NBC/Katie Couric Negative Reaction To Rottweilers

On your show this morning (May 13, 2004), Ann Curry was doing a news item at
about 9:05 AM re: a beautiful Rottweiler and her 19 new offspring. After
Ann handed off to Katie Couric, Katie remarked at how cute the pups were.
Katie then asked Ann about the breed, and upon hearing that they were
Rottweilers, Katie Couric had a very apparent and negative visceral
reaction. Perhaps Katie Couric had at some time in her life a bad
experience with a "Rotty", but she should be more sensitive when on the air
since she only helped to reinforce the negative stereotyping of Rottweilers
and their traits.

As the American Kennel Club attests on their website:

"The Rottweiler makes a loyal and wonderful companion, but requires time and
training. The Rottweiler is a basically calm, confident, and courageous dog
with a self-assured aloofness.

The Rottweiler is a powerful dog with an inherent desire to protect home and
family. The Rottweiler's strong will to work make it an especially good
companion dog."

Katie Couric's insensitive and untimely comments only demonstrate her lack
of knowledge about this wonderful breed, and do a great disservice to the
many breeders and owners of this fine animal and to the reputation of the
Today show and NBC in general.