Often known by their owners as gentle giants, Rottweilers have been unfairly depicted in movies as the “evil villains.” Excellent protectors (and very silly), these large dogs are equal parts lovable and calm. Growing up, Rottweiler puppies don’t understand their own size, and often try to jump up on your lap for some quality snuggles.
As far back as the Roman Empire, distant relatives of the Rottweilers were bred to protect the herd while an army waged battle against their enemies. The empire needed a mix of sturdiness and a dog that can move great distances over time. A Rottweiler’s roots come from an Asian Mastiff that received the official name of “Rottweiler Metzgerhund,” or Butcher’s Dog of Rottweil, after the cattle town of Rottweil that relied on these dogs as loyal protectors of their livestock.
Rottweilers do more than help protect, of course. Many are wonderful therapy dogs too. In fact, Wynd the Rottweiler won the AKC Human Fund ACE Award in 2015 for her excellent work in helping war veterans in assisted living facilities in Yorktown, Virginia.
Rottweiler puppy facts
Whether your pup is meant to be a therapy dog, a livestock protector, or a celebrated children’s book hero like Good Dog Carl, here are some facts about Rottweiler puppies.
Who is the best human for a Rottweiler?
Like most dogs, they feed off their human’s energy. Rottweiler puppies do well with a calm, assertive human and thrive in a well-structured environment. A lot of chaos may cause frustration in a Rottweiler’s world, so these dogs are best suited for someone with a routine that doesn’t alter often.
Most importantly, they love to give and receive affection. Rottweilers crave physical touch and may follow you from room to room, leaning their heads on your legs. They are bonded to their human for life, and want to show their love!
Getting a Rottweiler puppy
Choosing to adopt or go through a breeder for your new Rottweiler puppy is a personal choice that requires research. Thankfully, there are many resources out there to help you find a rescue or breeder that offers healthy, ethically-sourced Rottweiler puppies.
Knowing what you’re in for when you get a Rottweiler puppy is an important step in being a responsible pet owner. Whether you find a responsible breeder or are planning on adopting, it’s up to you to be prepared for an energetic and friendly addition to your household.
Adopting Rottweiler puppies
According to the AKC, most breed rescues report that a majority of their rescue dogs come from individual owner surrender, with the most common reasons being a change in lifestyle or the breed not being right for them. This means that there may be many dogs and puppies out there that are looking for a new forever home.
The main difference between a breeder and a rescue is that a rescue may not always have young puppies to choose from. The benefit, however, is that most are mandated to only adopt out dogs that have been microchipped and spayed/neutered. This means you may end up with a dog that’s already been housebroken, and doesn’t need these common medical procedures. You may also find a Rottweiler mix that has all the traits you want from the breed, but with a little extra thrown in.
Finding a Rottweiler rescue can be as simple as searching the internet. The AKC also has an excellent list of Rottweiler rescues on their site.
Finding a Rottweiler breeder
The first step is to do your research. Sadly, there are many puppy mills posing as reputable breeders along with many online scams. Be aware, and reach out to different online forums for conversations about getting your future furry family member.
Be sure to ask questions, make arrangements to meet the parent dogs or mother, and follow your gut. If something seems wrong at a breeder you visit, or the Rottweiler puppy seems too good to be true, there’s likely something going on. The AKC also offers resources for finding a breeder, with fairly strict guidelines on who they let participate.
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