If you are a passionate about Rottweiler and wish to adopt this admirable breed of dog as a member of your family you must be having a few questions on your mind. Rottweiler is a breed that is often mistaken to be very vicious and aggressive. Quite contrarily, Rottweilers are an adaptable breed often very shy with strangers. These medium to large sized dogs need to be understood and trained properly to be the perfect pet.
Strong, sturdy and responsible, this breed was once used to drive cattle to the market, then for pulling butcher carts and later as reliable police dogs. Rottweiler will be a good choice as a family pet if you have the time to exercise him, train him and take adequate health care. Rich in looks and personality, Rottweiler is a confident and courageous dog.
Find some frequently asked questions regarding Rottweilers here. We at Coalfire Rottweilers have answers to all Rottweiler questions. As a reputed Rottweiler breeder in North West of Brisbane, Queensland, we follow the Canine Control Council’s guidelines to supply you with healthy and happy Rottweiler puppies and dogs.
1. Is a Rottweiler Okay With Other Dogs & Cats?
If you raise a Rottweiler puppy with other dogs and cats, it is never a problem. The breed and size of your existing pets does not matter. A Rottweiler puppy will learn as it grows up with them, what lines are not to be crossed. However if you are planning to adopt a bigger dog, it might take some sort of control. If the older pets are patient and of cooler temperament allow them to mix under strict observation and they will gel in time. Puppies are pliable and respectful once the understand.
2. Is a Rottweiler reliable with children?
Is your child reliable to be with a Rottweiler? People judge this breed of dogs by their look and size and thus misjudge inevitably. A Rottweiler is a very gentle dog, and is completely safe to leave around your children. Train your puppy how to behave around your children and vice versa. Just make sure that they are NOT TEASED OR BULLIED. Children tend to pull a dog’s ears and tail, and whack them unnecessarily. This would certainly displease an animal, redundant of species and breed. If you are planning to leave behind your child with your Rottweiler, train your kid along with the dog. However we would suggest, not to leave very young children unattended with any of your pets.
3. Is it best to get a Rottweiler dog or a bitch?
For first time owners, a bitch Rottweiler is better as they are gentler than their male counterparts and smaller. A bitch gets in “heat” twice every year and are equally good guarding dogs. If you want a robust and strong pet, get a dog puppy. He is a bundle of energy but would need firmer handling than the females.
4. How much exercise will a Rottweiler need?
Rottweilers tend to put on weight with inactivity. It is active by nature and loves exercises. Tone up yourself while you take him/her along for a walk, at least for half an hour twice daily, once he has matured babies do not require long exercise..
5. Where is the best place to find out where to buy a Rottweiler?
Check the Breed Clubs for information. The Kennel Club will let you know about the puppies in market, but the Breed Clubs have information about genuinely reputed breeders. A puppy with good lineage and bloodline. They will make sure you get a puppy that has been vaccinated and is completely healthy. Be ready to be questioned by them about your suitability to get a puppy as your pet.
6. At what age should a Rottweiler puppy be sold?
A puppy should be 8 weeks before being put up on sale. Minimum allowance is 8 weeks of age.
7. Should my Rottweiler puppy have a tail?
Hardly any puppy is born WITHOUT a tail, and at present it is illegal to have a puppy’s tail “docked”. So in case you are offered a Rottweiler puppy without a tail, ask for a vet’s certificate stating that the puppy had born without one.
8. How Can I Tell If My Rottweiler Is Purebred?
The only two ways to know whether your Rottweiler is purebred or not, are:-
It is better to get a Rottweiler from a reputed breeder who will help you acquire a genuine purebred.
9. Should I get a rescue dog rather than a puppy?
Getting a rescue dog is fine as an ideal, however is sometimes fraught with danger as the history and previous treatment is unknown therefore the behaviors you are taking on may be significant and possibly difficult to modify. Rescuing one is admirable and I have respect for anyone who does-they can be be a very loving asset to your family when they understand you have a loving environment.
10. How much do Rottweiler’s eat?
A Rottweiler should not be over fed. The diet of the Rottweiler’s depend upon the quality of the food that you give him/her. Whether serving raw food or kibble a good quality of food may be initially expensive but very little proportions are needed. Consult your veterinary to know the ideal weight of your Rottweiler and plan accordingly. An adult Rottweiler will eat a kilo or more of raw food depending on season-They eat more when weather is cold.
11. Are German Rottweiler’s larger?
There is hardly any difference between a German Rottweiler and an American Rottweiler except their place of birth. Apart from the basic difference, another is The Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler Klub (ADRK) – Germany does not allow docking whereas the American Kennel Club allows the tail to be docked. German Rottweiler’s are not allowed to breed if they are not in the standard height which for males is 61-68cms and females 56-63 cms- personally I prefer rottweilers at the higher end of the standard.
12. Are Rottweiler’s vicious?
Rottweilers are the friendliest, good-natured, placid dogs. People tend to misjudge their personality from their size and often the “over friendly nature”. Thanks to many movie directors who portray the breed as frothing, bloody eyes beasts, but they are quite the contrary. In fact they are considered the best companion dogs and are often employed to assist the blind people. Viciousness in a Rottweiler is the result of poor breeding and improper handling and abuse.
13. Is it true that only the owner should handle a Rottweiler?
Rottweilers are not meant for all. They have a natural introvert temperament of their own. They are aloof and are overly protective about the family that they belong to. However a trained and properly handled Rottweiler should socialize well and behave amiably in front of strangers. They do not accept excess handling by strangers and shy or withdraw. Although tolerant of all family they will pick ONE as their leader or closest desired confidant.
14. What is a Rottweiler’s life span?
The general life span of a healthy Rottweiler is from 9 years to 11 years. There is a record of a Rottweiler surviving for 15 years.
15. What are common health and hereditary problems?
The common health problems of Rottweiler’s are:-
Skeletal Problems:
a) Hip Dysplasia
b) Ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament
c) Osteochondritis Dissecans
d) Bloat and Osteochondritis Dissecans
Eye Problems:
a) Entropion
b) Ectropion
c) Cataracts
Viral Contaminations:
a) Parvovirus
b) Coronavirus
Systemic Dysfunctions:
a) Canine hypothyroidism
b) Von Willebrand’s Disease
c) Acute Gastric Dilatation
d) Cryptorchidism
16. How much do Rottweilers cost?
Cost of a good purebred Rottweiler puppy vary on several factors. It does not depend whether you want to have him/her as a pet or for putting up for show the breeding time expertise and cost to the breeder is the same. Not all potential show pups are suitable for pet homes and not all good prospect working dogs are suitable for pet homes either, ask your breeder of the temperament of the pup The lineage of the puppy can be a major determining factor of its cost, it costs many thousands of dollars to import dogs to add diversity and quality to existing bloodlines. All pups in litter come from same mating-some are better for particular purpose this does not diminish or increase their value, neither does being male or female. The price is from $2000.00 and I will discount for known genetic defect which is evident at time of purchase or before.
17. What should a Rottweiler’s temperament be like?
A genuine Rottweiler, trained, handled and bred properly has a calm temperament. An introvert by nature, he is a great thinker and stays aloof most of the time. They are innately a good companion but need training and boundaries- and are confident and courageous and work on their own. If we go to the required standard of the FCI the temperament is Good natured,placid, fond of children, he is devoted, obedient, biddable and eager to work, behavior is self assured,steady and fearless, he reacts with great alertness to his surroundings. Unless mishandled and mistreated they do not behave in an unreasonable way. Just do not mess with them, they can be your great friend.
18. How to choose a good breeder?
To find good breeder you have to ask the right questions.
How often the breeder takes his dogs to the vet?
Does he keep a clear health record of the dogs?
Does he get his dogs vaccinated regularly?
Are the dogs raised in a clean environment?
How many dogs are kept enclosed together?
Ask to allow the dogs to meet and greet you.
That means don’t just contact the breeder by email ask to see their property before you commit.
Ok for overseas or interstate buyers this is not possible, so do your best with communication as I have have done when I bought a dog from Sweden and got an awesome dog. Thank you Dire Sraits kennels and Marisa. Scania in now as of 2015 7 y/o and my greatest mate.
A good breeder will be able to answer all these questions genuinely and provide enough evidence. He will be able to provide you with registration certificates and give proper and believable facts about the bloodline and health of the puppy. Ask whether he or she is a member of a Code of Ethics (and has documents to prove it). Do not go for the dubious advertisements in local magazines and newspapers, do some research, ask from reliable friends and the Kennel Clubs