Starkehre

I love Rottweilers but don't like Dobes. They are not as versatile or robust. And are more aloof. Same, Dobermans just don't seem like my type of dog I'm the opposite. I love Dobes but have never liked Rotties. I'm not sure why and I can appreciate a nice looking Rotty but I've never wanted to own one nor met one I've really liked. I've had 7 Dobermanns and 6 and a half Rottweilers. I was a Dobe person prior to being a Rotti person. Now I'd never go back. And although I can absolutely appreciate and admire a lovely Dobe, I find them very similar to the Standard Poodle in temperament (yep had one of them also) and just find them too emotional, anxious and soft. and before I get jumped on I totally get that they all have different temperaments but I am making a generalised overall comparison. Also watching Doberman movement disturbs me a bit and I don't mean it in a picky way, but they to lack elasticity in the rear. I'm with Grumpette, definitely nowhere near as robust, easy going or versatile as the Rottweiler. Still a very handsome and majestic dog none the less :)

Yes, yes, yes!!!! Some of the best memories of my life for sure :)

I've also plenty of horses with very nasty, even life threatening injuries from dogs... but never occurred whilst being ridden. These all happened whilst the horse was in it's paddock.

My spin on seeing horses and horse poo in suburban areas including nearby adjoining off leash dog areas... Nearby residents squeal with excitement when they see poo, they rush over and collect it for their garden. If not, it dries, it blows away looking much like uncaught lawn clippings. Dog owners learn how reliable their recall is and if it falls short, they rethink their training before going to said off leash area next time... otherwise their dog may get kicked and killed. Horses are quite right to defend themselves from attacking dogs and will do so if they feel threatened. The horses and riders are at little risk of the dogs. The dogs will not injure the horse, because if it tries to bite it will get kicked, simple. The only time a dog poses a risk to a horse and rider is if the dog scares the horse and in turn the rider comes off and the horse runs away. A runaway horse when out of the paddock is a big problem if they can't be caught. Riders know what their horses are like with dogs and are prepared or take that calculated risk. Yes, we turn the horse on the dog so the horse knows what's coming and can deal with it if it has to. I also find (and I'm not sure if it is still this way but it certainly used to be) that horse owners/riders are happier to take calculated risk that many dog owners... or certainly DOL forum type dog owners anyway. Their risk, their choice so long as it does not immediately affect anyone else. So, all this said, why should the horses limit their riding areas because of the dogs? Correct, there are so few places where horses are allowed now in suburbia, that if you have not got a float then you are almost bound to ride within your paddock confines. Is it silly to ride around suburbia? Maybe. But who cares what other people do and how they get their enjoyment. I don't even see it worthy of even forming a judgement on... but that's just me. I think we all need to smile and relax a bit more :)

LOL. Yeh I hear ya allerzeit. Still, it's fun to see how your opinions change each day/week as they mature. And quite often at week 8 you end up back with what you picked wet anyway :D I look forward to seeing your new baby at our RCV show some time in the near future :)

Spot on, mouth pigment is a real nemesis. However, I noted (as did one of the judges) that most of the dogs (almost all of them) being shown in WA that have been locally bred have got black mouths??? Go figure, the breeders over there seem to have got it right. Breed Standard states - Lips: Black, close fitting, corner of mouth not visible, gums as dark as possible. Then goes on to explain faults, though not disqualifying - Lips: Pendulous, pink or patchy, corner of the lips visible. So breeders all aim for black, but any pink lips, gums, gum lines, corners can be difficult to breed out. Also there are so many beliefs and ideas on environmental factors, hormones and temperament that may contribute to mouth pigment. Unfortunately nothing scientific. Breeders all do what they can to tick this mouth pigment box, but at the end of the day there is no perfect dog and a working breed does not run around or work on it's mouth color :D Rottweiler breeders and enthusiasts are very lucky as we have a very thorough FCI BS, which is super helpful when we learn it, study it and use it as a guide when we breed. Of course all BSs can be and are subjective to a degree. For example, it does not actually state that any pink in the gum color is a fault at all. And what is "as dark as possible" ?? Puppies are looking awesome allerzeit. How is your picking going :D

Lovely mouth pigment allerzeit

and another

Seven diving in at Kepala lagoon

Yeh SG, as a rule Rotti typically LOVE water. They take to it easily and make excellent, strong swimmers... and divers :)

OMGosh, I am so delighted to read all these heartfelt stories of all these magnificent relationships we are having and have had with our dogs, some of things they do and have done and why we are so proud of them. ALL the reasons we have for these precious feelings of pride about our dogs are legitimate and absolutely worthy because our own pride is such a personal thing. It doesn't matter if our dogs characters have flaws, cause hell they all do and so do we :) and it doesn't matter if their achievements are big or small because every time our dogs achieve or anything we see their effort and it is the effort that makes us smile. :) Thank you so much to all of you that said such lovely things about Seven. It really means a lot to me. On a personal note some of you even made me blush a bit and SC you are a very dear friend and you mean a lot to me too XX Grumpette, I am loving what I see with the water rescue work you are doing with your guys. Love the photos. Mark and I are serious considering trying to find some time to get down and have a go. It looks fantastic. And your dogs are taking to it so well. Great job. And you too do such terrific things with your dogs and also so much for our breed. It is always greatly appreciated. Donnerberg website has so much wonderful info on the breed. I love Cheri's piece on Who Should Own A Rottweiler. Not posting a link because I know she does not approve of people using her website content.

Gorgeous girl!!! :)

huski, Daisy is awesome, definitely one to be proud of. Isn't that wonderful how much assistance she is giving others also. To be able to trust a dog that fully is always such a good feeling. No wonder you are so proud of her :)

DDD, I could not agree more. The bulk of the general public much prefer the tailed Rottweiler. They look waggier and friendlier. You would also find that if you spoke with the bulk of the main stream showing and/or working Rottweiler folk they are pretty much all converted to preferring the tailed dog also. Personally I don't for a minute subscribe to the theory of not being able to read a dog's body language if it is docked, because you can still see an erect, wagging or lowered tail and you see stiffness in the body and all other signs in the rest of the dog. When a docked dog wags feverishly, it's rear and hips legs swivel from side to side, it's quite comical and very obvious... but I also understand that many members of the public may not see these things. :)

Thank you DDD :) she is just a bit of a sexy spunk and in that photo she almost look goddamned arrogant LOL. You are so right, a well bred, well raised Rottweiler is the most amazing dog. Few breeds are more versatile, loyal, intelligent, biddable and strong. I am a tad surprised Shannon did sneak and sloppy kiss on that young girl that raced up :) I am not sure how many other breed standards actually state that the breed is fond of children :D I don't have kids, never have, never will and yet all my Rottis gravitate to kids when they see them. I am so glad you got to know the breed DDD. The most unfortunate thing about Rottweilers is their reputation which is mostly unfounded. They are such a misunderstood breed

They're coming on really well Allerzeit. Looking good

And you guys wouldn't be alone not being aware that Rottweilers are one of the world oldest herding breeds. Historically they were more used for droving cattle to and from market and guarding cattle from thieves along route. Unfortunately when the ANKC grouped breeds they decided the Rottweiler should be in the Utility Group because of the more recent work they do with man in protection. And this caused the breed to be omitted from the list of breeds allowed to her in this country. We are lucky to have some very dedicated breed enthusiasts in this country that fought long and hard for around 10 years to eventually have the rules changed. And so since around 5 years ago, the Rottweiler is now permitted to train and compete in this dog sport, even though they should have been able to all along. Rottweilers are natural herders and though their style of herding is more upright and they usually like to work on the shoulder of their stock (hence making them better for driving) they still do an excellent job.

Nawww, thanks guys. I took this photo of her last weekend. She was laying in the sun up against the side fence. The dog next door was running around the neighbours yard, barking the whole time and Seven couldn't care less. Comfortable in her skin and confident enough not to care. And trust me I have had reactive dogs and so I know what it is like. Makes life so much easier and more enjoyable when your dog couldn't care less

Dougal and Gulliver and just beautiful HMD. I can "hear" your pride and your story about them brought both me to tears again. There is nothing quite like a pride cry. It is an overwhelming feeling of love and dedication. You do such an amazing job HMD and it is greatly appreciated :)

LIKE :) I thought you looked beautiful. We are always our own worst critic, which is a bit sad

Last night I received this lovely photo of my gorgeous 2 year old bitch Seven, taken by photographer Karen Edwards of Double K Herding. I am currently almost in tears brimming with pride. This young girl of mine received a Runner Up High In Trial doing HSAs at this trial in April this year when she received a score of 94. We would like to be further along in herding, but Seven has also achieved her Australian Champion title at 11 months. Along with this she has competed in 22 Rottweiler specialty shows all over Australia, receiving several 17 V ratings, many class in show wins, several challenge bitch, 2 BISS and 2 RUBISS. She's been a busy little chicken and has been an absolute pleasure to take anywhere. Seven is still training in herding and trialling tomorrow. She is also training in obedience, tracking, agility and nose work. I am having such a blast with Seven, absolutely love her to bits. And although being success in conformation and working arenas is nice, the thing that makes me the most proud is that she is such a great dog to live with. First and foremost my dogs are my family and how they negotiate and deal with every life both at home and around the community is what matters most to me. I love training, trialling and showing but most of my pride comes from who the dog is, their temperament, strength of character, good company and drive to please. Anyway, I know we all nearly burst with pride about our dogs and thought it might be nice to share some nice piccies and stories of what our dogs do to make us proud.

I'd be more inclined to take the most independent dog. The one that is likely to cope best being away from the other dogs and away from you if need be. I doubt the transition to suburbia will be more of an issue than the above, but just my thoughts :)

I can highly recommend and vouch for Nekhbet :)

Hi Dennis, I have PMd you :)

Typically, people that frequent off leash dog areas have differing opinions on what is correct etiquette and protocol and also what is deemed to be acceptable behaviour from their dog and from other dogs. Also a lot of people that frequent off leash dog areas form cliquey groups and band together. Others are outsiders and treated accordingly. Also a lot of people that frequent off leash dog areas are 5 minute professional dog trainers. .... hence why I no longer frequent off leash dog areas. Yonyuro, I don't think there is any definitive answer here and doing your head in until you find one is likely to just give you a headache. I know, I've been there :) I think it was one of those situations where we choose to go with the flow for the sake of peace and try and see it entirely from the other owner's point of view or jack up, be a "right" fighter, see where it gets us and then risk feeling bad later on. My suggestion would be to continue doing what you are doing and take things other owners say with a grain of salt or stop going to off leash areas. when doing stuff with our dogs becomes a stress and all the fun goes out of it, you've gotta wonder if we're doing ourselves and our dogs any favours. Try not to let it get to you, continue enjoying your dog and have a lovely Sunday arvo :)