by Kathy
(Delaware)
I have a 2 1/2 yr old female – she was given to me by my vet at one day old (found in a dumpster), then adopted out thru our rescue to a woman who kept her for 6 months and beat her. She then told me that this dog wasn’t what she wanted & would I take her back. Of course I did.
So I was dealing with a puppy that had no benefit of a mother, siblings and then was beaten by the only human in her life. It’s been quite a challenge, but Mikayla has her P.A.L. from the AKC, and received her Canine Good Citizen Certificate from the kennel club. My goal for her is her CD title.
I want to show the world that this dog, although tossed away like trash, is a good, friendly, loving animal and I want to break the stereotypical reaction to a…ROTTWEILER.
Onto the scene comes a 7 wk old baby female. She was tore up by a Pug, breaking her leg. Her owners couldn’t afford to have the leg fixed, so they turned her in to the SPCA to be euthanized. She slipped out the back door and via the underground railroad, came to me to foster.
I am in love with this pup and want to keep her. I’ve had her for 3 weeks now. She’s already housebroken in spite of the cast she wears on her leg, we don’t see any fear of dogs (I have the 2 1/2 y/o Rottie and an 8 yr old neutered Lab).
Am I setting myself up for failure by adopting another female? I know several rescues that strongly advise taking in a member of the opposite sex, but I’ve had males & females, and all kinds of mixes and everyone always has gotten along – mostly these were mixed breeds.
I am desperately trying to find more info on Rotties and your site has been a great source. Thanks!
Hi Kathy
This type of story always brings tears to my eyes… and I know I’m a big ‘wuss’, but I love this breed so much and when their true character shines through in this sort of situation, it makes me so proud of them!
Mikayla has done incredibly well for a dog with such a poor start in life, and of course a whole lot of that is down to you, you deserve an award too :o)
As for the situation you’re in now with Mikayla and this new pup, I think a lot depends on their individual temperament. Of course the puppy is very young, but as you’re experienced with dogs in general, I’m sure you’ve already got an idea as to what sort of personality she has.
If there is a choice, I’d always recommend having two dogs of the opposite sex, as it’s just less likely to become difficult. However, that doesn’t meant that two female dogs can’t live together amicably, many do just that every day.
As I said though a lot of it is personality, and if one of the dogs (especially if it’s the older/resident one) is an ‘alpha’ type personality, has dog-aggression issues, is a food or resource ‘guarder’ and so on, then there could be trouble. Two Rottweiler females fighting is a serious situation and generally results in someone (either dog, or the human/s trying to mediate) getting hurt!
BUT, if both females are spayed, neither of them is dog-aggressive or very ‘alpha’ in their attitude, and at least one of them has a chance to ‘grow up’ around the other, then I would personally say your chances are good that they will be able to live peaceably, and probably be good friends. Proper training and making sure that they know what is acceptable in terms of behavior and interaction is also necessary, but I’m sure you’ll be able to handle that.
I’d recommend using your own judgment here and don’t be too concerned about their breed in this respect, more emphasis is on their personalities in this situation. This new pup deserves a stable, loving home and it sounds to me as though you can give her that. If you feel that the two Rotties can ‘get along’ then give it your best shot. It’s a judgment call and only you can make that :o)
I’m glad that you found my site and hope that it’s been helpful. I wish you all the very best of luck and hope that it all works out perfectly for you.
