Probably the best dog I've ever had (and I've been consistently blessed with great dogs) was a Rott/Dane/Brontosaur mix. The Mighty Meg was 180 lbs and could knock you down when she leaned against you for an ear scratch if you weren't expecting it. On the rare occasion she barked at something it sounded like it would shake the world. She also had a stuffed duck she took everywhere. She was the sweetest, smartest, most stubborn dog I ever saw. All she wanted out of life was that stuffed duck, to sit near you while you watched TV, and ear scratches. Great with other dogs, great with kids (even when they were rough with her), and even great when you had to cram her gigantic body into the car for a trip to the vet. EVERYONE loved that dog. She was a great burglary deterrent, but if someone actually made it inside she'd probably have shown them where the good stuff was in exchange for a bacon strip.

I really miss that monster of a dog.

We have had Rotties exclusively since 1990. They are insanely smart and can be trained to do anything. They are very social with their family especially kids. Young children need to grow up with them. They MUST be socialised taken out around people when young so they do not become overly aggressive around non family members. Awesome dogs, my boys are like two more kids. One is 155lbs the other 110lbs. Both incredible. Take the chance on the pup, he will be worth it.

Dean

Not that we need to add to everyone saying go for it, but I am now on my 3rd Rottie, this one a rescue. No one knows for sure her age, but I am going on my K9 guys knowledge and his assessment is around 3. This gave me pause, especially when she met our Bernese Mountain Dog, who is hands down the best dog ever, the Rotes are a very close second, really it is about a tie! This dog has turned out to be awesome in every way. She was a bit protective of her food, but the 1 time she growled at me was the last time, and she is now good with it. Super smart, loving and protective, you cannot go wrong with a Rottie.

We had a female . Dumb as a box of rocks but a real sweetheart . Loved everybody and great with kids .

I’ve had two Rottweilers and maintain that they are my favorite breed. Our first Rottweiler was the runt of the litter and was the smartest dog that I’ve had. Once she got dialed in, she was super low maintenance and just an absolutely wonderful dog.

The second Rottweiler was bred from a strong schutzhund lines. She was a lot larger than our previous Rottweiler and was very intimidating to people. To us, she was just a giant loving puppy. She was fiercely loyal and had a high play drive, so I had to work to keep her occupied.

I’d love to have another Rottweiler, but not in my current residence.

quote:

Originally posted by RNshooter:
Very people centered. Separation anxiety can be an issue. No idea of their size so they can be 120 lb lap dogs.

Sounds like my Dobs...lol

I have had experience with 3 Rotties.
If he is neutered, you may not have a problem with other males.
If not, you may get an alpha male.
They can be a handful to train, but once you establish your alpha status, then the training goes better. Training a Rott, I had to switch to a pinch collar instead of a choke.
After switching, I never went back to a choke collar. Pinch collars are more humane, period!

This thread provides a perspective that that I have not seen before.

It seems that a few very poor Rottweiler owners have spoiled it for many very good owners.

I am glad to know that this particular breed is not everything that gets yelled about on the tv and internet.

Indeed. My wife was initially wary of the breed until we owned one. Their reputation is blown out of proportion.

The thing is that with any large powerful dog. When things go wrong they can go horribly wrong quickly.

quote:

Originally posted by bendable:
This thread provides a perspective that that I have not seen before.

It seems that a few very poor Rottweiler owners have spoiled it for many very good owners.

I am glad to know that this particular breed is not everything that gets yelled about on the tv and internet.

At one time my wife and I bred Arabian horses and the German line of Rottweilers. As stated above, They are great dogs and natural herders that can bring up the horses from the far corners of the property. Love them.

I am interested in exploring the Rottie again. If anyone here has breeders or Rottie rescue shelters they recommend in the southeast, especially Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Florida and Tennessee, I would appreciate the suggestions and insight.

Thanks!


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My last dog was a purebred Rottie. Amazing dog. Don't take stubborness for lack of intelligence, they are a dominant dog, who just needs to be shown who is the master.

As with any dog, socialization is key, especially at an early age. I had no problems with other dogs in the house, on occassion, including dogs owned by my parents, ex-girlfriend, and room mate. Any dog will have quirks, my dog did not like anything on wheels: trashcans, grocery carts, etc... He didn't mind baby strollers. Nor did he care for any other dog that had similar Rottweiler colorings, never figured that out. Even if it was a small dog or puppy, he did not like them.

They are naturally protective and territorial. They are perfectly content with hanging out in the yard, and won't (shouldn't) wander off, but I would not suggest to leave any large, naturally protective, territorial dog outside unattended.

The downside is they shed. Even after my dog had passed, we still found fur 10 years later. There are genetic issues, as others had mentioned like hip dysplasia. My dog suffered from SARDS (Sudden Acute Retinal Degenerarion Syndrome) and went blind in his eye when he was about 6y/o. He had lost his other eye to a cat when he was a puppy owned by someone else. I got him about the age of 4 months. He adjusted amazingly, and some people had no clue he was blind. It would take him about 2 days to figure out new surroundings, but he would remember the layout of a new house even after not being there for several years. He could find the exact rock thrown into a shallow river, every time.

They are a loving, loyal, natural protector of your family. He lived until he was almost 13, and we had our first born son when he was about 11. He loved our son from day one, and didn't mind a little boy crawling all over him. I've posted here before about several incidents where my dog saved me from miscreants and harm, and even without extensive training, their natural protective instinct kicks in. They will stop at nothing to protect their family. The 12 gauge of the dog world.

I've thought about getting another. My wife became part of our family when we first met. She had never owned a dog, but she immediately fell in love with him. She just didn't like the shedding aspect. So be prepared, buy a good vacuum.

As far as rescues/shelters, just tread with caution if it's a full grown dog. Especially if you have kids or other dogs in the house. Most shelters will be able to tell you how it interacts with other animals, but not family members. My in-laws hate dogs, and for some reason he would show them extra attention when they came over. 125lbs of fur and slobber.

Keep us posted, and enjoy your new family addition.