Your Rottweiler Choices
Now you have some choices to make. Some are easy; some are tough. Do you want a puppy or an adult? A male rottie or a female? Working or show lines? You need to understand the differences so you can find the rottie that will suit your lifestyle.
Puppy or Adult?
Most people think about getting a puppy when they think about getting a dog. While getting a puppy has its merits, don't overlook an adolescent or adult rottie. You should consider all options when trying to decide which rottweiler is right for you.
Puppies are adorable, there's no doubt about it. Rottie pups are so cute that it is hard to resist one. But before you purchase that oh-so-adorable wiggly ball of joy, think about whether you have the time to invest in a puppy. A puppy is a clean slate but needs the proper training and socialization to become a well-trained rottweiler. Puppies are time-consuming — they require constant attention, training, and socialization. They aren't housetrained either; something you may want to think about if you've just installed new carpet.
Most people have the mistaken notion that puppies bond better than adult dogs. While it may take a little longer (a few days instead of hours), adult dogs often bond as well as puppies in a relatively short time.
Many adult rottweilers are housebroken already or can be housetrained easily. Some adult rotties may know a few commands. Adults usually need less attention than younger dogs and may not need as much activity. Both adults and puppies may be destructive, though adults are usually less so since they are not teething.
So which is better? It depends a lot on the time you have. Puppies bond quickly to new owners, but most adult rotties will also bond, though it may take a little longer. Adult rotties may have learned some bad habits from previous owners that you may have to break, but then, you can also cause bad habits in new pups. You can't leave a puppy alone for more than four hours when he is younger than six months; an older dog can wait for nine hours if necessary.
Be honest with yourself. Do you have the time for a puppy? If you do, then great! Otherwise, consider an adult or adolescent rottweiler.
Male or Female?
Male or female? For the most part, it is a matter of personal preference. Male rotties tend to be bigger and may have dominance issues. Female rottweilers are smaller than males and tend to be less concerned with dominance. A first-time dog owner may want to consider a female rottweiler because she may be apt to be more trainable.
Owning multiple rottweilers can be a rewarding experience for you and your dogs — who are sure to enjoy the extra company.
However, if you do not spay a female rottweiler, she will go into season, or estrus, twice a year. This can last from two to four weeks and will attract male dogs during this time. You must make certain that your intact female rottweiler stays safely away from potential suitors.
Male rottweilers can be more aggressive than female rottweilers, but female rottweilers can also be aggressive, especially when meeting another dog of the same sex. While aggression between a male and female is uncommon, it can and does occur. If you have a dog that is aggressive toward other dogs, getting a dog of the opposite sex doesn't guarantee that he or she will get along with your new rottweiler.
Considerations with Other Pets
Rottweilers can be aggressive toward other dogs. If you already have another dog, hopefully your other dog is about the same size as a rottweiler. If your dog is much smaller, you may wish to reconsider your choice of breed. Even so, if you plan on getting a rottie as a puppy, he or she can learn to become good friends with the current dog. Regardless, it is a good idea to choose a rottie of the opposite sex as the dog you currently have. This will help reduce aggression.
You may be thinking that two rotties are twice the fun. However, they're about ten times the work. Yes, they keep each other company, but they're also eight paws of trouble. Often siblings will egg each other on into bad behavior. You're also dealing with pack issues when you have two. Unless you're used to having two dogs, try one first.
Rotties can get along with cats, provided they are raised with them as puppies. Most cats swat a curious puppy once or twice and convince the puppy that there are more interesting things to do besides pester a cat. Adult rottweilers may or may not accept a cat. Some rottweilers have enough of a prey drive that they will chase a cat. As a rule, it is best never to leave a cat alone with your rottweiler. You should also keep other pets (birds, rodents, lizards, and so on) out of reach of your rottie.
Considerations with Children
Regardless of what dog breed you own, you should never allow a small child to play with a dog unsupervised. Even the gentlest dog may bite if the child causes that dog pain. If you have several small children, you may wish to wait until they are a little older so that a rottweiler is not too big or intimidating for them. An enthusiastic rottie can knock over a toddler or even a small child without intending to.
Having one small child is a lot of work. Having a small child and a puppy is like having two babies to care for at once. You may wish to reconsider your desire for a puppy until after your life becomes a little less hectic.
Did you know that dog ownership actually reduces allergies in children? New studies suggest that owning cats and dogs may actually help allergy-prone children build up a resistance to allergies.
As stated in the previous chapter, children can't be expected to care for a dog properly. Children are children after all, and an adult needs to be responsible for the dog. This doesn't mean that the children can't help you with caring for the dog, but you can't realistically expect a five- or six-year-old to remember that it is time to feed the dog or know when to take the puppy outside to relieve himself.
Rottweilers make great pets for adults, older children, and teenagers, provided that those who will take care of the rottweiler are mature enough to do so.
