This is it! You’ve decided you’re getting a Rottweiler puppy! Good for you, what an adventure you’re about to “embark” on, LOL! We at Rottie Resource hope you’ve considered a rescue Rottweiler as an option.
That being said, today we’ll dive into Your Rottweiler Puppy Resource: Everything You Need to Know. Wherever you decide to get your pup, you’ll be ready with our Ultimate Rottweiler Puppy Guide!
Responsible pet ownership demands that we begin with…
Is a Rottweiler Puppy the Right Dog for You?
Who wouldn’t fall in love with a little chubby Rottie ball of furry fun? I know I did! My Maximus is such a delight! Before I decided on a Rottie to have for his (or my) whole life though, I had to ask myself some tough questions and give myself some honest answers!
I began with “Is a Rottweiler the Right Dog for Me?” After I got done with some research, I knew I should have asked: “Am I Right for a Rottweiler?”
These gorgeous creatures have some specific needs to grow into healthy, happy, and well-behaved adults. Before you make your final decision to bring home a Rottie Pup, ask yourself these questions:
- Will a Rottweiler Have Room to Grow Where I Live? You ask this first because GROW he will! By adulthood, your Rottie can stand up to 27 inches tall and weigh up to 130 pounds!
- How Much Time Can I Dedicate to a Dog? We live in a society where being over-scheduled has become the norm. Rottweilers are a highly intelligent dog breed. Like humans, they require frequent interaction, a distraction from boredom, adequate exercise, and sufficient mental stimulation.
- The number one thing your Rottie is going to need is ongoing TRAINING. It is imperative a dog who will grow to weigh almost as much as an average adult human knows how to behave and the chain of authority in his “pack”…. and his “pack” is you and your family! If your schedule is packed from sunrise to well past sunset, and you will be forced to leave your Rottie alone most of the time, a Rottweiler is not the dog for you.
- Can I Afford a Rottweiler? There’s no doubt about it! Owning a Rottweiler costs money! Before getting yours, please take into account the financial responsibilities involved.
Some of the costs you should consider before bringing home a Rottie Puppy are:
- Purchasing Your Rottie: In the United States, you’ll pay from $800-$1500
- The Cost of his Supplies: $50-$200
- A Monthly Food Budget: $60-$100 Monthly (or more!)
- The Price for Training (if you will be having it done professionally): $50-$125 (or more)
- How Much Veterinarian Office Appointments Cost: $50-$100 in the United States
- How About the Dog Laws Where I live? Since Rottweilers were (so wrongfully) branded as a “Bully Breed” many areas have restrictions on owning them. Some Landlords will not rent a property to owners of Rotties, and some Insurance Companies will not write a policy for Rottweiler owners. A simple internet search or a visit to your local Chamber of Commerce will tell you all you need to know about the laws governing dog ownership in your area.
- Can I Provide Adequate Exercise for a Rottweiler? Because they have a propensity toward obesity, Rottweilers need exercise. And lots of it! You’ll need to take your Rottie on at least two exercise outings a day, as well as provide him the opportunity to have free play time often, during which he will burn off that excess energy!
How and Where Can You Get a Rottweiler Puppy?
If you’re still reading, you’ve answered all the questions above and have decided you can give a Rottie the things he will need. What he will give you in return is a loving and loyal companion who will make you his whole world! He’ll make you laugh. He’ll challenge you. And he’ll be your Best Friend Forever!
You have a variety of options for finding the perfect Rottie Puppy. We’ll take some of the headaches out of searching for you, and tell you what to expect from each option, and give you some things to look for while you’re looking for a Rottie Pup.
4 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.
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.
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.
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.
Questions to Ask Seller Before Purchasing a Rottweiler Puppy
- What is this puppy’s history?
- Are the parents certified?
- Are shots up to date?
- Have the pups been dewormed?
- Have any of the pups been sick? If yes, explain
- How have the pups been socialized
- What paperwork is involved in the sale?
- What food is the puppy eating?
- How have they been handling the puppy’s elimination needs? In other words, where does the puppy potty?
- Where are the parents? Ask to see them
- What is their guarantee?
Please Note; No matter which dog food you plan to use, begin with the brand the puppy is currently eating to avoid stomach upset. There is a simple procedure to ease your puppy into a different food. It looks like this:
- Days 1&2: Mix 75% old food with 25% new food.
- Days 3&4: Mix foods 50/50
- Days 5&6: Mix 75% new food with 25% old
- Day 7: 100% new food
Should I Get a Purebred Rottweiler Puppy?
Purebred simply means there has been no evidence in a pup’s lineage of Rottweilers being bred with other breeds. This claim can be backed up with registered paperwork. Unless you intend to enter your Rottie into dog shows, whether or not he is purebred is a matter of your personal preference.
What About Rottweiler Puppy Shots?
Parvo, Distemper, Parainfluenza, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Coronavirus, and Rabies, are all real threats to your Rottie’s life, and he will need to be immunized for his protection! The first set of shots should be administered when a puppy is 6-7 weeks old. This should be done already by the time you purchase your Rottie. The complete vaccination schedule looks like this:
- 6-7 Weeks
- 9-10 Weeks
- 12-13 Weeks
- 12-16 Weeks
- 14-16 Weeks
Your Rottweiler will first be vaccinated for rabies between 4 and 6 months of age. He’ll need a booster shot one year from that date, then every three years, although some states still require annual rabies vaccinations for dogs and/or cats.
Worms and Rottweiler Puppies
Routine worming should be discussed with your veterinarian on your Rottie’s very first check-up. He will advise you on brands of worm medications and how often to administer it. Over-the-counter wormers are less expensive than having the veterinarian administer the treatments, but you should still heed his advice regarding the brand and frequency.
It is normal after worming for your Rottie to have some stomach upset, but this will pass as the worms pass. Just observe your puppy’s behavior and note his appetite. He should be feeling like himself again in 1-3 days.
BEFORE Bringing Your Rottweiler Puppy Home
You’ve decided you’re ready for a Rottie, but before you bring one home, be sure your home and family are ready, too! Here is a handy checklist to make sure your Rottie’s homecoming will be smooth, safe, and enjoyable:
- Puppy Food, along with food and water bowls
- Puppy bed, crate or pad for him to sleep on
- Chew Toys
- Leash with a harness or collar
- Safety Check through your home, making sure there are no chemicals or poisonous houseplants within your Rottie’s reach
- Family meeting about the new puppy-all family members must be included in training/care
- Choose how your pup with be trained-all family members learn about how to train the new pup
- Choose marker words for training that everyone in the family uses
- Decide with the family where your pup will eat/sleep/eliminate before you bring him home
- Know ahead of time that your new pup will probably be scared, shy, withdrawn, sad at first
First Things to Do When You Bring Your Rottweiler Home
Make your Rottie’s homecoming a gentle and soothing experience. He is going to be overwhelmed, maybe even afraid. Stick to a small area with him, and remain gentle and reassuring. Be sure he has water available, and offer the food he is used to at his first home feeding. If you have children, make sure they do not “crowd” the Rottie. Let the puppy sniff around a bit and sniff the people in it. This is how they assess a situation. Your bonding begins the minute your eyes meet.
What Should Rottweiler Puppies Eat?
We’ve already discussed the importance of beginning with whatever your puppy has been being fed, and we covered the simple steps to switch him to a new food. You may feed him kibble, wet food, or a mixture of the two. Just be sure you are using a Large Breed Puppy formula.
How Much Should A Rottweiler Puppy Eat?
It’s not recommended to free feed a Rottweiler puppy. Feed your pup 3 times a day about 3/4 – 1 3/4 cups of food. Start with 3/4 cup and if he gobbles it, you know he needs a bit more. If he leaves some in the dish, he may need a bit less. Some trial and error and you’ll get it right.
When to Begin Training Your Rottweiler Puppy
Training should begin the day your Rottie pup comes home. The first thing you will want to teach him is where his area is for sleeping, eating, and his elimination needs. Routine is key for this initial training!
And so is finding the right balance of affection and authority in the role you’ll play as Master. Here are some tips for the first things on your training schedule:
Meal Time: Since discussed what to feed your puppy above, we can move along to the “how” of feeding your Rottie. If possible, use the same bowl at each meal, and in the same location. Set the bowl of food down and remove the water bowl. Water during or right after a meal can cause bloating and an upset stomach.
Wait 15 minutes and then remove the food bowl. If he emptied the bowl in two minutes, he may require a larger portion of food at each feeding.
If there is food in the bowl after 15 minutes, lessen his portion size. Young Rotties do well being fed three times a day. This will lessen to twice a day at about six months of age, but do try to start with three feedings daily.
Remember that your Rottie is smart, even as a pup. The more routine yo offer, the better he will respond! Don’t forget to provide water again 30 minutes after mealtime.
Potty Time: Feeding your Rottweiler will “signal” his colon that it’s almost time for elimination. You can expect him to have a bowel movement from 5-30 minutes after feeding. Plan your trips outside with him accordingly.
The pee-pees aren’t so easy to calculate, but timing will get easier as you and your Rottie become accustomed to each other’s schedules. You’ll want to offer the opportunity for your puppy to “go out” for peeing about every two hours while he is young. Like children, with age will come the ability to hold urine longer, but don’t expect even an adult Rottie to be able to “hold it” for more than eight hours!
Be Consistent! Always take your Rottie out when he first awakens, after he eats, and before you settle him down for the night. You would not punish your child for having “an accident” so please do not punish your Rottie for doing so, either.
As the two of you advance through affectionate training tactics, the accidents will happen with less and less frequency. Just understand that Rotties will empty a full bladder one way or another.
Bed Time: A puppy crate is a helpful tool in this initial bedtime training, and for the life of your Rottie! It is not cruel to crate your puppy, it would only be cruel to leave him in a crate for too many hours! You’ll find your Rottie will come to regard his crate as his “safe place” and actually chose to use it even when it’s not bed-time!
Please Note: In my research, some say to remove your Rottie’s collar (if he wears one) before placing him in a closed crate. This eliminates the risk of potential tragedy, should the clasp of the collar get caught in the “bars” of his crate. Bedtime crating will go better if you gradually get him used to a crate. Leave the door open when the crate is not in use. Have a comfortable crate pad or blanket for your Rottie to lay on, and try to have a “special” toy or treat that is only offered during crate time.
Crate Training: A good way to ease your puppy into the habit of using the crate is this: After mealtime and potty time are over, place your puppy in his crate for some quiet time. He may balk at the idea for about ten minutes, so be prepared with some soft and reassuring words, but do let him balk. He should settle down for a little snooze.
You can also give him a chew toy to play with or a Kong toy. This will help your puppy get used to being in his crate and he will gladly stay in the crate while using the Kong. Instead of feeding your pup at a ‘mealtime’, us that food and put it in the kong. fill the kong with wet food. If it’s kibble, soften with water or put kibble in the kong and pinch a piece of paper towel in the hole at the bottom and add some water, then freeze.
Put the Kong in the crate and let your pup go inside and get the goodies out of it and get used to being in the crate.
When he wakes, open the crate door and provide him the opportunity to potty. These shorter times help him get used to the idea that the crate is his home. At bedtime, use the crate with the door closed until he voluntarily enters and sleeps inside it on his own.
Most assuredly, your brand new puppy will object to being “locked away from you” for the whole night!
Remember: We can compare his behavior to that of a child, and treat it accordingly. Be sure that all of his needs have been met, including affection, and then ignore the objections coming from the crate. Your Rottweiler will learn how to self-soothe and spend his sleeping time in the area his Master (you) has designated.
The 5 Basic Commands to Teach Your Rottweiler
To establish your expectations and role of authority in your Rottweiler’s life, proper training is a MUST. Before you begin anything complicated though, you’ll want to teach your Rottie the 5 Basic Dog Commands.
Because your Rottie will grow into a 100-pound adult dog with his own opinions, training isn’t optional, it’s required! The Rottie Resource highly recommends professional or consistent home training. Actually, with professional training, you will need to continue working with your Rottie long after his professional training.
The very first thing to teach your new puppy is his name! Just get some very little pieces of a treat, like boiled chicken. Sit on the floor with your pup. Play with him. Call him by his name, the second he looks at you say YES! And treat immediately. Always treat immediately when your pup begins to execute the command.
He’ll get the idea that YES means a treat and “I did well”.
Most basic obedience classes are affordable and include you in the process. Should you have the time to adequately train your Rottweiler yourself, begin with the 5 Basic Commands. They are:
- Come! This is to call your Rottie to you.
- Sit! You’ll teach your Rottie to sit on command by gently pushing his butt to the floor as you stroke his back. pr by holding his treat to his nose and moving your hand upwards a bit. As your pup lifts his nose his butt should go down.
- Heel! This means to walk alongside you at your pace without lunging or pulling on his leash. You’ll do this by keeping the leash short, “forcing” him to walk right next to you. I put the word “forcing” between quotation marks to point out this is a gentle and not painful event.
On walks, do give him time to frolic a bit, even on the end of his leash, but be sure he masters the “Heel!” command because there are times during walks when you’ll want him to be right by your side!
- Down! You’ll train your Rottie to lay down much as you taught him to sit. With gentle strokes firm enough to urge his whole body onto the ground. You can also lure him with his treat by holding it to his nose and slowly bringing your hand to the floor. His body should automatically lay down.
- Stay! Teaching your Rottweiler to “Stay!” will take a bit of finesse. Naturally, he will want to follow you when you walk away! If he does follow you, gently return him to his position and begin again. If he stays for at least 10 seconds, reward him! He will learn what you want, give him time!
Understand that training is a process that will take time, patience, and repetition. Keep your tone gentle and firm, and remember that training is part of the bonding process. Reward his every effort immediately.
Keep in mind that your Rottie’s number one desire will always be to please you. Therefore, clearly communicate to him your pleasure at his attempts and before you know it, he will master every task you train him to do!
5 Ways to Bond With Your Rottweiler Puppy
You really don’t have to carve out time for bonding. Every interaction you have with your Rottweiler is an opportunity to reinforce and strengthen the growing bond between the two of you! The most important thing you can do is build a strong relationship with your Rottie pup. A strong relationship and a good bond are needed to take care of this beautiful, strong breed.
Bonding, affection, and training all go hand in hand and you should keep each in mind during every encounter with your Rottie! Bonding is simply the attachment between two beings. This attachment will form quickly, and grow over time.
The things you can do to nurture a strong and healthy bond are:
- Speak with a kind, yet firm, tone.
- Pet and stroke your Rottie, and do it often.
- Groom him weekly.
- Praise your Rottie each time he pleases you, or for no reason at all!
- Play with him daily.
Your Growing Rottweiler
You’ll witness your chubby little Rottie Puppy grow to become lanky and clumsy within a few short months! This is completely normal, and just part of the process of becoming a graceful and agile adult.
Here is a handy Reference Chart so you can know what to expect in regards to your Rottweiler’s growth:
Two Months: Pups will weigh 12-15 pounds, and stand at about 12 inches tall
Six Months: Rotties will weigh 63-70 pounds, and stand about 21-24 inches tall
One Year – Two Years: Your Rottie will mature into adulthood during this time. He will stand from 21-27 inches tall, and weigh from 77 pounds to a whopping 130 pounds!
Typically, the females are toward the lower end of all these statistics, and males toward the higher end.
Your Rottweiler will Need to Chew!
Keep in mind that your Rottie has an inherent need to chew that will aide in his teething process and help prevent boredom as well as express his Canine nature. Set clear chewing rules early in his life, and provide him with a plethora of chew-toy options to help discourage him from chewing on other things, like your slippers.
Again, your Rottie NEEDS to chew.
We suggest you provide your Rottweiler with at least three chewing options. Most Rotties like a variety of toys…and it helps keep them healthy, exercised and happy. Here are some to consider:
Rope Toys: Simple and fun, rope toys are a suitable chewing tool, and great for games of tug of war! You’ll find a convenient Rope Toy variety assortment on Amazon.
Dog Rope Toys for Aggressive Chewers – Set of 11 Nearly Indestructible – Bonus Giraffe Rope Toy
Teething Toys: These toys are designed for some serious chewing! Every dog has different types of toys they like to chew. Some chew toys to pieces in minutes, others play with them and drag them around without chewing them up. You’ll learn what your Rottie likes and what he doesn’t.
Bacon Stick Durable Dog Stick Chew Toy, Made in the USA
Tough Chew Toys: There are toys that have been “certified” to stand up to your Rotties tough chewing! The “Kong” brand is time-tested and Rottie-Owner approved! Again, every dog’s preference is unique. Take a look and see all the different types of chew toys…
SEE AMAZON CHEW TOYS FOR AGGRESSIVE CHEWERS
Exercising Your Rottweiler Puppy
Back at the beginning of this article, we addressed the fact that your Rottweiler will need lots of exercise every day. When your Rottie is still a pup, he will need about 30 minutes each day devoted to exercise.
As an adult, that exercise time is closer to two hours each day! This exercise can come in many forms, chose what works best for you and your Rottie. Exercise comes through:
- Brisk Walks
- Games like Fetch or Tug
- Swimming
- Hiking
- Agility Courses (sometimes called Obstacle Courses)
Puppies are Hard Work!
You are going to find out within the first two weeks of Rottie ownership that having a puppy isn’t all rainbows and lollipops! Owning any dog takes work, time, patience, and dedication. Expect to be scooping poop. Expect to be sweeping dog hair from the floor. Expect that a young pup (like a human baby) will likely interrupt your sleep on occasion. Expect your Rottie to push the limits and boundaries you are trying to establish. Expect he’ll have diarrhea occasionally, and expect some unexpected trips to the veterinarian.
Please Know: We are not trying to discourage you at all! Owning a Rottweiler is a wonderful experience! We at the Rottie Resource just want you to consider the experiences you’ll likely face, and give consideration to how you will handle those experiences.
The more you know, the smoother the overall experience will be!
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Rottweilers and Biting
As a responsible Rottweiler Resource, we must touch on the topic of BITING. You must know that even the most friendly and well-trained dog can still pose a bite risk. Do you want to know WHY? Because your Rottie is a DOG and in certain situations, DOGS BITE!
Any dog is likely to bite when they are hurt when they are in “protection mode” and when they are afraid. But take heart! There are things you can do to minimize this risk! The most important thing to do is to learn your Rottie’s body language.
There are usually warning signs before a bite. Your Rottie may have raised hackles, meaning the hair from the back of his neck to his tail stands straight up. He may emit a low and steady growl, or have “whale eyes” meaning the white parts of his eyes are showing.
A Rottie ready to bite might excessively lick his lips or pant excessively. From the day you bring your puppy home, pay attention to his body language. And remember he is watching yours, too!
To prevent biting, always use a muzzle when you take your Rottie to public places, when there are small children around him, or when there are unfamiliar animals nearby. If the idea of a muzzle makes you uncomfortable, you’ll be put at ease after reading THIS ARTICLE about how muzzles can prevent so many unnecessary situations and are a must for a responsible Rottweiler owner.
Responsible Rottweiler Ownership
We wish you all the best as you “embark” on your Rottweiler ownership adventure! Remember that with ownership comes responsibility. Your Rottie will count on you to meet all his needs!
This includes, and is certainly not limited to, your time and attention, adequate nutrition and hydration, proper veterinary care, sufficient exercise (and playtime), complete and on-going training, and restraint equipment like a collar (or harness), a leash, and a muzzle to protect both your Rottie and the humans or animals around him.
We’re confident that as you bond with your Rottie, he will soon be your most loyal companion and a good, good friend!
You May Also Want to Read…
“Feeding Your Rottweiler: An Age by Age Guide”
“12 Ways to Bond With Your Rottweiler Puppy”
“Tough Toys Your Rottweiler will Love”
*This article has been reviewed in accordance with our editorial policy.
