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ROTTWEILERS may have a fearsome reputation but all that could change if a new group of breed enthusiasts from Bahrain are successful in curbing dog-fighting, improving training for animals and handlers and gaining international recognition.
They have formed a new club to achieve their aims and it is believed to be the first of its kind in the region.
Expats may be passionate about their mutts but, in general, dogs are not popular as pets in the Gulf states for cultural reasons although the Rottweiler is admired for its guard dog instincts.
The Bahrain Rottweiler Club has been launched by a group of Bahraini enthusiasts, under the canine section of the Cat Society of Bahrain and Pet Animals. And, the rules clearly state that any owner involved in any way with dog fighting will face having membership suspended.
Spokesman Mohammed Qannati said: "One of the things we are very concerned about is dog fighting and anyone signing up to the Bahrain Rottweiler Club will be expected to give a written undertaking that they will not be involved in this practice as it is something we find unacceptable."
An inaugural meeting of the club last week attracted more than 30 owners and enthusiasts including one man who had driven all the way from Riyadh in Saudi Arabia to sign up.
At present, since many of the Rottweilers on the island have been imported from countries such as Kuwait and Thailand, they do not qualify for registration with the FCI (FŽdŽration Cynologique Internationale) the international federation of kennel clubs based in Thuin, Belgium.
One aim of the new club is to invite international judges to assess the animals over numerous points from anatomy to temperament and, with the aid of signatures from six officials, the dogs can then be internationally-FCI registered.
Members will also be able to attend fortnightly lectures to learn all about the animals, the history of the breed, how to care for them and practical training sessions to make sure these powerful dogs are properly handled.
There will also be official Rottweiler shows with the winner gaining the right to represent Bahrain in overseas competitions.
The club's president is Essa Al Nasheet and vice-president is Ahmed Al Ansari, both of whom have extensive experience in breeding and rearing Rottweilers and there is a seven-member strong committee who will be charged with promoting the breed and encouraging not just owners, but others who are interested in the breed, to sign-up.
Mr Qannati said: "Our aim is that all the dogs on the island can eventually meet the international standard.
"Club members Essa and Ahmed both have kennels so we would like people from Bahrain and across the Gulf to be able to come to us if they want Rottweilers so they will know they are getting dogs which have been bred both for high physical standards and good temperament.
"We also want to educate owners about the proper way to handle the animals and aspects of their health and well being and how to pick a good puppy from a litter.
"As with any big powerful animal, these dogs take careful handling. They are mostly used for guard duties and we want to ensure the proper training so there will be practical sessions on that too.
"We are the first club of this kind in the Gulf but we have heard there are others also interested in setting up similar organisations and we want to encourage that too, whether it be for shi tzus or labradors, getting concerned owners and enthusiasts together will improve the way people on the island look at dogs overall."
The portrayal of Rottweilers as evil dogs in several fictional films and TV series, most notably in The Omen, has added to their negative publicity.
To find out more about the club or register either email bahrainrac@hotmail.com or call the president on 39815522.
