Experiences with Rottweilers?

[Liesje]

I wouldn't be paid to own one but I just can't stand their overall physique/conformation and many aspects of their temperament (how they train/work, not really as a pet). I've seen some that were tear-your-throat-out nasty and some that were so lovable and goobery they were *too* friendly. I can't really advise on get one/don't get one since personally there's nothing I like about them but I have a lot of friends/acquaintances that have them and love them.

[Carryingon]

My parents had a Rotti for 14 years. He was not of good breeding; in fact, he was given to a church pastor as some sort of gift as a way too young (4 weeks old?) puppy and my sister, who was friends of the family, took him in.

He was overall a great dog, very smart, easily trained and very house-dependable. Loved his toys and had a sense of humor. But he weighed 140 lbs, had hip and elbow dysplasia and scared the general public just at the sight of him.

He had some odd habits that I was told were Rotti traits, not sure if it's true or not: menacing growling if you rubbed his belly, trimmed his nails, etc. Never with intent to bite - which was mind-boggling, because I'm talking blood-curdling growling and snarling. Just noise. And he did it no matter who was handling him, and it could never be trained away.

He was very territorial of the car. He would bark ear-blasting booms at every truck, semi or mail carrier that passed.

He was very good with other dogs and animals, and never threatened any one, but I would never recommend someone cross the yard unescorted if he didn't know them.

The other Rottweilers I've known were those on the Schutzhund field and watching them hit the sleeve was like watching a train in slow motion. But nice dogs, as far as I recall.

[bocron]

Rotties do growl all the time, about nothing and everything.

[GSDElsa]

I have several rotties in my scutzhund club. Not sure I would consider them overly friendly with strangers so you could probably find a breed that better represents that criteria, but if thats the breed you likthe most....

I dont care for rotties "in the work"in the sense id ever own one, but one of the club rotties is kind of the rock star...him and his owner have the absolute funniest personalities and they are always up to some kind of shenanigans. His owner sums it up well: you gsd people and your dogs that ask "what can I do for you?" I want a dog that says "make me!" And thats pretty much what you'll get....

Personalities galore, but definitely not your biddable gsd.

I've also seen many byb types (no different than other breeds)....

An adult rottie in foster home that you can evaluate their friendliness and how territorial they are would probably be ideal. I know there is a good rottie rescue in CA that my brother is looking into adopting from when their lab passes.

[holland]

I enjoy them-like the ones with goofy personalities-its not my breed but I like them and think that they can do well working

[JeanKBBMMMAAN]

Originally Posted by Liesje

I wouldn't be paid to own one but I just can't stand their overall physique/conformation and many aspects of their temperament (how they train/work, not really as a pet). I've seen some that were tear-your-throat-out nasty and some that were so lovable and goobery they were *too* friendly. I can't really advise on get one/don't get one since personally there's nothing I like about them but I have a lot of friends/acquaintances that have them and love them.

I am not a great fan either. I find them difficult to read and the only real dog that has ever bitten me (that I was not checking for bite inhibition) was a Rottweiler that grabbed my hand in his mouth - a 10 month old male testing the waters. Back in the 90s when they were being terribly overbred. TERRIBLY. But that dog gave no indication and struck like a cobra. I have met some super sweet Rottweilers since then, but regardless, I cannot read them so not a dog I would want to spend time with.

A mix you can get some nice qualities of the other breeds in there that mellow that out.

From the OP's first post:

• We are looking for a dog to get (from puppy age).
• We/they're looking for a dog that is dog & people friendly
• Can be accepting of strangers.
• Our extended family & neighbors will sometimes come through our backyard and would like a dog that's fine with that
• Also looking for a dog that's prey drive will not override training while going for walks

A Rottweiler would not be the first, second, third, etc, dog in mind in reading that list. (I am always thinking neurotic/liability, etc)

Check w/your insurance company too.

My thoughts are that proper treatment, training, socialization, and breeder selection of the dog will have greater impacts than the dog's breed. That said, is there anything of a rottweiler that would prevent it from fulfilling our wants?

With proper treatment, training, socialization and breeder selection of the dog will I be able to get a Beagle that won't hunt a rabbit? A low energy Husky? Perhaps, but why wouldn't I get a dog that won't hunt or a lower energy dog in the first place? In your situation, why force a square peg into a round hole and look for a dog that doesn't have to be outside the breed standard to be a match.

AKC breed standard:

Temperament
The Rottweiler is basically a calm, confident and courageous dog with a self-assured aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships. A Rottweiler is self-confident and responds quietly and with a wait-and-see attitude to influences in his environment. He has an inherent desire to protect home and family, and is an intelligent dog of extreme hardness and adaptability with a strong willingness to work, making him especially suited as a companion, guardian and general all-purpose dog.


The behavior of the Rottweiler in the show ring should be controlled, willing and adaptable, trained to submit to examination of mouth, testicles, etc. An aloof or reserved dog should not be penalized, as this reflects the accepted character of the breed. An aggressive or belligerent attitude towards other dogs should not be faulted.


A judge shall excuse from the ring any shy Rottweiler. A dog shall be judged fundamentally shy if, refusing to stand for examination, it shrinks away from the judge. A dog that in the opinion of the judge menaces or threatens him/her, or exhibits any sign that it may not be safely approached or examined by the judge in the normal manner, shall be excused from the ring. A dog that in the opinion of the judge attacks any person in the ring shall be disqualified.

Rottweiler Page

FCI, less on temperament unless you look at the history part for more insight: ADRK - Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler-Klub e.V. - Rottweiler Standard

I would consider an adult that already showed itself to be a goober with the hopes that it had been well evaluated, but would look to other breeds to meet that list first to have an easier time of match.

Given all that, I do like Chow Chows/their mixes, who can really be busters, but I can read them (just suspect them all the time) But I would also not expect them to do well with people in and out, etc.

Good luck!

[KatsMuse]

My daughter has a Rottie...they got him at about 8 weeks and he's almost 3 years old now. He's just a wonderful pet, well-trained and socialized, not a working dog.
He's also excellent with other dogs and my grandchildren.

They are not my personal preference in a breed but, he's a huge love bug.
It you like the breed, IMO, I would suggest getting one from a reputable breeder.

Kat

[JeanKBBMMMAAN]

Is it similar with Rottweilers and GSDs in that there is a pet market for people who like the look of a Rottweiler but want one that is watered down?

I would still go with a breed that is bred for what I want. Or go with a rescue/adult that is not to standard.

[huntergreen]

imho, you are looking at the wrong breed and setting yourself up for trouble. even if you found your "perfect" rottie, one incident and you would be set up for law suite. i enjoyed the "good dog carl" books when my children were young and researched the breed. this was not a breed i wanted with children and their friends constantly coming in and out of the house.

[Benevolence]

Thank you guys very much. I do think that the Rottweiler is not the choice breed for the specific wants that we're thinking.

My parents are more looking at collies now. We've had one before and they loved it. While I did too, I felt there was something left to be wanted, the dog had no real drive to do....anything... except bark and sniff around (no toy/work/play (human or dog)/prey drive, only treats). Perhaps we had a negative influence on that, and I'd like to think I'm more informed now.