Clash Of The Titans

Let me start this post with a minor rant: the prejudices about intact male dogs. I've been taking my guys to one of the dog parks here in Hunters Creek and that includes both Sundance and Rowdy, two intact males (sometimes together -- gasp). Folks are generally very uncomfortable when I bring one of those guys into the park -- until they start interacting with the other dogs. Rowdy courts the ladies and plays with the younger males. Sundance simply plays with everyone.

Last evening, we took Rowdy and Sundance together. I don't know how other breeds play, but Rottweilers love to stalk each other during a play session. It starts out with one of them catching the eye of the other and freezing them with a glance.



Then, the other dog locks into the stalk.



Slowly, they start to move toward each other.





Until they reach a point where they both freeze and stare -- the Faceoff.



After a few seconds, this stage is followed by the most blood-curdling move a Rottie can make: The Pounce!



And, finally, a discussion between the Victor (Rowdy) and the Vanquished (Sundance). Note how much bigger Sundance is than his Grandfather!



There were people outside of the park watching this tableau and when it was over, they just laughed and applauded. The boys went on to chase tennis balls and each other around the pavilion. Two intact males behaving in a very civilized manner. Oh, and they are Rotties. Even more amazing!

The Spay & Neuter extremists would have us believe that intact male and female dogs cannot interact with other dogs without aggression caused by those darned sex hormones. I don't believe that is any more true of dogs than of people. I do believe that dogs that are not being or going to be bred should be neutered or spayed. But dogs that can contribute to the next generation of their breed with physical and psychological soundness, should be allowed to do so. Sundance is Rowdy's grandson. He shares his temperament. Our breed needs more kids like that.

Hope you enjoyed the Battle!

Jim

I am only going to post these for fun, because Rottweilers are supposed to be so evil and whippets to delicate and sweet

Julie,
as I was viewing your post, Sundance looked up, saw the shots of your Whippets, whimpered and then slinked off to the corner to chew on his rubber bone. "Those are evil dogs, daddy" he said.

Indeed!!

Jim

Great series Jim!

We have been spending a lot of time in my apprenticeship class discussing the myths and urban legends attached to our furry friends. We were just starting to talk about intact males interacting with neutered males last night. It is pretty amazing how ignorant some "dog people" really are.

Julie,

Are you sure those vampires should be out in daylight like that? The slobber really makes those!


Here is my own version on the theme - Princess Haley:


As an interesting side note, she only does this on command and only for my wife. I can't get her to do "snarl facey" for anything!

I know, the title of the photo was "Evil Bitches" as its the girls that start it. Mostly Dot. She plays ROUGH. Funny thing is she will submit to dogs she doesn't know. Has great dog manners but that is HER McGuire. They play like this all the time. There has only been one bleeding incident and she accidentally nicked the inside of his ear. Barely a scab.

I don't think I have seen many breeds play as rough as whippets. Probably Jack Russells! All the others move into fighting if they act like this.

You know my neighbors think I run a dog fighting ring here

Julie - I agree, the SPIT makes the photo. Here are a couple of other big breed dogs playing the snarl game.

Big dogs play in big ways!!

The Mouth Game


This is one of my favorites. I love the look on the face of the bitch on the right (Cleo). These are 2 intact bitches. The bitch on the right (Izzy) can get an attitude, so I keep a close eye on her.



A winter basketball game between a dog and a bitch.

I know these ae low quality, but they make me laugh. First my rat terrier...



and then my schnorkie



Both taken completely out of context, but both make me chuckle.

Hehe Julie, be careful who you show those whippet photos to, otherwise they'll become one of those notorious 'dangerous enough to ban' breeds!

Ah, yes, and the irony is that Rotties already are .

Slurps from TDI and Delta-Certified Therapy Dog, Rowdy.

Jim

Jim, speaking of 'dangerous dogs', my poor 100 lb GSDs (another breed which is banned in many places) are ruled by a whispy little 12 lb. mix of uncertain ancestry.

I was going to show the whippet photos to her, but the last thing I need to do is give her ideas!

:- )

You would think I was running a dog fighting ring in my backyard! Though, they never put their teeth on each other and then all curl up together on the couch.

Jim, ironic this is the first thing I see when coming to the forum this morning....... Does Linda want to sign on and discuss last nights game?????????

Hey Bob,
congrats on that 6-overtime win!! Awesome game. Linda says "what game?" Basketball isn't exactly her favorite sport.

Here's hoping your team can come back from that physically for tonight's contest.

Jim

Thanks Jim, it was an amazing game! I'm not sure how much they will have left for tonight. I think they need to go into the game to have fun and that's it. They have proven themselves at this point. Seeding for the NCAA tourney this year will be somewhat insignificant.