From: broy@vaxa.weeg.uiowa.edu (Barbara Roy)
Subject: Re: Rottweilers
News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.41    
Organization: University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
Date: Fri, 16 Oct 1992 15:03:00 GMT

In article <1992Oct15.210444.108285@watson.ibm.com>, vinod@fshvmfk1.vnet.ibm.com writes...
> 
>I have been following this thread with some interest, as I am also
>thinking about getting a dog. I am currently reading the "Art of
>Raising a Puppy". The factors affecting my decision are:  
> 
>1. I would like the dog to be a pet as well as a protector. Especially,
>I would like it to act as a deterant when we go out jogging, walking, etc.
> 
>2. I live sort of in the country, with about 3 acres of land, so I will
>be able to have a fenced in area for the dog.
> 
>3. My wife and I are out for about 9 hours during the day, and this is
>my major concern. I worry that the dog will get bored if it has to stay
>alone for that long. Perhaps I should think about getting two pets, maybe a
>dog and a cat? or two dogs? Would the fact that I can have a reasonable
>size dog run help?
> 
>4. Both of us have never had dogs before (though we both had cats), so 
>I would like to get a breed that I can handle.
> 
>From factor 1, I was considering a Rottweiler or a GSD. We both do not
>really want to get a doberman. However, couple of previous posters have
>indicated that Rottweilers and GSDs are not for first time owners. 
>Another breed I am thinking about is Great Pyrennes. (I have never seen
>one, only pictures and an article in the recent Dog World, I think)
>If someone has comments on what would be some suitable breeds for us,
>I would like to hear from them. 
> 
>As usual, many thanks in advance for net.wisdom. This group has been
>a great help in finding the initial reference material through the 
>FAQs as well as the general discussions here. (We almost went to the
>pet store looking for a pup, I am glad I came here and read the 
>faqs first. Whew!)
> 
> 
>--vinod                                        (914)-892-4107
>vinod@vnet.ibm.com                  
>  We don't have time to think; we have programs to write!
> 

To reiterate a previous post of mine: Rotts are not good prospects for first
time dog owners. There is NO similarity between cat ownership and Rott 
ownership. And I've had LOTS of both. Rotts are very dominant dogs and are NOT
a breeze to train. They require constant reinforcement and will continue to
test you until the day they die.  Rotts as a rule do not get along with small
animals. I've had Rotts raised with cats that would still rather kill them
than look at them. Even little Shihtsu's look too much like cats to them!

I am glad that you refrained from purchasing a puppy at a pet shop! That is 
the LAST place to buy a dog! Once you have researched the breeds you are 
interested in, make appointments to visit reputable breeders in your area and
see the parents of any prospective puppy. Make sure you see the OFA certificates
on BOTH parents certifying that their hips are good or excellent. Inspect the
bite of any prospective puppy. A scissor bite is the standard for the protective
breeds - no overshot or undershot jaws. You won't pay any more for a puppy from
a good breeder than from most pet shops, and it there is DEFINITELY a difference
in the quality. NO reputable breeder sells to pet shops. Period. Take your time
and make an informed decision. This group can offer alot of advice when you
definitely decide on a breed and can often steer you toward reputable breeders.
You should also contact your local kennel club for breeders in your area.


Barbara Roy, University of Iowa, Weeg Computing Center, Iowa City, IA.  52242
Internet:   broy@vaxa.weeg.uiowa.edu or Barbara-Roy@uiowa.edu
Bitnet:     broyva@uiamvs.bitnet  
Disclaimer: My opinions are solely my own and may change daily.