Rottweilers/American Pit Bull Terriers

ORIGINAL: Damarcus Daniels

They are generally okay with other pets if they are raised with them from puppy hood. 

 
Just to warn you, this does not include other dogs.  APBTs usually don't become dog aggressive until 2-6 years of age.  The odd thing about DA in APBTs is that they often look like they want to play with the other dog. (whining, wagging their tail, and pulling on the leash to get to the other dog)  Be aware that although they may look like they want to play, they might be trying to fight. 
 
It is a huge jump from Beagles to Pit Bulls and Rottweilers.  You may want to look into adopting a Beagle from breed rescue, which is often full or even overflowing(as it is in my area).  It is rarely a trouble to move a dog from one shelter to another, as dogs are constantly being moved between rescues and shelters.  One of the Pyrenees at our shelter was sent from Nebraska to a loving home in California not too long ago.  Go to the AKC.org rescue page and scroll down to beagle rescue.  There's quite a few of them and I'm sure they've got lots of really sweet dogs looking for homes.  [linkhttp://www.akc.org/breeds/rescue.cfm]http://www.akc.org/breeds/rescue.cfm[/link]. 

hey i have a pitt and we have had rottweilers in the past and they have been the two best breed my family have ever owned and yet there the two most feared dog breeds. I mean its sad we go to the dog park with are pitt and hes the nicest dog there but when h goes to get pet people ignore him. But think hard before getting either breed and check BSL

Damarcus a good place to start would be checking out some dog shows in your area, you will find very knowledgeable people there. Maybe see if you can help out at rescue's in your area, this is a good way to get some hands on before you are an owner.

turtle, you have been blessed perhaps with a nice Pit, but as a trainer, I can say that the dog park is not the best place for most people to bring their APBT's.  These are dogs that can play nicely as young dogs, then decide that they no longer like other dogs.  And, it happens quickly with some.  Owners always have to be prepared for that possibility.  As to the problem about people fearing your dog and not wanting to pat him, even though he's social, you might want to train him to do a few cute tricks.  That's usually a good icebreaker for people.  After all, if the dog "waves" or weaves through your legs, or gives "high five", how threatening does he look? []

Dogs should be loved like your children.... Love them and show affection and they do the same,  we have 6 dogs.. and have always had large so called bully breeds  throughout our lives,   its ALL HOW YOU RAISE them,  just like kids...My male Rott (bruno)  is the cuddliest dog ever,  he loves everyone and especially kids....Dogs should be kept inside as your children should

rottiebreeder, I'm curious, since you profess to be a "breeder, lover and educator" of the Rottweiler breed:

In your opinion, what is the proper age for breeding of a Rottweiler?

What health testing should be done before breeding?

So many people have gotten involved with both of these breeds because they feel that the breeds have a tough image, and that translates into them having a tough image.  I am sure that many wonderful dogs are ruined this way.  Any animal has the potential to be aggressive, poorly socialized, barky, etc.  and when people buy a supposedly "cool" dog, they create a self fulfilling prophecy of getting what they anticipated by the way they react to the animal-unfortunately, due to the large and powerful natures of these breeds, people often get more than they bargained for.  We had one such neighbor, who owned his dogs for perceived status-tough and cool.  He then proceeded to breed the pits to the rotts to create an even stronger, more territorial tendency in the pups.  I had them come over our six foot fence several times in an attempt to attack my Springer Spaniel, who was blind from birth and therefore a pretty easy target.   I was so frustrated by this, that on one occassion when they managed to hurt the Springer pretty badly, I saw red-literally, and grabbed one of them by the scruff of the neck and the stub of the tail and chucked him bodily back over the fence into their own yard.  I didn't feel proud of it, but from that day on, I was the only one in the immediate neighborhood that stopped having visits from the terrorist dogs.  I was so thrilled when they moved away-(far away to another state as I was given to understand), but I do pity their new neighborhood, and I wonder if the man continues to create ill-tempered puppies because it is cool, and wonder about all the families who are trying to deal with these less than social animals.

You are so right, Sue.   I work VERY HARD to present to the general public well mannered friendly well trained dogs. It is one of the things I do to promote a GOOD public image of this breed, and to combat the idea people have that all these dogs are vicious, thanks to the media.

aww the beautiful Rottie, I have owned many dogs but never one as true a friend as our baby girl Tia who lived to 10yrs(only passing a week today) never in her life did she so much as growl at anyone.My two children who came along after we had her used to jump over her like mad she loved the atteneion. never once was she to tired to play with the kids, even right at the end when she was ill. We also have a 3yr old Rott Stitchy & another so called bully breed a mixed english/french mastiff Bailey who is just approching 6mts. With gentle loving, a warm heart and the time & experience with the more dominate breeds Rotties make the very best of family members.