Do you think it is ok to keep a rottweiler with a child if the rottie grows up with the child?

By milkbone Posted in Rottweiler #15 /
Rottweiler
claredarren116 questioned:


We have a young child and we are going to get a dog, have seen a cross rottweiler rhodesian ridgeback that we really like. It is 2 months ancient will it be ok as it will grow up with the child?

Sit Stay Fetch, Excellent Dog!

49 Responses to “Do you think it is ok to keep a rottweiler with a child if the rottie grows up with the child?”

  1. Kaynard Says: November 19th, 2006 at 7:04 am

    Hell no. They’re vicious animals no matter who or what they grow up with. If you really want a dog, wait until the kid is a teenager.

  2. xXxI love NarutoxXx Says: November 21st, 2006 at 12:03 pm

    I believe so, just make sure the dog realizes what’s going on…

  3. jamescraig61@btinternet.com Says: November 24th, 2006 at 12:54 am

    Is it worth taking the risk?I reckon not.

  4. Somebody Says: November 24th, 2006 at 4:00 am

    I’m not an expert, but I’d say it depends on how the dog is raised, what his parents are like, and how the child behaves toward the animal.

  5. Amy. Says: November 24th, 2006 at 5:49 am

    I grew up with a Rottweiler until she had to be place down as she was ill when I was around 10, so I would say so as long as the Rottweiler is definately tame and won’t be harassed..

  6. Giselle B Says: November 24th, 2006 at 5:13 pm

    Yes, but never get a dog and a child interact unsupervised :)

  7. Ellie C Says: November 25th, 2006 at 5:36 pm

    Def there is nothing wrogn with that plus it all depends on how you bring up the dog a rotweiler isnt going to be agressive if you dont bring it up that way

  8. His Nibs Says: November 26th, 2006 at 10:23 am

    Of course. Just chuck in a few nutritious biscuits and your ‘Rottie’ will have a nice nutritious meal.

    Why did you have a child?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

  9. michii Says: November 27th, 2006 at 9:06 pm

    it will be fine as long as it wasnt trained to fight. rottweilers are just protective dogs that is why they are seen as being vicous and rhodesian ridgebacks are fantastic dogs.

  10. matured Says: November 29th, 2006 at 4:55 am

    are u daft, no way no way no way

  11. Mummy13909 Says: December 2nd, 2006 at 7:00 am

    they say that if the dog is treat right it will be fine…but it still worries me. I am going to wait til my youngest kid is five.

    If you choose to do it,please dont leave them alone…young kids are cruel to dogs – just thinking that they are playing.

    take care
    x

  12. TIMM M Says: December 5th, 2006 at 2:33 am

    It probably would be a fantastic thing! Your child will have a fantastic companion whom will look over them when mom and dad get a small out of sight. I would not worry with either breed if pure bred.

  13. Ella Says: December 7th, 2006 at 2:02 pm

    Of course. Just teach both the child and the dog manners.
    They’ll have a grand time.

  14. way2_cute Says: December 9th, 2006 at 10:04 am

    yes i grew up with a rottie and she was like a small mother to me but she die last year!

  15. MommaDoo Says: December 10th, 2006 at 1:23 am

    I reckon a rottweiler would be a better dog with a baby than a rhodesian ridgeback. I don’ t know your dog, but I don’t reckon this combination would be very laid back and could injure your child while playing. Some small dogs are not trustworthy around small children either. I grew up with hounds and labs. They are fantastic family dogs.

  16. Katie W Says: December 10th, 2006 at 4:44 pm

    Yeah sure. Any dog is fine. Just make sure you train it and to train the dog to respect the child. All dogs make get pets as long as they receive the right training, socialisation and exercise. Excellent luck.

  17. T99 Says: December 11th, 2006 at 6:39 am

    Dogs are not bred mean, they are brought up mean.

    I had friends when I was small that had 5 rotties and they were the sweetest dogs to all of us kids. They even protected us when strangers walked up to the yard.

    If the dog grows up with discipline (just like your child) he and your baby will have a wonderful relationship!

  18. Alyssa Says: December 14th, 2006 at 2:13 am

    The BS about rotties is just ignorant people being worried of something they do not know or know. (And yes, that is directed at a few of the people who have already responded to this question.)

    Rottweilers are FABULOUS with children- I grew up with my grandfather’s 6 rotties, and those dogs adored my sister and I, and never so much as gave us a dirty look no matter what we did. And the fact that it’s a cross means there’s not even any chance it was a terribly bred Rottie with temperment issues (which can happen in ANY purebred from a disreputable breeder, even a Chihuahua or Labrador). The puppy will not hurt your child, if you like him, got ahead and get him. Ignore the idiots who claim Rotties are terrible dogs, they are lovers and will protect your baby from strangers!

  19. spud Says: December 16th, 2006 at 3:22 am

    Please don’t. Better to be safe than sorry.

  20. ratty_mama Says: December 17th, 2006 at 12:00 pm

    Dont listen to the people that tell you that they are mean dogs , rottys are fantastic dogs , like any other dog , it depends on how you raise them.. Just make sure that the child doesnt pull on the dogs ears or fur , b.c this can make any dog mad ..

  21. DeeDee Says: December 20th, 2006 at 4:58 pm

    Yes it is all about managment and watching your dog and child closely. Both breeds are guard dogs so it could go either way-meaning they could guard the child or guard against him. I would work on desensitizing the dog to possesion guarding, like food and toys so it grows up not having guarding issues

  22. justme Says: December 23rd, 2006 at 4:39 am

    dont be silly – dont gamble with your childs life
    get a labrador or similar
    rotties never forget who they are

    NOTE everyone is saying dont leave them alone together but you know that you cannot guarantee that

  23. SC Says: December 25th, 2006 at 11:01 am

    breed is irrelevant.

    the dog is only 8 weeks ancient, a puppy, a puppy is like a blank canvas. the way it is trained and treated now will determine what it will be like when it is an adult. this goes for any dog!

    Why do people thing rotties etc. are manic child eaters?!

    I say go for it! Get him, and like any puppy, let him know who is boss from the very start, make sure he gets plenty of training as both rotties and rhodesian ridgebacks can be quite dominant if allowed to get away with it.

    Also, make sure he is well socialized, i.e. get him to mix with as many people and dogs etc. as possible.

    well socialized dog = friendly, safe dog.

    also, he will be a huge, active dog so make sure you have plenty of time for excersize when he is older.

    Excellent Luck!

  24. pojnrab Says: December 25th, 2006 at 4:30 pm

    Personally, i just wouldnt chance it.

  25. RixxtorTheDestroyer Says: December 27th, 2006 at 2:36 am

    i wouldn’t advise it. I heard they’re quite vicious and unpredictable .

  26. ryancarlwatson Says: December 28th, 2006 at 4:16 pm

    might be ok, but staffys are excellent with kids. They tend to follow them around guarding them but they no not to play too rough =]

  27. Justin H Says: December 28th, 2006 at 5:31 pm

    In general there is no reason not to have a dog when you have young children. The main issue that comes up is leaving a young child unattended with ANY dog.

    But here are a few thoughts to consider. Rots are not necessarily a “gentle” breed. You might do some research as to how these dogs respond to having small kids crawl on them, pulling their tail and/or ears, and the other things small kids do.

    Another thing to consider is that a playful puppy may not be aware that it’s sharp small teeth and claws can hurt a baby’s tender skin.

    That being said, a puppy that is raised around small kids is much more likely to be tolerant of all the pulling and tugging than an adult dog that isn’t used to being around kids.

  28. James M Says: December 30th, 2006 at 1:30 pm

    Because you say “It is 2 years ancient” I am assuming you mean the puppy. If that is the case go for it! Just because it’s a Rott doesn’t make it mean! most rotts I have known are just huge goofy dogs. They get a bum wrap, take the time to train and make sure he knows his place in the order of things. Both should be fine.

  29. S C Says: January 2nd, 2007 at 6:49 am

    had one twelve years you must train it properly ours was
    always over protective of the kids if i shout at them she would
    warn me they are lovely dogs just treat them with respect
    and they respect you excellent luck,!!

  30. Eva Says: January 3rd, 2007 at 12:41 am

    It will be what you make it. If you take the time and give it the appropriate training and like and appropriate discipline and lots of exercise, you will have the greatest dog ever!!

    If you don’t already have it, get Cesar Milan’s book about bringing home your puppy, and watch the dog whisperer.

    These are large strong dogs, but are gentle giants as long as they realize their place in the pack

  31. Nick P Says: January 5th, 2007 at 11:04 pm

    You have to make sure that the dog realises who is pack leader. I’m worried that you questioned the question and don’t know how dog’s minds work. In my view wait till baby is older and then be very careful

    PS I’ve re-read this and I really don’t reckon you know enough to cope with rotty/ridgeback cross and baby so please re-consider or seek advice from expert

  32. maz Says: January 6th, 2007 at 11:08 pm

    a well trained and very well socialised rottweiler is fine to have around children, do you have experience training and socialising dogs? Rotties need to be trained in the same way as you would any dog, and a lot of time has to be spent socialising the dog, which means taking him out in public areas every day to meet and greet people (including children) and dogs, to ensure they are confident and well mannered. You may want to go to a training class I would recommend you take a look at the following link to find a trainer who uses modern reward based training methods

    Rottweilers who are reared with like, trained and socialised are as safe with children as any other breed of dog.

  33. iowa cutie Says: January 7th, 2007 at 2:48 am

    Definately. Any dog can get along with kids as long as they are raised right. People on here talking about rotti’s like they know something about them. Well the don’t!! Rotti’s are fantastic dogs. They are tales on how a rotti saved a baby’s life becasuse it loved the baby. Just make sure that dog knows that the baby is number one. The dog will grow up to be the baby and then kids protector. Get that dog! :D

  34. The One Says: January 10th, 2007 at 5:02 am

    I would never get any dog with a child they could turn at any time especially that breed you dont want to live to regret it im sure

  35. anwen55 Says: January 10th, 2007 at 4:49 pm

    Is it your first dog? If so I would reckon again. Apart from anything else, a cross of this nature doesn’t usually come from well bred parents. Have you seen the dam? Does she have a excellent nature? Have you met the sire? Does he have a excellent nature? Have the parents been hip & elbow scored? Both suffer from these problems – an aquaintence of mine has just spent £6000 on operations for her RR & a cross is just as likely to have problems – more likely if the parents haven’t been tested.
    As you are asking this, I presume you don’t have much experience of Rottweilers or RR? Fabulous breeds, but not for the novice owner – they are both very powerful breeds who need a lot of training and disciple if they are to become well mannered individuals and not send a young child flying across the room with their exuberance!

  36. bremner8 Says: January 13th, 2007 at 6:17 pm

    No No No!! Rottweiller = huge and powerful, Ridgeback = boundless energy and a STRONG hunting instinct….Come on, use your imagination! At some point the dog will start to assert it’s dominance of your household. If it is left alone with a child I dread to reckon what could happen.
    By the way I like both breeds but you have to know their faults!

  37. sabrina.photog Says: January 15th, 2007 at 3:03 pm

    I see absolutely no reason why not, as long as the dog is properly trained and socialized. And I reckon it goes without saying that you should never leave your child and dog together unsupervised, no matter how well-behaved the dog is or what breed it is. Rotties and Rhodesian Ridgebacks score very well in tests conducted by the American Temperament Test Society, Inc… even better than the beloved Lab someone previously mentioned. If your pup is raised correctly, there is no doubt in my mind that it will have a long, loving relationship with your family and child. =)

  38. Janet W Says: January 17th, 2007 at 9:00 pm

    my brother has been breeding rotties for years and as long as the owner knows exactly how to look after the dog and is prepared to train it he thinks they are one of the best dogs around. but, when i questioned him about a rottie crossed with a rhodesian ridgeback he said he wouldnt touch it with a bargepole!!!he says they are very temperemental and that they can turn nasty in a second. they are also EXTREMELY powerful and hard to control.
    would you like to chance it? i know i wouldnt!!!

  39. M D Says: January 18th, 2007 at 7:23 am

    rotties can turn ,even the best ones.get a lab when the kids about 5 and still keep an eye dogs are all decsendants of the wolf a pack animal at the end of the day

  40. hospslide Says: January 18th, 2007 at 12:45 pm

    1-how ancient is the dog?
    2-how ancient is the child?
    if the two are young and grow up together thay should be fine. my son had one when it was a pup then he had a son at first he kept a close eye on them when they were together,he only had one problem after a couple of years of being together my grand son did something incorrect and his dad went to spank his but but the dog got in the way so they are very protective but that is excellent that is what the dog was for and to be a friend

  41. skibunny Says: January 18th, 2007 at 9:13 pm

    Yes, rottweilers are very excellent with children, especially if they grow up together. The main factors that play into it are how you treat the dog, and how to treat the child around the dog and making sure the child knows how to behave around a dog. Never completely neglect any dog, for sometimes they may get very jealous towards the child.

  42. mandylfc Says: January 19th, 2007 at 3:31 am

    i reckon its OK just make sure the child doesn’t pull the dog around and you teach it to look after the dog

  43. john s Says: January 22nd, 2007 at 1:01 pm

    why take the risk chances are there wont be any problems buy why take the risk but small that is its your child and a dog like this could cause it serious harm

  44. Truth Takes Time Says: January 24th, 2007 at 8:18 am

    I grew up with a rottie, she was the best dog I ever owned. It depends on the training you give both child and dog. It also depends on the personality of the dog. Obviously you never leave any dog alone with kids, most times nothing will happen especially if they are both trained but until the kid is older it shouldn’t be left alone.

  45. GEORGE L Says: January 26th, 2007 at 1:40 am

    ABSOLUTELY, Really. We got our first Rott when our son was about 18 months ancient. The dog ADORED him and would not let strangers near him until he was sure they were O.K. They used to play in the garden together and the dog would lie with his nose on his paws watching until the toddler wandered off then get up and follow him. They grew up together and our family was never quite the same after we lost Marcus. We have had other wonderful Rotts, all special in their own way and all fantastic family members. I believe ridgebacks have similar qualities but I can’t vouch for them with the same certainty, also crosses could be dubious, BUT it’s all in the upbringing. You do your job and I’m sure your pup will be just fantastic. Best wishes.

    JUSTME AND MD – Labradors really bite too! ALL dogs have to be treated with respect, the fact that this question is even being questioned shows this person is thoughtful and cares about their child AND the prospective puppy.

  46. sonic Says: January 27th, 2007 at 4:31 pm

    Before you commit to having this dog introduce your child to the dog on neutral territory ie not at your home or the dogs home. Watch them carefully and never leave them unattended even for a spit second. You will know straight away if they might not get on. Watch the dog for signs, just because the tail might be wagging does not mean the dog has accepted your child. If this visit goes well then i would have the dog overnight to see how you all cope. Seeing that the dog is only 2 months ancient you have a fantastic start in teaching him how to behave so i would reccommend you attend some dog classes to further improve his behaviour. Hopefully they get on but if there is any doubt no matter how small then this dog is not for you.

  47. bty81216349 Says: January 30th, 2007 at 8:19 pm

    As long as you never leave the 2 together unsupervised it should be fine.
    Young children can be annoying and pester animals which can result in then being bitten by a dog.

  48. jan s Says: January 31st, 2007 at 9:18 am

    in my opinion rotties can turn at anytime for no reason it has happend in the past it will happen again if you want a dog to grow up with your babies then pick a border collie

  49. Gs D Says: February 3rd, 2007 at 2:18 pm

    Rottweilers are absolutely fine with children, the ignorance surrounding this breed is nonsense, rotties have attacked children as the media is quick to point out but these dogs are not or have never been raised to be family pets they have be trained to be aggressive guard dogs, kept on a roof or in a yard to guard, any breed who is treated like that would be unreliable around any people but a rottweiler who is brought up as a pet will be the same as a Labrador brought up as a pet

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