Complete Guide to Buying a Rottweiler Puppy

You’ve done your research. Your mind is made up, you want a Rottweiler puppy.

I remember well the excitement that comes with that decision! Let me save you some valuable time and more than one headache when it comes to choosing the perfect puppy for you.

Today I will share all I learned before I went puppy shopping in an easy-to-follow format. Look no further, this is your Complete Guide to Buying a Rottweiler Puppy!

PLEASE NOTE: This guide is for selecting a family pet, not a show dog. The breed standards for show dogs are extremely strict, and will not be covered here today.

Where Can You Get a Rottweiler Puppy?

Understand as the process begins that you are making about a ten-year commitment when you buy your puppy.

Every year in the United States alone, more than half a million dogs are euthanized each year simply because they aren’t wanted. Such a sad statistic!

For this reason, I urge you to consider the option of a Rescue Organization or Shelter when shopping for your puppy. Weigh the pros and cons of the following options carefully, and make the best decision for you (and your future puppy!)

Places to Get a Rottweiler Puppy

Rottie Rescue Organization/Shelter: At your local shelter, you can bring home a puppy during your first visit. The pup will already have (at least) his first set of shots, and may or may not be spayed or neutered (depending on age). The cost will vary according to where you live. A simple phone call or internet search will reveal the costs in your area. A Rottweiler Rescue Organization will usually have an application process to ensure the dog’s safety and well-being. Costs also vary greatly, so some research will be in order. It is most likely that neither organization will be able to give you a detailed history of the pup or his parents.
Pet Store: You’ll be able to get a Rottie Puppy on the day you visit. Costs vary GREATLY, so shop around. A Rottweiler must never be an impulse buy! Notice the condition of the store, and the overall condition of all the animals there. A reputable Pet Shop will have your puppy already immunized and will be able to give you at least some background information on your puppy’s history.
Professional Breeder: When buying from a breeder, the process may begin even when the mother dog (the Bitch) is still pregnant. Check around in your area for Rottweiler breeders, and call a couple to inquire about the process. A breeder should be willing to show you the conditions their dogs live in, and at least the puppy’s mother. They will have a more detailed history of the puppies available and be able to provide all pertinent paperwork for a purebred puppy.

An Individual Selling via Community Newspaper or Special Interest Publication: Use extra caution when dealing with an individual just trying to unload a litter of unwanted puppies. The Rottie Resource strongly urges you to never buy from an individual unless you can see the puppy’s home environment and are given a record of any veterinarian care, including the shots the puppy has received.

Family Breeder: A family breeder is different than a professional breeder in that they produce fewer litters of Puppies for sale annually.

BEWARE! One place you DO NOT want to get a Rottie Puppy is from a puppy mill!! A puppy mill is an establishment that breeds puppies for sale, typically on an intensive basis and in conditions regarded as inhumane.

Even some pet stores acquire their puppies from mills! Here are some RED FLAGS to watch out for that may indicate the puppy you are interested in may have come from a puppy mill:

The seller knows nothing (or isn’t telling) about the puppy’s parents.
A breeder won’t let you see their kennel.
More than one breed is sold there.
There is no paperwork involved in the purchase.
The puppy for sale is less than 8 weeks old.
The puppy hasn’t had his shots.

NOTE: There are some reputable breeders that may breed more than one type of dog. Do your research and pay careful attention when touring their kennels.

How Much Does a Rottweiler Puppy Cost?

You can expect to pay between $850 and $1500 and over for a Rottweiler Puppy. The figures aren’t random, they are based on the expenses incurred in breeding, Health Certificates or Pedigrees, and raising the Pups until the time when they can be taken from their mother. It is often the case that the less you pay, the less documentation you can expect.

If you see a Rottie Puppy for sale at an astoundingly low price, consider it a RED FLAG and do careful research! What you save on the purchase price could quickly be tripled by veterinary bills if your puppy has a shady (or nonexistent) health history. Healthy dogs that are bred well and come with documentation cost good money. Keep this in mind as you compare prices.

Can a Rottweiler Puppy be Purchased Online?

Yes, they can and NO you shouldn’t unless you are going through a reputable site like the American Kennel Club, or other reputable Rottweiler agencies. I got my Maximus online through the AKC and had a great experience. I would not have used an individual selling Puppies online, and wouldn’t recommend you do, either.

There are too many variables you cannot control, and no governing source over the sale, like with the AKC. With individuals online, you may not get what you are paying for!

Questions to Ask BEFORE You Buy a Rottweiler Puppy

The first thing I want to point out here is that the seller should be asking you questions, too. Responsible breeders and pet stores consider the needs of the puppy above the sale. If you are not asked some pet-ownership questions, consider it a RED FLAG. Here are 6 questions you should ask a seller before purchasing a Rottie Puppy:

Can I see the Veterinary Exam Report? Any reputable seller will make this available to you. How can you know if a puppy has a heart murmur or other health issue unless he’s been examined by a licensed veterinarian? This report will also indicate if the puppy has had his first round of shots. He should receive them at about six weeks of age, before leaving his mother.
What Paperwork is involved in the sale? The paperwork involved in buying a puppy will include a Contract of Sale. It should also include a Health Screening. Furthermore, it may contain your Puppy’s Pedigree (explained below) or a Registration Certificate, as well as your Puppy’s Identification, now made convenient through micro-chipping.
What is the Health History of the Pup’s Parents? This information is included in a Pedigree, but not all sellers offer those. Knowing about the parents is essential because two unhealthy Rottweilers will NOT produce a healthy puppy.
What food is Puppy eating? The food your Rottie Puppy is eating when you buy him is the food you’ll want to feed him. Reputable sellers and breeders usually send some of the Puppy’s current food brand home with you at the time of purchase. If you opt for a different brand, switch him over using the One Week Method to avoid stomach upset.
How has the seller been handling the Puppy’s elimination (potty) needs? This information is useful because you’ll want to begin training your Rottie at the level he is currently on, and ease him into new ways of doing things. A good breeder will already be working with the Pups on “potty training”. At the very least, they should be training the Pups to go to a specified area.
When was the Puppy last wormed? Keeping your Rottie parasite-free will be a lifelong venture! All dogs must be wormed once every three months. Ask to see the record of his last worm medication so you can time his next dose accordingly. Your veterinarian will advise you on which worms to tackle and when they should be addressed.

THE INFO ON VACCINES: Your Rottweiler Puppy should already have had his first round of shots before leaving his mother. These include: Distemper, Measles, and Parainfluenza

When Dealing with a Rottweiler Breeder, Also Ask…

~How many litters has the Mother produced? In January of 2012, the Kennel Club switched to stricter criteria for registering a litter of Rottweilers. If the Mother Dog has whelped more than four litters, the Puppies cannot be registered.

~What can you tell me about the Puppies? A good breeder will be able to point out the unique physical characteristics of each Pup, as well as tell you a little bit about the overall temperament of each. The breeder may say something like this: “The bigger male is all black except for his eyebrows. He’s the spunkiest one of the litter and was the first to eat kibble. The second female is the quiet one in the group and has this unique marking on her belly. Although quiet, she is friendly and thriving.”

COMFORTING FACT: A reputable breeder will love your Puppy before you do.

Other Things to Know Before You Buy a Rottweiler

If you’re new to the world of “All Things Doggie” you’ll want to read “What You Need to Know BEFORE Getting a Rottweiler” FOUND HERE. Additionally, I’ll list some helpful information to help you better understand the “lingo” you’ll likely encounter when shopping for your Rottie Puppy:

What is a Pedigree? A Pedigree is all the proper paperwork detailing your Puppy’s lineage as far back as it was recorded. It is his recorded ancestry, and will automatically come with a Purebred Rottweiler Puppy. If the dealer says the Pup comes from a long and pure Pedigree but this paperwork is missing, consider it a RED FLAG.

What is a Registration Certificate? This certificate serves the exact same purpose as a Birth Certificate for a human. It establishes your Rottweiler as an individual and shows your ownership of the dog. If your Rottie Puppy doesn’t come with this certificate, you can get one for him, but he really should already have one at the time of purpose.

When Can a Rottweiler be Weaned? Weaning is the process of a Puppy becoming accustomed to food other than mother’s milk. This usually happens at about the fourth week of the Pup’s life. It is a gradual process, beginning with introducing a food (or formula) while the Pup is still nursing from the Mother.

IMPORTANT FACT: “Ready to Wean” and “Ready to leave Mother” are two different things!

When Can a Rottweiler Leave the Mother? Rottweiler Puppies should remain with their mother for a minimum of eight weeks. Although they no longer nurse by the sixth week, the social structure of the pack is taught by the mother. Experts believe that a dog’s behavior pattern is formed in the first three months of life through genetics, environment, and experience.

Puppies who are taken away from their Mothers too early often display behavior problems as adults. Siding with the experts, I recommend you get a Rottie Puppy who has remained with his Mother until his twelfth week of life.

Picking the Perfect Rottweiler Puppy

A Rottie Puppy is so much more than a cuddly ball of fur in your arms! He is a product of his heritage, his breeding, and of his environment.

If possible, the first thing you’ll want to do even before you touch him is to observe him in his surroundings. Is the environment clean and chaos-free? Are his parents there, so that you can observe them, too? Does it appear as if the dogs are crammed into an area too small for free-roaming and play?

If you’re buying from a breeder, are they granting you access to the kennel, or making excuses for why you cannot observe the Puppies in their own environment? Here are 6 Things to Note When Observing a Rottweiler Puppy in His Environment:

His Parents (If they are on the premises) Are the parents visibly healthy, well-fed, and exhibiting good temperaments?
How he interacts with the other Puppies A litter of Puppies show be playful with and toward one another. None should be bullying and none should be being bullied.
His Energy Level A healthy Puppy is spry and energetic. Lethargy in a Pup is a RED FLAG signaling health or behavioral problems.
Is he overly timid? Even as Pups, Rottweilers show glimpses of their overall temperament. Some dogs are naturally more “laid back” than others and that is perfectly alright! However, even a more timid Puppy should still be approachable. The word “overly” is key here. Is the Pup so timid he won’t let you near him and he won’t go near the other Puppies? If so, consider it a RED FLAG. This is not the pup for you!
Is he overly aggressive? Again, “overly” is the keyword of the question. Puppies yap, Puppies nip, and Puppies will even growl at you when they feel as if you’re overstepping your boundaries on “their” territory. If a Rottweiler Puppy is ONLY presenting this behavior, you can consider it a RED FLAG in behavior and should continue your Puppy search.
Will he approach you? Healthy Rottweiler Puppies are inquisitive and friendly. If a Puppy cowers at your touch or movement, it is a clear sign that something isn’t quite right in his environment. If all the Pups in the litter behave in the same way, it would be best to seek a different litter to choose from.

Examining a Rottweiler Puppy

When you buy a car or a home, you take the time to carefully look it over. You open all the doors, peeking at what’s behind them, and inspect everything from the top to the bottom. It’s beneficial to do the same when deciding which Rottweiler Puppy is right for you! Here are 6 Things to Check on a Rottweiler Puppy:

1. His Coat: A healthy coat is shiny and full. There is no matting and no bald spots. A coat that is scraggly and lackluster indicates poor health and/or malnutrition.
2. His Eyes: A Rottweiler’s eyes should be clear, bright, and alert. A “film” over his eyes is problematic, and so is any drainage coming from his eyes.
3. His Nose: That adorable little nose should be soft and supple. It may be dry or moist, but should not be cracked and should not have a mucus-like discharge.
4. His Teeth and Gums: By the time you purchase your Rottweiler Puppy, he will have a full set of baby teeth that add up to 28. Swollen and/or bleeding gums can indicate malnourishment or gum disease.
5. His/Her Genitalia: This area should have nothing that “stands out”. A male Rottweiler will have a penis and a scrotum, which has a visible testicle on each side. There should be no lumps, bumps, or discharges coming from the genital area or anus of a healthy dog.
6. His Skin: Look for signs of a flea infestation, sores, broken skin, etc.

HELPFUL HINT: Ask the seller if they will give you something that smells familiar to the Puppy, like a piece of blanket or a chew toy to take home with you. Like humans, dogs can feel stressed at big life changes like being taken away from all he knows. A familiar scent will comfort him and make his big move less daunting.

A Word About Docking

Some Puppies you’ll encounter when shopping around will have had their ears, tail, or dew claws docked. This procedure is normally done right after birth. For a dog who isn’t a show dog, this is strictly a matter of personal preference. Some owners call it mandatory and helpful for the Rottweiler, while other owners insist it is merely cosmetic. Study up on the subject to learn more, and then make the decision you feel most comfortable with. If you purchase a puppy that hasn’t had these body parts docked, you can discuss the risks and benefits with your veterinarian and then make your decision.

What You Need to Know Before Bringing Your Rottweiler Pup Home

Whew! We sure have covered a lot of things you’ll need to know to choose the right Rottie Puppy for you, but we aren’t done yet! Puppies require paraphernalia. And lots of it! Additionally, you’ll want to make sure his new environment will be SAFE for him. Let’s take things step-by-step to ensure your Rottie’s homecoming will be smooth and pleasant!

Supply Checklist for Your Rottweiler Puppy

Large Breed Puppy Food: The six essential ingredients for meeting your Rottie Puppy’s nutritional requirements are protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water.
Puppy Treats: Opt for natural treats
Food and Water Bowls: It’s best to use stainless steel bowls, if possible. They are easy to clean and do not collect bacteria as quickly as plastic bowls.
Collar or Harness: Your priorities here are a proper fit and secure metal clasps. Your Rottie is as safe as whatever you have him “anchored” with.
Leash: The strength of even a young Rottweiler will astound you! Select a sturdy leash with metal clasps that are easy for you to affix, but not easily opened on their own.
Chew Toy(s): Your Rottie doesn’t chew on things because he is naughty. All dogs have an inherent need to chew. It helps the teething process and alleviates boredom. Provide safe chew toys for him, and he will be less likely to chew on your favorite shoes!
Crate: Whether you intend to use a crate for the lifetime of your Rottweiler or not, a crate is a useful tool when he is a puppy in training. Keep in mind when buying a crate that your puppy will weigh about 75 pounds by the sixth month of his life.
Bedding: Your Rottweiler’s bedding can be a simple blanket in a specific spot. There are beds for dogs and cushiony pads. If you’re thinking of having your Rottie sleep in bed with you, you may want to reconsider. By his adulthood, your Rottie will take up about the same amount of space as an adult human!
Muzzle: Understand that muzzles are not for dangerous dogs. A muzzle is a safety precaution all responsible pet owners should employ during certain times. If you hold the idea that muzzles are cruel to use on your Rottie, please read more about why they should be used and when in THIS ARTICLE.

Find great prices on Large Breed Puppy Supplies on Amazon-Here.

Safety Checklist for Your Home/Garage

House Plants An inquisitive Rottie is apt to try a nibble of anything that catches his eye. You may be surprised to learn that some houseplants are TOXIC to animals! Before bringing your Puppy home, check the plants you own using your computer’s search engine to see if they are toxic.
Chemicals Make sure all chemicals are safely secured in cabinets your Rottie cannot get into. Don’t underestimate his intelligence or determination! The child safety locks for cabinets found in most department stores are effective for keeping pets out, too.
Detergents Dish soap, laundry soap, and even shampoo are all toxic for animals. Keep all detergents safely out of your Rottweiler’s reach!
Electric Cords Look around your home for exposed electrical cords, including extension cords. They may seem like an attractive chewing option to your Rottie Puppy, but they are DANGEROUS! Do not expose your Pooch to an electrical shock hazard by leaving cords exposed. Chewed cords (like device chargers use) are also cords you will have to replace, and that can get expensive.

Can Your Rottweiler Eat “People Food”?

Chances are, your Rottie will be interested in anything and everything you eat. It’s best that you form the immediate habit of NOT feeding him what you are eating. It helps to ensure his safety and discourages him from becoming a beggar. Oh, begging can be cute when paired with those puppy eyes, but I assure you it is not so cute after your Rottweiler tips the scale at over 100 pounds! Additionally, some “people foods ” are actually TOXIC to our four-legged friends.

You’ve Selected the Perfect Rottie Puppy and He’s Finally Home! Now What?

You’ll want to make your Rottie’s first day in his new home about becoming comfortable in his new environment.

On day one, your Puppy will meet his new housemates, learn where his food and water bowls are located, and find out his new sleeping arrangements. It is a day for relaxing together and beginning to form the bond that will last a lifetime!

On day two, I urge you to call and schedule his first veterinary appointment and begin the training process. I wish you and your brand new Rottweiler all the best!

I truly hope this guide has been helpful to you and that you found your new best friend!

Without question, you’ll want to learn everything you can about caring for your new Rottie Puppy and we have JUST the resource for you! Make your Rottweiler experience all it can be for both you and your dog by reading the “Rottweiler Puppy Resource”. It’s everything you need to know about taking care of your new puppy

You’ll learn everything about your Rottie’s nutritional needs in this “Age by Age Feeding Guide”.

The crate above will serve you well from the time your Rottie is a pup until he is full grown! It has two doors for convenience and a carry handle on top. Don’t forget to add a bed (below) to his crate for comfort!

Perhaps the most important thing your Rottie will ever own is a MUZZLE!

*This article has been reviewed in accordance with our editorial policy.