OOOOPS...."Step son" not "don"...freudian slip
Despite my suggestions about not having a dog to take care of while completing his last year and half at college, step-son bought a Rott puppy. But not just any Rott...he bought a $2000 prime champion yadadadada dog. Sire is a multiple show winner/direct bloodlines have won at major shows. Sire is 130+#'s; dam is 120#'s. A hoss for sure. Anyway its what he wanted and it was his $$$ so I don't get a vote. I wish I were a "broke" college student.
Now he's trying to come up with a unique name. Any suggestions?
I did check in with my veterinarian brother and he gave me some interesting background on history of Rott's. Often owned by butchers in old country: Butchers were part of the wealthy class and needed them for protection of their loot and meat supply. Also...needed to be a butcher to be able to feed the damn thigs. Very susceptible to parvo and other bacterial maladies so shots are crucial...perhaps should be given in 2 week intervals rather than normal 3 week. Ration feeding in first year as they can pack on pounds too quickly. Early weight gain can cause hip displaysia. Ditto with not training them too hard or training them to jump up in truck bed until at least 18-24 mos of age as it will contribute to hip or joint problems later in life. Interestingly he felt 50% of hip problems with larger dogs were caused/aggravated by owners pushing the diogs in their formative years.