Misenterpreted, misunderstood...
All too often whilst out walking my dogs I see people crossing the road to avoid the "big vicious Rottweilers" that are trotting happily by my side.
People take on this view because of what they read and hear on the News and in the Newspapers, the truth is the dogs that make the headlines are few and far between. It is far more common for small dogs to literally "bite the hand that feeds them", but these don't make sensational headlines, so we don't hear about them, larger more powerful breeds such as the Rottweiler, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, German Shepherds etc... get much more "publicity" as their sheer power alone causes far more damage than the smaller, more frequent biters.
Rottweilers truly are gentle giants, anyone who has spent more than five minutes with either Honey or Kane agrees they are absolutely wonderful. Rottweilers can be used as Agility dogs, Police dogs, Flyball dogs, obedience dogs and even PAT dogs, (pets as therapy).
This is the Pets as Therapy,
Dog of the Year, November 2006
It simply isn't true that all Rottweilers are vicious brutes who will turn on you in a second, that isn't true of ANY dog! They are kind, fun, strong, powerful and full of love....
Here are some statistical facts regarding dog bites in the UK, from the Dog Bite Claims, website;
A recent study carried out on 6,000 dogs and their owners found out 33 of the most aggressive dogs, and also those which have good temperaments. The study involved collecting data from two different groups. The first group consisted of 11 different breeds and the second was an online survey mainly involving owners, including 33 breeds. The conclusions from both groups were similar. It looked at the different types of aggression such as towards other dogs, towards strangers and towards owners. Some of the results were surprising, below are the top ten most aggressive breed:
- Dachshunds
- Chihuahua
- Jack Russell
- Australian Cattle Dog
- Cocker Spaniel
- Beagle
- Border Collie
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Great Dane
- English Springer Spaniel
The top ten least aggressive dogs:
- Labrador Retriever
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Poodle
- Greyhound
- Whippet
- Brittany Spaniel
- Siberian Husky
- Golden Retriever
- Havanese
- Portuguese water dog
Some dogs that have a bad image and are considered aggressive are the Boxer, Bulldogs, Pit Bull Terriers, Great Danes, Mastiffs, German Shepherds and Rottweilers. According to this study this is how they ranked:
- Great Dane: 9. This breed is actually very patient, gentle and affectionate. Although its size can be an issue with small children, it gets on well with children.
- Rottweilers: 15. This dog is very loyal and can be fiercely protective which may cause it to be aggressive. However, it is a hard working, powerful, devoted dog that gets on well with children if they are brought up with them.
- Boxer: 16. These dogs are actually good with children. They make good watchdogs. As they have a protective nature; they may be aggressive if they feel their owner is being threatened.
- German Shepherds (Alsatians): 17. An alert, loyal, courageous and intelligent breed. These dogs are good with children and they are very protective making them effective watchdogs.
- Mastiffs: 21. These dogs are very dignified, loyal creatures with a pleasant nature, resembling gentle giants. Their size means they can be a problem with small children, but they get on well with children.
So please next time you see a Rottie in the street, don't automatically assume it's a "devil dog". If, god forbid, there are any more stories on a Rottie attacking somone, have a think as to WHY it happened.... irresponsible owners who have not socialised, trained or shown correct leadership and affection to their dogs. If handled correctly from the minute you bring them home Rottweilers make FANTASTIC pets, but in the wrong hands they may only do what they feel they must in order to protect themselves...
If you are a Rottweiler owner or even someone who simply loves the breed, please consider joining the Rottweiler Owners Trust (ROT). I am an area Rep for the Trust, which is a network of information spread via phone and email, warning of bad press for the Rottweiler and can take LAWFUL action if necessary. You can contact me for a membership pack or visit www.rottweilerownerstrust.com for more information