[Britster]

Originally Posted by FlDebra

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.

I don't think what I was said was harsh at all. Posting such statements as facts would be equivalent to a person coming on here and stating factually that "All Yorkies are bred to be yapping, barking, nipping little ankle biters and are NEVER to be trusted." We all know that's not the case. You're definitely going to find some Yorkies who do these things, but to group them ALL like that is ridiculous. Some Yorkies *love* children, some don't. Some Yorkies bark a lot, some don't bark at all. Just like some Rottweilers will undoubtedly be more aggressive than others. Just like every one assumes every Golden Retriever is a friendly family dog who loves everyone, and they've actually moved up quite high on the bite list.

I can honestly say that I have been close to over 5 Rottweilers in my life and ALL were big love bugs. My aunt owned one with me growing up who would have protected me had I ever been in danger. I currently dogsit for one now and he does have some resource guarding problems, but the owners also believe in dominance and are constantly sitting on top of him (yes! to calm him down, the owner sits on his back and gets him to stop), and smacks his butt, and shouts at him in German commands. I believe had he been raised a different way, he would show no resource guarding and not feel the need to protect his things.

He does very well with Jackson and I take him to the dog park every day where he gets along and plays submissively with other dogs. But of course I exercise precaution with anything that I do with him. Because regardless of which dogs fault it was, the Rottie is always going to get the blame. There was a JRT at the park the other day who was jumping and biting in his face, and he finally did a growl and got angry, and the owner of the JRT shouted at the Rottie to 'behave!' We politely left the park because that would have been considered another statistic for a Rottweiler bite, even though the JRT bit him first and was completely all over him, he's simply got bigger teeth and more power. I don't really know how much I like dog bite and attack statistics because they're often unfair... they will deem ANY bully looking dog as a Pit Bull, even if he's not, so the statistics don't really seem fair to me. There's also many breeds who have those dark brown eyebrows like the Rottie and everyone automatically assumes they're a Rottweiler.

I don't disagree with anything that you posted at all, in fact I totally agree. They are definitely a very strong-willed breed and I don't believe any ole' person can go out and buy a Rottweiler and expect it to just be a good pet. They do require extensive socialization and training, as I stated in my first post. And it's very important, as with Yorkies, to find a good, reputable breeder NOT breeding for aggression. BYBs have ruined breeds like Pit Bulls and Rotties by breeding out of standard dogs that have terrible temperaments and people think they look 'hard' and 'cool'. Would I personally own one? No. I love Rottweilers but they're just too much dog for me... but then again, I hope to own a GSD again someday and I guess they're a lot of dog, too, LOL.

Originally Posted by Cha Cha

It saddens me to see Rotties getting a bad rap. They are among my favorite of dog breeds. My first experience with them was when I was a child and I grew up to have a lot of experience with them.

Ours were lazy, docile, easy going dogs that just didn't get too excited about things, and fiercely loyal. Our first one was already in our family when my first daughter was born. When my daughter became a toddler we'd go outside for walks around the property (in the country). That dog guarded her like a hawk. She would move with my daughter always staying at her side or a little ways behind. When we would stop to check out something, the dog layed down and waited while she watched over her. When we moved along, the dog got up and mozied on behind.

Having said that, Rotties are not as "tolerant" as other large breeds of dogs. They don't like their hair pulled, their skin pinched, or their feet stepped on like children often do. We took extreme measures to make sure our baby didn't use the dog as a tiny tykes jungle gym. They put up with it, but I could tell they didn't like it, so for the dog's sake and the child's sake, we set limits. I think truely knowing your dog is part of responsible ownership as well. They require an incredible amount of time and training, and reassurance of where their position in the family is. They are not the kind of dog you can bring into your home and just expect it to be a pet. They must have training and stimulation and showed where their place is, or they will create their own position in the family.

Rotties have a strong pack drive, not prey drive. Their human family is part of their pack, and being the loyal pack member they are they will protect that pack. This is often why guests are not necessarily greeted with wagging tails and long tongues. It is more a wait and see if you mean harm, cautious greeting.

The fact is, regardless of breed of dog, you still have the same situation when any one of them turns aggressive. Size alone is the advantage with any lg. vs. sm. dog. It is uncommon for a mature dog (who is otherwise non aggressive) to injure a puppy, but as the puppy matures and begins to establish his position in the pack the dynamics do change. In my opinion, your Rottie needs more time and training.