Would you farmers use

elius

one of these as a herding dog. They seem buy all reports to be good cattle herding dogs..
good read
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rottweiler#Temperament

The_Conductor

elius wrote: »

one of these as a herding dog. They seem buy all reports to be good cattle herding dogs..
good read
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rottweiler#Temperament

Not in a million years.
A rottweiler can herd by using intimidation- however, much as I love dogs- I'd also be intimidated by a rottweiler- not to mention worried about sheep (cattle should be able to take better care of themselves).

While I don't doubt that a rottweiler could bond with a herd or flock- personally I'd just not feel comfortable or secure using them as a working dog. There are better herding dogs out there.

djmc

If you want a dog to heard cattle get a collie or shepard dog that is breed for it whos parents are good cattle or sheep dogs.
Even if a breed was used years back for herding it would be bread out of them
over time.
I would only buy one if i wanted a gaurd dog to protect property not for herding.
Its like any other farm animal all in the breeding.

John_F

elius wrote: »

one of these as a herding dog. They seem buy all reports to be good cattle herding dogs..
good read
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rottweiler#Temperament

no :pac:

border collies were bred to herd, an australian cattle dog can herd aswell but i think its more to do with agression towards the animal and staring it down

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ob-u8Q_dL2c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCyv3MeoYHI

think the border collie is more suited to irish herds though cos of looking at the photos in the videos i dont think that irish herd are that wild :P

dicky82

smccarrick wrote: »

Not in a million years.
A rottweiler can herd by using intimidation- however, much as I love dogs- I'd also be intimidated by a rottweiler- not to mention worried about sheep (cattle should be able to take better care of themselves).

While I don't doubt that a rottweiler could bond with a herd or flock- personally I'd just not feel comfortable or secure using them as a working dog. There are better herding dogs out there.

ive had rotties for ten years, they are well tempered and extreemely loyal. granted there are irresponcable owners out there that have given the breed a bad name, but to be honest id say that more people are bitten by collies and other breeds than by rotties.

rotties were used for herding but granted that would be long bred out of them. but any working dog that is properly trained can do the job as well as the next.

Indubitable

I would prefer a border collie but i would have no problem using a rottweiler. the only reason i would pick a collie over the rottweiler is because they are smarter (so i can train them to do alot of different things) and are not a restricted breed so they don't have to be chained up all the time which i think is fairly sad for a dog.
A rottweiler can be quiter and friendlier than any other dog and they are extremely loyal, they have been given a bad name because of irresponsible owners any dog can be aggressive, it mostly depends on the owner.

I would also consider a rare breed of hungarian sheepdaog called the "puli" who flick their "dreadlock" style hair to manipulate the movement of the sheep.

The_Conductor

I was thinking of this thread today- when I was talking to someone from the Council for the Blind who told me Helen Keller's guide dog was a Pitbull Terrier. I suppose looks and our perception of some breeds of dogs can be deceptive.....?

Indubitable

I believe that any breed of dog can make a great companion as long as it is given enough training, attention and socialization with people and other animals when it is young.

I have two dogs that are extremely friendly to both strangers and a pet rabbit. The rabbit is very safe with them and the rabbit can often be seen lying in the sun beside either dog.