How to Buy a Rottweiler Puppy

The Rottweiler is an old and historical breed that was once used as military and police dogs in their native country of Germany and has since become one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. Despite some negative views about the breed, the Rottweiler can be a valuable and loving addition to a family. Here are some things to remember when buying a Rottweiler puppy.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Research the breed. The Rottweiler is a large breed that requires a lot of space to run. They are independent and intelligent but also very protective of their owners so they are not a breed that is right for every family or owner.
2. Get the facts. Isolated incidents involving a small percentage of Rottweilers have unfortunately earned the whole breed a reputation as being unpredictable, violent and prone to unprovoked attacks. Keep in mind that how any dog behaves largely depends on how it is treated by its owner. Talk to breeders, trainers and veterinarians and learn the truth about the breed before making your final decision.
3. Find a good breeder. The Rottweiler is prone to a degenerative bone disease called hip displasia due to its large size. The odds of a Rottweiler having this disease is greatly increased if it has come from an inbred bloodline. Some studies of the breed have also shown that inbred dogs are more prone to having violent personalities. Find a reputable breeder who breeds puppies responsibly to guarantee that your Rottweiler is healthy.
4. Examine the puppy's legs and feet. A Rottweiler's legs should be straight and proportionate to the rest of their body. If they appear overly thin or the puppy appears bow-legged, this could be a sign of bone disease or poor nutrition.
5. Look at the puppy's tail. Rottweilers' tails are commonly docked or cut short to leave a small stub on their backside. While this practice does not improve the dog's health or well-being, it has become such a recognizable feature of the breed that the American Kennel Club requires Rottweilers to have docked tails to be eligible as show dogs. Docking a Rottweiler's tail too soon, however, can cause nerve damage. If you are considering purchasing a puppy whose tail has already been docked, find out when the surgery was performed and talk to a veterinarian to make sure it was done correctly and at a proper time.
6. Get to know the puppy's parents. You can learn a lot about the personality of the puppy you are thinking of bringing into your home by interacting with its parents and observing how they act.

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