January 2006
Greetings!
Thank you for your interest in homeless Rottweilers. In 2001, Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue (SPDR) was notified of 663 UNWANTED ROTTWEILERS. The Rottweiler is a breed in serious trouble and here’s why.
- Most people who own or want to own Rottweilers shouldn’t. It’s as simple as that. Most Rottweiler owners do not have the knowledge (and don’t go out and get it) to properly and safely train and care for the breed.
- The overpopulation of this breed is due to people breeding and adopting these dogs for the wrong reasons. Unfortunately, Rottweilers are seen by many as a “cash crop.” The only reason these dogs should ever be bred is to better the breed. No other reason. Ethical breeders do not have profit as a goal when having a litter of puppies. Ethical breeders have few litters, maybe one per year. Ethical breeding is expensive. Ethical breeders help rescue the unwanted of their breed.
- A sensationalistic news media that emphasizes the disastrous results of ignorance with this breed yet fails to highlight how these disasters can be prevented through responsible ownership.
Those of us who are truly committed to this breed have a grave responsibility facing us. We must educate others about our breed and our dogs must be ambassadors. In other words, our dogs must be well-socialized and well-cared for canine good citizens. If you are up to the challenge of raising and training a Rottweiler to be a good citizen, please read on. If not, we would be happy to talk with you about another breed more suitable to your lifestyle and personality.
With that in mind, we like to be up front with those of you interested in adopting one of these magnificent companions. One main theme surrounding this breed is liability, liability, liability. Rottweilers are large and powerful, extremely intelligent and protective of home, territory and beloved humans. In the hands of an ignorant or uncaring dog owner, the intelligence and protective instincts can easily become aggression. “The Rottweiler has existed for over 200 years. Only in the last few years have there been reports of bite incidents. Common sense should tell us that a breed with a 200-year legacy as a highly intelligent, reliable, good-humored and gentle companion could not have lost these qualities in a few years’ time. In fact, these qualities are the very reason the Rottweiler has become a victim of its own popularity” (Source: “Rottweiler owners must shoulder responsibilities” by Cindy Garrett; The Enumclaw Courier-Herald, November 11, 1992). For the protection and advancement of our breed, we are highly selective in screening applicants. Below are some of our adoption requirements:
- Previous large breed ownership experience, Rottweiler experience preferred
- A fenced yard (minimum 5 feet; 6 feet ideal)---Invisible Fencing alone is not appropriate confinement for this breed
- All applicants must be at least 21 years of age
- Participation in formal obedience training and ongoing socialization
- Demonstrated responsible dog ownership
- Demonstrated financial stability
- If you rent, we require a letter from your landlord giving you permission to keep a Rottweiler on the premises and stating there are no insurance problems. Please include this letter, if necessary, with your application materials.
If you do not meet these minimum requirements, please wait until your circumstances change before applying to adopt.
Whether you adopt a rescue dog or buy a puppy from an ethical breeder, formal obedience training and socialization will be needed and there will be issues you and your dog will need to resolve. All Rottweilers are work. Please be prepared to work daily with your dog (even in the rain and even when you’re tired). While in foster care, our dogs begin learning basic obedience and we work on any issues they may have. Adopters must plan to continue this work with the dog.
Team Rottweiler
SPDR Website: www.spdrdogs.org |
