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Lab or Rotweiler?

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27D4

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We are considering getting a large dog, my wife wants a lab and I want a rotweiler. We want a laid back, easy going dog that will get along with our two little dogs (pekinese, shi tzu).Our new dog will be mainly a house dog, with a few hours a day in the yard. Our activity level is not high: walks around the neighborhood, park. I would appreciate any input/suggestions from lab/rotweiler owners.
 

IvoryRain

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Both breeds are excellent.

Before you make a decision you may want to see what rules your home owners insurance have regarding breeds allowed.

My own insurance has a "bad breed list" that includes rotties. Due to this (many insurance companies have bad breed lists) it can be hard to get coverage for certian breeds owned. Insurance companies vary.

Also, in my area there are strict rules about fencing while owning certian breeds.

I am not downing rotts at all, but due to circumstances more than just a breed of choice has to play into the decision.
 
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MsAnne

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My brother and sister-in-law have one of each. Both purebred, registered, etc. The Lab is much more high strung, but a good dog. The Rot is wonderful, but keep in mind, they have a tendency to struggle with hip problems, espcecially in their older age.

Also, I just can't imagine either of those breeds being mainly a 'house dog'. Even a well behaved Lab and Rot (as these two are) can be like a bull in a china shop! :D I don't know how happy either would be spending the majority of their time in the house.

They are great dogs. Good luck!
 
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PegasusOnFire

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I have worked with both of these breeds. My suggestion would be to get a rot. Not only are they wonderful dogs, but people are scared of them, as they are very intimidating looking. If your wife is out walking the dog alone, you can be sure that she will be left alone.
 
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SnowOwlMoon

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Rotties and Labs have different personalities--I don't think either one is necessarily a bad choice, but one may be a better choice for YOU. Whichever one you go with, please please PLEASE for the dog's sake, research breeders! Find a responsible, ethical breeder who breeds for the betterment of the breed, who works their dogs, breeds for health and temperament, and tests their breeding stock. Both Labs and Rotties have potentially serious health problems, and due to bad breeding, can have poor temperaments. Labs are the number one dog in popularity in the US right now, and the number one dog ending up in shelters and rescues. In my area, Rotties are number 2.

Both breeds are working breeds--the Lab was bred to spend a day hunting, the Rottie to serve as a guard and drover. They both need exercise (lots) and both need training (lots). Neither one is really a laid-back, easy going, low-maintenance dog content with a walk around the park or neighborhood. You may want to research some kind of dog sport--agility, flyball, tracking for either breed, and for the Rottie, carting or herding. You need to provide mental stimulation as well as physical exercise (BTW, the same is true for your little dogs, too!). If you really want a low-energy large dog, you might consider a Bullmastiff or Great Dane.

I would recommend finding a dog show--a specialty show for Labs and Rotties, or an all-breed dog show--and talk to some breeders and handlers. You can find dates for shows in your area on the Internet. Research breeders; ask questions--what is their goal in breeding? What health tests do they do? Do they guarentee the puppies?

Good luck in your search!
 
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YouthPastor

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Check home owner's insurance - Alot refuse Rotties.

I have two.

Generically - labs - high energy
rotties - more laid back

However, Rotties - NEED a FIRM hand. now there are some that are laid back and would never challenge your authority - however do not bet on it.

Rotties by nature - are a more "aggressive" breed - does not meant they will attack or be mean - it just means that they are more head strong and more willing to "be the boss" should you not take the job.

If you find a highly recomended dog trainer in your area - he may be able to help "fit" you for which breed is best for you.

Rotties, Pit Bulls, german Shepherds, Huskies - All tend to require a FIRM, FAIR and CONSISNTANT handler
 
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SnowOwlMoon

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countrybumpkin4ever said:
Go with the Lab not only are they good dogs, but they are very protetive.:cool: Rotties have a tendency to attack and sometimes turn on their owners:eek: .

Not true. Labs are not very good watch dogs. Rotties are not a breed for novice dog owners, and they do need training, and you do need to do research to find a responsible, ethical breeder, but they have no more tendancy to attack than any other breed, and if they turn on their owners, it's almost invariably because of abuse. All the Rotties I've met have been big, lovable goofballs.
 
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