Rusty . . . my first Rottweiler

When I set about to have a companion dog and settled on the Rottweiler breed, my thoughts were not to have a show dog. Primarily, I wanted a dog I could train to be obedient and would be healthy, well balanced and protective. Rusty took me somewhere I didn't even dream. He was extremely outgoing to both people and other dogs. After I learned that he was turning out to be a show worthy dog, I naturally became interested in conformation keeping in mind my original goal ofr obedience training. His breeder gave no support as she had no interest in showing and as I soon learned, because of the stiff competition in the show ring, conformation was not to be an easy road. Much of what I learned came in bits and pieces and frankly, I still consider myself a novice in conformation.

Rusty turned out to be a beautifully athletic specials dog. He ranked in the Top 10 as a Limited Special with an all-breed handler, going to #3 at one point, doing this virtually himself sometimes with different handlers. He also went on to attain an advanced obedience title which was, as far as I am concerned, one of his finest moments. He could do it all when given the chance. We garnered two herding legs and then when he developed a neck injury, we started swimming as part of his therapy.

His daughter, Misty, was BOW at the Nationals 2000; Karla Neissing of Phantomwood has bred twice to Rusty and commented that he was instrumental in improving her toplines. This is what an International Judge has to say: Very outgoing, confident, noble dog: an excellent representative of the breed.
Well conditioned with strength and substance; excellent quality double coat, correct markings; well-proportioned head; scissors bite with full dentition; eyes well set with correct shape and expression; ear set and carriage good; well developed chest with good rib spring; moderate layback of shoulder with good front angulation; very good back angulation with strong hock; strong, level, broad topline; tail is to standard; moves with excellent reach and drive.

These are his Pedigree and show pictures: Blue Grass Classic | ARC National 2000 | As a Special | Additional Photos.

Footnote: Rusty quite literally changed my whole outlook on life. He was very much a strong-willed, even-tempered male, with a most beguiling sense of humor and love for making new friends. Many times, even at the very end of his life, he'd pick up a toy in his mouth, roll over on his back and toss it up in the air like a puppy. When his neck was injured during one of his many "unauthorized" coyote chases through our area's rugged sagebrush terrain in So Cal, he led me on a healing journey that caused many thoughtful changes in my point of view for not only treating his injury, but also much of my own and my husband's potential health needs as we age. His story was always one of hope and also one of choices. I make his osteosarcoma journey available for those who may be dealing with similar tragedies. Unfortunately, this disease is a killer in all pedigrees . . .