Quote:
Originally Posted by Britster  LOL! You could not be any more wrong, close-minded and ignorant.
Do research before stating things like they're a fact. Rottweilers were originally bred as herding dogs. They were also used as cart dogs, where butchers were relevant and inevitably more dogs were needed to drive the cattle to and from the markets. Later and in more recent times, they are used as police and guard dogs, as well as family companions.
Yes, a Rottweiler CAN be aggressive, just like a Yorkie CAN be aggressive! Go read the training forum and see how many Yorkies have resource guarding problems. Does that mean they were purposely bred for aggressiveness? Uh, no. Yes, they are strong dogs, and yes they do need more socialization and training as well as vigorous exercise more than than some breeds. But NO a Rottweiler is not BRED to be aggressive or is "supposed" to be aggressive. According to the FCI Standard, the Rottweiler is good-natured, placid in basic disposition, very devoted, obedient, biddable and eager to work. Their appearance is natural and rustic, their behavior self-assured, steady and fearless. They react to their surroundings with great alertness.[8] The American Kennel Club says it 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 its environment. It 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 them especially suited as a companion, guardian and general all-purpose dog.
|
A little harsh Brit. Although the Rotties were bred for herding and guarding the herd up to the mid-19th century, the recent history sicne then HAS been very full of aggression-type training. You have to admit, there are a lot more Rotties in protective service than herding nowadays. There are many Rottie breeders that selectively breed for aggression, strength, and the ability to train as guard dogs.
From the
same reference you quoted, further on: "The breed has received some negative publicity. In the US, in a 1997 report by the CDC, the
Rottweiler was listed as the second most likely breed of dog named in fatal human attacks, following Pit Bulls, although at approximately half the rate of the Pit Bull. Breed-specific bite rates are not known, and less responsible owners being drawn to certain breeds may be a factor.[11] Dog related human fatalities need to be considered in the context that there are fewer than 30 dog related fatalities in the United States each year out of approximately 4.7 million bite incidents,[12] from a total dog population estimated by the American Pet Products Association[13] at 77.5 million dogs. A 2008 study surveying breed club members found that while
Rottweilers were average in aggressiveness (bites or bite attempts) towards owners and other dogs, it indicated they tend to be
more aggressive than average towards strangers. This aggression appears unrelated to the fear of the dog, but is correlated with watchdog and territorial instincts.[14]"
Rottweilers
are potentially dangerous dogs due to their usual size and strength coupled with at least average aggression with owners and more than average aggression towards strangers. I emphasize this not to down the breed, but to make sure people understand the serious responsibility that goes along with any dog ownership, especially those with the potential to do fatal harm. Too many (NOT THIS OP) do not think enough about what is necessary to keep their dog well behaved and others safe. I appreciate Suze's concern over an aggression display that she has deemed inappropriate and potentially dangerous. I hope neutering and further training will help.
Most are surprised that the 3 most aggressive dogs (measured only in number of bites reported) are dachshunds, chihuahuas, and Jack Russells! I have had dachshunds & have a sweet Jack Russell now that would sooner faint than ever bite anyone. So I was a little surprised by the list too -- but part of the reason they bite more often is people are not afraid of them so they put themselves in harm's way more easily than with a large dog. They rarely do significant damage with their tiny teeth and small jaws. It is still the large, massive, overly strong breeds that require the most vigilance as they are the ones that can kill. But all dog owners are still equally responsible to do everything they can to ensure a safe and happy dog. Good training and bringing in an expert when needed only makes sense to me. Want to give the Rottie every chance to be a happy part of the family.