The rottweiler has earned a fearsome reputation as extremely loyal and as a menacing guard dog. This image was even demonised in the horror film The Omen, where a rottweiler served as protector of the devil incarnate.

Originally bred to drive cattle, the breed takes its name from the town of Rottweil in Germany and it is naturally protective and territorial.

While it can make an excellent pet, as with all dogs, responsible ownership is essential.

It is important that the dog is kept in an appropriate environment and that its exercise and behavioural needs are adequately met.

Dog attacks on children are particularly distressing. However, in order to understand why these have occurred, it is important to consider for what reason the breed was obtained and if the dog was adequately socialised and trained.

Because of the guarding instincts of the rottweiler, some are obtained specifically as guard dogs and they are often used across Europe in police and security work.

Some may be obtained for reasons of “machismo” because the breed is powerful and muscular. However, many rottweilers in the UK are kept as family pets and, contrary to popular belief and portrayal, are responsive, playful and affectionate dogs. The breed, the eleventh in the top 20 Kennel Club breed register, with 6,575 puppies registered in 2006, is strong and active and requires a high level of exercise.

It is important to remember that all dogs are potentially aggressive. Aggression may occur for a variety of reasons, and the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors’ annual review of behaviour cases indicates that a lack of adequate socialisation is the most common cause.

Aggression may also occur for a number of other reasons, such as a person entering the dog’s perceived territory, status-related issues, pain and, sometimes, predation.

In addition, medical causes also need to be considered because these may result in behaviour changes. Obtaining a dog from a reputable breeder is essential. Rottweilers can suffer from a number of conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as hypothyroidism, which can cause aggression. Cancers, which are not uncommon in the rottweiler, such as brain tumours, can also cause a sudden and explosive change in behaviour.

Therefore, when any dog attack occurs, an informed assessment of the situation needs to be made as to the potential underlying causes of the incident.

Keeping a sense of proportion in these tragic attacks is essential and the breed should not be ostracised as a result.

- Inga MacKellar is a certified clinical animal behaviourist and a member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors

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