FAQ . . . And Answers
On this page you’ll find the answers to the questions regarding the well being of both the Rottweiler and Rottweiler owner. I hope you find it useful and that it makes life a little easier for you. But if you’re looking for an answer to a specific question, go to the contact page and send me an email.
Are you a member of KUSA?
Yes.
Are the Rottweiler puppies KUSA registered?
Yes.
Are both parents of the puppies available for viewing?
Yes, when you visit us, you can view both the sire and dam.
At what age can I take my Rottweiler puppy home?
Only at a minimum age of eight weeks, or older, may you collect your puppy
Until what age can I expect my Rottweiler to live?
With a bit of luck, you can expect your dog to live to about ten years of age, give or take a year or two.
What is the most common health problem that affects the Rottweiler breed?
Rottweilers are one of the breeds that are mostly effected by hip dysplasia. Also, elbow dysplasia and osteochondrosis may occur in the knee and shoulder. Rottweilers are also prone to conditions including Aortic Stenosis/Sub-aortic Stenosis, hypothyroidism, Panosteitis (Pano), Addison’s disease, gastroenteritis and folliculitis (Taken in part from the Rottweiler Health Foundation, Health Survey Results).
What steps have you taken to avoid these health problems?
We screen our breeding dogs for genetic diseases and, only dams and sires that has cleared hip- and elbow dysplasia screening are used for breeding. These results are recorded by KUSA. Despite good breeding practise not all of the above conditions are detectable in a growing puppy, also Mother Nature may have other ideas.
Are Rottweilers prone to obesity?
You have the power to protect your dog from one of the most common health problems: obesity! Like all dogs Rottweilers will become obese when fed too much food, the ‘wrong’ food, infrequent meals, and not enough exercise. Excess weight will put more pressure on the joints and may contribute to the development of hip dysplasia. Keeping the Rottweiler at an appropriate weight is one of the more successful ways to extend its life.
At what age do I spay or neuter my Rottweiler?
It is recommended that you spay at about 2 years old and females should go through at least two full heat cycles first. The longer you wait to spay or neuter will lessen the chance of your Rottweiler getting cancer. (2011: Waters David J, Clinical Theriogenology.) Important: The Gerald P. Murphy Cancer Foundation at Purdue University has proven that Rottweilers spayed or neutered before age one have a higher risk of cancer.
Does the Rottweiler’s coat shed (moult)?
The Rottweiler’s coat shed moderately, and requires little grooming. However, in autumn and spring the Rottweiler will have a heavier than normal shed. This is known as ‘blowing out’ the coat and will require additional brushing.
What personality traits do the Rottweiler typically have?
Rottweilers are individualistic, and their personalities range from serious to silly and fun loving, including all other traits in between! Whatever its personality, a proper Rottweiler is more likely to be calm and alert instead of nervous, shy or excitable. The Rottweiler is a steady dog with a self-assured nature, but early socialization and exposure to as many new people, animals, and situations as possible are very important in developing these qualities. Also, Rottweilers are surprisingly sensitive, and may experience separation anxiety. See Selecting a Rottweiler.
Does the Rottweiler make a good watchdog?
The Rottweiler is not innately a guard dog. He is a thinking dog whose first reaction is to step back and assess the situation before taking action. Having said that, his instinct to protect those he loves becomes very apparent as he matures. The Rottweiler’s size and bark will discourage most intruders.
How difficult are Rottweilers to train?
Rottweilers are intelligent dogs and will do very well with the correct type of training. They are known to be highly trainable and willing to please. However, like most people and animals much depends on the individual dog. One dog may be a faster learner than the other dog and, no two dogs can be trained neither in the same manner nor at the same pace.
What is best, male or female Rottweiler?
It depends on your environment, your circumstances, and your personal business life. Some will say females are better at guarding, because of their protective motherly instincts, also that they are cleaner than a male in their toilet habits. On the other side, males are larger and are more intimidating. They are both awesome, you decide!
What health certifications do you do?
- Hip Dysplasia (Both parents)
- Elbow Dysplasia (Both parents)
- All Vaccinations (Parents and puppies)
- Deworming (Parents and puppies)
Do we dock the Rottweiler’s tails?
No.
What do I feed my Rottweiler puppy?
Feed your Rottweiler puppy quality food that contains protein as its primary ingredient.
How often do I have to feed my Rottweiler puppy?
Feed your Rottweiler puppy several times per day (minimum x 2) with snacks.
When do I feed my Rottweiler puppy?
You decide, i.e. breakfast, lunch and dinner with quality snacks in between. It is important to keep your new puppy’s eating schedule regular. Minimum twice per day once they are young adults – 18 months and older.
Can I feed my Rottweiler puppy any food?
Rottweilers love to eat! They will eat almost anything you give them, however, there are certain foods that are poisonous and could make your dog sick. Take care and do not feed your Rottweiler:
- chocolate– it is extremely toxic for dogs, large amount can cause seizures, irregular heart function and even death (AKC),
- bread dough– it contains live yeast and will expand in the stomach causing serious abdominal problems,
- grapes and raisins – can cause kidney failure,
- macadamia nuts– van cause vomiting, increased body temperature, inability to walk, lethargy, vomiting and can even effect the nervous system (AKC),
- onions and garlic– stay away from the entire onion family i.e. shallots, chives, leeks, etcetera they all contain compounds that may damage your Rottweiler’s red blood cells, and
- xylitol– highly poisonous to your Rottweiler and may also cause your dog’s blood sugar to drop rapidly.
May I inspect the facility where the puppies and their parents are kept?
Yes, anytime. Contact us and let’s make an appointment for you to visit our kennels.
Are Rottweilers sensitive to the weather?
Rottweilers can tolerate cool temperatures better than warm temperatures. What is more, Rottweilers are sensitive to high temperatures, and you should always provide access to shade and unlimited water supply.
Do Rottweilers get on with children?
Rottweilers get along fine with children, if raised with them. Otherwise, always supervise your Rottweiler with children, and never leave them unattended. Rottweilers have a strong prey drive, and for this reason they may get overexcited when children run and play.
Are Rottweilers aggressive?
Rottweilers are generally described as “calm, confident, and courageous with a self-assured aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships” (AKC written standards). In addition KUSA’s breed standards describe how the Rottweiler should be “Good natured, placid in basic disposition… his behaviour self-assured, steady and fearless. He reacts to his surroundings with great alertness.” Having said all of that, any Rottweiler will do what they are trained to do. Take note, your Rottweiler could turn into a challenging pet just simply from lack of guidance and training. They will respect an assertive owner who knows how to lead a strong-minded dog.
Note that the gentlest Rottweiler can put children, the elderly, smaller adults and anyone who is unsteady on their feet at risk. The Rottweiler’s heritage as a cattle herder is pushing, and the calmest Rottweiler’s idea of a playful nudge might have a greater impact on these individuals. Significantly, most aggression from your Rottweiler is based around fear. Remaining calm, and praising for acting passively can help ease their anxiety. Always remembers these three guiding principles:-
- Be consistent
- Be calm
- Be fair
Are Rottweilers noisy/barkers?
Rottweilers are characteristically not barkers nevertheless, if she/he is barking you should investigate to see what has stimulated her/his attention.
Are Rottweilers territorial?
Rottweilers are territorial and will typically not permit strangers onto their property or in their homes, except when the owner welcomes that person/s. Never underestimate the Rottweiler’s protectiveness and power.
When must I start training my new puppy?
Start training your new puppy that day you bring him home and, start to socialize him with your friends and family. They are capable of soaking up everything you can teach them. Do not wait until he is six months or older to begin training, or you will have a much bigger and more headstrong dog to deal with.
How much exercise will my Rottweiler need?
Exercise requirements will vary with each individual dog. Age, sex and temperament will decide the amount of exercise needed. Because your Rottweiler is a working dog, regular and organised exercise is important for both his physical and mental health.
Disclaimer
We make no guarantee or warranty that our information is accurate, legal, reliable, or safe. The information found on these pages is what WE do, or would do with our own dogs. This information should not be used as your sole source for deciding which breed of dog to get, how to raise or train your dog, how to handle any behavioral or health problem, and so on. Always consult other professionals before following our advice. We are not responsible for your use of information contained in this site. Thus, we do not warrant the accuracy, completeness, or safety of any information, nor do we accept liability for the consequences of any actions taken (or not taken) on the basis of this information. You use this site and any of our advice at your own risk.
