Choosing A Rottweiler Puppy? What You Need To Know

So you're getting a Rottweiler puppy? Here are some general tips to help you choose a healthy, happy Rottweiler puppy.

Note: These are only general tips to help you choose - especially for first-time owners. (There are always exceptions to the rule and I believe every Rottweiler should be given a chance to show that he/she can be a well-adjusted, happy dog.)

#1) Choose one that approaches you or doesn't shy away when you approach.

Don't choose one that seems overly fearful or aggressive. Don't choose one that shrinks back when you come near it or nips your hand. Choose one that seems friendly, lets you hold him/her and handle him/her.

When we went to choose our first Rottweiler puppy, I was convinced that I wanted a female Rotti. When we got to the breeder's home there were 3 females and 1 male puppy available.

All of the females however, shrank back when I put my hand near them. The male puppy walked right up to my hand and began to happily chew on my diamond engagement ring. I fell in love on the spot and have never since regretted choosing my male Rotti.

#2) Insist on meeting the parents if possible.

Meet the parents first and observe their behavior before getting attached to a puppy. Do they seem friendly, well behaved, easy to touch and get along with?

If the parents are well adjusted chances are high that the puppies will turn out the same way with proper training.

#3) Ask the breeder how many times the mother has had puppies.

The general rule seems to be that a female rottweiler should have at most only 3 litters in her lifetime for optimal breeding results. And, as our breeder told us, it's also best that she is given adequate time to recover after having a litter, before she is bred again.

If she is being overbred, you might run into some problems, health wise and behavior wise with your Rottweiler.

#4) Examine the back legs.

Rottweilers - and large dogs in general - can have problems with their back hips (hip dysplasia). Hip problems can be extremely costly to fix and heart-breaking, both to the dog and to you.

To find a dog that is less likely to have these problems, examine their back legs. The legs should not be grossly turned out (or in) but for the most part, face forward. (Again, this is a general rule)

Also, ask the breeder about the parents. Do either of them have a history of hip dysplasia? Since experts say hip dysplasia is hereditary this will give you a good idea of whether the puppy you are looking at will run into these types of problems later on in life.

#5 Don't be afraid to ask questions.

Most reputable breeders will be helpful, eager to answer your questions and know many of the above facts already (without you telling them). They will allow you to ask questions and (if possible) meet the parents to assess their traits.

They will not be pushy (if any breeder is pushing you to buy their dogs, ALWAYS be suspicious) and may even be a bit cautious about allowing YOU to take one of their precious puppies!

Ask the breeder about any health problems in general in the parents or in the breeding line, not just in regards to hip dysplasia. Heart problems? Cancer? Temperament problems? Don't be afraid to ask.

#6 Keep An Open Mind

When we went to purchase our rottweiler puppy, the breeder was - to the human eye - slightly eccentric. He was more of a dog-person than a people person and we were a little thrown off by his appearance and the state of his home in general.

But he loved his dogs.

And it was plain that he knew more about rottweiler breeding and training than most rotti owners put together. Once we got over our initial reaction and saw the way he treated his Rottweilers and the puppies, we knew that we wouldn't have any problem with our chosen sweetie.

Make sure you keep an open mind when choosing a puppy. You might walk into something you don't expect but you also might find the best companion you'll ever have!

Those are 6 tips to keep in mind when choosing a Rottweiler puppy. Good luck and remember - although they are cute now, Rottweilers grow up to be VERY large dogs. You absolutely MUST start a good training program with them while they are small (and controllable).

It will save you a lot of time, trouble and stress. For more training tips and information, check out our website at: Rottweiler Training

Good luck and have fun!

Kathryn O'Neill is a Rottweiler lover, owner and chief editor for Rottweiler Training . For more tips and information about training your Rottweiler, check out:

http://www.RottweilerTraining.homestead.com

---

Dog Health Conditions and Terms You Should Know...

Some Dogs like Boxers unfortunately, are prone to several potential... Read More

How To Stop Your Cat Scratching Your Furniture - Forever!

Your cat scratching at your furniture can not only leave... Read More

Understanding Your Pets Chewing Issues

If you are beginning to feel like an endangered species... Read More

Cockatiel Illnesses

Cockatiels are one of the most lovable pets in the... Read More

Fat and Obese Dogs Live Shorter Lives

Obesity is one of the most important health concerns facing... Read More

Tips For Buying a Horse Online

More and more folks are looking to the Internet to... Read More

Unusual Breeding Behaviour in Wild Caught Archocentrus Sajica

I would like to write a few words about my... Read More

The Birds and the Bees for Adults (Parrots, That Is!)

The days are getting longer, and if you have a... Read More

Horse Training Techniques From The 1800s

Was he the world's greatest horse trainer of all time?... Read More

The Truth About Declawing

There seems to be an alarming trend to have cats... Read More

Dogs & Kids: Happy Together

Dogs and kids, it's a combination that at it's best... Read More

Mabeke: Gorilla Teacher

Mabeke is a young gorilla who was born in captivity... Read More

Aquarium Supplies Part 2 -- My First Experience With Goldfish

If you are seriously considering keeping fish as pets or... Read More

Pet Owners Are The Majority Population In The U.S.

According to recent statistics, an astounding 65% of all U.S.... Read More

You Should Teach Your Puppy Proper Chewing Behavior

As much as you may love your cute, new puppy,... Read More

Choosing Between Dog Training Schools and Animal Behavior Specialists

If you are having behavioral issues with your dog that... Read More

Keeping Discus Fish Disease Free

So you want to keep discus fish or are already... Read More

Pet Friendly Vacations - 10 Tips for Hassle-Free Travel with Your Pet

Pet friendly vacations and travel planning make sense -- after... Read More

Dog Obediance Tips...

Training your dog can be time consuming and frustrating at... Read More

Dog Potty Training: Can I Get My Dog to Stop Eating It?

Okay, so it's not the cleanest or most appealing of... Read More

Dog Vaccinations - What You Need to Know to Protect Your Dog

Almost all communities in the U.S. require at least one... Read More

Horse Training Equipment: The 6th of 6 Keys To Developing A Partnership With Your Horse

The 6 Keys To Building A Life Long Partnership With... Read More

Growing Adult Brine Shrimp

General Info.Brine shrimps, or artemia, are a zooplankton used mainly... Read More

Dog Breath-It Doesnt HAVE to Be SO Bad!

While your friends and family are amazed that you're raising... Read More

Need a Low-Maintenance Pet? Try a Tarantula!

If you're like me, then you don't really have the... Read More

Finding the Perfect Cat or Kitten for You and Your Family

Some people say they are exclusively "cat people," meaning they... Read More

West Highland Terrier Rescue Dog - What To Expect When You Bring It Home

Congratulations on your choice to bring home a West Highland... Read More

How To Protect Your Pets From Fleas And Ticks

Fleas are wingless, blood-sucking insects that feed on dog, cats,... Read More

A Guide to Successful Obedience Training

Showing off your dog in front of friends and family... Read More

Parrot Keeping

Parrots are becoming more popular as pets with each passing... Read More

Chicken Compared To Chicken Meal

When selecting the best dry food for your dog, why... Read More

Interior Decorating for Cat Owners - Protecting Your Pet

Part 2: Protecting your petIf you own a cat, then... Read More

An Introduction to Dog Beds

Some people are so attached to their pets that they... Read More