Introducing ENZO
Living with Rottweilers is like living with exotic cars. You commit to a Pokemon-tier dog (at least in Europe) the same way you commit to an SLR. It’s an educated choice.
Enzo
The Rottweiler - so ancient that scientists can’t even judgement its origin story. Some date the Rottweiler back to ancient Egypt and Tutankhamun, others - to ancient Rome. But one thing we can say with certainty - It’s one of the oldest surviving dog breeds. Throughout the ages, it has served numerous of purposes and this defines the Rottweiler as an all-purpose dog. From fights with lions in ancient Egypt (allegedly), to marching over the Alps with the Roman legions, to gaining its nickname “the butchers dog” by pulling the cart with meat while caring the money around its neck, to being drafted in WWI and WWII as a front line, messenger, ambulance and guard dog, to being the first to the scene ambulance dog in the 9/11 attack…
The Rottweiler is currently heavily used in the military, but it’s also used by the police forces in Austria, Mexico, Columbia, the USA and many more. It can be spotted as part of a border patrol/control and at airports.
Its versatility and its desire to serve and to work for and with us, are what makes the Rottweiler so special. Very few breeds are this eager to please and ready to dedicate their entire existence to serving their humans. All of these positives, unfortunately, attract people who lack confidence thinking such a dog of an imposing strength will make them appeal stronger. On paper, sure, it’s a beast. But if you don’t match the vibes, it’s game over. And I mean it. It’s a powerful, dominant, intelligent dog that can totally make decisions on its own. Which is amazing, if you train them. But it’ll serve as a bad example for the breed, if you don’t train them.
West
In my case, I was 100% sure I wanted one of these. I did my research, I went to a reputable breeder and got West. The second I saw her, I knew she just opened a whole new chapter. People usually get dogs to fill a void, I got a dog to get me out of one. I’ve always had pets growing up and I missed that pure and innocent love you can receive only from an animal (sadly). The bigger the dog, the bigger the heart, the bigger the love, right? Correct. Everything I’ve ever read about the breed can’t come close to what’s like to live with one. There’s so much to say about it, but just don’t get one of these. The Rottweiler is reserved for someone who lives like them. An outcast, someone who sees through everything and everyone and decides not to engage in meaningless banter. Someone with a purpose and a dedication to their cause. Someone with a big heart, who opens it up only for selected few. Someone who’s true and unapologetic. If you don’t match the description, there’re plenty of breeds for you, but the Rott is not for you.
Enzo
Yeah, it is also very expensive to own one of these. I’ll be honest and tell you how much exactly it costs to have not one, but two. Food: roughly 600 EUR per month; treats: 100 EUR per month; training: 1000 EUR, so this leaves us with 1700 EUR per month or 20400 EUR per year just for the very basic needs. I’m not trying to discourage anyone, but this is the reality of owning a Rottweiler. Of course, if you want a healthy, happy and trained Rottweiler, because this is my goal.
Getting West got me out of the void, but then I discovered dog sport. Believe me when I tell you the last time I went to the gym was when I was living in Barcelona. Almost 3 years ago. I don’t need to. I got a 40kg female Rottweiler LOL. 10k steps per day and the physical workout of that is the dog training keep me in a perfect shape. I’m out every single day with her. In a good weather or in a bad weather, I’m out. I’ve invested in some quality gear for myself as well, so that I don’t have an excuse. Mizuno, Lowa, Sorel, Roxy, Patagonia - these are some really good brands, if you share a similar lifestyle. I also got a Barbour wax jacket and black Saint Laurent jeans for when I want to be fancier while I’m with her in the city centre. Indeed, all eyes are on us. “Oh, look a Rottweiler, they’re very aggressive dogs” lol I bought a t-shirt that says “Beware of owner” and it’s very much relevant. Beware of me, West serves me. LOL
West
So, now I got two of these. Enzo is a bliss so far. He’s very promising and has a strong desire to work. He started his bite training already and at 5 months is already capable to recognise potential attacks and to act accordingly. The protection dog training is not for everyone. It basically replicates the most common situations you can be in like robbing, rape, kidnapping, foul play, migrants (unfortunately), many more… and we replicate those potential and harmful situations and the dog needs to recognise them. For example, if you’re close to me and you take out a knife, your arm will be bitten by the time you’ve taken out the knife. In Enzo’s case, he won’t even need a command to do so. Any type of weapon really, Enzo will respond. And he’s so quick. By the time I tell him “Enzo, attack” he’s already there. His father is exactly the same. Very serious animals. Too much liability for almost anyone.
Enzo
Just to clarify, the dogs are taught the “wait and see” behaviour. They won’t react, if they don’t need to. Anything suspicious is a fair game. Just don’t be suspicious. Act like a normal human and everything will be ok. “Play stupid games, win stupid prices”, alright?! Good! Rule number 1: Don’t be stupid around Enzo. West will respond as well, but she’s taught to protect the perimeter and the territory (the house) more. She’s a long-distance protection dog due to the fact she’s a female - she’s lighter. She runs very fast. When she gets you, she gets you. Enzo is a close-contact bodyguard dog. He’s expected to top 60kg of pure muscle in a year. You wouldn’t want to mess with him. They’re a fantastic team and having separate roles makes each of them very happy, because they don’t compete. “I protect the territory, you protect the humans. Everyone is happy” - West
But all of this was an educated choice.
Here's a cool video from ASDT in case you want to get more familiar with the breed: