Rottweilers

Nearly 8 million dogs and cats wind up at animal shelters every year. About half of these pets are euthanized—many for unwanted behaviors. Statistics kept by the shelters and the ASPCA show that Rotties are one of the most commonly abandoned of all dog breeds. Why is that?

Rotties were originally bred to be cattle dogs, which is the equivalent to being an enforcer. Rotties were selected to be large and fierce, with the courage to control cattle weighing thousands of pounds. Although they were tough, Rotties also need to be reserved so they don’t attack or eat any of the herd, including weak, straggling calves. Still, a dog’s work required biting, they would bite. Having the genetic code that programs a dog to be able to bite does not mean these dogs were bred to be vicious; it means they need guidance.

While the modern Rottweiler is not used as a cattle dog, it still has genetics that give it the courage and independence of a working dog. These genetic traits make Rotties good at police and guard work. Unfortunately, the very traits that make Rotties useful can predispose them to developing a headstrong stubbornness. Pet guardians unable to understand and appreciate the Rotties’ nature can become frustrated and aggressive when their dogs are stubborn. Frustrated humans become both angry and anxious. They tend to yell and to use methods that control their Rotties with physical force—from choke chains to hitting. Treating a dog violently always increases the likelihood it will bite. In addition to biting in response to being threatened, some Rotties will also bite because they’re body defensive, which means they don’t like to be touched, especially by someone who bends over them.

As though biting and stubbornness weren’t enough to relegate Rotties to the position of one of the top abandoned breeds, Rotties are also abandoned because they need exercise and stimulation. How does this happen? As working dogs, Rotties are bred to be active. Some families meet their pet’s need for exercise by opening the door and letting the dog wander—hoping the dog will exercise itself. A wandering dog, especially one with the size and reputation of a Rottie, frightens people. Frightened folks yell, run, and sometimes strike out at the dog. Almost any dog will bite in these circumstances, and Rotties are no different. Now, the police are called in. The Rottie’s family is notified of the incident and at this point many families decide their dog is too much to handle. If the family does not relinquish the dog at this point, they may do so later when they learn their insurance premiums will go up for having a dangerous dog. Thus, some really good natured Rotties are abandoned because of the cost of premiums or their need for controlled exercise.

It’s not easy for a Rottie to be adopted and find a “forever” home if it winds up in the shelter. Because of their size, Rotties are prone to hip, knee, and elbow problems that lead to arthritis. Large dogs with arthritis are often painful and cranky. These dogs snap if petted because they don’t like being touched. A snapping, unaffectionate dog doesn’t make react in a friendly manner when approached by strangers or children in an animal shelter. Many Rotties languish in the shelter until finally they are euthanized to make room for other, more adoptable, dogs.

What does it take for a Rottie to have a “forever” home?
Families most likely to bring out the truly wonderful Rottweiler and want to keep it as a permanent family member will:
· have work for the animal,
· have a large area in which it can exercise,
· provide joint medication, such as Adequan, if it develops arthritis, and
· socialize and discipline it to maximize it’s ability to feel calm and to and trust humans.
Families able to provide for their Rotties believe that nothing can ever fill the place of a truly devoted Rottweiler. To find a devoted Rottie, check out the rescue organizations such as the Southern States Rottweiler Rescue: http://www.ssrr.org.