GENERAL INFORMATION

Males can be up to 69 cm at the shoulder and weigh approximately 50+ kgs.  Bitches are smaller and lighter.  Kept in fit and lean condition the Rottweiler has a lifespan of approximately 12 years.  The Rottweiler is one of the strongest dogs bred today.  He has great strength of mind and body and because of this he is not suitable for the majority of frail or elderly people or for children. 

Nervous people looking for a cheap burglar alarm will be better served to consult a security service.  Left to his own devices and untrained your Rottweiler can cause more damage in your home than the average burglar.  If you want your dog to patrol your yard at night and be chained at other times, a Rottweiler is not for you.  If not given attention and affection, your Rottweiler could become a problem and a nuisance to you and your neighbours.  Training is essential for Rottweilers and they are happiest if clear guidelines for behaviour are laid down at a young age and consistently adhered too.   A bored, neglected or untrained Rottweiler has enormous potential for destruction.

 CHARACTER

The Rottweiler is descended from ancient herding/guarding dogs.  His appearance proclaims his function as a companion dog of great strength of body and character.  A Large black dog with clearly defined red/brown markings on face, chest, under tail and on the legs.  A correct Rottweiler has a calm demeanour and radiates great strength, manoeuvrability and endurance.

Self reliant with strong nerves and fearless character, the Rottweiler is very aware and keenly alert to its surroundings.  Of calm demeanour, he is friendly by nature and generally loves children.  He is affectionate and loving with his family and willing to please.  He is keen and quick to learn, devoted to family and reserved with strangers.

The Rottweiler is an honest dog, strong and determined, with unlimited companionship value for the right owner.  The right owner is someone who wants a companion who will share their lives.  The true value of a Rottweiler is the companionship value; he is not a dog for a busy person who has little time to spare.  Your Rottweiler will do best if it lives with the family and shares all family outings and holidays.

IDEAL OWNERS

A fit, active, well-adjusted, mature adult who realizes that an untrained and unsupervised Rottweiler has the potential to be a menace to society.  People who are willing to learn about dog behaviour and share their home with a Rottweiler, taking time to train and socialize the dog will be greatly rewarded.  No finer companion exists than a well trained, well socialized Rottweiler.

SUITABILITY AS A HOUSEHOLD PET

Dogs are "pack animals" which means that they belong to a group that is lead by the "pack leader".  To fit into your household your dog needs to recognize you as the leader of
his human pack.  If the Rottweiler is taught right from the start that it is the lowest member of your family "pack" no finer companion exists.

Most problems occur when the dog is unsure who is in charge or if members of the family do not behave in a consistent manner.  Spoiling a dog does not earn its respect.  Spoiling is letting the dog dictate to you its wishes.  The Rottweiler will take advantage of what to him, appears to be weakness.

The Rottweiler adores his children and parents need to make sure that early experiences with children are pleasant ones.  Children can be very cruel.  Supervise all contact with children.  Never leave the dog alone with the child.  This is common sense.  Dogs need to learn that children are nice to know.  Remember, early experiences are never forgotten.  Due to his immense strength of mind and body, never allow a child to walk a Rottweiler unsupervised. Rottweilers can get upset when their children are chased and threatened.  If children are playing aggressive games, remove the dog as he may become upset and misread the situation.

 Rottweilers do not like to see aggression amongst their family and friends. They are guard dogs and they react to aggression with aggression.  A correctly bred Rottweiler does not need to be trained to guard.  Generations of correct breeding ensures that this is a basic component of the dog’s character.

 CHOOSING A PUPPY

 Today the Rottweiler is one of the most popular dogs.  This popularity leads to indiscriminate breeding from the quick buck opportunists.  Any breed that becomes popular has to contend with greedy people.  The Rottweiler Club of Victoria Inc. is where you will find people that care about the breed.  Avoid the commercial puppy producer and pet shops and use the Club litter list for reference when selecting a breeder.  In this way you will be dealing directly with people who know their dogs and have the interest of both the dog and potential owner at heart.

 Check out the breeder.  Are they at home to look after the puppies?  Where are the pups kept?  How much time is spent with them?  Are the puppies bright, happy and clean?  Do they rush to meet new people happily?  The timid or shy puppy is not demonstrating the correct Rottweiler character.  Such dogs can become fear biters later in life.  It is essential that the puppy be brought up in close company with humans and has lots of handling and experiences prior to leaving for your home.  In this way you can be sure of a puppy that has been conditioned from the earliest age to accept human company and activity as the norm.

Responsible breeders will want to know what you can offer the pup.  For instance; do you have secure fencing; are you able to provide adequate shelter; do you have time to spend with the puppy.  Be pleased if your selected breeder asks you questions.  Find out if your breeder offers after sales service on problems that may occur re rearing and training.  If you feel happy about the breeder go ahead and order your puppy.  Puppies are ready to leave their mother at 8 weeks of age.  This allows for the litter to learn from the mother how dogs should behave, and for vaccination and worming at 6 weeks.  A two year Sales Agreement goes with all puppies bought from Rottweiler Club Members.  Ask to see this document and discuss any special requirements you may have in this area.

 HEALTH 

Health problems can occur in this breed.  Selective breeding can help to exclude the possibility of your puppy developing any health problems at a later date due to inherited conditions in the parents. The Rottweiler Club has schemes where the status of the hips, eyes and mouth are checked to see that they comply with the breed standard and do not have any evidence of inherited problems. 

 Those dogs that fit the criteria are listed by the Rottweiler Club and have qualifying hip, eye and mouth certificates.  The Rottweiler Club of Victoria Inc. sets a high standard for its breeders and only accepts for publication litters from breeders who meet the Club requirements.  The Rottweiler Club of Victoria Inc. requires its breeders to sign a form stating that the parents of the pups do not have any of the following: Hip Dysplasia, Entropian, Ectropian, other eye abnormalities, dental abnormalities, nervous or fearful dispositions, white markings, and osteocondritis.

REGISTRATION PAPERS

 How can you be sure that the pups you see are Rottweilers?  Registration papers are issued by the Victorian Canine Association Inc. to all member/ breeders who apply to register a litter.  This is an honour system and rarely abused.  Registration papers for the parents usually mean that the dogs are Pure Bred.  Without Registration Papers there is no proof that the animal you have purchased is in fact a Rottweiler.  Registration Papers however, do not indicate the quality of the puppy or the litter.  An [A] after the dog's names on the registration certificate indicates that the dog has received a pedigree endorsement for satisfactory hips.

 Some breeders will sell their excess stock not required for breeding to Pet homes.  Responsible breeders may want to make sure that indiscriminate breeding does not occur and will withhold Registration Papers.  They will however supply a copy of the pedigree and on proof of desexing may hand over the papers.  You will need to reach an understanding on this point with your breeder before you purchase.

 PRICE

 Breeders set their own prices.  Price may or may not reflect the quality of the puppy you are purchasing.   Dearest is not always best.  Conversely, cheapest is very likely to be a problem at a later date.  Generally pet quality puppies are cheaper, but they should still be sound in mind and body, registered stock for possible show and breeding at a later date are dearer.  However, the temperament of the parents and the upbringing of the puppy should be your first concern.  After having asked all the questions and observed the puppies and their parents the question of price should be discussed.  After all this dog will be part of your family for the next 10 or so years.  Choose wisely. 

Consider also the cost of keeping your Rottweiler.  Some of our Members have worked out the average annual cost of keeping an adult dog is approximately $1,500.  This is the cost for maintaining the average pet; it includes food, minimal vet fees, heartworm tablets, regular worming, flea control and council registration.  These are basic costs.  It does not include V.C.A. Membership and membership to say the Rottweiler Club or other Obedience Clubs.  It also assumes that your dog does not develop any major illness or injury and require extensive veterinary treatment.  If you intend to show or trial your Rottweiler your annual cost will skyrocket.  Entry fees are expensive and petrol costs must be considered.  Owning a dog can be an expensive hobby!

 YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES AS A NEW OWNER

 The Dog Act outlines your responsibilities.  You are obliged to register your dog with the Council.  Fencing must be adequate to ensure that the dog does not leave your property unless under your control and on a lead.  Your yard must be designed so that persons who have to call can reach your door in safety.  These are your legal responsibilities.  You must also attend to your dog's health requirements and provide adequate shelter, a constant supply of fresh water and a suitable diet.  This breed is large and active, requiring regular exercise of mind and body.  Walks away from home and regular training sessions will be necessary.   At least an hour a day is required to keep the dog healthy and content.  The Rottweiler will not adequately exercise itself alone.  It is a companion dog and requires your company to exercise.  Daily exercise and training to stimulate the active brain of your Rottweiler are necessary.  Puppies need to have freedom to play on non-slip surfaces and older dogs need a regular walk on lead under control.  Swimming is enjoyed if gradually introduced.  Rottweilers like to take time with new experiences and once happy about the situation will enjoy themselves.

 Rottweilers love companionship, they are very happy inside the home.  If you are not willing to share your home with a Rottweiler consider another breed that does not rely so much on Human companionship.  If you are too busy to give companionship, don't buy a dog.

 TRAINING

 As with all working breeds the Rottweiler needs firm guidance and training.  It is vital that early socializing be carried out.  The best time to start socializing is from 8 weeks of age.  This should include exposure to other people, different situations and dogs that are known to be vaccinated.  All new experiences should be pleasant, non-threatening and non-stressful so that he may learn about the world in a positive way.  Early experiences are never forgotten.  By these actions you are laying down the foundation for your dog's attitude (temperament) to the situations he will face in later life.

 It is necessary that you be in charge of your Rottweiler, not the Rottweiler in charge of you.  These dogs do not appreciate a weak person and see indulgence as weakness.  Firm and consistent behaviour from you will earn the respect of your dog.  Do not indulge in wrestling and aggressive play.  Your dog must learn that you are not a play object, you are the leader.

 OBEDIENCE TRAINING

Rottweiler Club of Victoria have Obedience Training held on Wednesday evenings at KCC Park, Skye Cranbourne, 7.30 pm start.  This is a great place to see the breed in action and get to know other Rottweiler owners.