Too late to show my rottie?

by Mitch
(Pompano Beach fl.)

Hello, I have an eleven month old Rottie with a substansial pedigree.

Is it to late to show him? or might I consider schutzhund training instead?

Hi Mitch
At 11 months old your Rottie is still a pup, albeit in adolescent rather than a baby. I would say it’s most definitely not too late to consider showing, but it’s something you would need to research thoroughly.

I’d recommend getting some reading material (there are some good books on the subject, one that I’d suggest taking a look at is The Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Showing Your Dog)and also finding a breed club near you where you can meet with other Rottweiler enthusiasts/breeders/owners. These can be a wonderful source of information and support.

A great pedigree with multiple champions is a good start, but genetics is a funny thing and having champion parents doesn’t guarantee that all their puppies will also be show quality. Unless you bought your pup as a ‘show potential’ puppy he could have conformation faults you aren’t aware of yet. Other experienced owners and breeders will be able to help you there.

As for Shutzhund, if he has working dogs and titles in his pedigree then he has the potential to make a good working dog, again no guarantees but the potential is there.

Dogs who do well in Shutzhund need a high ‘bite drive’ and to have strong nerves, I’d recommend finding a Shutzhund club near you and talking to them about your puppy. They’re the experts.

In addition to show and shutzhund, there is competitive obedience, agility, therapy dog work and all sorts of other activities your Rottie could get involved in. Do some research and try to find something that he enjoys – and that you enjoy too.

Best of luck 🙂