent, too.
I think one of the funniest stories ever is the one about Ulysmom’s Rottweiler visiting the new neighbors! lol
Currently we have a house full of recently rescued dogs, so there isn’t going to be new Rottweiler for quite some time, but I’m becoming more convinced that there will be at some point - at least in his household.
I’m pretty impressed with all that I read. As I said the ones I have met have been quite nice, but I’ve had limited experience.
There used to be a man in town whom I would see walking four, huge, beautiful Rottweilers along the path by the river. It was an impressive sight. He’d be walking along with the perfectly behaved dogs surrounding him on loose leashes.
Thanks.
