Just like any endeavor worth doing, there is a right way and a wrong way and breeding dogs is no exception. Ethical breeders are defined in the Code of Ethics or the Mandatory Practices. However, these are not necessarily a stamp of approval. These rules are merely a quideline to ensure the well being of the breed in the states but many breeders take their ethics above and beyond these minimums and are to be commended.
Becoming an ethical breeder doesn't just happen overnight - it takes work and time! To be classified as an ethical breeder, in the truest sense, one must literally spend hours reading information on health and genetics, spend considerable time and money competing in shows with success, work their dogs in a working venue, study pedigrees and hold active status in breed clubs. If this sounds tedious, it is as it well should be! It takes years to develop any form of expertise and any breeder worth their salt will tell you the learning never stops.
With that in mind, it is only natural to conclude an ethical breeder will put forth the very same effort in producing the best litter possible. The production of a litter isn't just the whelping and selling of puppies. A puppy's early socialization, genetic background and initial conditioning are the result of the breeder's effort and have a direct result on the pup's future. These breeders are easily distinguishable by their unique barrage of questions designed to ferret out the best possible homes, while supporting the conviction the Rottweiler is not for everyone. Proper placement of the puppies is paramount with them. Their puppies deserve to be placed in an environment where they will continue to thrive.
These breeders adhere to the Code of Ethics and/or the Mandatory Practices like the Bible. They refuse to breed any animal that has a disqualifying fault according to the AKC or FCI standard for the Rottweiler, or who display faulty temperaments. Their dogs are often AKC, CKC, USRC or ARV title holders or they have earned titles in a foreign country. Their criteria for genetic testing ascends above and beyond OFA certification. Many check thyroid, heart, eyes and blood of the dogs being considered for breeding as well as their siblings for disorders commonly found in Rottweilers and openly discuss the results.
Ethical breeders have vast experience in evaluating temperament and can grade a litter accordingly. Out of a large litter there are several personalities which are categorized accurately. During the interview process with prospective buyers, the desired level of activity, among other things, is discussed at length. A responsible breeder would not advocate placing the highest strung puppy in a home that is normally laid back and docile.
Ethical breeders also make themselves available day or night for the remainder of the dog's life. Whether the new owners are having difficulty in training or calling to share something wonderful, the ethical breeder is always supportive and concerned and remains willing to take the dog back at any time, or facilitate in its relocation should the buyer ever need to rehome the dog.
A Rose By Any Other Name
In an effort to distance themselves from the negative implications of the term "backyard breeder," some people have elected to classify themselves with terminology that comes across to the average person as respectable. Terms commonly used are: private breeders, hobbyists, in-home breeders or just plain old breeders of Rottweilers. It's a sales pitch to put the buyer at ease.
These breeders can range from the Jones' next door to the Clampetts. In the latter case, many would opt not to purchase a puppy from these people but what about the Jones'? They have a decent home and car. The puppies are fat and cute and they seem to know a lot about the Rottweiler. Afterall, they have bred several litters. What is wrong with these breeders?
Inexperience for starters! In easier to manage breeds such as the Labrador or the Golden, their inexperience may be less distinguishable, less "necessary." However, in a dog of the working breed, recognizing and understanding correct temperament is essential! Many of these Jones-style breeders announce their dog has "correct temperament" based solely on the fact (s)he is such a friendly dog with adults and children. Or, conversely (and equally as dangerous) are the breeders who feel the macho displays of guarding their dogs show are what define "correct temperament" in a Rottweiler.
FACT: The only way to prove a dog's temperament/working ability is by training and trialing your dog in a specific forum designed for that breed. If the Jones' do not train their dog beyond the casual sit, down and come then they are ill prepared to breed or be advising puppy buyers. (Would you buy your house from an unlicensed, unproven Contractor?) Above all, they are incapable of assessing a puppy's character accurately. Temperament is hereditary and accurate evaluation of it is crucial. A Rottweiler's unique characteristics are what separates him from other breeds. In the appropriate hands he will flourish - in the wrong hands tragedy often strikes with the results sadly making headlines. It bears repeating: The Rottweiler is NOT for everyone! There is an inescapable moral and legal responsibility that comes with owning a dog of this caliber and it should not be overlooked or taken lightly.
Nationally, insurance agencies are canceling home owners policies without warning because a Rottweiler is
in residence. The breed is often construed as vicious, and many who are poorly bred or improperly raised are unfortunately deserving of the label. Anti-dog legislation is creeping up everywhere threatening our very right to own this breed. In several cities in the US you cannot even own a Rottweiler! So when and where did all this chaos begin?
It began with the breeders. These same breeders, who through ignorance or negligence, will breed any physically or mentally challenged specimen with no regard to the ramifications legally and morally. To these people the only criteria is the dog be a Rottweiler. Any Rottweiler. Your friend's dog, your cousin's dog, it doesn't matter. They just think it would be neat to have a litter of pups. They are the very same breeders who will sell to almost anyone without benefit of interview, advice or guidance. Puppy buyers come away with the impression this is how it should be and the vicious cycle continues. No one suffers more than the Rottweiler for such blatant disregard.
On a brighter note, the decline in Rottweiler registration and popularity is extremely encouraging. It proves education does work. It proves people who are genuinely interested in purchasing a Rottweiler are concerned they get the very best and are willing to do their homework and locate the right breeder for their needs.
In closing, working together in a common objective, the protection of the Rottweiler, goes a long, long way. Breeders and fanciers alike, let's help one another to achieve these goals, educate society and protect the integrity of this truly remarkable breed.
Sincerest regards,
LLF
Dear Rottweiler Friend,
If you are considering buying a Rottweiler, we trust you will find this information an indispensensable source of assistance in your search for the perfect companion. Or, if you already own one, we hope you will find the material informative and you will become a more educated Rottweiler owner for having read it.
Whether you are a potential owner or a current owner, the responsibility to educate the general public falls on each and every one of us. The following compilation of articles and links is intended to dispel the myths that have surrounded the Rottweiler for more than a decade.
Our main goal is education. We want to protect prospective buyers and current Rottweiler owners from becoming innocent partners in unethical and uneducated breeding practices which often result in dogs of inferior quality, unsound health and unstable temperaments. Reputable breeders willingly follow the Code of Ethics.
The Rottweiler used to be second in all breed registry and number one in the working group according to the AKC. From relative obscurity to the second most popular dog in the nation was a sobering statistic. The Rottweiler had been overbred to the point of disaster for the breed. Backyard breeders were everywhere, marketing dogs at grossly inflated prices that look adorable as pups but as they grew, deviated substantially from the Rottweiler standard in conformation, health, temperament or combinations of all three. Education has helped bring those numbers down but we aren't out of the woods yet. As a consumer, you shop responsibily for everything in your in your life - groceries, home, insurance, car. Why then would you settle for an inferior dog that carries a significant risk of becoming physically or temperamentally unsound? Three main rules apply in your pursuit of a Rottweiler:
1.) Become familiar with the Rottweiler standard. Education will enabe you to make a responsible comparison of the puppies, sires and dams you will see. Talk to long time breeders who have had success with their endevors.
2) Shop around! Reputable breeders are much closer than you may realize. With the advent of the Internet these breeders are often just a click away and you will find them always willing to answer questions freely. Ethical breeders do not sell their puppies to pet stores - ever. And while they may occassionally advertise in the newspaper, this medium is far more likely to contain your BYB (back yard breeder). Your education will help you to distinquish between the two.
3.) Never Buy on Impulse! All Rottweiler puppies are adorable. Trust your education, not your heart.
