I own a Rottie (he's my third one over the years). My first one was owned in the early 90's and I don't think people's attitudes have changed much since then. I've had people squeal, run away, drag their children/dogs away as we go for a walk. I once even had a man throw a brick at my Rottie bitch who was on-lead just out for a walk, just because he was frightened of them (she had never even met him before!) One old lady who was patting my Rott as a pup saying how lovely he was asked me after a few mins what breed he was, once told she yanked her hand away and said what a pity, he'll turn when he gets older! Well, I can proudly say, he hasn't 'turned' he is as gentle now as he was then and a fabulous ambassador for his breed who is an absolute pleasure to own.

I do understand totally why people are scared of them, most people read in the newspapers/saw news on TV about various attacks. They believe that Rotties as a BREED are all the same, all dangerous, children-biting beasts. It saddens me enormously that so many Rotties end up with very unsuitable owners. They are not a status symbol, they are not a walking burglar alarm or four-legged protection, they are a highly clever, powerful dog that needs that energy, drive and intelligence chanelled in the right direction. Without exception, every time I hear/read about a Rottie attack I have been left saying to myself, well, with an owner like that it was never going to turn out well.

Countless times I've read - dog left in yard/on pub roof/chained up/never let inside house. Got rescue, didn't know the background history etc, etc. The latest case in Scotland, the dogs were left loose to roam. They had bitten previously (no surprise there, left to roam, no discipline or training, no care). Their owner obviously didn't give a crap about them (angers me how they ended up still obtaining another one, one of the ones in the second attack was a young pup I understand 6mths?) It was never going to turn out well was it?

Also, The Sun newspaper in particular is very breedist and has been guilty many times of inaccurate reporting, combined with sensationalistic headlines and graphic photos showing a Rottie barking and looking scary. One report they did said the dog had killed it's owner without motive. It transpired later this dog was actually LICKING it's owners face who had become unconscious and it was desperately trying to wake him up. Even though these facts emerged they did not mention this in any further issues of the paper. Not headline grabbing enough for them eh? Combine these headlines with the ridiculous Dangerous Dog Act and you compound fears that certain Breeds that are all dangerous rather than individual dogs which is the case.

I ensured Marius was well-socialized and trained from an early age. He is very well-adjusted as a result and is neither dog or people-aggressive. Rotties are NOT naturally aggressive dogs, they are calm, self-assured, natural guards. They are however, naturally dominant (not the same thing) and require a specific owner to bring out the best in them. In the wrong hands (ie - people who encourage them to be aggressive) or when badly bred (temperaments are often the first thing to suffer) - or both, that's when you get the problems occuring.

I have to say, once people meet Marius, they do realize how nice a Rott can be. I have had the pleasure of a few people telling me they used to be scared of the breed, but now realize they "aren't all bad", which is the nearest to a compliment you are going to get up here!

I've said this before on Dogsey, but always feel it is food for thought..... every year there are lots of dog-shows where literally hundreds of dogs participate and Rotties are one breed where there are always a high no of entrants. There were approx 500 Rotts entered at Crufts alone (if I remember correctly). But, I don't believe there were any instances of dangerous, aggressive behaviour from them. Why? Because they have been socialized, trained and have responsible people handling/showing them. The dogs know what's expected of them and how to behave properly.

Both Staffies and Rotts very sadly often end up in entirely unsuitable hands. I adore Staffies, this little breed is fabulous with children, wonderful natured and totally does not deserve the bad rep it has unjustly been tagged with. It is a complete tragedy that they are now the no 1 in rescue centres Both are wonderful breeds that are much maligned and misunderstood and most attacks seem to be a direct results of the dog in entirely unsuitable hands.

We are based in Cumbria