Before You Buy | SW Rottweiler Club

YOU THINK YOU WANT A ROTTWEILER?

Rottweiler puppies. They're cute, fuzzy, and have little round faces and chubby paws that are hard to resist. But before you bring one home, pause the immediate gratification desire and consider the same little fuzz ball two years later when he's 100lbs. Will you still love him and care for him? Will you let him bond with you and keep him until he's old and no longer cute and fuzzy? Doing "research" on the breed isn't just finding the answers you want, but understanding the information you NEED so your new puppy doesn't become a 100lb problem and end up getting dumped at a shelter, or rescue or worse, Craigslist.

WHY DO YOU WANT A ROTTWEILER?

If any part of your answer is because you want protection, forget the dog and buy a home alarm. Rottweilers are, indeed, large and have an impressive bark and intimidating presence but TRUE protection comes from ongoing (lifetime) training from experienced trainers who are skilled in canine protection activities. A well trained protection dog is not aggressive and knows the difference between friend and foe and can be reliably called away when needed. If you want an alert dog that randomly barks at strangers, this isn't the right breed for you as this is NOT a true attribute of the breed.

Perhaps you've read they are good with children and make great companions but ALL dogs can be good with children and be great companions but ONLY if you, the owner, start training from the day they come home. Good behavior starts with good owners. You will have the Rottweiler that you create and the behavior that you deserve. Think about that one. Likewise, ALL breeds can develop bad behavior when owners fail to train early and often. Rottweilers are not born behaved and obedient any more than children.

ARE YOU WILLING TO TRAIN EARLY AND OFTEN?

If you aren't willing to ACTIVELY participate in the training of a Rottweiler and think sending him to a trainer for a few week "boot camp" is acceptable, then DON'T GET A ROTTWEILER and instead, head to your local toy store and buy a battery operated remote controlled dog. Rottweilers form stronger bonds with their humans than many other breeds so don't pay someone else to bond with your dog then expect him to respect you when he returns. The number one reason this type of training fails is because the owners never established a relationship with the dog and don't continue to reinforce the training. Group training with the owner is an excellent start for critical canine socialization and establishing leadership with your new Rottweiler. If you don't have time to participate in active training or professional training with your pup or invest 5 - 10 minutes every day reinforcing good behavior then DON'T GET A ROTTWEILER.

CAN YOU COMMIT TO YOUR ROTTWEILER FOR HIS ENTIRE LIFE?

Guess what. Rottweilers grow up and become big, shedding dogs that need exercise, training, veterinary care and attention for their entire life. Moving, new babies and unruly behavior are the top three reasons Rottweilers are dumped and the most common age for dumping is 16 - 24 months old - the same age when they are becoming 'bratty' because owners failed to train. People who are moving and new parents rarely give up well behaved, properly socialized and obedient dogs.

Rottweilers are not inexpensive to own. Anesthesia and medication fees are often administered by weight of the dog and vet costs can add up quickly with large breeds. Rottweilers are particularly susceptible to orthopedic problems and certain cancers that require surgery. There is no guarantee they will not develop health issues but acquiring a dog from indiscriminate puppy sellers (Craigslist, Pet Stores and "ship anywhere" websites) can certainly increase your odds. Regardless if you purchased an expensive Rottweiler or bargain backyard breeder dog, if you are not able to pay for basic vet care and possible urgent care, DON'T GET A ROTTWEILER.

STILL THINK YOU WANT ONE?