Why Should You Be Afraid of Rottweilers?

It seems like every generation singles out a breed of dog that it brands as "evil". In the seventies it was the German Shepherd. Doberman Pinschers owned the eighties. In the late nineties and early 2000, we were afraid of Rottweilers and the current generation sees Pit Bulls as a four legged devil.

What have these breed done to earn such a bad wrap? Well, for starters, they are all very powerful, large breeds. Unless you are a 200lb man who works out every day, you'll feel physically inferior in their presence.

They all have histories of being breed for guarding, protecting and fighting. aggressive behavior is a desired trait for all of these disciplines and has therefore been selectively breed into the lines. A military guard dog wouldn't be much use without these traits.

Lastly and most importantly, owner abuse and neglect. These dogs are have been bred to achieve a behavior that borders obedience and aggression. If they are not raised in a loving and disciplined manner, they only know what their instincts tell them. Abuse and neglect are key ingredients in making a bad dog. This happens all too often and, well, as we have seen, any one dog can make headlines because of bad behavior. Stories like these are the ones that are responsible for building such powerful stereotypes that don't seem to ever go away.

Sadly, you never see news about the millions of Rottweilers who aren't aggressive. When properly trained and cared for, Rotties, Pinschers, and Pit Bulls are reliable, loving companions that will stand fast by your side until the end. It is actually becoming quite common to see Rottweilers with CGC (canine good citizen) certificates from the AKC and even to see Rotties used as therapy dogs in nursing homes. Nothing makes a lonely, 92 year old woman smile like looking into the kind, brown eyes of a 140lb Rottie while she scratches his head.

If you're considering purchasing a Rottweiler or any of these breeds, please, do as much research s possible. Visit a reputable breeder and see first hand what the puppies and the adults look and act like. Ask to take an adult home for a day. It' easy to plan on raising a dog correctly, but trust me, it's a totally different animal to actually execute that plan.

In conclusion, the truth is, all dogs have the potential to be vicious and dangerous - and all dogs have the potential to be gentle and wonderful. If you raise a Rottweiler with the same care and attentiveness you give a child, you're guaranteed to have the most popular pet on the street.