GSD or Rottie???

[Windsor342ci]

Hi guys, without this one flaring into a FPV vs HSV or Patrol Vs Cruiser, Im trying to obtain some advise on a decision I will be making soon.

Too give a bit of background, with the next few weeks my wife and I will be moving into our new property and I have been given the green light to get another dog. We've currently got a beautiful 12 mth old Boxer which has been with us from word go and is perfect.

We are looking at upping the anti and getting a dog with a little more protection background. I have narrowed down to the above 2. Now the property were getting is an acre block so size isnt an issue. My wife has grown up with GSD and through her is my only real exposure to the breed. Me, I have grown up with Rotties. Now we can either get a pup or a male which is already trained up at a reputable trainer I have been referred to. But I'm not to sure as of yet.

My experience with Rotties as a young child was, playful stubborn dogs but like a big brother if you would. Very loving and caring. My little exposure to GSD is interesting, tried to get bitten twice and plenty of aggression! No TLC their!
That being said it wasn't my dog and I was a stranger so I won't hold that against him! I guess I'm a little concerned that a Rottie will be a big cuddle bear and about as assertive as my turtle. I set aside time each day with my dog so it would never be neglected and dog parks religiously on the weekends. I understand grooming wise the GSD has alot more to maintain and both need to have heavy breeder checks done from all the nasty diseases.

A little guidance from any experts.... If it was my choice I'd have both!!!

Thanks

[JC]

Either. I'd look at the issues these dogs tend to have and go for the one that has the cheapest. For example, shepherds (some lines) can get weak hips which is expensive to address. Don't know of anything like that for Rotties.

But either breed would be a great guard dog - just make sure you train it properly.

[Windsor342ci]

Originally Posted by JC

Either. I'd look at the issues these dogs tend to have and go for the one that has the cheapest. For example, shepherds (some lines) can get weak hips which is expensive to address. Don't know of anything like that for Rotties.

But either breed would be a great guard dog - just make sure you train it properly.

Actually what really sucks is that Hip issue you mention is the exact same issue that Rotties also suffer with which is so unfortunate. Bud there are ways to avoid dealing with such breeders but I will need to learn what to really look out for

[Uncle Niceguy]

have you considered any other breeds like a blue heeler or cattle dog as they can be the adorable family dog and also hold there own, plus no hip issues to the best of my knowledge. plus they love excersice as well and are very active.

[b2tf]

GSD all the way - but I am biased.

It's ultimately up to you, each breed has their good points and bad but I find my GSD to be the best dog I've ever had. Very smart, responsive and attentive and doesn't miss a thing. We have absolute confidence with him around people we know, and anybody who he doesnt know gets stopped very quickly but he doesn't bite them - just stands them off. The easy way around that is bring whoever you want as a 'friend' in through the house and he sees that we are ok with them, so he is too.

The only thing I will say though is that if you already have a dog get the next one as early in it's age as you can - let them grow up together and learn to be friends. The last thing you want is issues between them.

[FreddyDUZ747]

I have a Rhodesian Ridgeback,loyal as can be

[FG_Frodza]

I have always had German Shepards growing up.

Great looking dogs, loyal and their temperament is better than Rotties (apparently).

[Reaper8]

had both and love both. Had a large rotty male and he developed arthritis in the shoulders couldnt get off the ground, very loyal dog and if you heard him bark you new something was up. Got a shepard now and same very loyal but barks at birds moths, good with the kids and god help anyone that braves the back or side fence.

[MYVYSS]

Rottie all the way..much cleaner in relation to dropping coats. I have had two and they were both amazing around my kids. Very loyal and loving. The best thing about a Rottie even if untrained in protection. One bark and they know its a Rottie who ever it is will go away or at the least next door where there isnt a dog.

[anolade]

http://rcnsw.com.au/
http://www.gsdl.info/

try contacting the above best place to start most good clubs have feild days show days also give chance to see chat breeders memebers and get the best advice information about the breeds

[EL97]

It's all based on training, I used to have a Rottie that was loyal as could be. I was a kid sneaking out at night getting up to all sorts of shenanigans while I had the dog. One night while getting home, I jumped over my back fence and was instantly knocked down by my dog, growling while standing on top of me. Only after sniffing me, the dog realised who I was and took off back to it's kennel frightened. Rotties are very loyal, you just have train them to be friendly to your family and anybody who regularly visits as they are very protective. They're a good bread, protective and very playful.

Edit: An issue with Rotties is bone cancer, common in the breed, it killed mine.

[COOLHAND]

Not one on your shortlist but my next dog will be a Boerboel (South African Mastiff). Google them and have a read.... one of the best dogs out there for both family, protection and believe it or not, farming.

There are a couple breeders in Australia.

Cheers.

[ebxr8240]

In most cases its the owner who needs training..
Both good dogs... The first 2 years training them is so important...
Like your own children over many more years...

[Deco28]

Originally Posted by CRYHSV

That being said it wasn't my dog and I was a stranger so I won't hold that against him! I guess I'm a little concerned that a Rottie will be a big cuddle bear and about as assertive as my turtle.

Thanks

I've been bitten by some bloody aggressive turtles...

[ebxr8240]

Originally Posted by Deco28

I've been bitten by some bloody aggressive turtles...

Ninga turtles ???

[GhiaEB]

Rotties will be one of the most loyal dogs you can have, they just get grumpy in old age. My last rottie sadly had to be put down at 15years. Cancer and hip problems. I haven't been able to bring myself to get another dog since.

It all comes down to training in the first couple of years.

[buggerlugs]

German Shepherd, but I am biased !!!

[Windsor342ci]

Hi guys and thanks for your feedback. Ive been given the chance to get my hands on a 5 year old GSD. Amazing dog and he is massive, though.... His original owners were not very wise on the breed and as a result havent treated him the way he deserves with not really any walk, training or socializing. Now I spent some time in the pen with him and he was ok with me but a little causious, but after 30 mins started playing with me. My question is, is it safe for me to bring him home? Id love to but I need to know I can control him. At 5 yrs old, is it too late???

[b2tf]

I would be wary moreso of how he will react to the other dog.

[Windsor342ci]

Interesting ho should say that b2. Weirdly enough other smaller dog and pups have gotten into his pen and they found the GSD playing with it. I found this bizzar. Expecting it would have maulled everything in sight.

[BAXR8_Ute]

I too am biased, but our rottie is the best dog I've ever had. She is 3 years old and loyal, gentle to us and territorial to strangers. My 7 year old tackles her, hangs off her neck and generally wrestes the crap out of her and she just lays there and takes it. No growling, nipping, scratching or anything. We also have a husky but they a useless guard dogs. Friendly and playful with everyone!!

If I didn't have kids, I'd try and import a Caucasian Mountain Dog. Crazy dogs, there's some good vids on you tube...

[MarkAW]

A dog is not some piece of machinery you can fix with a few spare parts or a couple of hours of therapy. Once something happens to an animal whether its cruelty or neglect or just an accident, it will affect the animal for life. It will not likely show during normal run of the day activities but when the situation changes and the "fight or flight" instincts kick in maybe years later, any problems previously encountered will affect their temprament.

My wife and I have been training dogs for years whether its just family socialisation to become a good member of the family or its formal obedience training. Don't get me wrong I feel sad for every dog who hasn't had the best in life, but very few dogs are salvageable once the damage is done. The hardest thing is they just can't talk about their problems so that we can help.

[Windsor342ci]

Originally Posted by MarkAW

A dog is not some piece of machinery you can fix with a few spare parts or a couple of hours of therapy. Once something happens to an animal whether its cruelty or neglect or just an accident, it will affect the animal for life. It will not likely show during normal run of the day activities but when the situation changes and the "fight or flight" instincts kick in maybe years later, any problems previously encountered will affect their temprament.

My wife and I have been training dogs for years whether its just family socialisation to become a good member of the family or its formal obedience training. Don't get me wrong I feel sad for every dog who hasn't had the best in life, but very few dogs are salvageable once the damage is done. The hardest thing is they just can't talk about their problems so that we can help.

Great post but Im a little lost as to what your answer is. If I had to make an assumption Im thinking your saying its too late and theres nothing I can do?

[MarkAW]

Yes I'm saying that a dog who is locked up, untrained and unsocialised at 5yrs may not be the best choice. If the previous owner hasn't instilled training on how to be a good family member and how to react to stressful issues then its probably too late to start now.

[Windsor342ci]

Really? Im very disappointed to hear that. Maybe though I should add a little clarity. Though he wasnt taken for walks daily. He was socialized with, but only the immeadate family. Pretty much that it though. Not daily. Maybe weekly. No forgive me if I implyed he had a bone thrown at him every for night at thats it. Because that isnt the case. One of the kids every now and then go outside an play soccor with him every so often aswel. I guess what I mean is, with what I have researched on the breed, Id do more then they did. Not to say there bad, just uneducated on the right way to do things.

[SumoDog68]

It is not too late but it would take much more work then starting with a pup..
Most people dont have time and skill to train a dog - dog training is simple but it is not easy and takes alot of time - with any pure breed dog breed breed standard is what you can expect dog to be like but each line and a dog within it are individual in their temperament.
Most dogs of breeds that you mention will be a good watch dog (meaning let you know if something is amiss) - all you need is time and commitment to excercise and train your dog.

[FPV8U]

Either Breed your onto a real winner, i have a GSD and love him to bits, fantastic to have around, feel safe everynight i go to sleep, really feels like a family member rather than a dog.

As for re-homing a adult dog, i have seen some fantistic results and some very poor results, be carefull when involving another dog, if you know the people perhaps try some socialising with your dog at a neutral park or football ground, keep them on the lead and be patient, it will take time if he hasn't been involved with other dogs.