ABOUT THE ROTTWEILER
Is a Rottweiler the Breed of Dog for You?
Ownership of a Rottweiler carries much greater than average legal and moral responsibilities. His size, great strength and pronounced protective instinct requires that he be owned and controlled by both mentally and phisically capable people. Indeed, the mental attitude and strong will of the owner is equally important as his physical qualities. The Rottweiler makes an ideal house dog, and only by close companionship can you really get to know him. He is not a breed that takes to a solitary life and must receive love and human company. He is a sensitive, intelligent and loyal animal who usually wants to please his owners and does his best to achieve this. Occassionally he can be quiet stubborn and it is imperative that discipline be consistent and firm without being over rough. A harsh work and sharper corrections are sometimes necessary. Ownership is not for the timid, nor for the vey busy person who cannot spare time or is not inclined towards careful supervision.
Space Requirements
Rottweilers should not be staked out on a chain or a rope. If this is your only means of confining your dog, then you would be wise to think very carefully before purchasing one. Ideally, a garden with strong six foot fence is best. Rottweilers have and still are kept in flats or homes with no garden. It should be realised, however, that with small puppies and young dogs, a garden helps with exercise and also reduces boredom, which may in turn prevent destructive behaviour.
Small Children in the Home
By far the majority of Rottweilers are tolerant and loving with small children. However, a problem ca exist because of their size and strength. There have been occasions when a dog has inadvertently caused injuries to small children by bumping into them or knocking them down into furniture. The same could also apply to the elderly members of the family. It must be said, however, that many children have grown to be adults with no problems! In many families, dogs and children have been reared together very successfully.
Netherless, parents of young children MUST teach them to respect th dog. They must not allow them to prod or poke him and he must be allowed to sleep when he wishes.
We hope you find the information and links on this site useful. Please feel free to contact any committee member for additional assistance or help.
