I know that rotties, when bored or neglected, can become dangerous. 100 to 150 pounds of black and tan muscle and teeth, when mad enough, can do some serious damage. What I wish people who hate or are afraid of these dogs would remember is that they are only as good or bad as they are raised.
I graduated from a veterinary assistant program many years ago and have helped with a variety of organizations invloved with animal welfare. I have only been seriously bitten once and that was by a dauchsund that was trying to grab a toy from me. I have seen many scary and dangerous dogs - Not one of them was a pure bred rottie. Most were abused or trained to be aggresive. All were put to sleep.
If you see someone with a rottie, try to relax. Ask the owner if you can pet their dog. Never allow a child or even you to try and hug them as some rotts will become unsettled by such a 'dominant' action. Let the dog smell your hand first, and then see how they react. Most will flatten their ears, stump tail wagging, and allow you to pet them. Dominant dogs will tolerate being petted on the chest more than the head.
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If you are owned by one of these beautiful dogs, remember that you and your pet are diplomats for the rest of us. Just as people will judge your dog by the actions of ours, the opposite is also true. Get them used to petting and people while they are very young. Please be careful when training your dog. Many things seem to be instinctive with this breed, including prey drive (The intent stalking of small, moving critters), loyalty, stubborness, goofiness, and the sincere desire to protect their owners. Our three have only been through obedience, yet our eldest male has, in my humble opinion, saved me/us twice. Once, a german shepherd *I LOVE shepherds, don't get me wrong* that was on prozac came around a corner and lunged at us. Pharroh, our oldest male, got between me and the snarling dog and refused to let me pull him behind me until the other dog was removed. He was about 6 months old at the time, and showed incredible courage. A few years later, he barked for three days in our laundry room, until we realized he had discovered a natural gas leak. All untrained behavior.
Our female, Ti, has been taken into a local nursing home a couple of times and has been the most devoted smile bringer. She has a very submissive, affectionate nature, so this has worked well with her. There would be no way we could take Pharroh into a situation like that. So, another point would be, consider the personality of your dog before trying to involve them in something. Snarling, dominant dogs MUST be trained. A good trainer can help your dog to know their place. Sometimes rotties will grumble - When they are made to move from a comfortable spot, or if you are trying to get something from them. A grumble is very different from a growl. Grumbles are in the back of the throat and very soft. A growl, on the other hand, is scary and sounds deep within the chest. If a rottie should EVER growl at you, talk quietly and back away. Do not run, make sudden movements, or yell. Perhaps you both need to calm down. Review what led up to that point. Get professional help before your dog becomes your nightmare.
These are not evil dogs. They are smart, large and only in charge if the owner allows it. If you want a rott - Get a rott, but please research the breed as well as the breeder. AKC or UKC, there are breeders who strive for perfection rather than a fast buck. Visit a few kennels before you decide on a puppy. If you would like a good pet and a loving companion, please look into your local shelters or purebred dog rescue. Too many good rotts are put down every year through lack of understanding. Please, remember that owning a pet is a commitment for life, not to be made on a whim ~*~
One more thought...There are some who will buy a big dog to protect their home and chain them outside. First rule of thumb - These dogs have minds similar to that of a three to four year old human. They think, they reason, they push the limits. Play with your dog. Give them a rich life of love and fun. Take them places and yes, show your dog off. Be merciful and provide lots of fresh water and good food. Get them shots. Play, talk with them, give them safe toys to chew on. Do not leave a dog tied out on a chain for hours at a time if you can help it. Would you want a life like that? If you cannot bring them into your home, make sure you go into theirs several times a day. Dogs are social creatures, and a bored, lonely dog can become an angry, dangerous dog. Please remember the words of the Little Prince; - You are responsible for what you tame.
After losing Pharroh to bone cancer at the age of 9, we were informed that a cancerous growth removed from Ty a few months later would spread, and that we should put her down. We refused, stating that she did not appear to be in any pain, and that if and when her quality of life was affected, we would put her down. After a year, the growths were getting larger and she lost a great deal of weight, but she still did not seem to be in pain. We ended up getting a second opinon, and the remnaining growths were removed, along with a clean bill of health! Yes, it cost a fortune, but she has been a wonderful friend and companion, and she is worth every cent.
