The killing of an owner by his pet dogs at Arakkonam has put the focus on the Rottweiler, an “aggressive, ferocious and one-man dog breed” known for its strong guarding instincts.
Kirubakaran (56), an assistant in the office of Additional Director General of Police, Government Railway Police and resident of Kattupakkam village near Arakkonam, was mauled to death by his two Rottweilers on Tuesday night. He had gone to feed them when neighbours heard his screams. They rushed to the spot and found him lying with serious injuries. He was immediately taken to hospital but succumbed to his wounds. Mr. Kirubakaran brought a male Rottweiler, one of the two that bit him, to mate with the female Rottweiler he owned.
Separation anxiety
“They are one-man dogs and separation anxiety drives them mad, especially the male adults. It will take a lot of time to make an adult Rottweiler acclimatise itself to a new environment,” said Vellore-based veterinarian Kishore Kumar, who has had Rottweilers for many years as pets.
Originating in ancient Rome as a herding dog, Rottweilers were subsequently taken to other countries. Their jaws are stronger than Pitbulls and German Shepherds. “The dogs bred in Germany are more aggressive. Strangers are always at risk when handling a new adult. There are also Rottweilers that behave like the Labrador Retriever,” said Dr. Kishore Kumar.
It is not that all Rottweilers are dangerous. “The ratio is 10:3. I gave a dog to an owner in Tiruttani that killed seven cows and another one in Chromepet killed a Pitbull terrier. It is very difficult to release their jaws from the body of victim,” he added.
T. Manoharan, Deputy Director, Department of Animal Husbandry, told The Hindu that Rottweiler were dependable watch dogs.
“They are intelligent, alert, agile and, of course, aggressive. One cannot domesticate them beyond a point. Certain breeds are so intimate with their masters that they even put their hand inside its mouth. That kind of intimacy is not possible with Rottweiler,” he said.
Mr. Manoharan, however, explained socialisation and obedience training were a must for keeping them as pets.
He also said the phenomenon of pet dogs turning against masters was found across breeds.
It is an aggressive
breed known
for its strong
guarding
instincts
Published - July 15, 2016 12:00 am IST
