updated puppy guarantee – we do not recommend de-sexing your puppy/adult rottweiler unless there are specific medical reasons to do so – there are now many studies citing the correlation between de-sexing and the increased potential for ligament and joint issues – if you feel that de-sexing is best for your dog, please consider an alternative breeder – if you own a Seeuferhause Rottweiler or intend to buy one and you decide to de-sex, please ensure you consult with us first – failure to secure approval from us for this procedure will result in your puppy guarantee being cancelled
Seeuferhause Rottweilers are first and foremost working rottweilers. In order for them to excel as working rottweilers they must be physically robust, and free of any hereditary faults that prevent them from accomplishing everything that their owners need them to.
All Seeuferhause puppies are sold with a lifetime guarantee against all known / common hereditary faults. The faults that this guarantee covers are listed below:
- General: Marked reversal of sexual type, i.e., feminine dogs or masculine bitches.
- Behaviour: Anxious, shy, cowardly, gun-shy, vicious, excessively suspicious, nervous animals.
- Eyes: Entropian, Ectropian, yellow eyes, different coloured eyes.
- Teeth: Overshot or undershot bite, missing premolars or molars.
- Coat Texture: Very long or wavy coat.
- Coat Colour: Dogs which do not show the typical Rottweiler colouring of black with tan markings. White markings.
- Note: Males must have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
The above faults are as per those listed on the Rottweiler Club of Victoria website
In addition to the above list Seeuferhause Rottweilers guarantees all of its puppies against Hip / Elbow dysplasia.
All of our breeding stock is tested and examined by a qualified / recognised veterinarian for all of the above hereditary faults and will only be used for breeding if they are assessed to be of satisfactory standard in those areas.
More and more studies are now showing correlation between early de-sexing and ligament and joint diseases, among others. Your dogs reproductive system and the process of “maturing / puberty” is vital to its development. Early de-sexing ensures that the pre-requisite hormones for proper development is not present in your dogs body / system and as such the likelihood of joint and or ligament damage is inadvertently increased.
Unless there is a specific medical condition “emergency” there is absolutely no logical reason for your puppy to be de-sexed – if your vet pressures you to do so, please contact us to discuss. As your puppy grows older, again unless there is a medical condition requiring this procedure don’t fall for the pressure – it is likely your dogs issues are behavioural and can be solved with training and behaviour modification.
In all cases, please consult with us before authorising your vet to carry out a de-sexing procedure.
Seeuferhause Rottweilers recommend that you do not de-sex your rottweiler – if you choose to do so without written acknowledgement from Seeuferhause Rottweilers, your lifetime guarantee against Hip/Elbow dysplasia, ligament injuries and any and all other joint / ligament conditions is null and void, and Seeuferhause Rottweilers bears no responsibility for any damage caused.
Should you believe that your Seeuferhause Rottweiler displays a hereditary fault in any of the above categories it should be brought to our attention immediately. Should the hereditary fault be verified we will offer you a replacement puppy of equivalent quality, free of charge. There is no opportunity for monetary refunds other than at the discretion of Seeuferhause Rottweilers.
In the case where the replacement puppy may need to be transported to the owners’ residence all costs associated with transport are to be the responsibility of the owner and Seeuferhause Rottweilers cannot be held accountable for this. It is also the owners responsibility to cover the transport needs of the dog being returned.
If the situation arises that the owner and Seeuferhause Rottweilers cannot agree on the existence of a hereditary disorder the final judgement on the nature of the issue will be made by Seeuferhause preferred Veterinary practitioner. Any costs associated with presenting the dog for examination by the vet will be at the owner’s expense. Vet fees will be paid by Seeuferhause Rottweilers.
If an owner suspects their dog has a hereditary fault and undertakes potential remedial action without consultation / approval from Seeuferhause Rottweilers then Seeuferhause Rottweilers will not be required to fulfil the requirements of this guarantee.
Laurie Boutzetis
Director
Seeuferhause Rottweilers
Below is a couple of videos of a presentation given by Dr Stuart Mason of Monash veterinary Hospital on behalf of Dogs Victoria on the subject of “de-sexing” of dogs.
One is a short video that explains Dr Mason’s position on the subject and the second is the long version of the lecture provided for Dogs Victoria.
Below is a copy of the statement published by Dogs Victoria on their website outlining their position on “mandatory spaying / neuter” – Dogs Victoria do not support mandatory de-sexing.
POSITION STATEMENT
Dogs Victoria recognises there may be benefits to spaying or neutering dogs that are not part of a responsible breeding program, or that are not being shown, and where an owner has been informed of and considered the benefits versus risks of the procedure.
Dogs Victoria believes that these important decisions should be made on an individual basis by the owner of the dog, in conjunction with his or her breeder and veterinarian, where the convenience and advantages of neutering dogs is weighed against the possible risks associated with neutering 1, 2, 3
The decision of when and whether to spay or neuter a dog is not one to be taken lightly. There are many important factors to consider, especially when it comes to the long-term health of the dog.
Therefore Dogs Victoria opposes mandatory spay / neuter legislation.
Dogs Victoria’s position is consistent with the ANKC’s opposition to mandatory spay/neuter approaches4, and takes into account published and peer reviewed scientific studies. These find that desexing a dog, particularly before it has fully matured, can lead to significant long-term health impacts, including cancer (such as osteosarcoma, mast cell cancer, hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, and lymphosarcoma), hip dysplasia, ligament damage, patellar luxation, incontinence, cognitive decline, fear and/or aggression and other behavioural issues, and even a shorter lifespan 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20.
Mandatory spay / neuter legislation targets all dog owners, regardless of their level of responsibility or the behaviour of their dogs. By legislatively mandating surgical procedures without consideration of the individual dog and its circumstances, the approach obviates a veterinarian’s professional case-by-case judgement. This is in direct conflict with professional standards of care required of veterinarians. Routine neutering, especially in the case of non-free-ranging companion animals, raises significant ethical questions, and from some ethical perspectives, looks highly problematic2.
Shelter Population
Mandatory spay / neuter legislation is usually promoted as a solution for animal control. Proponents advocate that mandatory spay / neuter legislation will reduce the number of animals at shelters.
Mandatory spay / neuter legislation has not proven effective in reducing the number of unwanted animals or shelter populations. Moreover, research indicates that the majority of unwanted dogs in the United States (where similar legislation has been considered) come as a consequence of owners who are unable or unwilling to train, socialise, and care for their dog21.
The Australian Veterinary Association’s position concurs that Mandatory desexing has not proven an effective strategy for reducing the number of unwanted companion animals22.
Imposing mandatory spay / neuter legislation will not resolve the issue of irresponsible ownership. Effective solutions instead require addressing the larger issue of irresponsible dog owners, and irresponsible breeders who place puppies indiscriminately. These types of comprehensive preventive strategies address the underlying cause of animals arriving in shelters in the first place.
Dogs Victoria advocates public education about the need for long-term commitment and responsibilities relating to dog ownership and welfare. Dogs Victoria also advocates education of breeders in how to screen and select owners who are in the best position to train, socialise and care for a dog.
In support of this proposal is an analysis of RSPCA’s Yagoona shelter in Sydney, which showed that 98% of dogs destroyed during 2004/05 were unfit to be rehomed due to poor health, old age or unsuitable temperament23. Of 79 Victorian councils zero euthanasia of adoptable and treatable dogs is widely quoted24. Research also shows that pure bred dogs are extremely low in numbers in shelters25.
Some advocates of spay / neuter legislation also propose that desexing dogs reduces aggression and therefore the risk of being surrendered, however research exists that concludes spaying and neutering does not reduce aggression in dogs26, 27, 28.
Consequences of a mandatory approach
Research has shown that mandatory spay / neuter is not an effective solution for reasons including21, 29:
Difficult to enforce
May result in owners failing to register their dog with the council
May result in owners avoiding exercising and socialising their dog, and routine veterinary appointments, to hide their non- compliance
Increases the work load of council rangers who are responsible for dealing with the enforcement of animal control legislation
May result in an increase of animals surrendered to pounds rather than owners incurring the cost of desexing to comply with mandatory spay/neuter legislation
Impacts purebred dog genepools and places downstream pressure on health of resultant puppies
Impacts the ability of consumers from being able to obtain a healthy, well-bred dog from a responsible breeder
The approach also has the risk of punishing responsible breeders and those who choose to keep their dogs entire for their health, or to participate in conformation and other similar activities.
The approach sends a clear message to Dogs Victoria members that any political party or council who adopts it is not dog friendly and does not support their activities and rights as responsible dog owners to make informed decisions for their dogs.
Dogs Victoria members and affiliates generate a significant amount of revenue for the local economy through their activities such as conformation shows and trials. Dogs Victoria members make a serious commitment to their dogs, and to ensuring the future health, welfare and breed type of their individual breeds.
Alternatives
Public education programs to promote responsible dog ownership29.
Breeder education programs focused on screening potential owners.
Enforce existing animal control and welfare legislation29.
Implement low-cost spay/neuter programs in targeted locations with a high intake of dogs in shelters24.
Dogs Victoria can assist in advising on effective evidence based animal welfare policy, and public education programs that address the issue of irresponsible ownership while still protecting the rights of responsible owners and breeders.
Dogs Victoria acknowledges the work and detailed position of the American Kennel Council (AKC) on the topic of mandatory spay / neuter laws and their ineffectiveness, which has greatly assisted in the development of this paper.
Belanger J, Bellumori T, Bannasch D, Famula T and Oberbauer A (2017), Correlation of neuter status and expression of heritable disorders, Canine Genetics and Epidemiology 2017 4:6
Palmer C, Corr S, Sandoe P (2012) Inconvenient Desires: Should we routinely neuter companion animals? Anthrozoös 25 supplement: 153-172
Root Kustritz MV, Slater MR, Weedon GR and Bushby PA (2017) Determining optimal age for gonadectomy in the dog: a critical review of the literature to guide decision making. Clinical Theriogenology Vol 9, No 2 June 2017
Australian National Kennel Council Policy Statement (2013) Responsible Breeding http://ankc.org.au/media/9141/17-responsible-breeding_oct-13.pdf
McGreevy P, Wilson B, Starling M and Serpell J (2018), Behavioural risks in male dogs with minimal lifetime exposure to gonadal hormones may complicate population-control benefits of desexing, PLoS One 2018; 13(5)
Balogh O, Borruat N, Meier A, Hartnack S, Reichler I (2018) The influence of spaying and its timing relative to the onset of puberty on urinary and general behaviour in Labrador Retrievers, Reprod Domest Anim. 2018 Jul 5
Zink C, Farhoody P, Elser S, Ruffini L, Gibbons T and Rieger R (2014) Evaluation of the risk and age of onset of cancer and behavioural disorders in gonadectomized Vizslas J Am Vet Med Assoc 2014;244:309–319
Spain CV, Scarlett JM, Houpt KA (2004). Long-term risks and benefits of early-age gonadectomy in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2004;224:380–387
Duerr FM, Duncan CG, Savicky RS, Park RD, Egger EL, Palmer RH (2007) Risk factors for excessive tibial plateau angle in large-breed dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease, J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2007
Torres de la Riva G, Hart B, Farver T, Oberbauer A, McV. Messam L, Willits N and Hart L (2013) Neutering Dogs: Effects on Joint Disorders and Cancers in Golden Retrievers PLoS One 2013
Slauterbeck JR, Pankratz K, Xu KT, et al. (2004) Canine ovariohysterectomy and orchiectomy increases the prevalence of ACL injury. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2004;429:301–305
Ware WA, Hopper DL. Cardiac tumors in dogs: 1982-1995. (1999) J Vet Intern Med 1999 Mar-Apr;13(2):95-103
Cooley DM, Beranek BC, Schlittler DL, Glickman NW, Glickman LT, Waters D (2002) Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2002 Nov;11(11):1434-40
Ru G, Terracini B, Glickman LT (1998) Host related risk factors for canine osteosarcoma. Vet J. 1998 Jul;156(1):31-9
Hart BL (2001). Effect of gonadectomy on subsequent development of age-related cognitive impairment in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2001 Jul 1;219(1):51-6
Stocklin-Gautschi NM, Hassig M, Reichler IM, Hubler M, Arnold S (2001) The relationship of urinary incontinence to early spaying in bitches. J. Reprod. Fertil. Suppl. 57:233-6, 2001
Aaron A, Eggleton K, Power C, Holt PE. Urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence in male dogs: a retrospective analysis of 54 cases (1996) Vet Rec. 139:542-6, 1996
Howe LM, Slater MR, Boothe HW, Hobson HP, Holcom JL, Spann AC (2001) Long-term outcome of gonadectomy performed at an early age or traditional age in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2001 Jan 15;218(2):217-21
Hart BL, Hart LA, Thigpen AP, Willits NH (2016) Neutering of German Shepherd Dogs: associated joint disorders, cancers and urinary incontinence. Vet Med Sci. 2016 May 16;2(3):191-199
Hart B, Hart L, Thigpen A, Willits N (2014) Long-term health effects of neutering dogs: Comparison of Labrador Retrievers with Golden Retrievers, PLoS One. 2014; 9(7)
Salman MD, New Jr JG, Scarlett JM, Kass PH, Ruch-Gallie R and Hetts S (1998) Human and Animal Factors Related to Relinquishment of Dogs and Cats in 12 Selected Animal Shelters in the United States, J App Animal Welfare Sc vol 1(3) 207-226
https://www.ava.com.au/about-us/policy-and-positions/topics/unwanted-companion-animals
Lawrie M and Awad M (2007) The issue of unwanted animals: an unemotional approach? In: Australian Institute of Animal Management Conference Proceedings 2007, Canberra: Australian Institute of Animal Management
Rand J, Lancaster E, Inwood G, Cluderay C, and Marston L (2018) Strategies to reduce euthanasia of impounded dogs and cats used by councils in Victoria, Australia, Animals 2018, 8(7), 100
Gunter L, Barber R and Wynne C (2018) A canine identity crisis: Genetic breed heritage testing of shelter dogs PLoS One August 2018
Bamberger M, Houpt K (2006) Signalment factors, comorbidity, and trends in behavior diagnoses in dogs: 1,644 cases (1991–2001) JAVMA Vol 229, No. 10, November 15, 2006
Reisner I, Shofer F and Nance M (2007) Behavioral assessment of child-directed canine aggression. Injury Prevention 2007; 13:348–351
O’Farrell V and Peachey E (1990) Behavioural effects of ovario-hysterectomy on bitches. Journal of Small Animal Practice (1990) 31, 595-598
Australian Veterinary Association Policy Framework (2008), What to do about unwanted dogs and cats, https://www.ava.com.au/sites/default/files/documents/Other/AVA_policy_framework_unwanted_dogs_cats.pdf 29