Rottweiler and Breeds

Pitbull Dogs

2011-10-10T15:24:00.000-07:00

PIT BULL INFORMATION

BY THE POSITIVE PITBULL AWARENESS SOCIETY

NOTE: Throughout discussions of the Pit Bull breed, you will notice two words repeated over and over again: Responsible Ownership. With media hysteria and BSL (Breed specific legislation), we good owners, find ourselves endlessly having to defend our breed. Every bad story and headline damage our dogs even further. Irresponsible and ignorant owners have done almost as much damage to these dogs as dogfighters have. The Pit Bull is an exceptional breed that requires exceptional dedication and ownership. This page may seem to paint a grim picture of Pit Bull ownership, but the breed’s very survival depends on new owners knowing what they are getting into, and ALL owners being responsible and protecting the breed’s reputation.

AGGRESSION

In the following sections I will discuss aggression in the American Pit Bull Terrier. It is VERY important to note that, in dogs, and especially with this particular breed, aggression toward humans (called human aggression) is a COMPLETELY separate trait from aggression toward dogs (dog aggression) and/or other animals (animal aggression). While a dog may be both human and animal aggressive, the presence of one kind of aggression DOES NOT mandate or exclude the presence of the other.

TEMPERAMENT, WHAT IS IT?

Simply put, temperament is those behavioral traits and mental attitudes shared by canines and combined with the special characteristics proper to a certain dog breed. Newfoundlands for example, like water and love children, that is part of the breed’s temperament. A Newfoundland that hates to swim or growls at a child is showing improper temperament for the breed. When a person talks about the temperament of their chosen breed, they are describing those traits which most good examples of the breed will have, rather than describing a specific dog. A dog who posses all or most of the characteristics expected for their breed is said to have a proper temperament. This is why it is very important to know about your chosen breed’s temperament and research its specific traits, preferably before you commit to a dog. You may find out that even though you like the “look” of a certain breed, the temperament is not for you.

A WORD ABOUT BREED HISTORY

Much of a dog’s temperament relates to its breed history and genetic inheritance. I won’t go too deep into the history of the Pit Bull as there are many good books and websites that cover the origin and history of the breed. It is common knowledge however, that the Pit Bull breed was developed for blood sports: Bull baiting, bear baiting, and later, dogfighting. What is not common knowledge is that in the days of organized dogfighting, the handlers of the combatants were habitually IN THE PIT with the dogs for the duration of the fight. They were required to pick up and separate the dogs several times while the dogs were in full fight frenzy. Before the fight, the handlers were required to wash each other’s dogs, and after the fight, the badly injured dogs were often treated at ringside by strangers. Any dog that attacked or bit a handler (even if it was the other dog’s handler) or anyone else at any time was culled, often on the spot, and would never have been bred.

SO, WHAT IS THE PROPER PIT BULL TEMPERAMENT?

As with all breeds, the Pit Bull has positive and negative traits in their temperament. Their breed history has led to a dog unlike any other in the history of purebred dogs. What can you expect from an APBT? First and foremost, memorize the following: THE GOLDEN RULE OF PIT BULL OWNERSHIP – NEVER TRUST YOUR PIT BULL NOT TO FIGHT! This breed is descended from pit dogs one way or another, and, given the right circumstances, most Pit Bulls will fight and against any other breed, they will win (you really don’t want to see that!). Scared yet? You should be. Remember, as the owner of a Pit Bull everything you or your dog do will affect all members of the breed and their families. Pit Bull owners have to be extra vigilant 24/7, period. You need to be receptive, have strong leadership, and be able to read canine body language to recognize signs of tension between housemates. You need to be prepared to separate the dogs if tensions develop. You need to know when your dog may become aggressive and you need to have control of your dog under any circumstances. Sound like a lot of work and hassle? It is. So, what’s the payoff? The payoff is: A well-raised pit bull of proper temperament is the most loyal and loving dog in the world, bar none. This is a dog that truly LOVES people, especially children. Pits are notorious clowns, and will Always make you laugh, even in spite of yourself. They are intelligent, and will often “invent” games to keep themselves amused. They seem to subsist on love and attention, and will do almost anything for a little special “loves n hugs” time. They tolerate the rough play of children, loving every minute of it, and, although poor “guard dogs” for property, they will willingly give their lives to save the people they love. Thousands of responsible owners have dedicated themselves to this breed for it’s positive traits and willingly deal with the negatives.

TO SUMMARIZE THE PROPER PIT BULL TEMPERAMENT

1. Pit Bulls are often dog-aggressive to one extent or another (this often shows up at or near sexual maturity). A dog that was previously non-dog aggressive may “turn-on” and suddenly doesn’t like other dogs of the same sex, or, for that matter, any dogs at all, even housemates they have been raised with. Adult Pit Bulls should NEVER be left alone with other dogs and require proper supervision. 2. Pit Bulls may exhibit intense “prey drive”, leading them to “stalk” small animals such as cats, rats, chickens, livestock, or other pets. 3. Pit Bulls are precocious and incomparable escape artists, who will often seem to squirt right out of a supposedly secure yard or enclosure. When coupled with # 1 and # 2, you can see why a responsible Pit Bull owner is a vigilant pit bull owner.4. Pit bulls are intelligent, and most enjoy training, if it is done properly. This makes them excellent prospects for dog sports such as agility, obedience, weight pull, and Frisbee competitions. .5. Pit Bulls tend to LOVE people. All people. This makes them a poor choice for a “guardian breed”. Most of them are simply too friendly to protect a house against strangers. A Pit Bull that shows unprovoked human aggression (puppy play nips do NOT count) is showing BAD temperament and in most cases should be put to sleep. Such a dog should obviously NEVER be bred under any circumstances. The breeding of dogs with bad temperaments is one of the largest problems the breed faces today and fuels the fire of breed specific legislation.6. Pit bulls tend to be very “soft” with their family, meaning that they are eager to please their humans. They should not have to be “shown who’s boss”, but will thrive under “positive leadership”. A Pit Bull of proper temperament is a devoted and loving family member, inspiring immense loyalty to the breed. You will often hear a Pit Bull’s owner tell you that after owning one, they will never own any other breed.

PITBULL APPEARANCE

Built for performance, the pit bull is a medium sized, very muscular, short coated breed. The head is bricklike, the jaws strong and wide, the ears may be cropped or not (I prefer uncropped dogs for several reasons). The body is typically very strong, with a deep chest, powerful and proportionate hind end and solid legs. The overall impression should be of power and athleticism. This is not a dog for couch potatoes, as it requires A LOT of training and exercise. With this breed it is important to remember to exercise both the dog’s body and mind. Remember, a tired pit bull is a happy pit bull and a bored pit bull is NOT a good thing! They will find some very inventive ways to entertain themselves that the owner may not like (often involving the garbage can, kitchen counter and cabinets, feather pillows, dirty laundry and various items of furniture). Remember also, that this is a VERY enthusiastic breed that may very well overwhelm young children or older people with it’s affection. This breed needs to be taught to sit and greet people calmly as it’s natural inclination will probably be to climb into their lap, put a paw on each of their shoulders, and attempt to wipe their face off with it’s tongue. Attempts to convince a full grown pit bull that it is too big to be a “lap dog” will, more often than not, fall on deaf ears if it was not taught “manners” as a puppy. Do not allow your puppy to do anything you don’t want your adult dog to do (eg climb on the couch, sleep in the bed, invade your lap, etc.).

FCI not recognized, Origin: England, Ireland, USA, Group Mastiff.

Height: 18-24 in, Weight: 30-60 pounds

Grooming: Low, Shedding: Medium, Coat: Smooth, glossy.

Color:Any color except for merle.

Ease of training: High, Energy level: High, Span of life: 11-14 years

Breed: From the time of the breed formation to the present day American Pit Bull remains versatile, easily trained dog that can easily cope with the pastoral, hunting, guarding and weight-pulling work as well as with the role of the dog-nanny, willing to come into play with the children, guarding and protecting them.

The origin of American Pit Bulls is deeply rooted in history. The first references and evidences, that in many parts of continental Europe and Britain, people were breeding and using these dogs, are from about 2300 BC, they were found in the tombs of Abyssinia and Tibet.

In the writings of Grazii Falliskus, dated approximately 200 year BC, there is a mentioning of dogs with this type of constitution, brought from Britain, who were stronger and therefore more victorious than the local Roman dog breeds, while acting in the Roman arenas.

There are written evidences that between 12 and 18 centuries in England and continental Europe the fights between dogs and bulls (or bears) was a very popular way of entertainment. On the engravings of 15-18 centuries there are pictured some dogs of the same type as the modern American Staffordshire Terriers and Pit Bull Terriers - involved in dog fighting and hunting.

Based on existing historical documents, we can conclude that the Pit Bulls had been in America before the War of Liberation (1774). It is known for sure that they were brought by the immigrants from European countries: first of all from Spain, Sicily, England and Holland. The biggest import of Pit Bulls happened immediately after 1845, when a large number of immigrants from Ireland came to America.

Doberman Pinscher

2011-10-06T02:24:00.000-07:00

Doberman Pinscher

Rottweiler

2011-10-06T02:19:00.000-07:00

Rottweiler

Rottweiler is a dog breed. There’s no exact information about the native land of Rottweiler, according to some sources its origin dates from the Rome’s empire. It is used as a pet and a hunt dog. According to others its native land is Germany. In the time of the First and the Second World War it is used as a guard dog.

Purpose of Rottweiler raising is creation of a harmonic, health and strong, powerful, responding to the race marks dog – companion, athletic and dog for work with the most physically and typical productivity. The aspiration of the master must be not only to increase the race number, but to keep and to harden the shape and the essence on a wide base.
By race marks we understand the grouping of characteristics and qualities of the competent union for raising. Every dog in this breed has to show these marks. Because of that it is taken as an example the perfect breed, called dog – etalon. Responsible for the determination, complement and specifying of the race marks is the general German club Rottweiler, Stuttgart. The rest countries, as far as they belong to the World Union (FCI) or they have an agreement with this union, they are obligated to keep the race marks of the nature, pointed from the country, from where the race is coming.

The nature of Rottweiler dog is composed of the combination of every inborn or gained physical and psychological qualities and abilities, which define and rule its attitude to the environment. As a temperament it’s a nice, peaceful, very attached, obedient, kind, and assiduous. The character, the desire for movement and action are on the middle level. Toward unpleasant influence it is tough, brave and with a steady nerves. Its sense-organs are expediently developed. Its ability for studying is excellent. It belongs to the powerful, moderate type. Because of its poor distrust, middle sharpness and high self-confidence it reacts to the influence calmly and waiting. The painful influence it is during without any fear and again calmly.

Appearance:

In calmly, not moving condition its tough body radiates strength, dexterity and endurance. Middle large, a massive dog, which is known by its middle – big head, highly expressed stop.

Nose mush: black colored nose mush and lips.
Teeth: scissors bite on the jaws, strong, full number – 42 teeth
Eyes: dark-brown, middle large almond – shaped
Ears: small, highly put and hanging. It has a powerful, strong neck.
Limbs: straighten, massive, in relief, strongly developed muscles. The paws are big, oval, with strong, vaulted fingers.
Tail: In calm situation –straight, naturally, hanging – nor low, nor highly put.
Hairy cover: it is short and thick, and it is composed by rough, thickly fitting hair. The skin is thick but elastic. Raising the dog in lower temperatures it develops thick hair, protecting from dampness and cold. The color is black, with red-brown lines (on the legs, the front part of the neck and breast, the lower part of the muzzle and above eyebrows).

Rottweilers are forbidden in some American States and some European countries.

FCI #147, Group 2 Section 2, Origin: Germany,

Height: 23-27 in, Weight: 90-130 lb

Grooming:LOW, Shedding:MEDIUM, Coat: short, dense, hard

Color: black and mahogany.

Ease of training: HIGH, Energy level: MEDIUM, Span of life: 10-12 years

Breed: Not everyone knows that this German breed has almost two thousand years of genealogy. Imagine a 74 BC. Passing through the Alps there stretches a huge army. Behind the combat units were moving the countless herds of cattle, massive short-haired, tireless and courageous dogs were guarding the live stock. That was the eleventh legion of Claude August. "Claudia pia fidelia" was aimed at the conquest of southern Germany. A wonderful country with beautiful fertile land. Another achievement of the great Rome. On the high bank of the river Neckar was the perfect place to camp, where people, horses and dogs could rest. Dogs were playing a major role at the camps, guarding the herds on the vast grasslands.

In the year 260 the Romans withdrew their army from the territory of the modern county of Wurttemberg. But the dogs stayed. We do not know how they were called at that time.

Roman Molosser dogs were the ancestors of Russian sheepdogs, Pyrenean Shepherds, Hungarian Komondor.

In the old days in the Roman colonies in the valley of the Neckar there were extensive pastures, and cattle flourished. Along with the revival of livestock trading arose the demand for the so-called "Roman dogs" because of their valuable qualities. These brave, intelligent dogs were perfectly guarding the cattle. Willingly and even with great excitement and they were also pulling carriages.

In those days, "breeders" have managed to get a very successful instances of such dogs, and even set the desired direction in breeding. This determined that the nature of the modern Rottweiler is very similar to the character and qualities of his ancestors that existed twenty centuries ago.

The name "Rottweiler" is associated with the city Rottweil, situated on the banks of the Rhine, where was placed an old camp Arae Flaviae.

Thanks to its location at the crossroads of trade routes, Rottweil soon became a famous trading center. Many people were arriving at the cattle fairs, and with them arrived their dogs - assistant and defenders of their masters. Sometimes, dogs 'transported' wallets with cash, for security reasons attached to the collar. The first information about these stories date back to the the XV century. Metzgerhund (butchers dogs) - were harnessed to a carts loaded with meat. Ancestors of Rottweilers were called "butcher's dogs" for a long time - until the nineties of the last century. But at this time the German authorities issued an order banning the transportation of meat by urban and rural roads. There have been allowed only meat transportation by rail. Thus, dogs from Rottweil lost their main job.

However, thanks to the qualities inherited from their ancestors (absolute loyalty to the man, hard work, toughness, resistance, unpretentiousness), Rottweilers were once again hired: at this time - in the police.

But despite that for the dogs of Rottweil (Rottweilermetzgerhund) there came hard times. Their number decreased. In 1882 at the dog show there was exhibited only one Rottweiler - and it was not the best representative of the breed.

There is no mentioning of a breed Rottweiler until 1901, when there was founded the united club of Rottweilers and Leonbergers. It did not exist for a long time, but left its mark, because under its influence there was written the first standard for the breed Rottweiler. The main thing is that the breed did not lose it's type or character from that time.

During the years 1901-1907 Rottweiler gained recognition as a police dog. At January 13, 1907 was organized the German Rottweiler Club (DRK - Deutscher Rottweiler Klub), and at 26 April of the same year - the International Rottweiler Club (IRK - Internationaler Rottweiler Klub). In August 14, 1921 in Wurzburg there was founded a National Rottweiler Club of Germany - ADRK. There were registered officially 3400 Rottweilers.

General Features: The last breed standard was adopted in 2000 in Germany. It describes the exterior and the psychological characteristics of the Rottweiler. The dog's behavior is characterized as balanced, calm and harmonious. Rottweilers quickly become attached to their owners. Generally the dogs of this breed are quite easy to train. Most Rottweilers show positive attitude towards children. This is the ideal guard dog. According to the standard the Rottweiler should not look too fat or too slim. Power and harmony are the distinctive features of the Rottweiler's body. Back of a Rottweiler is straight, chest and croup - wide.

Black color predominates in the Rottweiler's coat. The reddish-brown markings are located in the area of the eyes, cheeks, chest, legs and tail of a Rottweiler. Skull of a Rottweiler should have a nice shape - not too long and not too short. The forehead is not very prominent, head is well developed, but not bulging. The nose is broad and black in color. The dog has a strong jaws and a strong teeth. Teeth of a Rottweiler must meet the scissors bite.

Skin on the head of a Rottweiler at rest should not be wrinkled or folded. The ears are in a hanging position, reminiscent of a letter V. Rottweiler has a rather short neck, with well developed muscles. On the neck should not be present any fats or folds. Rottweiler's tail by the latest rules should not be docked -it must be left in it's natural form. In the normal position the tail is in a shape of a sable. Legs of a Rottweiler are well muscled. Hips of moderate length, legs are long. Limbs must not be placed too close to each other. Rottweiler must move confidently. His moves are somewhat heavy, but elegant. While walking the Rottweiler is making quite a large steps.

Thinness, poorly developed muscles, pointed muzzle, the head of an irregular shape are considered as a faults. Also, pendulous lips, cleft nose, straight bite and many other features. The rottweiler will be disqualified in case he has a behavioral problems (excessive aggression, nervousness, irritability, etc.), long or wavy coat, color, different from the standard, the lack of teeth.

Temperament: Rottweiler belongs to the Molossoid type of dogs - the name of a group, which differs with a massive built, muscular, strong jaws, courage and devotion to their masters.

Rottweiler by his functions is a guarding dog. This breed of dogs was created in the eighteenth century in Germany, in the town of Rottweil, which gave the name to the breed.

The Rottweiler is characterized by his calmness, he is naturally balanced and not prone to any mood swings. But if this dog feels any threat in relation to himself or his master, the reaction of a Rottweler will be fast like a lightning: not everyone is able to bear a Rottweiler's attack. In the house where people are planning to keep a Rottweiler, they must remember that poor psychological climate in a family - quarrels and fuss - can trigger dog's guarding instincts, and then the Rottweiler will become restless and unbalanced. Rottweiler requires peaceful conditions of living, he loves the calm and harmonious rhythm of life. If the dog feels comfortable in his house, in this case his devotion to the family will be limitless.

Keep in mind that all the positive qualities of the Rottweiler do not appear in one moment: the dog should be allowed to grow and get his own experiences. Excessive pressure and training may affect the character of the Rottweiler, making him an aggressive creature, that is dangerous to the others.

The Rottweiler can be both: a caretaker and companion to the family and serve in the police or rescue service. In addition, Rottweilers are great for people with disabilities - they make excellent guide dogs. But whatever purpose will be chosen for a Rottweiler - this dog should be trained and brought up by the person with a strong character. Only the persistent and exacting master will be able to raise up a Rottweiler with the sense of respect for orders. Otherwise, if this dog is given too much independence, he can simply get out of control.

Just like any other dog, a Rottweiler can become despondent if he will feel the lack of attention from his owners.

When this breed was created, the very special attention was given to such qualities as loyalty, balanced character and courage. These qualities describe the nature of the Rottweiler. All these features of his disposition are transmitted from generation to generation, and no training can affect them, in case your Rottweiler came from a good responsible breeder.

Rottweiler most of the time is in a good mood, he is always happy to take part in fun and games. This dog - if comes from a reputable breeder and if raised up properly - is friendly towards people. Being among people, the Rottweiler is usually calm, unruffled. This dog knows his place and never panics for no reason. Rottweiler gives his voice only in case something is really happening - he never barks in vain. In general, this dog is not very temperamental, impulsiveness or restlessness are not characteristic to the Rottweiler.

Rottweiler is quite suitable for life in the urban apartment. The only thing you must always remember - that this dog needs exercise and intense physical exertion. Therefore, it is necessary to provide your Rottweiler the opportunity to have a long walks and a certain amount of daily physical and mental work.

The coat of a Rottweiler requires constant care. To make it shiny and smooth, the dog must be regularly brushed. In addition, this procedure is beneficial for the skin and is a kind of massage that improves Rottweiler's muscle condition.

For brushing will be the best if you could use a special glove. It not only tidies the Rottweiler's coat, but also removes fallen hairs and dirt from the dog's body.

Health problems: Some Rottweilers are prone to the hip dysplasia. Be careful not to overfeed your Rottweiler, because dogs of this breed can gain weight easily.