MORGEN
This page is Linda's story. To look at the rescue, please click on the appropriate button below. Thanks for visiting us."
RESCUE HOME PAGE RAINBOW BRIDGE LOST AND FOUND WILLIE AND T.J'S PAGE MORGEN'S PAGE MY FOSTER KIDS QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS JOIN THE ROTTIE LIST YOU MAY BE ASKING, "WHO AM 'I' AND WHAT DO 'I' KNOW ABOUT ROTTIES?" My name is Linda St.Jean. I have always loved animals and have had dogs since I was four. While I was growing up I had "mutts." I purchased my first purebred dog, a German Shepherd, in 1969, my second in 1973. I lived in a suburbia setting until 1989, when I moved to the country. I have been married since 1965 to a wonderful man and have two daughters. My oldest daughter is married and is a Veterinarian. She lives nearby. My youngest daughter lives in California and works for a publicity firm. In addition to my Rotties I have six cats, two Arabian horses and three sheep. My husband is a sheriff deputy (and retired police officer) and I work at home, watching my grandsons, doing rescue, selling preserves and am now a certified canine behavior counselor. I have been involved with Rottweilers since 1982 when I bought "Willie" (later to become Am/Can Ch. Wilheim Von Eton Strasse, CD., T.T.) as a seven-week old pup. Willie picked me out, and I never regretted his choice. Willie began his obedience training and conformation showing at six months of age. He became a Canadian champion at 10-1/2 months, a U.S. champion at 13 months and an obedience champion when he was seven. He was more human than dog and, therefore, more of a challenge. He was in obedience school until he was seven years old. He was bred twice to the same bitch, Tugenbold's Black Heidi. I kept the smallest bitch out of the first litter, "T.J." (later to become Eton Strasse's Jugendliebe, C.D., or Eton Street's Puppy Love.) T.J. was pure joy. All she wanted was to please. Unlike her father, she avoided trouble and never went along with any of his "games." In May 1994, when T.J. was 9 and Willie was 12, I discovered T.J. had bone cancer and I prepared myself for losing her. Then, on August 30, after being treated with antibiotics for an abscessed tooth, Willie bloated and had to be euthanized. I was devastated. Not only was I going to lose T.J., but I had also lost Willie. However, for the first time in her life T.J. got to be top dog. December 10 I had to euthanize T.J. In the three months between Willie's death and T.J.'s death I discovered just what a wonderful dog she was. For that I am thankful. She had always been overshadowed by her father. I have started a page for Willie and T.J., with some photos and their pedigrees. If you would like to look at this page, please go to Willie and T.J.'s page above. In September 1994, my next Rottie was born . Her name is Morgen. She is from Tennessee. She was rescued by my daughter, the Veterinarian, when she was seven weeks old. She had a broken leg and was to be euthanized. However, she was given to my daughter and her leg was set. Morgen came home for Christmas. When I first saw her, her stump looked as big as her head and she didn't look a thing like Willie or T.J. She had no papers and was obviously not bred for show. But, she had a heart so big she won me over. She is a great public relations dog and has never met a person or animal she doesn't like. Morgen has only two faults. 1) She likes to run (not far, but she can run like a deer) and, when running, sometimes forgets she has to listen and come back. Obedience training has not changed this. However, she is never out of my sight. When she gets it into her head to run, I have to use an electronic shock collar. It is now to the point where I don't have to use it very often. 2) She is hyper and too enthusiastic. I am still working on this through obedience, but it is very hard for her. She loves people and wants to be as close as she can to everyone. November 10, 2004, Morgen went to the bridge. She had a degeneratred disk in her neck and overnight became unable to walk. After taking her to a specialist her diagnosis was grim. She was in pain and couldn't get up off the stretcher, but even at the specialist's office she managed to wiggle her stump for everyone who came by, and grinned for some of them. The day after the trip to the specialist my daughter talked to him, and then she and I talked. After speaking to her and my husband I made the hard decision to end her suffering. Her page is under construction, but I don't think it will be finished for quite some time. In 1996, I became involved in Rottie rescue. I fostered many wonderful dogs and bitches in 1996 and 1997. In 1996, I had a bitch who had a litter of eight mixed pups, four of which I had for six months. In the six months following the birth of the pups, the rescue founder and I had a disagreement and went our separate ways. After my split with the rescue founder, I continued to do rescue. The last two Rotties I rescued were sisters. I had one for six months before I found the right home for her. The other sister was placed in one home for six months, returned to the original owner and is now with the owners of her sister. She is doing better than I could ever hope for. I am very fortunate in that I have been able to keep in touch with many of the adopters of the dogs I fostered. I also get photos and notes from many of them. A friend and I, who was also involved in rescue, took Morgen and her Pug dog to a second grade classroom to talk to the children. I was shocked by the number of children who said their parents beat their dogs. We tried to give the children some education, in the couple hours we were there, on how to approach dogs they didn't know and on caring for their pets, among other things. This is another aspect of dog rescue I would like to get involved in. My heart aches for all those dogs I had to turn away or that I couldn't help. I continue to get calls and keep my name on rescue lists. I do what I can to help people from all over the country, whether it is giving advice, giving comfort, finding a rescue near their hometown to place or locate a Rottie or just talking to them. I enjoy this. My heart cries out for all the animals in this world that are mistreated, whether through abuse or neglect. I know I can't save them all, but I will continue in any way I can to help. I feel education is the most important aspect of rescue. People have to be educated..about the breed...about responsible ownership...about vaccinations....about heartworms...about training....about love and commitment. In 2000, For The Love Of Rotts...The Michgigan Connection became a reality. We are now a 501(c)3 nonprofit, tax exempt corporation. and, with the help of our Board of Directors, we are trying to make a difference. There are many, many great people out there who are also involved in rescue and other aspects of animal welfare, let's get more information out there to the people who need it. We can be reached by snail-mail at For The Love Of Rotts...The Michigan Connection 4124 Lake George Road, Dryden, MI 48428, phone-voice (810)796-9434 (Linda), or e-mail at fortheloveofrotts@prodigy.net UPDATE!! 1/31/01 Morgen had a total hip replacement last October. She is doing great!! What a difference it has made for her. I want to thank Dr. Johnson and all the Veterinarians at Michigan State who helped to give Morgen a better quality life. It's now 10/19/05 and I am finally updating this. After Morgen's death Roger and I decided to adopt Charlie and Sebastian from the rescue. Charlie came to the rescue as a 5 week old pup and Sebastian had been in the rescue for three years. Charlie is now just over a year old. I had forgotten what it was like having a pup in the house. With him and the grandkids, who are here 2-3 days a week, ages almost 2 and 5, it was almost more than I could handle for a while. Charlie looked like a purebred Rott when he was little, but his face has since elongated and his ears are much longer than a Rotts. We are thinking he is a rott/Dobe cross, but I call him my Churkendoose (for those who don't remember this book as a child, it was a story of a bird that was a cross of a chicken, turkey, duck and goose). Sebastian is a great boy and, at going on 6, reminds me a lot of Willie. The reason he had been in rescue for so long was that I think he had his mind made up from day one that he was my dog. Every time I brought a potential adopter over to see him he acted like a jerk and no one could handle him. Yet I take him on walks regularly with no problem. I have never had a problem with him and people, other than he is so exuberant. I'll be posting their photos in the near future. RETURN TO THE TOP OF THE PAGE MY FOSTER KIDS FROM 1996-97...SUCCESS STORIES PLEASE NOTE: THESE DOGS ARE NOT UP FOR ADOPTION...THEY HAVE ALREADY HAVE HOMES. Solomon
My name is Linda St.Jean. I have always loved animals and have had dogs since I was four. While I was growing up I had "mutts." I purchased my first purebred dog, a German Shepherd, in 1969, my second in 1973. I lived in a suburbia setting until 1989, when I moved to the country. I have been married since 1965 to a wonderful man and have two daughters. My oldest daughter is married and is a Veterinarian. She lives nearby. My youngest daughter lives in California and works for a publicity firm. In addition to my Rotties I have six cats, two Arabian horses and three sheep. My husband is a sheriff deputy (and retired police officer) and I work at home, watching my grandsons, doing rescue, selling preserves and am now a certified canine behavior counselor.
I have been involved with Rottweilers since 1982 when I bought "Willie" (later to become Am/Can Ch. Wilheim Von Eton Strasse, CD., T.T.) as a seven-week old pup. Willie picked me out, and I never regretted his choice. Willie began his obedience training and conformation showing at six months of age. He became a Canadian champion at 10-1/2 months, a U.S. champion at 13 months and an obedience champion when he was seven. He was more human than dog and, therefore, more of a challenge. He was in obedience school until he was seven years old. He was bred twice to the same bitch, Tugenbold's Black Heidi. I kept the smallest bitch out of the first litter, "T.J." (later to become Eton Strasse's Jugendliebe, C.D., or Eton Street's Puppy Love.) T.J. was pure joy. All she wanted was to please. Unlike her father, she avoided trouble and never went along with any of his "games." In May 1994, when T.J. was 9 and Willie was 12, I discovered T.J. had bone cancer and I prepared myself for losing her. Then, on August 30, after being treated with antibiotics for an abscessed tooth, Willie bloated and had to be euthanized. I was devastated. Not only was I going to lose T.J., but I had also lost Willie. However, for the first time in her life T.J. got to be top dog. December 10 I had to euthanize T.J. In the three months between Willie's death and T.J.'s death I discovered just what a wonderful dog she was. For that I am thankful. She had always been overshadowed by her father. I have started a page for Willie and T.J., with some photos and their pedigrees. If you would like to look at this page, please go to Willie and T.J.'s page above.
In September 1994, my next Rottie was born . Her name is Morgen. She is from Tennessee. She was rescued by my daughter, the Veterinarian, when she was seven weeks old. She had a broken leg and was to be euthanized. However, she was given to my daughter and her leg was set. Morgen came home for Christmas. When I first saw her, her stump looked as big as her head and she didn't look a thing like Willie or T.J. She had no papers and was obviously not bred for show. But, she had a heart so big she won me over. She is a great public relations dog and has never met a person or animal she doesn't like. Morgen has only two faults. 1) She likes to run (not far, but she can run like a deer) and, when running, sometimes forgets she has to listen and come back. Obedience training has not changed this. However, she is never out of my sight. When she gets it into her head to run, I have to use an electronic shock collar. It is now to the point where I don't have to use it very often. 2) She is hyper and too enthusiastic. I am still working on this through obedience, but it is very hard for her. She loves people and wants to be as close as she can to everyone. November 10, 2004, Morgen went to the bridge. She had a degeneratred disk in her neck and overnight became unable to walk. After taking her to a specialist her diagnosis was grim. She was in pain and couldn't get up off the stretcher, but even at the specialist's office she managed to wiggle her stump for everyone who came by, and grinned for some of them. The day after the trip to the specialist my daughter talked to him, and then she and I talked. After speaking to her and my husband I made the hard decision to end her suffering. Her page is under construction, but I don't think it will be finished for quite some time.
In 1996, I became involved in Rottie rescue. I fostered many wonderful dogs and bitches in 1996 and 1997. In 1996, I had a bitch who had a litter of eight mixed pups, four of which I had for six months. In the six months following the birth of the pups, the rescue founder and I had a disagreement and went our separate ways. After my split with the rescue founder, I continued to do rescue. The last two Rotties I rescued were sisters. I had one for six months before I found the right home for her. The other sister was placed in one home for six months, returned to the original owner and is now with the owners of her sister. She is doing better than I could ever hope for. I am very fortunate in that I have been able to keep in touch with many of the adopters of the dogs I fostered. I also get photos and notes from many of them.
A friend and I, who was also involved in rescue, took Morgen and her Pug dog to a second grade classroom to talk to the children. I was shocked by the number of children who said their parents beat their dogs. We tried to give the children some education, in the couple hours we were there, on how to approach dogs they didn't know and on caring for their pets, among other things. This is another aspect of dog rescue I would like to get involved in.
My heart aches for all those dogs I had to turn away or that I couldn't help. I continue to get calls and keep my name on rescue lists. I do what I can to help people from all over the country, whether it is giving advice, giving comfort, finding a rescue near their hometown to place or locate a Rottie or just talking to them. I enjoy this. My heart cries out for all the animals in this world that are mistreated, whether through abuse or neglect. I know I can't save them all, but I will continue in any way I can to help. I feel education is the most important aspect of rescue. People have to be educated..about the breed...about responsible ownership...about vaccinations....about heartworms...about training....about love and commitment.
In 2000, For The Love Of Rotts...The Michgigan Connection became a reality. We are now a 501(c)3 nonprofit, tax exempt corporation. and, with the help of our Board of Directors, we are trying to make a difference. There are many, many great people out there who are also involved in rescue and other aspects of animal welfare, let's get more information out there to the people who need it.
We can be reached by snail-mail at For The Love Of Rotts...The Michigan Connection 4124 Lake George Road, Dryden, MI 48428, phone-voice (810)796-9434 (Linda), or e-mail at fortheloveofrotts@prodigy.net
UPDATE!! 1/31/01 Morgen had a total hip replacement last October. She is doing great!! What a difference it has made for her. I want to thank Dr. Johnson and all the Veterinarians at Michigan State who helped to give Morgen a better quality life.
It's now 10/19/05 and I am finally updating this. After Morgen's death Roger and I decided to adopt Charlie and Sebastian from the rescue. Charlie came to the rescue as a 5 week old pup and Sebastian had been in the rescue for three years. Charlie is now just over a year old. I had forgotten what it was like having a pup in the house. With him and the grandkids, who are here 2-3 days a week, ages almost 2 and 5, it was almost more than I could handle for a while. Charlie looked like a purebred Rott when he was little, but his face has since elongated and his ears are much longer than a Rotts. We are thinking he is a rott/Dobe cross, but I call him my Churkendoose (for those who don't remember this book as a child, it was a story of a bird that was a cross of a chicken, turkey, duck and goose). Sebastian is a great boy and, at going on 6, reminds me a lot of Willie. The reason he had been in rescue for so long was that I think he had his mind made up from day one that he was my dog. Every time I brought a potential adopter over to see him he acted like a jerk and no one could handle him. Yet I take him on walks regularly with no problem. I have never had a problem with him and people, other than he is so exuberant. I'll be posting their photos in the near future.
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PLEASE NOTE: THESE DOGS ARE NOT UP FOR ADOPTION...THEY HAVE ALREADY HAVE HOMES.
Buck, now known as Solomon, was my first foster boy. He was rescued from a shelter. He was about eight months old. He didn't stay with me very long. His adoptive parents now have another Rott they adopted. I was told by the owners that Solomon died in the summer of 2002. My prayers to the owners.
Boswell, now known as Bazzi, was my second foster dog. He came from a shelter and was very skinny. He was also around eight months old. He now lives on a lake and has become quite a water dog. Unfortunately, Bazzi had to be euthanized February 15, 2003, due to extensive cancer. My thoughts and prayers are with the owners.
Daisy came to me from a shelter. At the time I had her I also had Boswell, Kiya, Bronson and Jessie. When they were all playing out together (as well as Morgen) Daisy would often take time out to come sit on me to be petted and kissed. Daisy's only problem was her drooling. This made it very hard to place her. She was with me for a few months, due to the drooling. People liked her, but had a hard time with all that slobber. But eventually she found a home. She is now on acreage with six other dogs and is able to run to her heart's content.
Kiya was an owner turn in, due to a divorce. She was a big girl, about 130 pounds, but very gentle. She was a real sweetheart and went to a home with two small children. 3/18/04 I heard from the owner of Kiya. Unfortunately, she went to Rainbow Bridge back in 1999, but I was assured she was well loved and loved her adoptive family without any reserve. Hearing from the owner made my day, even though the call was bittersweet.
Jessie was rescued from a shelter. She had chased the resident cat at the shelter and was labeled aggressive. When she came home with me she had kennel cough. I was told she was a runner and had been found running the streets. However, after she was over the kennel cough she was allowed to run with the other dogs and I never had any problems with her running away. She went to a home where the woman had just lost her old Rottie bitch. She now lives in Ohio.
Maggie was given to me by another rescue that had no room for her. When I got her she was pregnant and I was told she would have her pups within the next three days. Two days after she came home with me she had nine pups, of which eight lived. (These are the "pups" in the next section.) Maggie was "hyper." She first went to one home, but the adopters developed health problems and had to return her. She then went to a home where the family had a 175 pound male Rottie that had been adopted. They originally came for a pup, but the pups were too frightened by the male. However, when he stepped on Maggie's foot, she growled at him and he backed down. From that point on, Maggie was the boss in her new family.
Arsen, now known as Armand, was an owner turn in. He had been professionally trained and even had a micro chip. The family that owned him were in the Armed Services. They were being transferred and couldn't take him. The only way they could keep him would be to have him boarded for at least a year. Rather than that, they turned him over to us. Arsen was a big boy and needed someone who could handle a big male. He now lives in Arizona and his parents have gotten a new Rottie, as well as rescued a third Rottie. UPDATE: 5/3/00 I have just been told Armand had to be euthanized today. As with all my foster babies, he will always have a special place in my heart. My thoughts and prayers to his owners.
Simba was an owner turn in, along with her sister, Nala. Through no fault of the owner, they had been shuffled from kennel situation to kennel situation. They had both been socialized when they were younger, as well as trained. However, they had not had a very stable home life for some time before they came to me. They both had been raised around children, which was very positive. Simba was a very frightened dog who needed to go to a home where the owners would take their time with her. She spent six months with me before I found the right home. Her owners have two small children and have done wonders with her. 2/28/04 Unfortunately, Simba had to be euthanized. She was very, very special to me and I am going to miss her coming to board with her sister. As always, my heart goes out to her owner and family, good friends.
Nala, Simba's sister, came to me at the same time as Simba. However, she was only with me for a couple months when she went to a home. She was with her new owner for about three months, but became destructive. She ended up going back to the original owner. Just recently she was adopted by the owners of Simba. She is now very happy and she and Simba seem to have found the bond they formed as young dogs. Her new owners are great people who are very patient and understanding people.
Berley was an owner turn in. She was a real sweetie. She was with me for a couple months. She lives on a lake with her owner and is very loved. UPDATE: I was just informed by her owner that Berley passed away peacefully on March 28, 2000. She was a special rescue, and I know she was special to her owner. My heart and prayers go out to her owner.
These pups are Maggie's litter she had two days after she came to stay with me. When they were born they looked enough like Rotts that we had their tails docked. It was only after they get a little older we realized they were mixed. Scrapper, Midget and Sarah looked a lot alike and Trixie and Casey looked alike...but not like Rotties. That they were mixed made it hard for a purebred rescue to find homes for them.
Scrapper, now known as Balto, was the second largest pup. He earned his name. He loved to fight with his sisters and show he was in charge. Scrapper went to a family with small children. I have since lost touch with his owners, so I can only hope he is doing okay.
Midget, now known as Shawnee, was the runt. She was a real toughie, though. The last time I saw a picture of her, she was less than a year old and weighed 80 pounds. Her adoptive mom has two other rescued dogs.
Chrissie, now known as Kadie, looked the most like a Rottie. She went to a home with a couple who had also adopted another large pup, Bailey. She has done very well and has kept her Rottie markings. I still stay in contact with them.
Sarah, now known as Cherry, was one of the larger female pups. She was more laid back than Midget. She went to a home not too far from where I live. I have stayed in contact with the new mom and recently stopped by to see Cherry. She is beautiful. She weighs about 90 pounds and I have been promised a new photo of her. The photo above is one her new mom gave me to put online.
Trixie was a real lover. She went to a home with two small children and seemed to be doing good. But she was later given to a shelter and I have lost contact with her. I am assuming she is in the Flint, Michigan area.
Bishop, now known as Max, was the darkest male. He went to his owner when he was about seven weeks old. His owner had previously adopted a female mix from us (Brie). UPDATE: October, 2000. The owner of Max and Brie contacted me and sent photos of both. I thank her very much. As you can see, they are doing well. Update: February, 2005, Max went to Rainbow Bridge. My thoughts and prayers are with the owner.
Lacey, now known as Casey, was another real lover. She couldn't get enough of being held. She is with a family that goes hiking and running and the last I heard she weighed about 120 pounds.
Hendrix was the largest male. He went to a family when he was about eight weeks old. He was subsequently given to another family and I have not been able to locate him. I can only hope he is doing okay and that he is being well taken care of.
When Hannah and Bronson were first seen they looked somewhat like Rotties, but as time went on we realized they weren't. However, we still tried to find them homes.
Hannah, now known as Brie, was not with me very long. She went to a home where the people were involved in veterinary medicine. The last time I saw her, it was very obvious she was not a Rottie, more like a basset hound mix. Later, the owner adopted Bishop (Max). As I stated above, her owner contacted me and sent photos of her and Max. The owner will never know how happy she made me. Knowing how your rescues are doing is always on the mind of a rescuer. Brie and her "brother" Max are beautiful.
Bronson was with me a couple times for a couple months. He was extremely "hyper", but very loveable. He was adopted out once but the owner found he was too much for her. He then went to a shelter where I was told he was adopted out by an older couple, returned and finally adopted out to a family with a boy. As far as I know he is still with this family.
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How can I contact a rescue?
You can go to your search engine and type "rottweiler rescue," you can contact me and I will get you in touch with a rescue in your area. You can ask a representative of the ARC, MRC or one of the other Rottweiler clubs and they will get you in touch with someone.
How can I get involved in a rescue?
You can contact anyone involved in rescue and they can get you information. Rescues always need foster parents, food, people to help drive or pick up dogs, money, blankets, money, money and more money.
Why rescue?
Some people say rescues just make it easy for people to dump their dogs when they don't feel like taking care of them any more. This is true a lot of the time. However, the alternative for these dogs is possibly euthanization or, worse, starvation, torture or death.
What is the downside of rescue?
The downside of rescue is the attachment you form with each and every one of your "kids." I always worry about them. I always wonder how they are. There are a few dogs I have not been able to keep in contact with and it drives me crazy. People move and don't leave forwarding addresses or phone numbers. I don't understand why people do this, I guess it is just human nature. I know I could never breed dogs, because I would have to keep in constant touch with all the owners and dogs.
Why do dogs end up in rescues?
A lot of the males turned in are between 1-2 years of age. When I have asked people about training these Rotts, the majority have never taken their dogs to obedience training. Male Rotts can be a real handful if they don't learn young who the boss is. Biting dogs are not necessarily aggressive. If a dog does not have a clear leader, then they will assume the role. A dog in the Alpha role has the "right" to bite and put "in line" all those who are of a lower status in the pack. Usually females will not be as much trouble as a male, but ALL Rottweilers should be trained....in a classroom situation. Some reasons Rotts are turned into rescues are: Lack of socialization. I can't tell people often enough to socialize their Rotts. People say they want a dog to protect them and they don't want just anyone to be able to pet them. My response is, yes you do. Your Rottweiler will protect you. A Rottie who is unfriendly is a lawsuit waiting to happen. Rotties naturally will protect those they love. Please, PLEASE take your Rottie with you and encourage him/her to be friendly with everyone. Anyone who wants a mean dog might just as well have a loaded gun sitting out on a table with the safety off. There are people who don't have any idea how strong a Rottie is, how big they get or how much food they eat. They look at a pup and say how cute it is....but when it gets bigger they realize they can't afford to feed it or spend the amount of time with it that a Rottie requires. There are those who don't believe in crating a dog, saying it is mean. So, when their dog chews up everything in sight (and then some), they get rid of it. Or, when the dog gets into everything, they get rid of it. Some people just leave their dogs when they move, either in the house they were in or tied up out side. There are also some people who have to get rid of their dog because of health or circumstances beyond their control. These people turn their dogs over to rescues hoping they will have a good life. These are by no means the only reasons.
What about breeding?
All breeding is not bad. Some people feel if they have a champion they are justified in breeding it, or if their dog is OFA'd they should breed it. However, I disagree with this. Yes, it would be nice if all dogs bred had their hips certified, but even breeding two OFA dogs does not guarantee good hips and I have seen many champions who never should have been bred. Many times dogs with excellent qualities do not pass these on to their offspring. Any time you try to breed genetically you eliminate many desirable qualifications. I know others will disagree with me, but I think the most important aspect of any breeding should be temperament.
Who should breed?
I don't believe we have the right to say who can and cannot breed. However, I do believe breeders should have to take back or rescue any dog from their breedings. I don't think there is any way we can prevent breeding inferior dogs. A dog doesn't have to be a champion or of champion stock to be a good dog.
What qualifications should a breeder have?
A breeder should be knowledgeable of the breed. They shouldn't be breeding just for the sake of breeding. You should ask if they will take back the dog should something happen and you can't keep it...they should be willing to rescue any dog from their breedings. They should be able to provide you with information on the parents (see below). The home should be clean...where the pups are not cramped or dirty. They should agree to a Vet check within 48 hours of purchase. Most breeders will agree to take a dog back if their hips are bad. However, they also are aware that these x-rays will not usually be performed until the dogs are older and that many people will choose to not give up their dog.
What qualifications should the sire and dam have?
You should be able to see both the dam and sire. If the breeder does not own both, ask if you can see the sire. Check out the temperaments of both. I am a firm believer the most important quality in a dog is temperament.
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How important is temperament?
I feel temperament is the most important factor when purchasing a Rottweiler. Most people will tell you not to pick the most aggressive dog in a litter, nor the most timid. However, I believe we are all individuals and, as such, have different personalities ourselves. Therefore, we should pick out a dog suited to our personality. If you are a strong-willed or loud person, a timid or quiet dog may be intimidated by you and become very shy. At the other end, if you are a quiet, easy-going person, a robust, aggressive dog would walk all over you and could present problems.
How important is the temperament of the sire and dam?
The fact some lines are known to have bad temperaments says a lot for what to look for in a sire and a dam.
What about a "hyperactive" dog?
I am now owned by a very hyperactive dog, Morgen, and I wouldn't trade her for anything. She suits my personality fine. I consider her personality very positive. Others might find her activity level too much of a bother. As long as a hyperactive dog has been trained and is given exercise to "burn off" excess energy, I don't see anything wrong with one. However, you have to have a personality that goes with a hyperactive dog.
Dogs or bitches?
I have had both and feel not everyone should own a male Rott. Usually males require someone with a firm hand, someone who is not afraid to stand up to their dog, should the occasion arise. A male Rottweiler is much stronger, pound for pound, than a female Rottweiler.
How important is training?
Training is very important. All Rottweilers should be formally trained. People who adopt Rotts should take their dogs to formal training. Formal training is as much for the owner as the dog. Training helps develop a bond. It allows the owner to work with their dog under safe conditions, where they are able to learn how to control their dog where there is noise, confusion, other people and dogs, situations that could be met at any time.
How do I pick the right trainer?
I advise people to seek out trainers who are familiar with the breed. Rotts are smart. Personally, I don't believe in using food to train them. My experience has been when the food disappears, they figure,"Why do anything?" Although Rotties like to work, I don't think they are as easy to train as Goldens or Shepherds. I believe a dog should work with you because you are a team, because they respect you. Sometimes you have to be very stern with a Rottie. Trainers who are not familiar with the breed tend to want to train them like a Golden, which, in my experience doesn't work for the majority of them.
Why formal training?
As I stated above, I believe in formal training because it helps you and the dog learn and work together in a controlled atmosphere with every day situations.
Why formal obedience if I don't want to put my dog into obedience shows?
I still think formal obedience is necessary, as I stated above. A trainer should have classes available for all types of obedience, from puppy, to beginning, to obedience show training.
What if I want to put my dog in conformation shows?
There are many good conformation trainers. A trainer should be someone who has shown in conformation shows themselves, preferably with knowledge of working breeds and showing working breeds.
How can I train my Rottie so he/she will protect me?
Rottweilers, as adults, will protect the people they love. It is their nature. Even the most friendly Rottie will protect their family. The last thing you have to do is train a Rottie to be protective. I have always told people, socialize, socialize and socialize their Rotties. Take your dog with you everywhere and let everyone and anyone pet them. They WILL protect you if the occasion arises.
Where should I buy my Rottie?
If you are looking to buy a registered Rott to show, and want a puppy, find a good breeder. You can contact a rescue or the American Rottweiler Club, Medallion Rottweiler Club, or go to a local show and meet some of the show people. All show breeders are not reputable and all backyard breeders are not disreputable. If you don't care about showing, about needing a registered dog, then contact your local (or non-local) rescue. The dogs in rescues have had their temperaments tested. They are neutered or spayed. They are up-to-date on their shots. Sometimes you can find a puppy. However, a puppy doesn't necessarily make the best pet. With an adult you can see what they will look like, what their personality is like, they are usually housebroken and crate trained. Rescue dogs seem to know they are special and that YOU are special when you adopt them. They adjust extremely well to new owners.
Should I buy my Rottie at a pet store?
I don't believe all pet stores are bad. However, I do feel there is a tendency for them to obtain dogs people can't get rid of otherwise, or to obtain their dogs from "puppy mills." And, a lot of dogs purchased in pet stores have health problems. Would I purchase a dog from a pet store? No. I have done so in the past and had problems with both the dogs I bought. This was a long time ago and the dogs were mixed breeds.
How can I tell if the breeder is reputable?
Ask for references. Ask how often they breed their dogs? Are both the parents there? If the father is from another owner, can you see him, as well as the mother? How many pups were in the litter? How many are left? If you get references, check them out. You can call a rescue or a representative of the Rottweiler club to see if anyone knows anything about the owners. See also under breeding.
What should I look for when buying a pup?
Be sure you take the pup to a Veterinarian within the first 24-48 hours. Read up on Rotts before you purchase one. Call up a rescue and get some advice from someone involved with Rotties. There are all kinds of books to read on what to look for, i.e. clear eyes, clean coat, no odor, et cetera. See also under temperament.
What brand food should I feed my Rottie?
I know some people feed their Rottie anything. However, I have found many of them have gastrointestinal problems with certain foods. This shows up as loose stools, vomiting or "gas." I recommend either Science Diet or Maxx. I have personally had problems with Eukanuba, as in gas.... I feed Morgen only Science Diet Lamb and Rice Maintenance. My daughter the Vet doesn't approve of Lamb and Rice as she states it makes it difficult to assess a food allergy if the dog is already on Lamb and Rice, which is what they use to test for food sensitivity. If your dog has good, solid stools, his/her coat is shiny and weight is good, then it is the right food for him or her.
How much should I feed my Rottie?
This depends on how active your dog is. Morgen has food down all the time. I could do this with Willie, as well. However, T.J. would have continued eating until she got sick if food were left down. Morgen seems to do fine and finally, at four years of age, had "filled in." Your Vet should be able to tell you if your dog is too fat or too thin.
How much should my Rottie weigh?
In the 80s Rotties pretty much were within the weight and height set in the standards. However, that is no longer true. There are all sizes of Rotties now. Morgen weighs about 90 pounds. She is not a large female. Most of the bitches I see are in the 80-100 pound range and the dogs are between 90-120 pound range.
Is cheap food as good as expensive food?
When I had my second German Shepherd, I had problems with getting weight on him. We tried him on all the expensive foods and he had problems with weight and his stools. Only when I placed him on Gravy Train did his stools firm up and his weight stay on. Like I stated above, it depends on the dog.
How do I pick a Veterinarian?
Call and ask if the Veterinarians you are considering are afraid of Rotts, or if they dislike them. Some Veterinarians are afraid of them. If they are, please don't take your dog there. Find someone who is not afraid. It is traumatic enough for some Rotts to go to a Veterinarian...don't add more stress.
What if my Veterinarian says he/she wants me to muzzle my Rott?
Your Veterinarian should not have to ask you to do this...you should do it yourself, before the Veterinarian comes into the office, out of respect for the Veterinarian. Taking your Rott to a Veterinarian is sometimes stressful and, with all the smells of other dogs who are fearful at the Veterinarians, your friendly dog may be afraid which may, in turn, make your dog less than friendly. I have always muzzled my dogs. I don't have a "real" muzzle. However, I use the leash and loop it around the dog's nose and mouth. After the Veterinarian is done doing what has to be done, ask if you can unmuzzle your dog. If it is okay, then let your dog get to know the doctor...maybe even bring in a biscuit for him/her to give your dog. You should never expect a Veterinarian to put their faces near your dog in a clinic situation without muzzling them.
How often should I get my Rottie vaccinations?
Check with your Veterinarian. All Rottie pups need parvo vaccinations. Rotties are prone to Parvo. Follow your Vet's instructions carefully. Don't let pups out in the public before they have had all the vaccinations the doctor says they need. All dogs need yearly vaccinations. All dogs should have Bordatella protection prior to boarding or training.
Why should I give my Rottie heartworm medication?
Rotties get heartworm. Many of the Rotties that come to Rescue are heartworm positive. Why people don't think they need to keep their dogs on heartworm medication is beyond my comprehension. Every dog needs to be tested every spring and then placed on medication. They now have medication that can be given monthly. Consider it a necessity.
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Last updated 10/19/05