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Rottweiler Ownership: Is the Rottweiler the Right Breed For Me?The Rottweiler is a robust, powerful, and loyal dog with strong protective instincts. Rottweilers are outstanding companions and protectors. Because of the Rottweiler's size, strength, and protectiveness, owning a Rottweiler carries a great deal of responsibility and commitment. Guidelines for Buying a Rottweiler Your first consideration in buying a Rottweiler should be the knowledge that for the next ten or more years, that dog will be a part of your household. Unlike your automobile, you can not trade in your Rottweiler for a newer model. As a companion to your whole family, your Rottweiler will reflect the love and affection you show him. He will represent an emotional investment as well as a financial investment. Therefore, choose him carefully. Know as much as possible about the breed and his breeder before you buy. Deal only with a reputable breeder! Selecting a Breeder Much of the success you will have with your Rottweiler depends upon what happened to your dog before it came to you. Its genetic background, early conditioning, and socialization are the result of the breeder's efforts. Reputable breeders are those who:
Not all breeders are conscientious. Commercial establishments, like those specializing in “attack” or "aggressive" Rottweilers, pet shops, and 'puppy mills" seldom have the time to give the individualized attention that puppies and new puppy owners need. Visiting the Kennel Whenever you visit a kennel there are certain things you have a right to know about the breeder. You may want to ask some of these questions:
Decide before you buy whether you want a pet quality puppy or a show potential puppy. A pet quality puppy is a healthy example of the breed which falls just a little short of the standard of perfection in some way. A show potential puppy is one which measures up strongly against the breed standard and has no disqualifying faults. If you intend to show your dog, study the breed standard carefully. Visit several breeders. Observe the offspring produced by various breeders at American Kennel Club sanctioned matches and shows. For a list of informative pamphlets, please visit the American Kennel Club Website, or contact them by writing to 51 Madison Avenue, New York, New York I0010. Some Terms You Need to Know Purebred: A dog of known quality and ancestry, with both parents of the same breed for many generations. Pedigree: A form which has the names and the registration numbers of a dog's ancestors. Sometimes referred to as the dog's "papers". A pedigree is not acceptable for registration with the AKC. Registration Papers: Forms which entitle you to register your purebred dog. If these papers are not available at the time you purchase your puppy, be certain that they are forthcoming. Do not buy the dog unless you receive:
Breed Standard: A description of the desired characteristics of a breed. Breeders use the standard to ensure they are producing dogs that have these desired characteristics. They continuously measure the quality of their dogs against this standard of excellence. You should read the standard closely before you look at the first puppy, particularly if there is a chance you will become interested in showing your dog in conformation shows. You can find the standard for each breed in your library's copy of The Complete Dog Book published by the American Kennel Club, or on the World Wide Web, at http://www.akc.org/rotty.html. The breed standard for the Rottweiler is included at the end of this document. Conformation Shows: Events at which AKC registered dogs compete for points toward a championship through a prescribed system. A judge compares dogs with the breed standard in terms of conformation, movement, and temperament. Animals which have been neutered are not eligible to compete In these shows. Obedience Trials: Events in which AKC registered dogs compete by performing specific exercises at various levels of difficulty. . Obedience trials can be held separately or in conjunction with all-breed shows. Neutered animals are eligible to be shown in obedience trials. Some Questions You May Have About Rottweilers How much do Rottweilers eat? A Rottweiler will not eat you out of house and home." Depending upon the size, age, sex, and activity level of your dog, it will eat between 5 and 10 pounds of high quality kibble a week. This would generally be between 4 and 10 cups of kibble divided into two feedings a day. High quality kibble costs between $25 and $30 for a 40 pound bag. Most breeders and veterinarians do not recommend adding supplements to high quality dog food. How big are they? Males range from 24 to 27 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 95 and 135 pounds. Females are somewhat smaller measuring 22 to 25 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 80 and I 00 pounds. Rottweilers can be found that are larger or smaller than the sizes given, however they are not considered typical by the breed standard. The Rottweiler is very strong for its size. Rottweilers were used in Europe to herd cattle and pull carts. They still retain the compact musculature needed in a herding or draft animal. A full grown Rottweiler can easily knock a person down. For this reason, the breed is not recommended for the elderly or physically infirm. What color are they? Rottweilers must always be black with tan to rust or mahogany markings. The darker markings are more desirable. Any base color other than black constitutes a disqualification and should be avoided. Are they good with children? How Rottweilers adapt to children varies from individual to individual. Many are very tolerant and loving towards children. Others resent the occasional rough treatment an unknowing child can inflict. The dog's size can be a serious problem. Rottweilers have accidentally caused injuries to small children in the family by bumping into them and knocking them down or into furniture. This bumping is a natural behavior of the Rottweiler, a legacy from the days when the breed was used to herd cattle. Rottweilers will bump and herd children or elderly family members. Some breeders recommend waiting until children are at least school age or older before bringing a Rottweiler into your home. The amount of space in your home, the age of your children, and the amount of time the dog will be in contact with your children should be part of your decision making process. What is their temperament like? Rottweilers vary from natural clowns, affectionate to almost everyone, to the very reserved one-man dog. Rottweilers are calm and alert companions. Rottweilers often follow their masters around the house keeping a constant and sometimes obtrusive watch over their loved ones. Avoid Rottweilers who are nervous, shy, very excitable, or hyperactive. They are exhibiting traits that are undesirable. Are they aggressive? This trait varies among individuals. All Rottweilers have strong territorial instincts. If socialized properly as a puppy, your Rottweiler will defend you and your property against intruders. Rottweilers have been known to bully or bluff their owners. This trait can be most disconcerting and needs to be overcome when the puppy is very young. Are they easy to train? Because of the size and strength of the animal, the Rottweiler must be trained early in his life. Fortunately, Rottweilers are intelligent working dogs and begin responding to commands as soon as they understand what you want of them. Occasionally there are exceptions. It is very important to establish control over your dog. Obedience training is the easiest and best way to do this. Your breeder should be able to help you find a training class. Avoid very rough trainers. Rottweilers can often be controlled using verbal reprimands. While they occasionally require strong physical corrections, some trainers tend to be much rougher than necessary. Physical mastery of the dog often less important than sensitive and positive training methods, time, and patience. Children and small adults have been very successful with Rottweilers in all phases of dog training. Physical mastery of the dog is often less important than time, patience, and positive and sensitive training methods. How do you discipline a Rottweiler? The Rottweiler is an intelligent and loyal animal and usually wants to please its owner. Occasionally, a Rottweiler can be very stubborn and may require stronger measures. It is very important that discipline be consistent, fair, and firm, without being rough. Owning a Rottweiler is not for you if you are timid or do not have the time or interest to carefully supervise him. Do they shed? Rottweilers shed twice a year. Usually in Spring and Fall they lose much of their coats to help them adjust to the changing seasons. For the remainder of the year there is seldom any annoyance from shedding. Are they good watchdogs? The Rottweilers' size and bark will discourage most intruders, yet he will learn to recognize your friends and receive them cordially. If an intruder gets by the size and bark, your Rottweiler will fiercely defend your family and home. The Rottweiler's instinct to protect those he loves becomes very apparent as he matures. However, problems can arise quickly. Strangers must never come into your home or yard unannounced. Roughhousing with your Rottweiler should be avoided. Rough play encourages aggressive behavior. People expected to be in contact with the dog while you are absent should be well known to the dog. Although Rottweilers are unlikely to bite without provocation, being cornered and held by one of these dogs is very unnerving. How much room do they need? A large yard with a six-foot fence is ideal, but Rottweilers have been successfully kept in large apartments. A yard is essential if you are getting a puppy or young dog. A yard will help keep the dog exercised and reduces boredom, possibly preventing some destructive behavior. If you do not have enough space for a Rottweiler consider another breed. Personal commitment on your part is most important. Walking your dog on a regular basis develops a better bond and more personal relationship with your dog than just letting him run in the yard. Should I get a male or a female? This is strictly a matter of personal preference. Both are equal in pet qualities. The male is larger, stronger, and more impressive when first seen. The female, however, should be considered as equal in all other respects. Modern veterinary practice recommends neutering of non-breeding animals of both sexes as a means to a healthier, better pet. How do they handle heat and cold? Rottweilers can tolerate cool temperatures better than warm temperatures. Rottweilers should never be left outside in direct sun during the summer. Heat stroke comes on very quickly because of the dog's black color. Dogs must have shelter regardless of where you live. Rottweilers were bred to be companions, and are not physically or emotionally equipped to be left outdoors away from people. In warm weather leaving your dog in a car with the windows closed or barely open can be extremely dangerous. Rottweilers, with their black coats and short muzzles are more susceptible to heat stroke than many other breeds. Will my Rottweiler get along with other pets in my home? Rottweiler puppies frequently adapt well to older dogs or cats me your home. However, older Rottweilers can be more difficult to integrate into a new home with other pets, Bringing in a new dog after your Rottweiler has been "ruler of the roost" for awhile can also be a problem. Dog-to-dog aggression is affected by your dog's socialization experience as a puppy, bloodlines, and sex. Males tend to be less tolerant of other males than they are of females. Bitches may be intolerant of either sex. Rottweilers who are aggressive toward other dogs must be carefully watched when around other dogs. Neutering can lessen aggressive behavior toward other dogs without diminishing territorial protectiveness. What is Hip Dysplasia? Hip dysplasia is a hereditary, developmental disease in Rottweilers and most other large dog breeds. It is a malformation of the hip joint(s). It often causes pain as the dog ages. Parents and grandparents of the puppy you purchase should be free of the disease. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is an organization that evaluates x-rays of dog's hips and grades the hip structure as either free of dysplasia or as having some degree of the disease. A dog can not be certified as being free of dysplasia until it is at least two years old. Your breeder should be able to show you reports from the OFA describing the certification of both parents' hips. Buying a puppy from a litter whose parents are dysplasia free is not a guarantee that your puppy won't develop dysplasia later on. Research has shown that normal adults produce litters with one-third or more of the pups dysplastic as adults. Dysplastic adults, however, tend to produce more severely dysplastic offspring than normal adults. Genetics may contribute to hip dysplasia, but over-weight, too much exercise, and injuries may also contribute to this disease. Hip dysplasia is almost never detectable in puppies younger than six months, and then only in the most severe cases. What is Elbow Dysplasia? Like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplastic is an hereditary disease. It Is a malformation of the elbow joint(s). OFA certifies elbow conformation on a pass/fail basis. As with hip dysplasia, your breeder should be able to show you reports from the OFA defining the conformation of both parents' elbows. What is the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF)? CERF maintains a registry of dogs who have been certified free of inheritable eye diseases by members of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO). CERF recommends eye examination and registration of breeding animals be repeated annually. Thinking of Buying a Rottweiler? Perhaps by now you are thinking of purchasing a Rottweiler. Good! Rottweilers are a perfect family dog, gentle, yet powerful enough to pull a sled or give a prowler second thoughts. They are good with children; a combination "babysitter" (with adult supervision), protector, and playmate. Those of us who own them find they are wonderful pets and dearly love them. BUT ... although we believe the Rottweiler approaches being the perfect dog, THEY ARE NOT FOR EVERYONE. Owning any dog involves certain responsibilities and this is particularly true of a large, protective breed. YOU AS A ROTTWEILER OWNER, HAVE THE OBLIGATION OF CARING FOR AND CONTROLLING A DOG WHO IS PROBABLY GOING TO BE STRONGER THAN YOU ARE. Unless you take this responsibility very seriously and are willing to put the time, energy, and thought needed into raising your dog properly, your Rottweiler will be a burden instead of a joy. Some Questions You Should Ask Yourself So, before you go any further, here is a list of things to consider. This is not meant to frighten you, but rather to make certain that you understand what is required of you as a Rottweiler owner. AM I WILLING TO GIVE MY DOG REGULAR DISCIPLINE AND BASIC OBEDIENCE TRAINING? We believe that any dog, and especially a large protective dog, needs regular day-to-day discipline. Every dog must grow up knowing that he has limits of behavior, that he must respect people and property, and that he is, after all, a dog. WILL I SEE TO IT THAT BOTH THE KIDS AND THE DOG TREAT EACH OTHER PROPERLY? Although a Rottweiler makes an excellent pet for families with children, and while they are sturdier than most other dogs they are not punching bags and are NOT meant to be tormented or harassed any more than is any other living thing. By the same token, the playful pup should not be allowed to jump on the kids, pull their britches, or steal their toys. Too often, when puppy still looks like a fuzzy toy, these antics are cute, but they aren't so funny when the dog hits 100 pounds. AM I WILLING TO INVEST THE TIME NECESSARY TO RAISE MY ROTTWEILER? Rottweilers need human companionship and attention. If your idea of raising a dog is to tie him to a stake in the backyard and feed him once in awhile, do yourself a favor and don't buy a dog. He will be miserable, you won't have any fun, and the dog will turn into a problem instead of a joy. Rottweilers need regular grooming. This should be part of their routine from the time they get home. Regular brushing wi Ii reduce the dog hair problem, help eliminate doggy odors, and reduce the chances of skin problems. If you don't know how to groom a Rottweiler, check with your breeder or veterinarian. AM I WILLING TO PROVIDE A GOOD HOME FOR MY ROTTWEILER? While a Rottweiler is happy to live in the house with the rest of the family, there are times when you will want to keep him outside. A fenced-in yard is ideal when you are not outdoors with him. A ROTTWEILER SHOULD NEVER BE ALLOWED TO RUN LOOSE! His size and demeanor may frighten someone. His big feet and inquisitive nose can be disastrous to a neighbor's flower bed. He has no fear of cars and could easily become a casualty. And a loose dog is an open invitation to dognappers. Your Rottweiler represents a substantial investment - one which you should protect. Although it is not an ideal situation, if your Rottweiler is to live outdoors, be sure that he has a well-insulated doghouse that is clean, draft-free, and provides a cool shady retreat. He must always have fresh drinking water and some protection from insects. WILL I PROVIDE PROPER VETERINARY CARE FOR MY DOG? Your Rottweiler will require certain routine health care. Dogs are subject to many of the same diseases as man, plus some of their own. In addition to your regular visits to the vet for "shots" to protect against various diseases, a regular check-up by the veterinarian is certainly desirable for your dog. Preventive medication against Heartworm can also be provided by your vet. Your veterinarian should also be contacted whenever you see any signs of illness or abnormal behavior. AM I SURE THAT ALL OF MY FAMILY WILL SHARE IN THIS VENTURE? It is a big mistake to "buy the dog for the kids" when it requires the management of responsible adults. It is also unfortunate for a pup to go into a home where it is resented by one family member who might have preferred another breed. UNLESS YOUR ANSWERS TO ALL OF THESE QUESTIONS ARE AN UNQUALIFIED "YES", WE URGE YOU TO CONSIDER SOME OTHER BREED OF DOG. You may think it strange that we seem to be discouraging you. In a way, we are, but only because we want to be sure Rottweilers only go to people who will care enough to be suitable owners for a Rottweiler. A fine dog, like a child, does not raise itself. Please take the time to consider carefully if you have the time, the interest, and the resources to devote to your Rottweiler. If You Decide to Buy a Rottweiler Observe the behavior of the sire (if he is on the premises) and the dam. Ideally the dam will be calm and steady, possibly even curious and friendly. It is quite correct for her to be reserved. An openly hostile bitch who does not respond to her master's reassurances is undesirable. Cowardice and shyness are also undesirable traits. The sire's temperament is as important as the dam's. Puppies should be playful, inquisitive, and trusting of people. They should submit to gentle handling and respond to their environment. Clarence Pfaffenberger's book New Knowledge of Dog Behavior will help you pick the best puppy for you. A Word About Breeding All too often, the owner of a dog will want to breed it "just to have puppies" or 'to teach the kids about the facts of life". NEITHER OF THESE ARE REASONS TO BREED A DOG! In fact, your dog will be as happy and will probably be healthier if it isn't bred. lf you bought your dog as a pet, or if your dog isn't suitable for breeding, you should consider spaying or neutering. Don't believe most of the old tales about the bad effects of neutering animals. A brief discussion with your veterinarian will convince you that your dog will live a longer, healthier life and be a better pet if neutered. If you love your Rottweiler, it is because all the breeders of your dog's parents, grandparents, etc. cared enough about Rottweilers to breed only the best dogs they possibly could. The responsibility for continuing this tradition is in your hands. The American Rottweiler Club, Inc. is a non-profit organization whose membership is open to everyone who is interested in the Rottweiler dog, and who agrees to abide by the objectives of the Club. The American Rottweiler Club is a member club of the American Kennel Club. The American Rottweiler Club has other booklets and a list of references on the Rottweiler. To obtain these references and an American Rottweiler Club membership application, write: The American Rottweiler Club |
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