So You Want A Rottweiler Puppy
Is the Rottweiler Right for You?
When mature, the Rottweiler is a strong, Can be very demanding, With a highly developed guarding instinct. It is essential to understand that, once mature, a 100 lbs. plus of muscle and they will need to be trained from an early age, to be under control. This breed needs firm, sympathetic handling, is quick to learn, and so will learn bad behaviour unless corrected kindly but consistently.
In the right hands the Rottweiler is easily trained, and his enthusiastic nature can be channelled into some form of obedience training; they love to chase balls, are a fun and playful breed but are also a loyal and dependable addition to the household. The family environment is ideal for a Rottweiler as they relish human contact and are not happy left alone for long periods. They should not be left chained outside or alone in a kennel. They want to be wherever you are, sharing your life and offering you companionship and protection. On the down side, like any other dog they shed hair, slobber and leave muddy paw marks around the house. Some of them have an unfortunate habit of standing on your feet! Sometimes they push their head under your elbow to gain attention and this can be a bit annoying when you have a hot mug of tea in your hand!
The Rottweiler puppy is, and will continue to be for the first twelve months of his life, expensive to rear. If you do decide, after much soul-searching , that you still feel up to the responsibility of owning a Rottweiler, then continue researching and preparing. Ask reputable breeders and attend shows asking plenty of questions.
Preparation/ Knowledge/ Activities
Not ideal for a 1st Time Dog Owner
Rottweilers almost became extinct near the late 1800s when smaller dogs assumed many of their functions and were easier to maintain.
Weight Range:
Male: 85-135 lbs.
Female: 80-100 lbs.
Height at Withers:
Male: 26 in.
Female: 24 in.
Features:
Floppy ears (naturally)
Expectations:
Exercise Requirements: >60 minutes/day
Energy Level: Bred to work
Longevity Range: 8-11 yrs.
Tendency to Drool: Moderate Tendency to Snore: Low
Tendency to Bark: Moderate
Tendency to Dig: Low Social/Attention Needs: High
Bred For:
Cattle drover, guardian, draft
Coat:
Length: Short
Characteristics: Flat
Colours: Black with tan markings
Overall Grooming Needs: Low
Club Recognition:
AKC Classification: Working
UKC Classification: Guardian Dog
The first impression of a rottweiler is of solid strength, and that is quite accurate.
Rottweilers are slightly longer than tall, large dogs, ranging in height from 22 inches for a small female to 27 inches for a large male. Weights go from 80 to 120+ pounds (36 to 54+ kilograms).
As is common with the larger breeds, rottweilers can be slow maturing. Many do not reach full adult size until 2 or 3 years of age, although adult height is often set by one year of age. These dogs will fill out, broadening their chests and becoming the massive dogs we expect with age.
Personality:
Rottweilers have been selected for guarding and protection work, and this must be kept in mind at all times. Well-socialized rottweilers get along nicely with people and other dogs, but males in particular can be a bit aggressive and dominant. Active, intelligent dogs, they are fully confident enough to act on their own, so they need guidance right from the start.
If left to their own devices, rottweilers can become nuisance barkers or diggers, and with their size they are capable of much destruction. Bred to work, Rottweilers do best with training and jobs to do, even if just as a child's companion. Unless you put the work in you could potentially end up with behavioural issues aggression can be 1 of the problems.
Living With:
Rottweilers are fairly easy to keep for such large dogs and, in fact, have a tendency to be overweight if not exercised enough. Coat care is minimal; a quick, weekly grooming will suffice most of the time. Some rottweilers do drool a bit.
One of the most important things to remember with rottweilers is that they continuous socialization to be good family companions. Training is a must and should start in early puppy hood. Rottweilers love to work and will happily compete in virtually all dog sports from obedience to herding and weight pulls.
Man trailing and scent work are good activities for this breed
Ideally, a rottweiler will be exposed to other pets, including dogs, right from the start, and also to children. Rottweilers are often very protective of their children and should be supervised when with a group of children. This breed is definitely one that should only be purchased from a reputable breeder. Rottweilers live about 12 years.
History:
Rottweilers rank as one of the most ancient breeds. They accompanied the Romans through Germany, driving their cattle and guarding outposts. Many were left behind and, in the town of Rottweil in southern Germany, they became the breed we know today.
Rottweilers were working dogs from the start, driving cattle to market, pulling carts, guarding the homestead, and even carrying money to and from the market in money belts tied around their necks. .
Consider everything
Caring for your Rottweiler
Rottweilers are intelligent and active dogs that require plenty of things to keep them active in body and mind. Consistency is key with training. You'll need to have plenty of time to spend with your dog if you're considering this breed.
If supervised and well socialised they should be OK with teenagers and young children under supervision.
Rottweilers and barking
As with any dog, you can expect a Rottweiler to make a bit of noise every now and again. They’re protective and will alert you to comings and goings. Don't allow a funny yap to turn into an annoying bark. Your neighbours wont appreciate it.
Training and socialisation
Because they’re so powerful, Rottweilers need an experienced owner who understands them and knows how to train them or get them enrolled in training asap.
Rottweilers will need socialising from a young age so they grow up to be confident and calm. They need positive reinforcement when being trained. Rottweilers are intelligent and you will find they pick up new things quickly. With the right training they will be loyal, well-mannered dogs.
Exercise
Rottweilers are very active and will need lots of exercise and training to keep them happy and occupied.
You should give your Rottweiler at least 1 hour of exercise every day. This should include going for walks with extra playtime, having time in a secure garden and plenty of thinking games on top. You can find activities you can do together
Grooming
Rottweilers have short coats that are fairly low-maintenance. A weekly brush should be enough to stay on top of any dead hairs and keep their coat looking shiny. They don’t shed too much, but will shed more in spring and autumn so you may want to brush them more often during these times.
Rottweilers and children
Rottweilers bond strongly with their family but need to be treated with respect. Given enough daily exercise and training, they can make great pets for families with older children and will devote themselves to all of you.
Rottweilers and other pets
As long as they are well socialised from a young age, Rottweilers should get along fine with other dogs.
Food
Your breeder will give you all the information required. Ensure that you don't overfeed as this can lead too obesity or joint issues Make sure wherever you feed your dog is a quiet environment and that they don’t feel they need to guard their food.
The Cost Of Owning A Rottweiler
Having a Rottweiler could potentially cost around £100 per month
Costs you’ll need to think about include:
Set-up cost
- Neutering – you should not be considering neutering a Rottweiler before the age of 2-2 1/2 years old, neutering before this age can cause all sorts of issues in the future for the dog. Check prices at your local practice as these will depend on your vet and where you live.
- Equipment – including a collar and tags, lead, harness, dog beds, dog bowls, pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes, grooming brushes and toys. Keep in mind that all these will need to be replaced with wear or damage or if your dog outgrows or damages them!
Ongoing costs
- Food.
- Preventive healthcare – budget for routine vet visits to help stop your dog getting ill and catch any problems early. They need annual check-ups, vaccinations and regular flea and worming treatments. Check if your vet offers a health care plan as this can help spread the cost throughout the year.
- Vet bills* or pet insurance – if you don’t have pet insurance and your dog needs veterinary treatment for an injury or illness, costs can rapidly mount up. Check what’s covered and what isn’t when comparing policies.
- Accessories – including lots of poo bags, replacing worn toys and grooming accessories, buying doggy toothpaste and any other extras they might need.
Other costs
- Training – basic training is very important and dogs can benefit from formal classes. Some dogs may have, or develop, behavioural problems which might need professional management.
- Boarding – you may also need to budget for boarding or dog sitting costs if you are planning to go away from home on holiday.
- Dog walkers/day-care – you might consider a professional dog walker to keep your dog happy and healthy if you’re unable to get out with your dog enough yourself, or to look after them during the day if you need to be out for more than four hours.