Need info on finding quality rottweilers

[peg2001]

We may be interested in getting a couple rottweilers and need advice/information on how to find quality dogs. All of our pets have been strays or pound rescues, which have been wonderful pets. However, I would hesitate to get a rottweiler without knowing it's full medical/behavioral history.

We have no intention of breeding the dogs or showing them so when I say "quality" I am concerned only about health, and temperment, temperment, temperment.


Any help?
Peggy

 

[JoNo]

well first off, I would suggest skipping pet stores... Look for Breeders... Look at the parents medical histories, check certificates! You can't be too picky when it comes to things like that.

 

[wdw4us]

check with your Homeowners insurance carrier they may have that one and several others on their "bite" list.

I love dogs and don't want to start a war, but I also work for an insurance agency and this is an increasing problem.

Hope this helps in your doggie decision.

denise

 

[Dodie]

Where are you located?

Please use a reputable breeder. This is one of those breeds that has suffered in the past 10-15 years because of over breeding by incompetent and less than responsible breeders.

 

[Serena]

I recommend going to dog shows and getting the business cards of breeders there. I also recommend talking to rescue organizations, and the humane society in your area. They may have the information you are looking for, they may have information you never thought to ask, or maybe nothing at all.

What you are looking for is a breeder with dogs that are show dogs or have been. You want a pet quality dog, or maybe a retired show dog. They sometimes sell them. Make sure you visit the place to see what kind of conditions the dogs live in.

good luck

 

[LindaR]

Visit the AKC website. Look for Rottie clubs. They usually know of reputable breeders.

What I have done to start is search magazines like Dog Fancy and Dog World. Look at the ads, start calling and asking lots of questions - that weeds out many of the advertisers.

One thing I found helpful - breeders will recommend other good breeders.

My vet is amazed at the quality health of both my toy poodle and my german shepherd. I was not in a hurry and spent weeks searching for the RIGHT breeder. Spent a pretty penny, too! But I have 2 wonderful purebred dogs, with fantastic health, super temperments and they are "pets" not show dogs.

Good luck and work hard.

 

[pumba]

laid back mellow dog around.......the vet is the one who recommended this breeder.......and also said that rottis have had a bad time of it because of people breeding more then once a year and also being cruel to them.......I have been around several of these dogs and they are so sweet.....big glomping drooling babies

 

[dianeschlicht]

A reputable breeder will:

Have certificates that say the dogs are free of certain hereditary defects such as Hip dysplasia etc.

Offer contracts of sale that guarantee the genetic health of the puppy.

Have proof of vet. checks on the puppies.

Be able to give you good information on the breed, and will interview you to see if you are an appropriate buyer for this breed.

Will offer to take the puppy back if it isn't working out.

Will give you training guidance.

You can find a reputable breeder by asking LOTS of questions. Go to the AKC web site and get their link to the Rottweiler club of America site.

Be prepared to answer just as many questions as you ask.

BTW, I am a breeder of Airedale terriers. When you are looking at a breed like Rottweilers, you need to be VERY careful that the puppy you get has a good temperament.

 

[peg2001]

Originally posted by Dodie
Where are you located?

Please use a reputable breeder. This is one of those breeds that has suffered in the past 10-15 years because of over breeding by incompetent and less than responsible breeders.

Dodie, I'm in East Tennessee. This problem with inept breeding is why I'm asking. Rottweilers are an incredible breed, but I wouldn't want a bad one!

I appreciate all the advice so far! I'll look into dog shows and Rottie clubs for breeder recommendations. Don't worry, I wouldn't use a pet store! In fact, even for pet supplies, we only buy from stores that do not sell dogs or cats.

We're not rushing into this. We have plenty of pets now, to be honest with you. Three of them are elderly and we will care for them until the end. THEN we may be ready to take on 2 new large dogs or raising 2 pups into large dogs! I just like to do my research early.

Peggy

 

[SplshMtn99]

Another insurance agency employee here..... and yup....my first thought was....be prepared to have your Homeowners Insurance cancelled when your carrier finds out. Sorry.

And I'm an animal lover.

 

[ebaynut31]

You also want to be able to meet the parents of the puppies. Their temperment will also give you an idea of how the puppy will be. A reputable breeder will give you that information.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Just one more suggestion. I would NOT get littermates if you plan on getting two. If you do get littermates,put a break between getting them. We have had a bad experience placing littermates in the same home without doing that. I reccomend taking one pup for two weeks. Then take that one back to the breeder and take the other pup for 1 week. After the second pup has been there for a week, bring back the first pup. That way they will have had enough seperation to not be so imprinted on each other and will bond to you better. Littermates who are never seperated will be so bonded to each other, they will have adjustment problems.

 

[d.kurz]

Sorry, no advice but some threads are just SO interesting.

 

[luv4zeus]

Rotties can be wonderful pets, whether from a breeder or rescue - I've had one from both I got my boy Zeus as a puppy, and he is now 6 and is a great dog. My girl Zoe was a rescue (she passed away this March) and we guessed she was around 7 when I got her. I was just supposed to be the foster mom, but I fell in love with her.

Anyway, they both have their challenges, while Zeus is great and laid back now - the first couple years were a challenge. Obedience training is a MUST, these a big, STRONG, stubborn dogs and training is not an option. Zoe had different issues, I believe she was abused but she was great with people (a little less great with other dogs) I just had to work to gain her trust - once I did that she was the most loyal dog you could imagine.

I have a couple websites I could recommend - not sure if I'm allowed to put them on here, but there is a Southern States Rottweiler Rescue group I would recommend, they do great work. Also the book "Rottweilers for Dummies" by Richard Beauchamp is a great start..don't let the name turn you off.

I'm so happy you're doing the necessary research, it is a wonderful breed - but not for everyone. Good luck!