Rottweilers are definately NOT the breed for everyone. They need lots of attention, training, socialization, and discipline beginning when they are puppies.

A Rottweiler owner has to be fairly physically strong. Remember, the average male Rottweiler weighs almost 100 pounds! These dogs were bred to pull carts, and they will pull!

You can NOT just put a Rottweiler in a kennel all day, they need mental and physical stimulation. So, if you work for 12 or more hours a day, and you don't want to bother with a pet sitter or doggy day care, then the Rottweiler is not the breed for you.

Animals are not just things you can throw away when you don't want them. They are completely dependant on you for food, medical care, grooming, and companionship their whole life! Before you get a Rottweiler, remember that you are responsible for his care for his entire life, which can be more than a decade. Don't expect to be rid of him in a few months or years when the novelty wears off. He'll still be there, and he'll still need you to let him out 4 times a day, feed him, take him to the vet, play with him, give him a bath, and all the other exciting dog-owner activities.

Don't get me wrong, Rottweilers are a great breed and can be wonderful pets. The reason I may sound so negative about Rotties is because there are many people who get a Rottweiler, before realizing all of the strings that are attached. They end up dumping the dog at a shelter when he's grown out of being a cute, little puppy and now is an untrained, 100 pound barking Rottweiler. There are millions of dogs that go in and out of shelters every year, and an estimated 1 million that go to the shelter, and never come back out. Don't get a dog, especially a Rottweiler, if you are not in it for the whole 9 yards.

Rottweilers are great pets when they have had the proper training and socialization. They are such a clowny breed that love to make you laugh. Rotties can be wonderful companions no matter what your lifestyle, as long as you can learn to accomodate them.

10 Things a Dog Asks of It's Family

2. Do not break my spirit with harsh treatment. Your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me learn.

3. Place your trust in me, it's crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long, and don't lock me up as a punishment, you have your work, your entertainment, and your friends. I have only you and I like being with you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I understand the tone of your voice when you are speaking to me, especially when you use friendly tones.

6. Be aware that I am normally a social animal, however I need to make positive associations at a young age to feel confident and well adjusted around other dogs and humans.

7. Remember that I was bred for activity, both mental and physical and I enjoy playing games, taking walks and an occasional good run.

8. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate, or lazy, ask yourself if something may be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I may need medical attention, or I may just be getting old. But keep in mind I respond very well to praise.

9. Take care of me when I get old; you, too, will grow old.

10. Remember that I only want to love and to please you, so treat me kindly.