OUR OCTOBER DOG OF THE MONTH IS SASHA
As we slowly drift into fall, we have a strong, high-energy lady to introduce to you; Sasha, a gorgeous Rottweiler, owned and loved by Bette and Bob.
Ha! Bette and Bob thought they were going to get a “Rottie” that was as compliant and laid-back as their last Rottweiler had been. Sasha came along to remind them that puppies are hard work and that a teenager can be rebellious during those adolescent years.
When Sash was a puppy, Bette and Bob wisely chose Central Bark for her training classes. Sasha performed well, was always polite with the other dogs, but could be a bit stubborn, willful, and ESPECIALLY strong. Both Bette and Bob worked diligently and soon, Sasha became a model citizen! Well, almost. One day Sasha was outside playing, with Bette watching her, when Sasha (in her overgrown puppy excitement) collided with Bette, knocked her down, and broke her hip! Talk about exuberance!
Bette needed surgery, hours and hours of rehab, and is now good as new. She loves Sasha more than ever and does not blame her beloved Sasha at all. Clearly, Sasha was just being playful and would never hurt anyone intentionally.
In all her boldness, Sasha was a bit reserved when she started day care at Central Bark. She just wasn’t sure she wanted to play if she couldn’t be the boss. Now she wants to play all day and loves when her neighbor, Maggie Mae, is in the playgroup! As you can see from her picture, Sasha can be a bit of a clown!
True to her breed, Sasha is robust and powerful. The Rottweiler is happiest when given a job to perform. His intelligence, endurance and willingness to work make him suitable as a police dog, herder, service dog, therapy dog, obedience competitor and devoted companion. An inherent protector, the Rottweiler is self-confident and responds quietly and with a wait-and-see attitude to influences in his environment.
This breed is medium to large in size and their coat is black with rust to mahogany markings. The Rottweiler’s ancestors were the “drover” dogs, accompanying the herds the Romans brought with them when invading Europe. The Germans later recognized the controllable herding and guarding instincts of the Rottie, and dogs were selectively bred for these traits.
When a need for its services diminished, the Rottweiler almost fell into extinction. In the early 1900’s, a newly formed club established a breed standard and the breed have not appreciably changed since that time.
The Right Breed for You? Rottweilers love their people and may behave in a clownish manner toward family and friends. However, they are also protective of their territory and do not welcome strangers until properly introduced. Obedience training and early socialization is necessary if you want this breed. Rottweilers must be exercised daily, but require minimal grooming maintenance. You decide if you want to make this commitment.
Bob and Bette knew that this was the breed for them and Sasha has proven they were right. So, when you see Sasha, Bob or Bette, offer your congratulations, as Sasha is the October Dog of the Month!
