Rottweilers are extraordinary dogs, strong and powerful. If you're considering adding one to your family, take your time in locating an ethical breeder.
If you're considering adding a Rottweiler to your family, take your time in locating an ethical breeder.
Rottweilers are extraordinary dogs, strong and powerful. But because of unscrupulous breeders and owners, some overly aggressive Rottweilers have been bred, giving the breed something a bad reputation.
Rottweilers are loyal, intelligent animals that can make devoted pets and awesome guard dogs. They require careful training and owners who can handle their strength and size (males range from 95-130 pounds; females 85-115 pounds.) They are high-energy dogs that need a lot of exercise.
The breed originated in the German town of Rottweil back in the middle ages, and is descended from Mastiffs. The breed almost died out, but a group of enthusiastic breeders in Stuttgart brought it back. Rottweilers found doing a variety of jobs, including tracking and herding, competitive obedience and police work.
Still interested? Then it's time for you to do your research, and find a reputable breeder of Rottweilers. If you have the opportunity to attend an AKC (American Kennel Club)-sanctioned dog show, take the time to meet the breeders and handlers of Rottweilers. They may have pups available or be able to refer you to other breeders.
The AKC is a good source of breeder referrals. Every recognized breed has a National or Parent Club that will provide referrals.
Do not buy a pup from a "backyard breeder" or from a puppy mill or pet store. They're in it strictly for a buck, and frequently sell unhealthy and over-bred pups. Ethical breeders breed their dogs both for a livelihood and for the love of the breed.
An ethical breeder will:
Be very knowledgeable about the breed. The breeder should know all the standards of the breed, the temperament of the breed, and should patiently answer all your questions.
Interview you! They won't sell their precious pups to just anyone, and want to make sure they're going to responsible owners. They may even ask you to sign a contract specifying your responsibility in taking good care of your new dog.
Be concerned about the animals for a lifetime, and be willing to answer your questions after you purchase the puppy and take him home.
Keep puppies until they're at least for 8-12 weeks before selling them. Pups younger than that are too young to be separated from their mother.
Make sure their pups receive distemper, hepatitis, lepto, Parvo, Corona, influenza, and bordetella vaccinations before they go to their new families.
Provide references from satisfied customers and vets.
Provide a registration slip, a pedigree, and current vet records for each puppy they sell.
Offer a return or refund policy if the pup get sick soon after you take him home, develops any genetic diseases or if for any reason you're unable to provide him with a good home.
Let you see their entire operation including kennels, and the whole litter as well as the Dam (mother) to determine their health, and the cleanliness and quality of their entire operation. You can also see how your potential pup interacts with his mother and littermates.
Offer free assistance, advice and guidance once you take your puppy home.
Finally, allow for lots of time. Ethical breeders usually have litters available twice a year, maximum. Although Rottweilers frequently have very large litters""up to a dozen pups""but you still need to wait for them to be born, socialized and weaned. Any breeder who can provide you with a pup on demand is one to avoid.
