New Addition - A Rottie (LONG)

[TysonsMom13]

Hi Everyone!

I have a 3 year old male (purebreed) Boxer named Tyson. He's a FABULOUS dog. My husband and I absolutely adore him.

My brother in law has run into a situation where he needs for us to take his 8 month old Rottie (mix). I should add in here that I believe there might be some abuse going on in his house from his stepson to the dog. The child has anger issues. Anyway - they have had this dog since he was 8 weeks old and he's SUPER MELLOW. Tyson and Jag (the rottie) have played together at my brother in laws house (actually every Sunday). Jag is a very mellow, calm dog. he's very good.

However, I have quite a few problems.

First problem - I have 2 cats who come first - no matter what. They were there first. As it stands now, Tyson is STILL trying to get used to them. He chases them when they run but not to hur them, he wants to play. Jag has never seen a cat before. I plan to train him from the get go to ignore them though....

Second problem - my husband and I are moving to NC so if this could come at a worse point - murphy's law. My husband will be leaving in a month or so and I will be going down in June (after I finish school). Right now, we are in an apartment that has breed restrictions but we are moving out next month so I could just say that I am watching him for a few weeks. The temporary apartment (in NC) also has a breed restriction for Rotties but we will only be there for a max of 3 months so we MIGHT be able to get away with it....not sure. Our house is scheduled to be complete in June/July.

Third problem - Rotties are one of those breeds that I am terrified of. I was chased down by 2 when I was a kid and ever since they just frighten me. I was not attacked, but was very close. At the same time, I know that Jag is a good dog. But I also know that Rotties have a HIGH turnover rate. My husband and I do not have children yet but will within a year. We got a boxer becuase we read everywhere that Boxers are EXCELLENT with children no matter when they come into your life and I did extensive research on Boxers.

I don't know much about rotties except for the negative stuff. Am I putting myself in danger by taking this dog?
I can't let him go to a shelter or to some idiot whose going to mis-treat him.
What to do?
Advice please....

Kimberly
aka TysonsMommy

 

[HurricaneBox]

That is a tough situation. I am not going to try to be negative, but I am concerned with not only Jag and Tyson's welfare, but yours as well... so here are my thoughts.

Does your brother in law need you to take the dog permanently or just as a temporary solution to a problem? If permanently, I might suggest you contact a Rottie rescue. While I love Rotties, I understand that they can be intimidating to some people (especially if you were chased by them as a child). If you are nervous around the dog he will sense it, and while he may be the most gentle Rottie soul out there he may become nervous or ill-behaved due to your feelings. If you think you can overcome that, then that is wonderful!

I would be very very careful with the apartment situation though, and make SURE you get in writing if they decide it is ok to let him stay with you for the duration of your time there until your house is finished. The last thing you need is to take him, have him there, and the property find out and decide that you have voided your lease and kick you out before your house is done!!! I would NOT under any circumstances take him there without their express consent. It is not worth your trouble and heartache to do so, even for the dog or your brother in law.

In my opinion, if you can overcome these difficulties it would be great for Jag to be with you, a familiar person, and in a place where he would have a buddy in Tyson. However if you can't, rescues are there for just that reason, and a reputable rescue will make sure that Jag would go to a wonderful home. You would not need to worry about him at a shelter or in a bad home. Also, I think you need to make the decision now... if you are going to take him, make the commitment to stick with him whatever issues may or may not arise. If you don't think you can do that, or you are concerned that you may change your mind or opinion when you and your husband decide to have children, do Jag the courtesy of sending him to a rescue NOW so that he doesn't have to be bounced around and get attached to you only to turn around and have to leave. Know what I mean?

If they just need you to take Jag temporarily, I would see if there is someone else who can take him for a time?

Just my two cents, and I really do hope things work out for you either way. Congrats on the new house by the way! Best wishes to you and your family during this time of transition, Kimberly

 

[auntthelm]

HurricaneBox saved me a lot of typing - my thoughts exactly.

 

[balthazar]

Hey Tysonsmom13,

I'm a little new to this forum but would love to give you my two cents about rot's.

I grew up with Rot's, my dad's dogs. They are very protective dogs, but also gentle giants to their family. They are not as playful or as into displays of affection as boxers, but what breed is.
If you do not have a dominant figure in your home, then I would recommend not taking him in. Rottie's will test dominance, but it will only be a grumpy growling with food every once in a while if you don't stay on top of it and make sure they know it is your food.

Rotties are wonderful with their family. Please do not think that these dogs will turn on their family. They are just as loyal as boxers, they just do it with a little less personality. They were breed as guard dogs and they are very good at that.

If it comes down to being terrified of him, then the only way to change that is to spend some time with him. It takes a stronger personality with them, but they are very rewarding dogs. (just because you were chased down by 2 who obviously had bad owners, don't take it out on all rot's)

My wife wanted to go the boxer route because she was hesitant on running with a dog that was bigger then she was(and while they like walks, they are not runners), but if we ever get a second mutt, it will be a rot. Maybe then my boxer will jump behind the rot when he is scared instead of me.

Hope it helps a little.

 

[TysonsMom13]

Thank you

Thank you all so much for your help.

You expressed my concerns exactly and I am not the type to take the dog and think that just becuase I was chased that all rotties are bad....I don't at all. I hate when people do the "breed stereotype" thing and after reading my original post I kinda did that. So thank you for calling me out on that balthazar. :o) I apologize for doing that.

I'm more concerned with the fact that #1 - so many places have breed restrictions including mortgage insurance companies. # 2 - I would never want him to live with us, get attached and then have to leave - I hate that more than anything, but right now it is very hard for us to take on this extra responsibility. We have A LOT on our plate.

Also, we just found out my husband will be going down to NC beginning or middle of April so a lot of things are going to be happening.

Jag would be a great addition, he really would, but the timing is just HORRENDOUS. This would be a permanent situation also. My husband and I will discuss this in more detail tonight and I will bring up the points you all mentioned.

Thank you again for your help!!!!!!

Kimberly