| I find it very sad that the "general population" views rotties as aggressive or mean. Although I have only owned one rott, the others that I have encountered have all had the same general mannerisms and temperment. They seem to all be very loving and friendly. I have often questioned the protective nature of my own rott because she tends to bark or growl much less than my other three dogs (one a shepherd, one a blood hound and one a 30 pound dynamite mutt) I have always believed - or at least told myself that I believe - that she would come to my defense in a critical situation, but the routine knock at the door or odd noise in the night does not elicit any response. Perhaps a bit of curiosity, but certainly not the percieved protectiveness of a rott. I believe that any dog can be made to be aggressive by tying them up, being mean to them, or encouraging aggressive behavior. However, I do not feel that the rott is aggressive by nature. There is an inherant need to protect - as with any pack animal or any family member, but the rotts I know do not seem to feel the need to be "protective" overall. I think I will always have a rott in my life because my experience has been so fantastic with mine. She is gentle, intelligent, kind and loving. |
