Does anyone have any experience with Rottweilers?
My girlfriend wants one and I have no idea about them....
Thanks

Grew up with Rotts and if I had a bigger yard, I would have one today. Some of the best pets I have ever had. They are big, eat a lot, and are known for hip problems later in their life. None of ours had it, but every vet we took them to mentioned it.

Have had several over the years. The one I have now is the best. As with anything you have to raise/train them right. They are loyal and will be protective to you and yours

Generally speaking, the smaller Rotts will have fewer health problems than the truly large ones, just as a 400-lb man will tend to break down before a 200-lb man will. I'd look for a litter from a sire and dam weighing less than 100 lbs each. It seems that people want huge dogs these days, and you often see Rotts coming in at 150 lbs or more; these dogs will have a shorter life span, joint problems, heart problems, on average. A 10-yr-old Rottweiler is a VERY old dog.

Aggression can be major issue with the breed. And they often tend to be very protective and unapproachable by strangers. Such a dog would not be a good choice for a family with young children. Even though the dog might be trustworthy around your kids, it might pose a significant risk when your children have friends over for sleep-overs or birthday parties. If your wife or girlfriend likes to walk her dog, and she is slight of stature, she won't be able to physically control such a large, powerful dog.

If you're set on getting one and are looking at a prospective litter of pups, I would do two things. Interact with the sire and dam of the litter....you want the parents to be open and friendly dogs. If either is shy, retiring, or aggressive, look elsewhere. Second, if the parents pass the personality test, pick the puppy that is the most playful and outgoing in the litter. You don't want the reserved pup who sits over in the corner; you want the one who chases you all over the room and licks your face.

Look for a German Line with Schutzhund qualifications or another qualifying breeding test. Best protection dogs in that once someone sees them they run... Don't get a backyard bred one as they tend to have been at least at one point bred for fighting (they were pretty good at it).

Thank-you all for all the information....

Look at 100% german/european boxer. Full bodied dogs, look somewhat similar to rotts, but smaller. Very agile, very friendly and gentle and protective with kids and their friends. Somewhat suspicious of adult strangers.