Buying A Rottweiler

Things To Know Before Buying A Rottweiler

Hey! That Rott-n-pup is AKC registered so there's no difference between that one and any other AKC registered Rottweiler, right? WRONG!
It will depend on whether the pup you are getting is pet, or show quality. What's this? you ask. What is pet and show quality? I thought a dog was a dog and AKC registered dogs were AKC registered. Hmmm...well, there are some "small" differences you may want to know about before you purchase that dog!

Quality Differences

One of the first things you need to do before buying your dog is to read the AKC Standards for the breed you are planning to purchase. The AKC Standard will describe the physical charateristics and other qualities of the "ideal" representative for the breed. The AKC Standard for Rottweilers can be read here.

"Show Quality"

A dog that is show quality is a dog that does not have any disqualifying faults when sold as a puppy. In the case of the Rottweiler a disqualifying fault could be a solid black dog, or a dog with a base coat that is any color but black. A show quality dog is as close to the AKC Standard as breeders can get. You must remember also, even though that may be the cutest puppy in the litter it may grow into a so-so adult.

"Pet Quality"

A dog that is considered as pet quality generally has serious faults (these "faults" are usually cosmetic in nature: solid black coat or Rottweilers, any base color other than black, etc.) Most of the time breeders will offer these dogs at a lower price. These "faults" normally do not affect the health or temperament of the dog and often can be detected by only the most experienced eye.
Pet quality dogs can get registered under the new AKC Limited Registration Certificate. This allows AKC privelidges for obedience activities, but not for showing in the conformation ring. These dogs are not for breeding because of serious genetic faults and should be spayed or neutered.

How Much Will My Rottweiler Cost?

If you buy your dog from a Code of Ethics Breeder you can expect show quality Rottweiler puppies to generally sell for about $800.00 to $1500.00 with pet quality dogs going for about half that.

Where Should I buy My Rottewiler Puppy?

If you are planning on buying a Rottweiler have you thought of getting an adult dog? There are a lot of good Rottweilers in shelters, rescues, and foster homes that need a loving home. These dogs make wonderful companions and after being on the short end of the stick so to say they really appreciate a good home.
But, if you are certain you have to have a puppy then you should contact several breeders. It should not be too difficult to find a responsible breeder that either has puppies for sale, or will have! There are some things to look for in a breeder however, just as in the puppy you plan on buying.
A responsible breeder will not advertise prices in the newspaper, and will probably ask you more questions than you ask them. They may try to talk you out of buuying a Rottweiler all together! Also, a responsible breeder will offer to take the dog back if for any reason in the future you can no longer keep your dog.

What Is A Responsible Breeder?

There are certain things that responsible breeders will be doing that the BYB (backyard breeder) usually wil not (BYB's are generally out to make a quick buck regardless of anything else.) Some of these things are listed below:

1. All breeding stock will be certified free of CHD (canine hip dysplasia) by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. Elbows may also be certified as free of Elbow Dysplasia; because this is a newer trend some older dogs and bitches may not be certified. The breeder will be willing to provide you with copies of the certificates. No dog/bitch will be bred before it is two years old (the minimum age for OFA certification.)
2. Breeding stock will be certified free of inherited eye disease by a Board Certified Veterinary Ophthamologist on a yearly basis; the certificate will be issued by the Canine Eye Registry Foundation.
3.Dogs and bitches that are bred will have achieved certain competitive titles either for conformation or obedience. A resposible breeder usually will not breed animals that have not proven themselves in the ring unless under certain cicumstances such as an injury that would prevent the dog from being shown.
4.The Breeder will belong to one or more Rottweiler clubs that require all of there members to adhere to a "Code of Ethics" (adherence to a certain level of responsibility in ownership and breeding.) There are several Rottweiler clubs; some are "Code of Ethics", and some are not...ask. Some of the largest clubs are: The American Rottweiler Club, The Colonial Rottweiler Club, The Medallion Rottweiler Club, Gold Coast Rottweiler Club. Code of Ethics clubs do not permit members to advertise puppy prices.
5. The breeder will be active in the sport of dogs competing in conformation, obedience, tracking od herding events.
6. A respopnsible breeder will not give you a "hard sell" when you call to inquire about his/her puppies. A responsible breeder is more concerned with the well being of the puppies with their number one concern being that the puppies are placed in homes where they will receive the same kind of care and training that the breeder gives their own dogs. Expect to be interviewed at length as to why you want a Rottweiler, what your family is like, and what your lifestyle is like. The reputable breeder will ask more questions of you than you will of them.
7. A reputable breeder will try to steer you away from making a purchase this week or even this month, but they also will not expect you to wait an unreasonable length of time to buy one of their puppies. If they have no puppies available and has no plans to breed any puppies in the near future they will recommend other breeders who have standards as high as their own.
8. A responsible breeder will be happy for you to meet at least the dam (often the sire of their puppies does not belong to the breeder) of his/her puppies. The puppies will be kept in a clean and healthy invironment.
9. A responsible breeder will only sell puppies with a signed, written contract. They will pass on accurate health, breeding, and registration records for at least three generations. Any puppy not purchased for show and breeding will be required to be sterilized. Registration papers will generally be withheld until a veterinarians ceertificate is received as proof of spaying/nuetering.