i rottweiller image by Callalloo Twisty from Fotolia.com
The rottweiler, a courageous protector of family, is known to shower his humans with love and affection. Choosing a rottweiler puppy with quality traits from a reputable breeder saves you trouble down the road when your puppy matures into a full grown adult.
Step 1
Find a reputable breeder. A reputable breeder does not have several litters of puppies at one time, and the litter's living quarters will be available for you to view, according to RottweilerPuppy.net. Be wary if the puppies are in a dirty and secluded area since it shows that the breeder is not establishing proper socialization.
Step 2
Meet the parents. The parents' temperament and size gives you an idea of the puppy's expected adult size and possible temperament, according to Rottweiler Savvy. Possible genetic health problems may also be apparent after you've viewed the parents. If the breeder does not allow you to meet the parents, turn away and find a new breeder.
Step 3
Observe how the puppies interact with the litter. The puppy that is stealing toys, growling and roughhousing with the other puppies may be difficult to train, according to the Your Purebred Puppy website.
Step 4
Spend time with puppies individually, away from the parents. A rottweiler puppy that seemed aggressive with the litter may be an entirely different dog away from his brothers and sisters.
Step 5
Avoid overly dominant or submissive puppies. The first puppy that runs and jumps on you is displaying a dominant personality and may challenge and disobey family members in an attempt to establish leadership in his new pack. Also avoid the overly shy puppy that tucks his tail and runs away. Choose the dog with in-between traits. Normal puppies are friendly, curious and trusting.
Step 6
Choose the puppy that displays desired physical traits of a rottweiler. The coat is shiny and primarily black in color with mahogany or rust markings. The ears have a triangular shape and fold down and forward. The eyes are almond shape. The legs are muscular and straight, with the back feet being slightly longer than the front feet.
References
Tips
- Examine the puppies for signs of illness. Symptoms of illness include nasal, eye or ear discharge; a distended abdomen; and loose stool among other things. Even if only one puppy appears ill, all the dogs in the litter may be infected.
- If you're unsure how to find a reputable breeder, check with other rottweiler owners and the American Kennel Club.
- If choosing a puppy seems risky, you can often find adult rottweilers with established temperaments at your local humane society or rescue organizations.
Warnings
- Do not purchase an overly shy or aggressive rottweiler since these dogs are prone to bite as adults. If the trait is genetic, it can not be changed since it is hardwired into the puppy. If the parent dogs are shy or aggressive, find a different breeder.
- Find a different breeder if the majority of the puppies are suspicious of you and run away. Even if a few puppies do not display this trait, it could become apparent as the dog matures, advises Your Purebred Puppy.
Writer Bio
Melissa McNamara is a certified personal trainer who holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and communication studies from the University of Iowa. She writes for various health and fitness publications while working toward a Bachelor of Science in nursing.
