Properly bred and reared Rottweilers
When correctly socialised, and who know their place in the family, are a great breed. Indeed, for us and many others, their loving, affectionate and loyal nature; impressive looks; coupled with their great character; makes them a firm favourite from the many various breeds of dogs
But are they the breed for you?
Being a working dog with a strong natural guarding instinct and dominant nature, do you believe that you have the matching confidence and personality to be the boss? Physical strength is important, but control and respect for you as the owner/master is the secret.
If you attended a major breed show it may surprise you that the vast majority of the handlers are women, and they are mostly very good and in total control. So it s important that the new owners carry on the training and socialising - from a very young age - and properly control and dominate in a correct manner. Teach the growing puppy who the boss is and where he fits into the family.
Simple Rule
With Mum and Dad, he is 3rd. With Mum, Dad and two children, he is 5th, etc.
Remember, he starts out as a small puppy and he learns as he grows and, believe me, a dog - any dog - who knows his place in the pecking order is generally a happy and content dog. Any worthy breeder of Rottweilers should go over this, explaining the how and why.
Rottweilers, just like people, learn as they mature. Discipline, coupled with love, earns respect and with respect comes control. Nothing greatly physical; just a proper upbringing.
Are they an affectionate breed?
Yes indeed. Of course they all have their traits, and they want to please. Some will sit and seek affection all evening. We have had some individuals who, when they hear the car in the drive, run to fetch you something; often their favourite toy, sometimes even the blanket from their bed.
Will they guard our family?
I would hope so and in today s society that can not be a bad thing. But have my dogs ever had to do so? Thankfully not. The same dogs who would gladly greet strangers with a welcome through the front door when the family is at home, may react different if someone jumped the back fence and broke in to our home. Of course, a Rottweiler can be trained to guard at a higher level, but to do so would bring a lot of additional responsibility.
Dog management
Just like any responsible parent with young children would organise their home and garden to keep them safe from accidents, so must dog owners. Breed requirements differ. Being a large strong dog with a guarding instinct, it is essential that if a Rottweiler is to be left in the garden unattended then the perimeter fence must be suitable to contain him. Likewise, strangers unfamiliar to the dog should not be freely able to just walk in unannounced. Most owners rear gardens are locked but common sense must prevail in all situations.
The subject of dogs and young children often arises and this advice is for all dogs. Young children must learn first off what the dog is; learn how to behave around the dog; and play sensibly and be considerate when playing with the dog. Likewise, your Rottweiler puppy as he grows should be introduced to young children in a controlled and supervised manner. It s obvious that because of their size, that in their exuberance they could easily knock a toddler over. It s no difference from what happens in a children s soft play area when much older children run wild.
Nature also equips young puppies with initial teeth that are extremely sharp; it s their natural defence. During this period and until their second teeth come through, they can scratch and hurt without meaning, and if a toddler pulls their hand away fast it could cut. This is not a problem as such with the dog, but if parents are aware, they should be vigilant and prevent a mishap. Rottweilers introduced correctly with children soon learn to love them and they also recognise that biscuits and tit-bits come their way.
Should dogs be left unattended with children? Well that question causes debate and most advice is No, they should not . But we raised our family alongside our dogs and had no doubts whatever, we had total confidence and new the dogs individually, if we had then they would not have been left unattended.
Do Rottweilers make a good family dog?
Of course they do. Regarding that, Irene and I are sure. But as parents and grandparents, our family come first. Then we have our Rottweilers as an addition to our family; they bring fun, companionship and pleasure.
Any experienced breeder of Rottweilers will and should cover all these questions, plus more, before you purchase your first Rottweiler. We certainly as breeders want reassurance before we approve any potential owner as being suitable.
What really counts as deemed suitable owners?
Criterion varies from breeder to breeder but for us the two most important are:
- Do they really want the pup? If so, why? Has some serious thought gone into it? Remember, it s a likely 10 to 12 year commitment
- Do they have the time to rear, socialise and train a Rottweiler?
Many other factors come into it and basically most things can be worked around. But no compromise on the first two.
The Rottweiler is a great breed. Let s all look after its future.
