Owning a Rottweiler

Some Questions You May Have About Rottweilers

How much do Rottweilers eat?

A Rottweiler will not “eat you out of house and home.” Depending on size, age, and activity level of your dog, it will eat between 5 and 10 pounds of high quality kibble a week. High quality kibble costs between $30 and $40 for a 40 pound bag. Many breeders advise feeding additional meat, vegetables and cottage cheese to puppies. Food, and possible vitamin supplements, can easily cost more than $50 a month.

How big are they?

Males range from 24 to 27 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 95 and 125 pounds. Females are somewhat smaller measuring 22 to 25 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 75 and 95 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?

Generally speaking, Rottweilers are good with children – a combination protector, and playmate. However, as with all dogs, caution must be exercised when infants and children are in their proximity. Infants and children should never be left unattended around any dog, including Rottweilers. Knowing and understanding the temperament of your Rottweiler is your responsibility. Remember that no dog should be brought into your home as a baby sitter. You need to teach the dog to respect your children, and teach your children to respect the dog.

The dog’s size can be a serious problem. Rottweilers have accidentally caused injuries to small children 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-person 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?

All Rottweilers have strong territorial instincts. A tendency towards “aggression” varies from individual to individual. If socialized properly as a puppy, your Rottweiler will defend you and your property against intruders. Rottweilers have been known to attempt 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 adult Rottweilers, their training must start early and continue throughout their 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 commands, directions and when necessary, reprimands. While they occasionally require strong physical corrections, some trainers tend to be much tougher then necessary. Physical mastery of the dog is less important than sensitive and positive training methods, time, and patience. Women are frequently very successful with Rottweilers in all types of competitions.

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?

Yes. Rottweilers shed twice a year, often in the spring and fall and sometimes more often. As seasons change, they may lose much of their coats to help them adjust to the changing seasons. Their coat is easy to care for, requiring only combing or brushing with a pin brush.

Are they good watchdogs?

The Rottweiler’s 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. 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 companion.

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 his equal in all other respects.

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 in your home. However, young adults and mature 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.

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. 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. AS A ROTTWEILER OWNER, YOU ASSUME 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 then 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 will 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 a good situation; if your Rottweiler is to live outdoors, be sure that he has a clean, well-insulated, draft-free doghouse that provides a cool shady retreat or protection from inclement weather. 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” (vaccinations) or titer testing to protect against various diseases, a regular check-up by the veterinarian is certainly desirable for your dog. 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 ANOTHER 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 commit to being suitable owners for the lifetime of 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. Clarance
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!
If you are considering breeding your dog, you should first consult with your dog’s breeder. If you purchased your dog from a reputable breeder, the breeder will be happy to work with you to determine if your dog is suitable to be bred. If your breeder is unable to help, a member of the American Rottweiler Club.