| So you're getting a Rottweiler puppy? Here are some | | | | To find a dog that is less likely to have these problems, |
| general tips to help you choose a healthy, happy | | | | examine their back legs. The legs should not be |
| Rottweiler puppy. | | | | grossly turned out (or in) but for the most part, face |
| Note: These are only general tips to help you choose - | | | | forward. (Again, this is a general rule) |
| especially for first-time owners. (There are always | | | | Also, ask the breeder about the parents. Do either of |
| exceptions to the rule and I believe every Rottweiler | | | | them have a history of hip dysplasia? Since experts |
| should be given a chance to show that he/she can be | | | | say hip dysplasia is hereditary this will give you a good |
| a well-adjusted, happy dog.) | | | | idea of whether the puppy you are looking at will run |
| #1) Choose one that approaches you or doesn't shy | | | | into these types of problems later on in life. |
| away when you approach. | | | | #5 Don't be afraid to ask questions. |
| Don't choose one that seems overly fearful or | | | | Most reputable breeders will be helpful, eager to |
| aggressive. Don't choose one that shrinks back when | | | | answer your questions and know many of the above |
| you come near it or nips your hand. Choose one that | | | | facts already (without you telling them). They will allow |
| seems friendly, lets you hold him/her and handle him | | | | you to ask questions and (if possible) meet the parents |
| her. | | | | to assess their traits. |
| When we went to choose our first Rottweiler puppy, I | | | | They will not be pushy (if any breeder is pushing you |
| was convinced that I wanted a female Rotti. When | | | | to buy their dogs, ALWAYS be suspicious) and may |
| we got to the breeder's home there were 3 females | | | | even be a bit cautious about allowing YOU to take |
| and 1 male puppy available. | | | | one of their precious puppies! |
| All of the females however, shrank back when I put | | | | Ask the breeder about any health problems in general |
| my hand near them. The male puppy walked right up | | | | in the parents or in the breeding line, not just in regards |
| to my hand and began to happily chew on my | | | | to hip dysplasia. Heart problems? Cancer? |
| diamond engagement ring. I fell in love on the spot and | | | | Temperament problems? Don't be afraid to ask. |
| have never since regretted choosing my male Rotti. | | | | #6 Keep An Open Mind |
| #2) Insist on meeting the parents if possible. | | | | When we went to purchase our rottweiler puppy, the |
| Meet the parents first and observe their behavior | | | | breeder was - to the human eye - slightly eccentric. |
| before getting attached to a puppy. Do they seem | | | | He was more of a dog-person than a people person |
| friendly, well behaved, easy to touch and get along | | | | and we were a little thrown off by his appearance and |
| with? | | | | the state of his home in general. |
| If the parents are well adjusted chances are high that | | | | But he loved his dogs. |
| the puppies will turn out the same way with proper | | | | And it was plain that he knew more about rottweiler |
| training. | | | | breeding and training than most rotti owners put |
| #3) Ask the breeder how many times the mother has | | | | together. Once we got over our initial reaction and |
| had puppies. | | | | saw the way he treated his Rottweilers and the |
| The general rule seems to be that a female rottweiler | | | | puppies, we knew that we wouldn't have any problem |
| should have at most only 3 litters in her lifetime for | | | | with our chosen sweetie. |
| optimal breeding results. And, as our breeder told us, it's | | | | Make sure you keep an open mind when choosing a |
| also best that she is given adequate time to recover | | | | puppy. You might walk into something you don't |
| after having a litter, before she is bred again. | | | | expect but you also might find the best companion |
| If she is being overbred, you might run into some | | | | you'll ever have! |
| problems, health wise and behavior wise with your | | | | Those are 6 tips to keep in mind when choosing a |
| Rottweiler. | | | | Rottweiler puppy. Good luck and remember - although |
| #4) Examine the back legs. | | | | they are cute now, Rottweilers grow up to be VERY |
| Rottweilers - and large dogs in general - can have | | | | large dogs. You absolutely MUST start a good training |
| problems with their back hips (hip dysplasia). Hip | | | | program with them while they are small (and |
| problems can be extremely costly to fix and | | | | controllable). |
| heart-breaking, both to the dog and to you. | | | | |