You'd better be up to the task. If you're not, go get a lap-dog and save your time.
Too many people get a Rottweiler because they want to look cool. Trust me, it's not cool when your dog attacks another dog or child because he wasn't trained or socialized properly. This responsibility is yours.
So here are some facts about the Rottweiler breed to help you with your decision to buy a Rotti or not:
1) The Rottweiler was NOT bred as an attack dog (as many newspapers like to report), but originally was used in Europe (mainly Germany) in the mid 1800's to drive cattle to market. They then would return with the filled purses of their masters around their necks (who's going to try and rob them?).
They were also used to guard the shops of their owners at night (since Rottweilers are extremely possessive of their owner's possessions)
Later on, the Rottweiler was used as a police/security dog. Little known in the U.S. until about the 1980's the Rottweiler suddenly skyrocketed in popularity.
(This also had the unfortunate effect of bringing out some disreputable breeders after a quick buck who overbred the dogs and in turn, some speculate, contributed to many unfortunate Rottweiler incidents).
2) The Rottweiler is a medium-large, compact powerful dog weighing in at anywhere from 80 to 135 lbs (with females on the lighter end and males tending to be heavier). The Rottweiler is black, with distinctive tan markings on cheeks, muzzle, chest and legs as well as over both eyes.
3) In general, Rottweilers are intelligent, self-confident, sometimes aloof and highly trainable. They are known for being highly protective of their owners' possessions and property.
4) Rottweilers have also been known to bully or try to take the Alpha dog position in the family (the in-charge position - which SHOULD ALWAYS be yours).
Most dogs (of any breed) will try to take this position but this instinct is particularly strong in the Rottweiler and if not curbed can give rise to major behavioral problems
5) Because of this, it is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT that your Rottweiler get proper training and socialization.
I recommend you especially read more about how to communicate with your dog that you are the Alpha-male.
6) Exercise is a must for Rottweilers, and LOTS of it. They are a working breed and need at least 2 long walks a day (preferably with an added socialization/dog park time). Another option is to give them a large yard where they can rome free for long periods of time.
Even the most well-trained dog, if chained to a fence or caged all day, will have major pent-up energy. It's bound to come out somehow, probably in a way that you don't want. You wouldn't do that to a child so why do it to a much larger, muscle-bound dog?
7) Although sensitive and intelligent the Rottweiler can also be quite stubborn. Thus you must be willing, as the owner, to be CONSISTENT ALWAYS with your training.
If you are not willing to be firm (yet not overly harsh) and follow through with discipline every time they test you, don't get a Rottweiler.
By discipline I mean a harsh word or a turning away from the dog or a lack of treat (NEVER get physical with a Rottweiler!) Sometimes, depending on the dog, a discipline collar is needed. (That is an entirely different article which I'll be adding soon!)
8) If you are getting a rotti puppy, ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS buy from a reputable breeder.
A reputable breeder will do everything in their power to help you find a suitable Rottweiler. This includes allowing you to meet the parents (if possible) to assess their temperament, answering all of your questions on the history or the parents (i.e. hip dysplasia, heart diseases, eye diseases, etc.)
A good rule of thumb is that a reputable breeder will CARE about their dogs. Their main concern is making sure they find a loving, stable home for their dogs, not making a sale.
They will NOT be pushing a dog on you, they will tend to be more concerned that you are the right owners for their precious puppy!
Another viable option is a Rottweiler Rescue.
If you're convinced that a Rottweiler is the breed for you, we'd encourage you to first check out your local Rottweiler rescue before going to a breeder since the needs are so great for loving homes for abused Rottis.
There are so many Rottweilers that have been abused and mistreated. They have done nothing wrong and yet have known little but pain and abuse over their short lives.
Most of these dogs are completely trainable (Rottweiler rescues will assess the dogs before they come in and only take trainable well-adjusted dogs).
Also, if you don't want to spend at least 2 years training your rottweiler puppy consistently, you can find a great older rottweiler who will more than happy to have your companionship at a Rotti rescue. For a list of Rottweiler Rescues, check out our Rottweiler Sites page.
We hope these facts help you in making your decision as to whether or not a Rottweiler is the breed for you. They can be a lot of work, but in our opinion, the dividends are MORE than worth it!
