Rottweiler

Like every breed, the Rottweiler is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:

• Use positive, reward-based training; harsh handling tends to backfire with this sensitive breed.
• Start socialisation young so your puppy grows up confident and calm.
• Be consistent: it is the key to training this breed.
• Supervise meetings with other dogs and work on recall before allowing off-lead time.
• Give deliveries dog-free access to the door, as Rottweilers may guard their territory from visitors.

• Children

  Usually better with older, calmer children.

• Other dogs

  Can be selective about other dogs.

• Cats and small pets

  Varies with the individual dog.

• Flats and smaller homes

  Usually needs a roomy home.

• Garden

  A secure garden is strongly advised.

• Being left alone

  Usually copes only with short periods alone.

• First-time owners

  Best with an experienced owner.

Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.

• Hip and elbow dysplasia

  The hip or elbow joint does not fit together properly, which eventually leads to arthritis. The Royal Kennel Club recommends hip and elbow testing under the BVA/KC schemes before breeding.

• Juvenile laryngeal paralysis and polyneuropathy (JLPP)

  A progressive failure of the nerves controlling the voice box and back legs, which can obstruct breathing. A DNA test is available and recommended before breeding.

• Leukoencephalomyelopathy (LEMP)

  A disease of the nervous system affecting the spinal cord. The Royal Kennel Club lists a DNA test as part of best-practice health testing.

• Subaortic stenosis (SAS)

  A narrowing of the passage leading out of the heart, which can cause a heart murmur, fainting and sudden death. Dogs should be screened before breeding.

• Inherited eye conditions

  These include multifocal retinal dysplasia, multi ocular defect and persistent pupillary membrane. Eye testing under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme is recommended.

• Cruciate ligament disease

  Damage to a ligament in the knee, which can cause pain and limping.

• Osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD)

  A cartilage problem in the hock, shoulder or knee that causes joint pain and limping.

• Cancers

  Rottweilers are more prone to some cancers, especially osteosarcoma, an aggressive bone cancer, and lymphoma.

• Gastric dilatation volvulus (bloat)

  The breed is prone to bloating and stomach problems. Smaller, more frequent meals can help reduce the risk.

• Hot spots

  Patches of itchy, sore and infected skin, also called acute moist dermatitis.

Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Rottweiler home, it is reasonable to ask about:

• Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
• Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
• Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
• Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.

There are two costs: bringing a Rottweiler home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.

Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically 8–10 years, not just the first year.

If you have decided the Rottweiler suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.

• Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
• Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
• Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
• Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.

Rottweilers do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.

Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.