About Rottweiler's
Rottweiler's are outstanding companion's and guard dogs but ownership
of a Rottweiler is not for everyone! due to traits possessed by this breed,
their size and strength.. A Rottweiler, must be a family member, they do
not make good kennel or yard dogs. Choose him/her carefully. Know as much
as possible about the breed and his breeder before you buy. Deal only with
a reputable breeder! Not one that pumps out one litter after another.
Through the 1970's, the Rottweiler was a fairly uncommon dog in the United
States, ranking in the middle of AKC registered breeds in terms of number
of dogs registered. In the early 1980's the Rottweiler began a meteoric rise
in popularity, and has been the second most popular AKC breed since 1992.
The Rottweiler is a medium to large, powerful dog. His compact and substantial build shows great strength, agility and endurance. On average, males will range from 100 to 135 lbs and 24" to 27" at the shoulder. They are more massive throughout with larger frame and heavier bone than bitches. Bitches will range from 80 to 100 lbs and from 22" to 25" at the shoulder. Animals can be found which are taller or shorter than these measurements, however, they are not considered typical by the breed standard. The Rottweiler is ALWAYS black, with clearly defined markings on cheeks, muzzle, chest and legs as well as over both eyes, that range from tan to deep mahogany. His coat is straight, coarse and of medium length, with an undercoat varying in degree based on climatic conditions. The Rottweiler is a calm and self-confident dog, who has an inherent desire to protect home and family. Personality may range from highly affectionate to extremely aloof. He is not shy nor highly excitable. He is very intelligent and highly trainable dog. He is also very much a companion, often following their family members from room to room in the home. Because of his size and strength, it is imperative that he receive proper socialization and obedience training from an early puppy hood. These traits vary with the individual dog to some degree, although all have a strong territorial instinct and wil defend their master's home, car and property from intruders. Dogs must be carefully schooled to accept your friends into your home but physical contact should be approached carefully until the dog realizes that you belong. Strangers must never come into your yard unannounced, the dog doesn't know the difference between your brother and a burglar. Although the Rottweiler does not usually bite without provocation, even being cornered and held by one of these dogs is very scary..
Please make sure before you buy any puppy, that you ask to see the OFA
papers of both the sire and dam.Only dogs that are at least 24 months of
age are eligible for an OFA Number.In an effort to reduce the incidence of
HD, responsible Rottweiler breeders will not breed dogs which have not received
OFA clearance. Puppies should only be purchased after careful evaluation
of the hip dysplasia status of the parents and the grandparents. The breeder
of the puppies should be able to provide copies of the OFA certificates (on
official stationery from the OFA). This is not a guarantee that your puppy
will not develop HD later on; research has documented the fact that normal
parents can produce litters with one third or more of the puppies dysplastic
as adults. Genetics may be the cause of dysplasia but environmental factors
such as over-feeding, over exercise and injury of young animals may also
contribute to this disease.Rottweilers also are prone to Paneosteitis (growing
pains) Von Willebrands Disease, a bleeding disorder. Dogs may be carriers
while exhibiting no outward symptoms. VWD is diagnosed through blood screening.
Bloat is where the stomach swells from gas or fluid. The most common heart
problem seen in Rottweilers is Sub-Aortic Stenosis. This disorder can be
very mild or so serious that it results in sudden death. Reputable breeders,
working with canine cardiologists, hope to identify the mode of inheritance
of this and other heart problems. Some Rottweilers are prone to flea and/or
food allergies. Symptoms and severity of the allergies vary from dog to dog.
Entropian (eyelids rolling inward) and Ectropian (Eyelids rolling outward)
are inherited conditions which require surgical correction. Both of these
conditions disqualify a dog from being shown in AKC conformation competition.
They want to be with their masters. As a working breed, the Rottweiler requires
daily exercise, a good romp twice a day at least. Left alone or with inadequate
exercise for long periods they may become unruly and destructive.
A properly bred, socialized and trained Rottweiler is not inherently
vicious.
The rapid rise in popularity of the breed has attracted many irresponsible
breeders who are only interested in making a profit, and don't care what
damage is done to the breed in the process.
There are various places where you may acquire a Rottweiler puppy, but
only ONE place where you should - from a responsible breeder. Pet shops acquire
their puppies from puppy mills, brokers and back-yard breeders. Their puppies
are separated from their dams and litters at too early and age, they are
not properly socialized and may well develop serious health problems.
Puppy mills, brokers and back-yard breeders have only one priority - to make
a profit. They are not interested in the welfare of the puppies they breed.
Beware of petshops that advertise "we get our puppies from private breeders."
No responsible breeder would ever broker puppies to a pet shop. Don't perpetuate
the puppy mill problem - steer clear of pet shops.
What is a Responsible ( breeder )?
All breeding stock will be certified free of Hip Dysplasia by the Orthopedic
Foundation for Animals (OFA). The breeder will be willing to supply you with
copies of the OFA certificates. No bitch or dog will be bred before the age
of two, (the minimum age for OFA certification).
The Breeder will belong to one or more Clubs which require adherence to a
"Code of Ethics" from all members (adherence to a certain level of responsibility
in ownership and breeding). Code of Ethics clubs do not permit members to
advertise puppy prices.
The Breeder will be active in the sport of dogs, competing in conformation,
obedience, tracking or herding events.
A reputable breeder's number one concern is that his/her puppies are placed
in responsible homes where they will receive the same kind of care and training
he/she gives his/her own dogs. Expect to be interviewed at length as to why
you want to own a Rottweiler, and what your family and lifestyle is like.
The reputable breeder will ask more questions of you than you will of him/her.
A responsible breeder will try to steer you clear of rushing to buy a
puppy this week or this month, but he/she will also not expect you to wait
an unreasonable amount of time to buy one of his/her puppies. If he has no
puppies available and has no breeding planned in the near future, he will
recommend other breeders whose standards are as high as his own.
A responsible breeder will be happy to have you meet the parents of the litter
(at least the dam; frequently the sire will not belong to the breeder), as
well as his/her other dogs. The dogs and puppies will be kept in a clean
and healthy environment.
A responsible breeder will only sell puppies with a signed, written contract.
He/she will pass on accurate health, breeding and registration records and
pedigree records of at least three generations. They will require that any
puppy not purchased as show and breeding stock be made incapable of reproducing,
and require that limited registration "blue slips" be provided, or that
registration papers be withheld until a veterinarians certificate is received
as proof of sterilization.
A responsible breeder is always willing to take back any dog he/she bred.
"Show Prospect" is a puppy with no disqualifying faults (as listed in the
breed standard) at the time of sale. Serious and disqualifying faults to
avoid include overshot or undershot bites, missing teeth, long or curly coats,
light eyes, hip dysplasia and unstable temperaments. All lines carry one
or more of these traits, and a responsible breeder will be able to give you
a candid description of what is in your animal's genetic background. Be aware
that the nicest puppy in the litter can mature into a so so adult. Be prepared
to critically evaluate your dog, because even if you paid a good price you
may still end up with a pet.
Pet Quality: many time breeders will offer puppies with serious faults for
lower prices than show prospect . These faults are generally cosmetic (bad
bites, white spots on the chest or belly, missing teeth, etc.) and will not
affect the health or temperament of the dog. These animals are not for breeding
because these are serious genetic faults. A responsible breeder will require
that the animal be spayed, neutered or vasectomized before releasing the
AKC registration papers. Breeders may now sell their puppies on the new AKC
Limited Registration Certificate, which allows the dog AKC privileges of
obedience activities but will not allow showing in the conformation ring
or use for breeding purposes. These dogs make good companions and often their
faults are not detectable to any but the most experienced eyes.
Show prospect puppies will generally sell for $800 to $1500, with pet
prices approximately half the show price.
Good Books to read, before buying a Rottweiler
The Complete Rottweiler, by Muriel Freeman; Published by Howell Book House.
The Rottweiler, by Joan Klem and Susan Rademacher; Published by TFH.
The Wonderful World Of Rottweilers, by Anna Katherine Nicholas; published
by TFH
The Rottweiler Quarterly is a highly informative magazine devoted to all
phases of Rottweiler ownership. For subscription information contact GRQ
Publications; PO Box 900, Aromas, CA 95004.
ARK is the quarterly newsletter of the American Rottweiler Club. Keeps membership
up to date on Rottweiler happenings across the U.S. Contact Marilyn Piusz,
339 County Highway 106, Johnstown, NY 12095.
The AKC Gazette is a must for all purebred dog owners. Covers care, training,
health and showing. "Events Calendar" gives important dates of all AKC event
(conformation,obedience, tracking, herding, etc.). Subscription information
is available from the AKC at 5580 Centerview Dr., Raleigh, NC 27690-0643.
Video's
American Kennel Club Rottweiler Video is helpful in visualizing the breed
standard. Available from the AKC, 5580 Centerview Dr., Raleigh, NC 27690-0643.
Let's Talk About Rottweilers by JK Video Concepts, 1219 Golf Lane, Wheaton,
IL 60187
In The Ribbons - The Rottweiler by Canine Training Systems, 7550 West Radcliff
Ave., Littleton, CO 80123
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