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So I was very excited about the end of this year as I was going to buy a rottie pup. I have been working on sorting out things here and will be ready by late November. Sadly though even though they were excited at first the other family members are not apprehensive about this breed. (I'm thinking they've been listening to negative press) But anyway I don't want to ruin or strain relationships over a dog breed, no matter how disappointed I am. So they asked if i could look for alternatives (they mentioned standard poodles...I love them but I'm not a poodle kinda person)

So basically I'm after suggestions on alternative breeds to the rot. I'm highly active and experienced with dogs. I own 3 dogs currently and live on a fair bit of land. I walk my dogs for 2hrs every day and do obedience, agility and sheep dog trialing. I also hike and am getting a springer attachment for my bike. I'm home a lot as I study from home and work one day a week. I would like something that is very large, good with cats, can keep up with my activities but not be bouncing off the walls if i'm sick and it can't be walked that day, something that i can use for agility later on. Grooming is fine as I have a Maremma so not worried about that. I enjoy the protective instinct in the Maremma and would want something a bit like that. And the family is calling out saying no huskies or malamutes lol.

Any ideas?

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Guest Willow

I know this isn't answering your question....but do the family members who have asked you to look at other breeds actually live in the same house as you, or elsewhere? Just asking because if they don't live with you at all, it's a bit unreasonable to ask you not to get the dog you want....obviously if you live in their house then I guess everyone has to be comfortable.

Edited by Willow
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Before you totally change your mind, why don't you hook up with a breeder that breeds specifically for temperament (well they all should, really) and take your family out to meet their dogs first?

We deal with a few untrustworthy Rott's at work but I've previously had a lot of contact with particular lines that are just the most gorgeous family dogs. Perhaps you just need to find the lines that suit you and go from there.

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They live with me. It's a big property and I have my own area of the house. They said they wouldn't stop me from getting one but are a bit worried about its potential aggressiveness. I tried to explain that with the breeding today, they're a very stable and good temperament dog and with continued training and socialisation they grow up to be fine members of society. They're still not happy about it though. Although they were reading up about the Maremma before I got him and were even worse...and now they adore him.

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A friend of mine picked a pure bred rotti from the RSPCA, several years ago, and to tell you the truth, he was the sweetest natured dog. I also was apprehensive about meeting him initially but my fears were unfounded. He was gentle with other dogs as well as with little children. I'm still at a loss as to why such a beautiful boy was at the RSPCA.

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Guest donatella

Get the rotti, they are so beautiful!

What about a DOGUE? Another fav of mine, big softies

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Guest Willow

They live with me. It's a big property and I have my own area of the house. They said they wouldn't stop me from getting one but are a bit worried about its potential aggressiveness. I tried to explain that with the breeding today, they're a very stable and good temperament dog and with continued training and socialisation they grow up to be fine members of society. They're still not happy about it though. Although they were reading up about the Maremma before I got him and were even worse...and now they adore him.

Ah, ok....can be hard when you share the same home as family! Perhaps you should take them to visit a litter of Rotti pups! :D

Could you foster a rotti as a 'trial run' for your family? Just a thought... :)

Clever!!! :thumbsup:

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I also prefer bulky dogs with square heads.

I agree with the other posters abt taking the family to meet a breeder and their dogs, see if you can put your families minds at ease :) Try to make them see it is not so much breed but rather good breeding and training ect which make a dog what it grows up to be :)

As another example (although no bulky head) that would be able to keep up with your herding, agility ect, would your family consider the old style GSD? I am guessing they might be wary of them too due to the same reasons they are not keen on the rotties?

Edited by german_shep_fan
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We had a problem with a Cane Corso X we fostered about 2 years ago and after that no fostering large breeds, it's written in stone somewhere. I'll take them for a drive the see a few adult rottis at a breeders place, I'll make a few phone calls. Still keep throwing breeds around though, just in case they decide they don't like them even more.

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How about a boxer? I am not an expert on them, but they seem to tick a few of the boxes that you desire. Very energetic and have a gorgeous boof head. They're about the only other boof head large dog that I can think of that might do ok with agility training. I'd recommend a bullmastiff or dogue, but generally speaking, they are not exactly overly active and energetic dogs (pups excluded of course lol).

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