Rottweilers are large strong dogs, perfect for security or just a family companion. This is an exceptionally smart breed that requires heavy training and stimulus to keep them out of trouble. Before you decide to adopt a Rottweiler, ask yourself the questions below.
Are there any city ordinances or special insurance rates for Rottweiler owners in our area?
Untrained Rottweilers have given the breed a bad name. Many cities have enlisted ordinances against the breed. You may also have to carry special home owner's insurance on the dog. Be sure to check all of the pet ordinances in your city to make sure this breed will work out for you and your family.
Do we have room in the home for a large breed strong dog?
Rottweiler puppies grow and get strong very fast. That cute tiny ten week old puppy you brought home will soon be a 100lb dog knocking over everything in its path. You'll need a large home with plenty of open floor space for the dog to move about in with the rest of the family. A large yard is also a plus with this wide bodied breed.
Do we have time to train a Rottweiler?
Rottweilers are one of the smartest dog breeds. To keep them safe and happy you will need to train them early and often. Start with the basics, but don't stop there! Rottweilers are herding dogs with a high prey drive, so an untrained Rott will run after small children and possibly chase cars. The strength of the Rottweiler is easy to see in its massive chest and head. Luckily they very smart and eager to learn.
Can we afford food and toys for a growing Rottweiler?
While the first year of any puppy's life is the most expensive, Rottweilers will also need indestructible toys and lots of quality dog food. My Rottweiler ate nearly 30lbs of dog food per week when she was young and running hard. This can easily add over $100 to the monthly family budget.
Buying toys that are tough and thought provoking is more expensive, but will last the dog much longer than cheap plush dog toys. Brain teaser type toys will also help keep the dog active mentally and reduce the possibility of them doing damage to property if they get bored easily.
Can we afford veterinary bills for a growing or aging Rottweiler?
Rottweilers are prone to hip dysplasia, bloat and bone cancer (or osteosarcoma). There is no way to know if your dog will develop any of these issues until later in life. Treatments for all of these issues can be very costly. Are you and your family prepared to spend extra time and money on the dog if these issues develop? Are you prepared for the time involved with rehabilitating an injured dog?
If you answered yes to all of the questions above you should seriously consider adopting a Rottweiler. While they sport a short coat, they do still shed hair and dander. Your grooming bills should be low, but those with dog allergies will likely not be able to tolerate a Rottweiler. Another breed may be a better fit if you aren't able to provide everything necessary for a Rottweiler to thrive.
Photo credit: "Rottweiler". Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rottweiler.jpg#mediaviewer/File:Rottweiler.jpg
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