Things to Consider Before Getting a Rottweiler Dog

The Rottweiler is a working breed. He is generally not happy sitting around doing nothing all day. A large yard with a six-foot high fence is ideal, but adult Rottweilers have been kept successfully in large apartments. The yard is essential if a puppy or young dog is being acquired; it will help to keep the dog exercised and reduce boredom which in turn may prevent destructive behavior. If you don't have the space, consider a smaller or less active breed. Personal commitment on the part of the owner is the most important thing. People willing to walk their dog on a regular basis will find a more personal and bonding relationship developing than just letting them run by themselves in the yard. Your Rottweiler will require a minimum of two good walks each day (20-30 minutes each). Adequate exercise is necessary to maintain the good health of your Rottweiler, as they have a tendency to gain weight without proper exercise.

Can you make the commitment?

A Rottweiler can live up to 14 years or more. Ask yourself if you are willing to take on the responsibility for caring for an animal for the next 10 to 15 years. A Rottweiler will require your time and attention throughout its lifetime. Be prepared to spend time walking your dog, playing with them, grooming them, and reinforcing your leadership. Are you willing to administer medication to your Rottweiler on a daily basis if needed or put in time required for special care?

If your children are under 6 years old, consider waiting until they are a bit older. Young children do not understand how to properly handle an animal and then the dog may become a danger to them. Adolescent children may soon be leaving home for school or travel and usually cannot take a pet with them, again leaving the parent(s) as the primary caregiver(s). Parents should be prepared to be the primary caregiver for the lifetime of the dog.

It is important to be aware that many of children's natural movements and gestures may make a dog feel threatened or arouse its prey drive. This helps to account for the fact that the majority of dog bite incidents involve children. This does not necessarily mean the dog is bad, but rather it interprets signals from humans differently from humans. It is imperative to teach children not to tease a dog, pull its ears and tail, hug it, stare in the dogs eyes, smile, or play tug of war. In a dog’s world, some of these actions are a challenge, or some are painful and may make the dog snap out of pain or fear. Young children who cannot yet understand that they must not do these actions are at great risk. Young children should never be left unsupervised around any dog of any size or breed, including a dog with which they are familiar. Most children are bitten by dogs who are familiar to them such as the family dog or a neighbor’s dog.

Be sure that you have the permission of your landlord and/or strata corporation to keep a pet in your home. Ask yourself if you are willing to accept some degree of damage to your home, particularly if your puppy is teething, or if they are stressed and urinate or chew.

Moving is one of the top reasons for animals being surrendered to animal shelters. If you foresee yourself moving over the lifetime of your dog, are you committed to finding pet-friendly housing and taking your dog with you when you move?

Where should I buy my Rottweiler puppy?

There are various places where you may acquire a Rottweiler puppy, but only ONE place where you should - from a responsible breeder. Pet shops acquire their puppies from puppy mills, brokers and back-yard breeders. Their puppies are separated from their dams and litters at too early and age, they are not properly socialized and may well develop serious health problems.

Puppy mills, brokers and back-yard breeders have only one priority - to make a profit. They are not interested in the welfare of the puppies they breed. Beware of petshops that advertise "we get our puppies from private breeders." No responsible breeder would ever broker puppies to a pet shop. Don't perpetuate the puppy mill problem - steer clear of pet shops.

Should I get a male or a female?

Opinions vary on this topic. Most breeders would generally recommend a female, especially for first-time owners. Females are smaller and easier to control, somewhat less dominant and usually more affectionate. Males are stronger, more powerful and dominant, and therefore somewhat harder to train and control.