Strong, powerful and brave, the rottweiler is a formidable presence and is believed to be a descendent of the drover dogs of ancient Rome. Behind the rottweiler's impressive stature lies an intelligent, calm and somewhat reserved dog with a strong instinct to protect. Early socialization and training with people, children and pets is important; this breed can become aggressive when improperly trained.
Instructions
1. Keep in mind that a rottweiler is not for everyone. This breed can be difficult to manage because of its large size, powerful body and territorial instinct. Rottweilers are vigilant watchdogs and are not always able to discern who is a friend and who is a stranger.
2. Reconsider getting a rottweiler if you have small children in the house. Although rottweilers can be friendly with children if socialized early on, this breed has strong prey and herding instincts. They are likely to chase moving objects, which can include running children.
3. Avoid this breed if you are unwilling to spend time socializing and training your dog to ensure that she does not become aggressive. Expect to take your rottweiler to obedience training once a week for 6 to 12 months.
4. Know that if you decide to own a rottweiler she will need vigorous walks at least twice a day, and she will need your consistent companionship. Rottweilers love to swim, run and chase balls. When they do not get enough exercise, rottweilers can become destructive.
5. Check out a rottweiler's features when choosing yours. Her overall appearance should be strong and unyielding with an attentive gaze. Her neck should be built and muscular. She should have a deep, expansive chest, and her coloring should be black with rust and mahogany markings.
6. Understand that a rottweiler is prone to certain health problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia (a malformation of the joints), osteochondrosis dissecans (a bone disease that causes lameness and arthritis), paneosteitis (a rotating lameness), Von Willebrand's disease (a bleeding disorder), bloat, heart disease and allergies. Talk to a breeder or whomever you get yours from to find out what type of screening they have done for some of these health problems.
7. Look at potential breeders very carefully, being sure to ask whether they are members of breed clubs, specialty clubs or obedience clubs. Affiliation with a club means you can check their references to make sure they are not a puppy mill (a place where puppies are constantly bred for financial gain without consideration of the integrity of the breed).
8. Expect to pay between $800 and $1,500 for a purebred rottweiler.
9. Be prepared to enjoy 10 to 12 years with your rottweiler, as that is the rottweiler's average life expectancy.
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