So I've decided...

Question:
 That since things are turning out well with Alexa, that next summer/fallish, I've decided I'm going to get a purebred Rottie.
Now, because I trust your wonderful opinions, and because I'm not quite sure about finding a good breeder, I'm wondering if any of you can help me.
I'm from Saskatchewan, Canada. I'd be willing to drive to Alberta or Manitoba as well, but it would be nice if there was something nearby.
Thanks so much ahead of time. :)

Answer:
Why have you decided on a Rottie?
Are you looking for a pet or a show dog?
Plan to show in obedience, herding, agility or any other performance events?

Answer:
Why have you decided on a Rottie?
Are you looking for a pet or a show dog?
Plan to show in obedience, herding, agility or any other performance events?
I've decided on a Rottie because I just love them. I love their temperment, their looks, everything.
I'm looking for both and pet and show dog. I've never had a chance to show before. :) I've helped friends, but our last pedigreed dog we had died when I was little. :(
Obedience for sure. Agility maybe.

Answer:
Here are some good places to start:
http://members.shaw.ca/rottndogs
http://www3.telus.net/public/rottsrus
http://www.telusplanet.net/public/caemon/eternal_fire
http://www.majecalrottweilers.com/
http://www.stoneroserottweilers.ca/
Good luck! :)

Answer:
I've decided on a Rottie because I just love them. I love their temperment, their looks, everything.
Ok, that's pretty general. That could apply to ANY breed. What I'm asking is, during your research of this breed, what about THIS BREED in particular has attracted you.
What are the cons of this breed, in your opinion? (I'll give you my pro and con list later. :D)
Is there any BSL in your area?

Answer:
Ok, that's pretty general. That could apply to ANY breed. What I'm asking is, during your research of this breed, what about THIS BREED in particular has attracted you.
What are the cons of this breed, in your opinion? (I'll give you my pro and con list later. :D)
Is there any BSL in your area?
BSL? That's like breed bans and restrictions? *googles* Kay, I was right. And no, there isn't. :)
I love how loyal, and full of pride Rotties always seem to be. They're always so calm and collected, in a way they almost act like their smarter than you, haha. I love how protective they are, but yet they can be complete cuddle bugs. I also like how they're not the type of dog to trust just anyone. They kind of read your feelings when it comes to other people.
Cons, well. From what I've researched, they can be prone to elbow/hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism. They're also a breed that has a stupidly bad rep with people so in some neighborhoods it could be difficult to keep a rottie. They're also known to be a little unpredictable and territorial so socialization is very important. It's really not a breed you want to bring up wrong.
I dunno, that's just what I know.

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BSL? That's like breed bans and restrictions? *googles* Kay, I was right. And no, there isn't. :)
If you think you want a Rottweiler, you should get very familiar with Breed Specific Legislation. Rottweilers are restricted or outlawed in HUNDREDS of towns and municipalities throughout the US, Canada, and Globally. Rottweilers kill people every year due to irresponsible ownership, bad breeding, bad decisions, and accidents.
Owning a Rottweiler can make it hard or impossible in some areas to get Home Owner's insurance.
I love how loyal, and full of pride Rotties always seem to be. They're always so calm and collected, in a way they almost act like their smarter than you, haha. I love how protective they are, but yet they can be complete cuddle bugs. I also like how they're not the type of dog to trust just anyone. They kind of read your feelings when it comes to other people.
Forget calm. LOL Puppies are wild. LOVE to chew. Grab pants legs. Jump up. Dig. Bark. Eat everything in your house that's not tied down unless you are VERY careful and diligent about supervising, crate training, exercise, and early obedience training. The dogs YOU see out and about may look calm and collected, but I have to wonder how many Rottweilers you have observed on their own turf when you come to visit. My 3 girls are quite friendly when introduced, and very well trained and socialized, but if you visited my home and went up to the fence, or knocked on the door, you would hear them roar, and they would not be kidding.
There is no room for a Rottweiler who is allowed to make their own judgements or behave in a suspicious manner towards non threatening people in public. This is why early training and socialization is so important, in order to AVOID a nervy pushy dog.
Cons, well. From what I've researched, they can be prone to elbow/hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism. They're also a breed that has a stupidly bad rep with people so in some neighborhoods it could be difficult to keep a rottie. They're also known to be a little unpredictable and territorial so socialization is very important. It's really not a breed you want to bring up wrong.
I dunno, that's just what I know.
Add inherited eye issues and inherited heart issues to the health issue list. DO NOT consider buying from anyone who is not doing the big 4 (hips, elbows, eyes, heart) on ALL breeding stock.
People are generally intimidated by the sight of these dogs for a reason. This is another reason why EARLY, CONTINUING and DILIGENT training and socialization is so important. These dogs will defend their turf, property, and owners, and teaching them manners, obedience, and self control from an early age is IMPERITIVE.
A Rottweiler should NEVER be unpredictable. An unpredictable Rottweiler is a lawsuit waiting to happen. Territorial, yes. Some more so than others, but all dogs will defend their turf. Tall fences and locked gates are NOT OPTIONAL. ANYONE who keeps Rottweilers in any unlocked fencing is asking for trouble.
This is a WONDERFUL breed of dog which I dearly love, but it requires more up bringing and management than many other breeds.
You should ask yourself where you will be in life 3, 5, 7, 10 years from now. I get the impression you are a young person. Life changes very rapidly for young people, and the dog will not understand being left behind when it does.
Getting a dog is a big responsibility. Getting a ROTTWEILER is a HUGE responsibility and undertaking.
If you are ready, you go girl. However, you need to look at this issue without rose colored glasses on, and be ready for anything that comes up.
A Rottweiler puppy will be committed to you for life within days of her arrival at your home. She deserves the same from you.
:D

Answer:
In my area, there are no restrictions or anything. I already have a rottweiler cross, and there has been no problem.
Where will I be in those years? Many places. And my pets are already included in my plans. I've already got Alexa, and she'll be with me every step of the way. I've even already made sure that she has somewhere to go if she can't be with me. Just in case. Even though I would die if I had to be without her. :(

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I can tell you this:
You will need to have better and more substantive answers to the above questions, and a clear plan of how you intend to take care of a Rottweiler during your growing up and education years, or you will have a hard time qualifying for a dog from a good breeder.

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In my area, there are no restrictions or anything. I already have a rottweiler cross, and there has been no problem.
i always thought that a cross is fine but a pedigree is a no no

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i always thought that a cross is fine but a pedigree is a no no
Nope, in Denver when they passed the pit bull ban, they would euthanize and confiscate any dog who remotely resembled a pit bull. Sad but true.
May not be the same in some places but most laws are written "Am Staffs/Am Staff mixes, pit bulls and pit bull mixes"

Answer:
You will need to have better and more substantive answers to the above questions, and a clear plan of how you intend to take care of a Rottweiler during your growing up and education years, or you will have a hard time qualifying for a dog from a good breeder.
I have to agree.

To the OP: Are you planning to attend college? If so, will you be living at home or moving away and living in a dorm? Will you be renting a house? 99.9% of dorms won't allow a dog. It's extremely hard to rent with a dog, especially a large one. Unless you are planning to stay at home and go to college locally, I would advise against getting a Rottweiler right now.

If you aren't planning on going to college, do you have any idea of what you will do for work in order to be able to afford your dog, its food, its vet care, its training, and so on?

Food for thought.

Answer:
I have to agree.

To the OP: Are you planning to attend college? If so, will you be living at home or moving away and living in a dorm? Will you be renting a house? 99.9% of dorms won't allow a dog. It's extremely hard to rent with a dog, especially a large one. Unless you are planning to stay at home and go to college locally, I would advise against getting a Rottweiler right now.

If you aren't planning on going to college, do you have any idea of what you will do for work in order to be able to afford your dog, its food, its vet care, its training, and so on?

Food for thought.
For college, I am planning on going, and I will be living with relatives. Where a dog wouldn't be a problem.

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Y'know what, everyone ask me questions and such. kk?

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It might seem like their attacking you but their just trying to help you make the right decision. Rotties are huge responsibilities and millions are euthanized every year. The people who have posted and I'm sure, YOU, don't want to see that happen to your future rottweiler. So just think of the questions as care :)

Answer:
Nope, in Denver when they passed the pit bull ban, they would euthanize and confiscate any dog who remotely resembled a pit bull. Sad but true.
May not be the same in some places but most laws are written "Am Staffs/Am Staff mixes, pit bulls and pit bull mixes"
Seriously you have no grandfather claus? Here in Ontario when that ridiculous ban took place all exsisting am staffs, am bull staffs, bull staffs and any "pitbull like dog" ( which usually ment I was stopped daily by animal control while walking my boxer:rolleyes: ) where allowed to stay with their owners as long as they were muzzled but had to be sterilized.
Sorry back on topic just wanted to add, I also own a Rotti cross and living in Ontario, a rather trigger happy province on bsl I am training Duke to accept a muzzel early on incase (crosses fingers it dosen't happen) another ban is put into effect here banning Rotti's or GSD's ( as he is both and strongly resembles both). I would suggest along with all of the excellent advice you've already recieved to take this into consideration with your current rotti cross as well as your new rotti if you do infact it is a breed you would like to own.
Kayla

Answer:
It might seem like their attacking you but their just trying to help you make the right decision. Rotties are huge responsibilities and millions are euthanized every year. The people who have posted and I'm sure, YOU, don't want to see that happen to your future rottweiler. So just think of the questions as care :)
No, I know, don't worry. :) I know I'm not being attacked. I completely understand their points of view. That's why I made this thread, to get other view points and such. Because as much as I do want the dog, I really want to make sure its a good decision.
I'm pretty positive that I have everything worked out. All the 'just-in-case's and everything. I made sure that the pup would have somewhere to go just in case I was in a situation where it couldn't be with me. At the same time made sure I never had to be in a situation like that.
I have a stable job right now, with definetly enough money coming in to pay for shots and such. I pay everything for Alexa right now.
I do plan on going to college, and I will be staying with relatives while I'm there. Either that, or with my boyfriend in his house. Also, with my job, I'll be able to transfer to wherever I plan on going to school, so I'll still have an income. :) Also, where I want to go to school, they have no bsl. :)

Answer:
Alexa it looks to me like you are doing all the right things in terms of planning for contingencies and doing a lot of research. You have been given some very good advice in this thread, and Redyre is not asking you any questions a good breeder wouldn't ask. It's great that you're so open to the advice of someone so experienced - and I would hesitate over getting a dog from a breeder that wasn't as vigilant as Redyre.
You can never plan for everything, so don't kill yourself trying to work out every last detail of the next 12 to 14 years of your life. Having a dog makes life harder period. Having a big dog with an unfair bad reputation is even harder. Having TWO such dogs is even harder still! And these trials go up exponentially with each factor.
However, if you are experienced, have done the research, have done as much planning as you can you should be proud of yourself that you will make an excellent Rottweiler parent. If only all prospective dog owners were so considered in their planning and research. ;)
I have a friend who has this gigantic Rottweiler called Ned. He is a particularly stunning animal but took A LOT of work. As a puppy he was massive and barrelled through their house like a freight train. They had the back door flyscreen replaced like six times before they just gave up cos he'd just run straight through it like it wasn't even there. They were inexperienced dog owners and got a Rottie pup with no idea of what was going to happen to their lives! They worked and learned and researched and got advice from professionals and Ned is just a joy. But he was very hard work - their marriage almost broke up over it, seriously - but they are so pleased they perservered and I know they are Rottie people now, for life.
They are magnificent dogs and I look forward to meeting your new baby. :D

Answer:
Alexa it looks to me like you are doing all the right things in terms of planning for contingencies and doing a lot of research. You have been given some very good advice in this thread, and Redyre is not asking you any questions a good breeder wouldn't ask. It's great that you're so open to the advice of someone so experienced - and I would hesitate over getting a dog from a breeder that wasn't as vigilant as Redyre.
You can never plan for everything, so don't kill yourself trying to work out every last detail of the next 12 to 14 years of your life. Having a dog makes life harder period. Having a big dog with an unfair bad reputation is even harder. Having TWO such dogs is even harder still! And these trials go up exponentially with each factor.
However, if you are experienced, have done the research, have done as much planning as you can you should be proud of yourself that you will make an excellent Rottweiler parent. If only all prospective dog owners were so considered in their planning and research. ;)
I have a friend who has this gigantic Rottweiler called Ned. He is a particularly stunning animal but took A LOT of work. As a puppy he was massive and barrelled through their house like a freight train. They had the back door flyscreen replaced like six times before they just gave up cos he'd just run straight through it like it wasn't even there. They were inexperienced dog owners and got a Rottie pup with no idea of what was going to happen to their lives! They worked and learned and researched and got advice from professionals and Ned is just a joy. But he was very hard work - their marriage almost broke up over it, seriously - but they are so pleased they perservered and I know they are Rottie people now, for life.
They are magnificent dogs and I look forward to meeting your new baby. :D
Haha, I love your story about the flyscreen! My parents and I have had somewhat of the same problems with Alexa. We don't even bother keeping doors shut anymore because she just barrells right into them and pop, they open! We have a gate on the stairs because we don't want her upstairs because thats "the cat's territory" and she's already learnt how to open in. And in a few more months, she'll probably be able to jump over it. Your friends weren't the only ones to give up. Our living room couch and my dad's chair have become her beds on the days I'm not there, and when I sleep there, her bed is wherever I am. The cats are just going to have to deal with it. :P It's not like she's mean to them or anything, she absolutely loves them. And she just doesn't understand why they don't play with her. :P Well, one does. She's best friend's with our smallest cat, ironically enough. It's cute though. She's a little bit spoiled I think (best dog food in town, along with very expensive dried liver treats! O_O). And loved beyond belief, lol.

Answer:
Sorry I misspoke (or I guess mistyped ;) )
I believe you had to have them registered/tattooed within a certain amount of time after the law passed. I will have to look it up again to make sure. I dont live in Denver nor would I ever live in Denver or any city who supports/has in place BSL.
Some may call me crazy but that is why I want to move outside of town, our town is talking about BSL themselves, dont know if it will pass or not, let's hope it wont.
Back on topic, I personally love Rotties. They make good dogs if brought up right. A friend from work has two, the female would ALWAYS try to get in my lap when I came over. They were super sweet dogs. (Especially the female)
Good luck to you :)

Answer:
Sorry I misspoke (or I guess mistyped ;) )
I believe you had to have them registered/tattooed within a certain amount of time after the law passed. I will have to look it up again to make sure. I dont live in Denver nor would I ever live in Denver or any city who supports/has in place BSL.
Some may call me crazy but that is why I want to move outside of town, our town is talking about BSL themselves, dont know if it will pass or not, let's hope it wont.
Back on topic, I personally love Rotties. They make good dogs if brought up right. A friend from work has two, the female would ALWAYS try to get in my lap when I came over. They were super sweet dogs. (Especially the female)
Good luck to you :)
Personally, if my city started talking about BSL, and it passed, I'd leave. I'd fight against it the entire time too. A friend of mine, her family fought against some of the BSL in Ontario, considering thats where they're orignally from. They used to breed Shelties, hee hee. So fluffy, lol.

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It's not so easy to just leave if you own property, have a job, have kids in school, have family there, etc etc etc.
BSL is a very real part of living with Rottweilers.
If you are smart, you will do some real reasearch and find out about it. The people who are speaking to you here and attempting to explain to you the real stumbling blocks, difficulties, and legal issues that go along with owning this breed are not just typing to see their fingers move.
There are issues, HUGE responsibilities, and more than a little LIABILITY that goes along with owning this breed.
I just get the feeling that you are tossing off the legitimate concerns that should be addressed by ANYONE seriously considering a Rottweiler.

Answer:
It's not so easy to just leave if you own property, have a job, have kids in school, have family there, etc etc etc.
BSL is a very real part of living with Rottweilers.
If you are smart, you will do some real reasearch and find out about it. The people who are speaking to you here and attempting to explain to you the real stumbling blocks, difficulties, and legal issues that go along with owning this breed are not just typing to see their fingers move.
There are issues, HUGE responsibilities, and more than a little LIABILITY that goes along with owning this breed.
I just get the feeling that you are tossing off the legitimate concerns that should be addressed by ANYONE seriously considering a Rottweiler.
How am I just tossing it off? I have looked into it already. Just because I make a couple jokes and add a couple smiley's doesn't mean I'm tossing something off.
I researched all of this before getting Alexa, and I'm researching it even more now because I'm thinking of getting a purebred.
I just keep getting the feeling that everyone is kind of judging me because I'm a young person. And thinking that I'm not doing all the research I should because I'm just some young person who wants a dog. When it's not like that. I'm a responsible pet owner trying to find a good breeder, and all everyone seems to do is judge.
I've done everything I can in prep for this dog, what more do you want me to do?

Answer:
Honestly Red, like all of us other Rottweiler owners, want to make sure that any person wanting to get into the breed gets the WHOLE picture of what thier getting into. Its not just so simple as getting your dog, and being happy with it.
Alot of time, energy, and planning has to go in when preparing for a Rottweiler, since they are a breed that comes under scrutany alot. And I honestly dont think anyone is having any quams about your age, I have been in Rottweilers since before I was born, starting with my mother. I am 20 yrs old and have some very nice dogs, so age isn't really something that someone can judge you by. I know alot of young people that are better versed in thier breeds than alot of older people. I think it just depends on the person.
I hope like you say, that your taking it very seriously, as they are a serious breed. I hope you dont feel like this post was a attack on you, it's not. You'll find alot of Rottweiler people want to save this breed as best we can, and you start with education.

Answer:
Here are your responses that make me feel you have not taken the acquisition of a Rottweiler carefully:
In answer to my question on why you have chosen this breed:
I've decided on a Rottie because I just love them.
You did not know what BSL means until you googled it.
BSL? That's like breed bans and restrictions? *googles*
You go on to state in the same post that Rottweilers are suspicious and unpredictable. Both traits are incorrect for this breed.
You do not demonstrate any sort of plan for your future with a Rottweiler. I have lived through youth. When you move away from home, life gets complicated (boy friends, babies, husbands, school, rent, car payments, insurance, groceries, jobs).
As a serious fancier who loves my breed, it is my DUTY to point out that life is not simple. You are just getting started in life. You have no education, no job, no residence except your parents. You have college and your whole life in front of you. I am concerned about ANY young person who is considering getting a Rottweiler who does not have a solid plan in place for their future.
How about a couple more questions? ;)
Where would you attend training class?
What age would you feel it appropriate to start training class with a Rottweiler?
How do you plan to protect passersby from your dog's innate territorial instincts?

Answer:
The only reason I googled BSL was because I was unsure of the abbreviation, that's all.
You're quick to judge in saying that I have no education, job or residence other than my parents. And the future, babies, car payments, rent? Babies are so far away I can't even think about that now. I wouldn't even think about babies until after the dogs had passed on anyway. Car payments? Aren't going to happen until maybe the baby era. Rent and groceries? Paying for them already.
For being suspicious and unpredictable, I only know what is told me in my research. And both of those have been listed as cons when they dog is not properly socialized. Feel free to correct me whenever you want though, being educated is never a bad thing. :P
Where would I attend training class? At the obedience classes offered by the kennel club here in the city.
What age would I feel appropriate to start training class? 4 to 6 months?
And what do you mean by protect passerby? While I am taking the dog out for a walk or what exactly?

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Hey, I am only 24, so obviously I am not bashing you because of age. The simple fact is I WISH someone had talked to me like this before getting my Dalmatian. Sure, I would have probably been upset like you and still gotten him but I would have been educated first.
(Dals arent easy as pie dogs like (some) labradors)
Take everything they are saying seriously. They know the breed. Maybe they can link you to a good/responsible breeder in your area who can talk to you in person about the breed and see if the breed is right for you. Not every breed is right for everybody. Not to mention if you still wanted a Rottweiller, you would know who to contact for a puppy..
I would be the same way Red is being if someone said they wanted a Dalmatian. People need to realize the bad as well as the good of any breed before they buy one..

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Great posts, Red.
Another not so little thing I'm curious about is how would your homeowner's insurance react? We have been dropped more times than we can count on 1 hand & it's not fun. You risk losing your home because with no h.o. insurance, most mortgage companies consider you in default of your mortgage. It took a lot of looking around to find our current insurance agent (& boy did we luck out as he owns a rescued "pit bull" & those working with him own a variety of "banned" dogs such as GSDs, Dobermans, Rottweilers, Huskies, etc.).
And I want to add that lying or just not telling them about your dog is NO good. Should something happen & the dog scratches or bites someone & that person gets medical treatment & then sues your h.o.'s insurance & your agent finds you owned a breed of dog that they "ban", then it's all on you. AND they will drop you. If it's in their policy a certain breed is banned, then that's the bottom line. Regardless of if they didn't come outright & tell you. It's the homeowner's responsibility to inform the h.o. insurance agent of any new animals that could be on such a "ban" list just as it is to inform them of a trampline or swimming pool (2 more things that if they don't know you have them, they won't cover any expenses related to them & then will drop you for lying).
When we made the decision to bring a Rottweiler in our home, it was after YEARS of consideration & research. Having already owned APBTs, I was familiar with restricitons on "banned breeds", but that was all I truly was prepared for. APBTs are not a guardian/protection breed & my overall experience with guardian breeds was limited to friends with dogs & the ones coming into the clinic (which unfortunately are your typical BYB specials that should've been shot). So I talked to a friend of mine who put me in contact with a LA state trooper who has a Rottweiler as a K9 dog & also has them as family pets/Schutzhund dogs. I picked his brain, worked with him & his dogs, & followed him to Schutzhund events from Louisana to TX. I read books & watched videos. THEN, when a little more than a year had passed, I realized that not only were we ready for one, but we were qualified to properly raise/train/handle one. We actually ended up getting our dog through this guy & she has been a dream. However, it was a totally different experience for us.
NO one breed of dog is for everyone & I wish people would realize that.

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The only reason I googled BSL was because I was unsure of the abbreviation, that's all.
If you want a Rottweiler, not only should you be certain what it means, you should be involved in it personally.
You're quick to judge in saying that I have no education, job or residence other than my parents. And the future, babies, car payments, rent? Babies are so far away I can't even think about that now. I wouldn't even think about babies until after the dogs had passed on anyway. Car payments? Aren't going to happen until maybe the baby era. Rent and groceries? Paying for them already.
For being suspicious and unpredictable, I only know what is told me in my research. And both of those have been listed as cons when they dog is not properly socialized. Feel free to correct me whenever you want though, being educated is never a bad thing. :P
This is why you should be on mailing lists and bulletin boards that are breed specific where experienced breeders post often. This is why you should be SPEAKING with breeders, instead of reading what is written on the net, which can be incorrect or misleading at times.
Where would I attend training class? At the obedience classes offered by the kennel club here in the city.
What age would I feel appropriate to start training class? 4 to 6 months?
If you are answering a question with another question, this needs more research. Rottweilers should begin training as early as they will be accepted into a class.
And what do you mean by protect passerby? While I am taking the dog out for a walk or what exactly?
Your last comment disturbs me most of all.
If you do not understand this question, you are NOT prepared for a Rottweiler.

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oh BTW....
Some good places for you to learn about who is who in this breed:
http://www.rottweilerconnection.com
http://www.rottweilersonline.com/
http://www.rottie-l.org/
Yahoo lists include:
Rottweiler-L
Rott-n-kids
http://www.amrottclub.org is another good one.