Happy Nat'l Dog Day, Folks! ‪#‎NationalDogDay

Gotta share the LOVE!  
Happy Nat'l Dog Day, Folks! ‪#‎NationalDogDay

All Lives Matter - Stop Racism!

Enough is Enough. 

We've got to stop the madness before it's too late!

Spoiled Rottenweiler's - Our Family

Our "Babies"

- Zeus Sr, Zina, Achilles, Hercules, Nyx, Peyton, Cerberus, Loki, & Zeus Jr -

"Then & Now" Collage

Zeus Sr (2004-2011) was the first. He was, is, and shall always be the heart and soul of our Spoiled Rottenweilers. After his death, I wrote a tribute to him which can be viewed here,

Zina (2009-present) - Wife of Zeus Sr & one of the smartest animals I have ever seen, She is the Queen of the Pack, retired from breeding with full honors.

Achilles (2011-present) & Hercules (2011-2011) Litter twins from Z & Z's first litter born January of '11.
We lost Hercules too soon, lost to illness shortly after the tornadoes plowed through our area.

Nyx (2011-present) From Z & Z's second litter, born August of '11

Nyx was the SOLE SURVIVOR of that litter- a bad batch of vaccinations infected the entire litter with Parvo, she somehow pulled through. She is Joe's 'favorite' and oh, my does she know it!

Peyton (2011(?)-present) - Our "rescue" addition, true age unknown - believed to be approximately the same age as Nyx.
Peyton was given to us when some folks nearby were suddenly forced to get rid of her. She came to us a shy & skittish gal - possibly mistreated - she joined our 6 and quickly became one of the pack. The best Momma dog anyone could want.

And then there are the triplets--

Cerberus, Loki, & Zeus Jr (2012-present) - the last litter fathered by Zeus Sr
Still heartbroken over the loss of their Dad, I almost kept ALL the puppies from his last litter, but wound up settling for keeping just these 3 boys. I can't even count how many people came by wanting to buy one of these guys - but I couldn't let them go. They are the "babies" of the pack & yet they each outweigh me!

More puppies than I can count have passed from our home to others.
They are our family.

https://www.facebook.com/SpoiledRottweilers

Download Safety - A Crash Course for Some Local Friends (And Whoever Else Needs It)

The majority of systems that I am asked to repair are bogged down with virus, malware, adware, & spyware that were boot-strapped into various files and programs the user downloaded from the Internet.

Instead of attaching a guideline on their desktop every time I finish a repair, I decided to create this one - so anyone who needs help with this extremely common problem can use it, anytime.

Understand that even if you follow every single step every single time your system may still get invaded, but it is much less likely to happen if you learn how to research the item, how to install it properly, and how to recognize signs that a program may not be safe before you ever download it.

First step should always be to search Google (or your search engine of choice) for reviews, opinions, etc. about the software in question. And take the time needed to read the description and recommendations at the download site, or at the program's website. You don't want to install something that won't be compatible with your needs or your computer.

Seeing where it's hosted (and if its developer has a site for it) can give you some clues, too. Try to avoid 3rd-party download sites & go directly to the source - those 3rd-party folks just love to bundle & most of them could care less if the extras are safe for you.

If your internet search primarily links to a multitude of negative comments and reviews bashing the software as being loaded with malware, spyware, viruses, and so on, you should think twice - at least twice, before jumping in.  If you can find evidence of the software being hosted by or linked from sites you've come to trust, then the odds are good that it's probably okay.

Always be wary of a forced download -- like your browser telling you that you “must” install something in order to view a Web page. Liars!! Just about the only browser plug-in you need these days is Adobe Flash, and that should only be downloaded and installed from Adobe's Web site -- nowhere else. Always attempt to download from the object's site of origin, even if you have to spend some time searching the 'net to locate them.

When installing any program, read every single step thoroughly. Whenever given a choice for "Standard" or "Custom" Installation, you should ALWAYS choose CUSTOM INSTALL! Read each screen carefully and opt out of installing anything extra. In this screenshot, you would want to UN-check the boxes under "Custom":

Sometimes, the choice is not so straightforward – you may encounter a screen similar to this one:

If you choose "Decline" - that applies to the offer on this screen only, and will not prevent your chosen program from installing. So, DECLINE & proceed!

Some installers will also give you a few browser toolbars or "bonuses" that serve to do nothing more than clutter up your computer. Look for boxes to un-check -- reputable software developers will give you the option to opt out of such offers during an install.

NEVER, NEVER, NEVER  download software that's been pirated or cracked. That's got "bad news" written all over it. There's no quicker way to compromise your system than to use code that doesn't come from a trusted source. A LARGE percentage of spyware, virus, and general malware originate via P2P networks & illegitimate media.

Don't assume that, just because you're using non-Windows operating system (like Linux or Apple's OS X) that you're safe from the threat of a potential security breach. Most malware programmers target Windows because it's the most used operating system in the world , but have no illusions, these programmers, evil little leprechauns and trolls that they are, are capable of infecting any operating system – and believe me, it does happen!

It may seem hard to believe, but many of the systems I have repaired had NO active security to help protect their systems. Often, a purchased system will come with some antivirus program installed, those pre-installed programs are usually under a trial period, and when that period has ended, it is up to YOU to either renew the subscription, find another protection program, whatever you choose - when that time comes, PLEASE - CHOOSE SOMETHING! Allowing your system to cruise the Internet unprotected is a great way to turn it in to a very expensive door stopper, boat anchor, - you get my drift right? So make sure you've always got security software running & that the virus definitions, updates, and so on are kept up-to-date & that system scans are run on a regular basis.

These malware writers are very experienced in using tricks to get users to download their malware. Software that comes bundled with "other software" is often called a Trojan Horse. For example, instant messenger software bundled with a program such as WildTangent, a known spyware offender. Peer-to-peer file sharing software, such as Kaaza & LimeWire, bundle various types of malware that are categorized as spyware or adware. Software that promises to speed up the Internet connection or assist with downloads (e.g., My Web Search) will often contain adware.

Another common way to infect a computer can be via email messages, which contain a seemingly benign link or email attachment; if something pops up on your screen without you clicking, take your hands away from the mouse and keyboard. You need to analyze this intruder before accidentally accepting or downloading some malicious software. The following link is another useful and well-written information source on this topic.

http://www.komando.com/happening-now/265789/how-to-avoid-sneaky-media-player-malware

In summation, malware can exploit security holes in your browser as a way of invading your machine. Sometimes websites state that software is needed to view the site, in an attempt to trick users into clicking "Yes" thus installing software onto their machines. Another trick is if you click "No," many error windows display. Other sites will tell you that using a certificate makes their site "safe" which is not the case. Certificate verification means only that the company that wrote the software is the same as the company whose name appears on the download prompt.

Some malware provides no uninstall option, and installs code in unexpected and hidden places (e.g., the Windows registry) or modifies the operating system, thus making it more difficult to remove – and sometimes even impossible! Some of these malicious programs have the potential to literally kill your hard drive – imagine it; every picture, every song, every document (tax returns, payment receipts, school papers, EVERYTHING wiped out with no hope of recovery… It is a good investment to follow the steps I have given you, print this out & sit it right next to your system, whatever it takes to become an informed & safe downloader.

Thanks for reading, I would love to see suggestions or tips from others, questions, anything you want to know or want to share!

German or American Rottweiler? How to (REALLY) Know!

German or American?
Here is the Answer!

This is, without a doubt, one of the most-common questions we get at SpoiledRottenweilers©.
I usually just say “American” & leave it at that, but I do realize that some of you may truly want more information, & may or may not be sure of the differences. So, I pieced this together from trusted sources to provide more information to those who REALLY want to know.

Breed standards, as judged by the kennel club guidelines are available, in depth, here- (Rottweiler Owner's Guide (outside source, purchase required). I personally do not own this guide, and provide the link as a courtesy – since they are the source of some of my information.

The Rottweiler breed is from Germany, and originally Rome, so what determines/defines an American Rottweiler? How can you tell whether your own Rottie is German or American?

There are some (slight) differences between the two- read on to learn more.

Rottweiler origin is a common source of question & even argument. Some ‘experts’ base determination on hair length, coloration, head and/or chest size, body and/or leg length, etc… but who is right? Where does the “correct & expert” opinion come from? To provide the answer, let’s dig a little deeper, shall we?

The German Rottweiler

Research & observation have led me to the following standards for consideration…

Simplicity first – a German Rottweiler is defined as German for being born in Germany.  If your Rottweiler‘s official place of birth was Germany, then your Rottweiler is defined as a German Rottweiler.

However, the German Rottweiler is not so easily defined. The Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler-Klub (ADRK) does have specific, strict standards for the breed.

The ADRK includes a temperament specification; requiring that “their” Rottweiler’s are “well-suited in assisting their human companions”. This includes a strict standard guideline that the rotties possess a mild and calm personality & sharp mind. The ADRK wants their Rottweiler to be compatible for use as:

• Companion dogs
• Guide dogs for the blind and or disabled
• Security dogs
• Working dogs
• Family dogs
  

Additionally, a major difference is that the ADRK has a very strict no docking rule. They will not even consider recognizing a Rottweiler as ADRK if they have a docked tail.

Tail docking, or intentionally removing the animal’s tail, is still fairly common in the U.S. – but has been banned in the U.K. since 2007.

The American Rottweiler

The American Rottweiler is a loosely defined as a Rottweiler that was born in America, not in Germany.

There are many similar characteristics between the two. The main differences seem to be what the American Kennel Club (AKC) standard requirements are - as opposed to those of the ADRK. The AKC does allow tail docking, where the ADRK does not.

So, Is My Rottweiler German or American?

As you can see, there is very little difference between the German & American Rottweiler. Most of the differences are based on standards defined by the AKC and ARDK & their values and ideas as to what should be recognized as a Rottweiler.

The ADRK is primarily concerned with:

• Temperament
• Size/Weight
• Intact Tail (NO DOCKING)

The American Kennel Club allows for less-stringent size/weight requirement & accepts the docked tail as a ‘signature’ of the Rottweiler breed.

Unless the guidelines of these organizations is of vital importance to you,  you can define your Rottweiler as German or American is simply by where they were born.
So – FINAL ANSWER:
If your Rottweiler was born in Germany, then they are indeed a German Rottweiler. If they were born in America, they are an American Rottweiler. Regardless of where your Rottweiler’s origins lie, there is a common thread you can be proud of – when bred & raised in a healthy, loving, environment, they are a hardy, intelligent, & loyal breed with a sweet disposition & when well-bred will provide you with a faithful friend, companion, & protector.

Regarding Registration (Our Own Reasons)
Just a side-note, when we first got involved in raising Rottweiler’s, I was under the impression that the “German Rottweiler” was longer-haired - like the one on the right in the following photo:

My misconception was incorrect, and came solely from the fact that when the AKC decided on breed restrictions, they decided that the long haired and rough haired Rottweiler does not “meet breed standards”. So, in my ignorance, if it wasn’t acceptable by AKC standards, it must be German – as I said, an incorrect assumption.

Additionally, I was shocked and disgusted to learn that many long haired Rottweiler puppies are euthanized! Why?? – simply because they do not meet Kennel Club standards for the breed!!
Fortunately, there are breeders who, instead of cruelly putting these ‘different-looking’ Rottweiler’s to an undeserved death, opt to separate them and sell them as ‘pet-quality’ instead of ‘show-quality’ dogs. The long haired Rottie are a very healthy breed of dog, much like the regular shorter, smoother haired version you normally see. There does not appear to be any specific diseases or genetic problems that come along with having long hair. So you don’t need to worry about any extra health issues if you are planning on including a long haired Rottweiler into your family. Additionally, the long-haired version is a rarity. Even if you bred two long-haired Rotties, odds are slim that you would see more than one or two long-haired offspring in the entire litter!

When asked about whether our SpoiledRottenweilers© are ‘registered’ or ‘have papers’ – my stock response is simply that we do not do so because “We sell Pets, not Papers”. It is because of guidelines as mentioned above that I refuse to endorse or support the Kennel Clubs. We guarantee our puppies are always  pure-bred, and 100% Rottweiler.

Thanks to:

RottweilerHQ  &
Rottweiler Owners Guide  - for their invaluable assistance in the creation of this article.