PURCHASING A ROTTWEILER

Here at Dellahar Rottweilers our dogs certainly live a “privileged lifestyle” BUT we don’t expect that every owner can provide the exact same lifestyle we do, but we expect and hope that some key rules are to be followed to ensure your Rottweiler lives a happy and fulfilling life with you and your family.

Please read our advice when looking to purchase a Rottweiler or any breed of dog. Our advice and knowledge comes from over 25 years’ experience with dogs and could save you from making a huge mistake that ends in heartbreak, and a massive hole in your wallet!

It is harsh reality there are countless numbers or irresponsible and downright cruel people breeding dogs. There are many puppy farms/mills in Victoria, Australia and the world that is a huge problem. There are also countless numbers of back yard breeders that have convenient “accidents” or only breed for profit!

These BYB’s (back yard breeder) or “private breeders” as they often call themselves, have no regard for the health issues they produce, don’t provide proper veterinary care required when raising pups, don’t provide suitable nutrition, suitable housing and bedding, training and socialisation any dog require. They pass on health issues, mental/temperament issues and so on without being held accountable for their unethical and irresponsible ways. They are not liable if something goes wrong, they offer no help to the owner or dog ,and the worst part is there’s pretty much NOTHING you or anybody can do about it!

A reputable ethical breeder tests all their dogs for any genetic diseases that may be passed on to puppies, including testing for soundness in body and temperaments. They can show you proof of their Canine Council membership, Breed Club membership to which they are obliged to follow a Code of Ethics. They won’t have an issue & in fact should invite for you to come to their home and visit the puppies, meet either the mother of the pups or in some cases both mother & father.

Ethical breeders homes and kennels should be clean, have no strong odours, shelter from the elements, warm comfortable kennels/boxes where they sleep, clean drinking water present and adequate space for exercise. Most reputable breeders only purpose for breeding is to improve the breed in its entirety, to produce something they themselves can continue on with in either the show ring, obedience or chosen field or work i.e. herding, carting, agility, dog sport The breeder should offer you lifetime support and advice on raising, caring & training of your pup.

The breeder should also be able to take back your dog IF something serious has happened that results in you not being able to keep your dog any longer. All of this information is what you as a purchaser should be asking when purchasing your Rottweiler/pup. Be prepared for a quality registered puppy to cost anywhere from $2000 to $4000, that should include the puppy being microchipped, first vaccination, vet checked, wormed from 2-8 weeks of age, pedigree certificate, comprehensive information regarding diet, raising and development of your puppy. Copies of both parents health certificates should be offered or provided also. Ask for a receipt when any money is exchanged.

BE AWARE THAT THERE ARE MANY SCAMMERS PROMISING PUPPIES, THEY WILL TAKE LITTLE INFORMATION FROM YOU BUT WANT DEPOSITS IMMEDIATELY, THIS IS DEFINITELY A RED FLAG AND YOU SHOULD BE CAUTIOUS BEFORE EXCHANGING MONEY. DO NOT BUY FROM UNREGISTERED BREEDERS COUNCIL REGISTRATION DOES NOT MEAN THEY'RE REGISTERED!

PLEASE CONSIDER THESE FACTS AND INFORMATION BEFORE CHOOSING TO INTRODUCE A ROTTWEILER INTO YOUR FAMILY!

Rottweilers grow large to very large (between 35kgs up to 65kg’s depending on being male or female)
They are powerful dogs that have to have proper socialisation, training and care from the day you bring them home
Even if you’ve trained & socialised your Rottweiler, it does not guarantee you or him won’t be harshly judged do to the fact Rottweilers are feared & misunderstood!
Rottweilers are sociable dogs who want & need to be around their families. If you do not have the adequate time & stimulation to give your Rottweiler and leave them in the back yard alone they will become bored, destructive and potentially unstable which causes aggression. Don’t think that by getting them “a friend” to keep them company works!!!! It only makes they issue WORSE!!!!
Well-bred Rottweilers are very fond of children but they must be taught what is acceptable behaviour around children. It is natural instinct for Rottweilers to herd, therefore may ‘bump’ children or become excited when they make noises & move. This is called prey drive, they don’t want to harm the child but potentially could unintentionally if not supervised properly, dogs can’t actually distinguish the difference between a small child (they don’t know it is a child) and say another animal. NEVER LEAVE ANY DOG UNATTENDED WITH A CHILD!!!
Rottweilers need firm CONSISTANT training to become stable and confident in all environments and situations. They are highly intelligent and aim to please if you put the effort in.

Rottweilers will also test you to see if your boss! Give them an opening and they’ll exploit it! BE FIRM BUT FAIR! Positive reinforcement training is recommended and your breeder should be able to help or give you information on how to find a training group to suit the dog’s needs.
Rottweilers require 15-30 minutes of playtime, walks or training per day. We all have unexpected things happen and sometimes the dogs miss out BUT you can always make up for it they next day!
Rottweilers will laze about inside if you let them BUT this does not mean they don’t need exercise and mental stimulation!
Rottweilers have a double coat and do shed A LOT of hair during changes in the weather or when in season/on heat (females)
Rottweilers gain weight very easily if their food is not given correctly or they’re over eating. Therefore its best to follow the advice from your breeder in regard to proportions and quantities.
Rottweilers are naturally protective of their home environment, they need to be housed correctly in a fenced secure yard that keeps them safe, as well as any strangers or other dogs that may approach as they can become aggressive protecting their surroundings you don’t need or want people being unnecessarily injured or for the dog to escape and roam the streets. It is also important that females are secure during their seasons/ heat as often other male dogs will try wander into yards smelling females from Kilometres away. So not to risk any “accidents” happening, proper housing/kennels is essential.