we are interested in purchasing a rottweiller puppy for homing this summer as a family pet, and i have been looking up the breed a lot. on some occasions i have been advised to buy a bitch, as we will be first time owners, but on other occasions we have been told that both males and females are just as good as each other. i personally had my heart set on a male, and so i would like some advice on what exactly i should go for.

thank you

Hi
My advice would be to any 1st time rottie owner to get a bitch,it sounds mad when you tell people that a male rottie is a VERY male dog,not all are but most are.
If you have your heart set on a male please try to visit as many as you can and ask as many people as you can.
How about going to Crufts and talking to others at discover dogs,though not everyone can get there,or try a show local to yourselves.
Best of luck to you,they truly are very beautiful dogs

I must admit from what I saw of the Rotties at a show I was at yesterday - I think the advice to chose very carefully is very sound. The Rotties were all being held at the door by their owners but they went for almost everything that passed. One poor woman barely got her CKCS past intact.

Did the owners move or try to make room for people to pass? No, they just stood there. Did they show any concern for the dogs trying to get past? Equally - no. Sorry but ths type of behaviour makes my blood boil.

Are you first time owners of a dog or just a rottie? From what I have seen - I wouldn't have thought they were the best dog for first time owners. There are a couple that go to the obedience class I go to and they are very affectionate in that surroundinig but very hard work too.

hth

Pam n the boys

That is unfortunate Pam! I have always been impressed with Rottie temperaments at shows. Owners are careful to keep them away from other male dogs, as a precaution, but even in my breed where pet males are usually perfectly OK with their own sex one is careful with the males around each other! I have friends with Dobes and some can be somewhat fiery around so many dogs, but most owners are aware and try to minimise any mouthing off, though it can be difficult at these cramped Open shows where there is nowhere a dog can feel comfortable and safe from being trodden on! It would be almost impossible to move if all these large breeds owners brought crates to put their dogs in at shows.

It is bad manners to allow any dog to lunge and intimidate other passing dogs. A bitch I bred belonging to a friend gets uptight about having her space invaded at shows, and can be a shade waspish at anything that has the temerity to invade her space! so I keep an eye on her looking uncomfortable when she is being crowded and move her away so that she is once more comfortable about it. Her neice on the otherhand will not bat an eyelid if another dog lies right on top of her! Though she can be a bit exuberant , and I have to ensure she tones down her greeting when a small dog says hello! Also our breed can like to bark a greating, which can be off putting, so again I come down hard on unnecesary barking!

I think some people are just unaware how their breed can come across to others. Some breeds can fizz a lot and posture, but rarely come to blows, whereas some dogs will lunge out to intimidate, and others mean it! We are responsible for our dogs, and have to watch them and the reactions of any dogs we pass in these crowded halls. The only time my dogs actually suffered a gangway attack was by a Black Labrador! The owner was grooming its companion and we were walking down the gangway at an Open show, and this large male went straight for my youngsters face, I lifted her up off her front legs to avoid him (too narrow to do anything else) but fortunately he was brought up short by his lead, though it nearly had its owner over. dogs can do uncharacterisitic things when in such a crowded situation and misread each others intentions!

Hi Barbara

I think thats the thing that made me so cross yesterday. The hall itself was very big and the Rotties weren't on very early yet they were all there from the off and there really was no need to have any dogs crowding the door.

We also passed a crated GSD and that was lunging at passers by from it's crate - scared everything that passed it.

Although neither GSD's or Rotties are my preferred breed, I have nothing against them and I also think that the reputation that many large breeds have is unjust - but sadly it is there and owners like these don't do the good people any favours at all and make the corner so hard to defend.

Sadly while some may not realise how there dogs come across, there are many that do and that's one reason why they have that breed.

But I love my fluffy boys, cockers, which I know are not everyones cup of tea either - but that's what makes dogs so great - there is something for everybody - just wish more would be sensible!!

Pam

Yes we have to put ourselves in the other persons shoes, and be aware what effect we are having as well as expect the same back. It is a case of manners. Having a medium sized, but strong lively breed, I know that they have to be curbed around shyer or smaller dogs when trying to make friends, and that some breeds like sight hounds do not like a noisy dog trying to be friends.

I once had a chi lunge out trying to bite my friends dog who I was exhibiting. she would have retaliated had I let her, but the little dogs owners thought it highly amusing that this little scrap was taking on all passers by! I am afraid there is no excuse for bad manners, no matter the breed!

On a different topic, but still manners. Bait being thrown about in the ring that you then have to exhibit in! My breed is customarily baited, but always bait directly into dog. I have seen a number of letters from some exhibitors asking baiting to be banned! This entirely due to inconsiderate people using the practice in an irresponsible fashion. If you couldn't bait our breed, you would never get their noses off the ground, and they are a free standing breed, and I would hate to see stacking become the norm!¬

Hi Barbara

Yup another "trying" trick - bait throwing. Why can't people just play fair and enjoy it?

Why is it some of the more experienced show people can't take new blood and competition?

I do enjoy showing my boys as I am so proud of them - but I would never do anything to try and foil someone elses chances. We all work so hard to show our pooches at their best:(

Pam n co

I think a lot depends on the breed, and the time. In my breed at the moment I have had a lot of new people come up to me and say how welcome they have been made. One of them lives near me and I have taken them under my wing so to speak, and he is releived that it isn't bitchy like he thought it might be, and he is not a sensitive flower, as his main hobby is Rugby. I think the dog showing will come into its own for him as he finds with advancing age being continually bashed isn't fun anymore.

Another couple have just started showing their dog at nearly 2 years old. Did nothing first time out at club Open show, were in fact last in their classes! they tried again at an Open show and ended up RBIS! Have also been BOB and a group place at another couple of shows, as well as last in their class somewqhere else. I think they will accept the good days with the not so good, but are enjoying the welcome from people in the breed! Last year another couple started taking their male to shows, he was a handful, but with the advice of fellow exhibitors he is now a credit to them, and doing quite well. I am always beatingon a bout newcomers being made welcome, as without new blood the breed could die out, are registrations are less than half what they were 20 years ago! No one want s a breed to be exploited or too many pups bred, but when you can only just manage over a 100 pups registered in a year, of which probably 10% will become breeding stock, then the lack of diversity in bloodlines will always become a problem. This means that stock has to be imported every 2nd generation or so, and it is hard to get an consistent type in the breed.

Hi Barbara

I agree entirely - but there is also huge diversity within breeds. In mine, Cockers, I am very lucky to have found some really lovely people who have helped me so much. They gave me the confidence to show. I wouldn't have done it without them. But you look around at the shows and you can see those who look down their noses at you and those who also try little tricks to put you off.

I'm learning to spot them though - and just ignore them, they're not worth the energy. I have a friend who has also just started showing her puppy and she finds this just too much and is seriously considering giving it all up. That's what I think is a shame. Without new blood, it will all come to a grinding halt.

Never mind - we'll keep on in there. Can't wait for Crufts on Sunday - lots of shopping to do :D

Pam

Hello

My friend got one a few years back and purchased a bitch I can't quite remember her reasons but I do know she looked into it long and hard and she's a veterinary nurse so she should know what she's talking about. Why don't you drop her an e-mail- I'm sure she won't mind- joannevarney@hotmail.com.

Good luck and I hope she can help!

P.S She also has a young boy aged 5.

yeah i've e-mailed her. i hope she doesnt mind!!!

thanks mate!

Hi ya! I told my friend to expect an e-mail off you, but guess what- she's crashed her computer big time and can't even get it to the desktop, the screen's just grey! She said if you e-mail me then she'll come round tonight after work and post you a reply! Sorry to mess you about!

P.S; Anyone out there computer geniuses and cheap!

Hello- Joanne here (not my machine though- it's still in a bit of a mess)! Regarding a Rottweiler- I bought a female because I was told the same as you! I've just purchased another one, which I'm picking up tomorrow! That breeder has my bitch's brother and he is of the same temperament as my bitch. My bitch is a lovely dog who has been raised with a 5 year old child who rags her all over the place- to her delight! I work in a vets and we get many males and females of which both can be equally as nasty if brought up this way. I truely believe it's how you bring them up which determines how good or bad your dog will turn out. Make sure you see both parents though as this is also a considerable factor in the temperament of your dog. My female 'Sassy' is a very strong dog but I just use a haltie on her, have you thought a male might be too strong! Males need a lot of discipline when they're younger and you need to be extremely dominent, but again females can be the same! After all you need to do this with most dogs as a rule. The reason I didn't personally go for a male is because my friend had one who was extremely 'horny' and with them being such large dogs- trying to get a male off you in the middle of the park would prove to be quite some task!!! (A female's bad enough)!!!

Regarding a post by 'Pammy', my rottie is extremely interested in other dogs, not because she's vicious, she just wants to play, but it is down to the ignorance of people like yourself who see these large black dogs and think they'll eat anything in their way!!!! As for 'first time dogs', a rottie was my first dog and I found her wonderful, infact I have no quarrels that I ever chose the 'wrong' breed. I understand some people buy them for their reputation and make them into nasty dogs but there is also a lot of people out there who bring these dogs up as very lovable family pets. As for obedience- I don't find the breed hard work at ALL if trained correctly from an early age.

Like I said I've seen almost every possible breed at work and to be truthful it's mainly your smaller dogs which have to be muzzled before examination can take place. A large dog will warn you- a small dog will bite you!

P.S; Kash is a GSD fan!!

thanks a lot! your help has been gr8! i especially believe in what u said about how dogs only behave the way they have been brought up to behave.
as for discipline as a pup, i dont think that will be too much of a problem, and i dont believe their strength will be a particular problem, i think we'll be able to handle it whether we decide to buy a male or a female.

but again, thank you, you have certainly provided me with some self assurance, regardless of whether i go for a dog or a bitch.

I wish you the absolute 'BEST OF LUCK', let us know when you've made your decision/ got your pup!

Like I said regardless of what people think to this particular breed, I find that mine make most rewarding pets!

Luck Joanne

- over to Kash-

Like I said I'm personally looking for a bitch but if when I get to see the puppies I find that a dog is the 'pick of the litter' then I'll have no hesitation in taking that instead!!!!!

Good Luck- Staceyxxxxxx

Hi free shyne

I am the ower of two male rottys. One I purchased and the other one I rescued from the pound. One is eight years old and one is four. You will never regret the purchase of a rotty. They have become my favorite breed.

I believe, also, it is how they are raised. Mine were raised with two children....

They will truely become your best friend.

Rottyowner2

Welcome to the forum Rottyowner2

Rottys are a breed which everyone has a very definate opinion about and most of it unfounded! We have a rescued bitch who is wonderful with people of all ages but has problems with other dogs, I recently checked with my vet about this and she agrees it is not uncommon as they are protective dogs,and dogs can be worse than bitches as it is their nature to dominate and protect. I would strongly advise contacting breeders in your area, visit a couple and get to know the adult dogs and then make your decision. Any good breder would be more than happy for you to do this as they want to ensure that their pups are going to a home that is prepared for what that adorable bundle of fluff turns into.
Just out of interest why did you think you would prefer a male?

in rotts you find the folk that take the breed seriously NEVER EVER are seen with their dogs misbehaving, -its normally the clueless that think its funny, --how wrong could they be, it not only gets the breed a bad reputation but does nothing much to impress anyone with how much socialisation and time has gone into their charge----id of been ashamed if any of the rotts ive owned over the years had ever caused anyone any upset,

I had a lovely amenable rottie bitch for 9 years, lost her to bone cancer, never had a days trouble with her and she was good with my children, 3 cats, and our 3 retrievers. She would play in the paddock with others and no one ever told her she was a Rottie! Now we have a young pup of 6 months and he is a handsome boy but so different! Bright as a button and quick to learn his basics (sit/stay/recall 95% success rate!) but boy is he full of himself!  Bouncy pushy and if he can get round the back of your legs for a nip when released for "free" time
he will!.  Fair play, I can get him to stop acting up by asking for a "sit" and he will stop. But he goes from biddable to bouncy in 0-5. and i have to be really quick to anticipate when training.  He is a gent on the lead and well socialised but very strong, even at just 6 months and my advice would be to go for a bitch. In most breeds, there is probably little difference in temperament, between the sexes but i would say with the working breeds a bitch first might be best! Even i am wondering if he is just a character or if all male rotts are this rumbustuous!!!