Expert Tips for Raising Rottweiler Puppies

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With their oversized paws, floppy ears, and nonstop curiosity, Rottweiler puppies are as entertaining as they are energetic. They’re often described as bold, goofy, and full of mischief, ready to explore the world (and your shoes) from the moment they come home.

“Rottweiler puppies should be happy, outgoing, and curious,” says Jill Miller, Rottweiler breeder and member of The American Rottweiler Club. “They will get into everything!”

With early socialization, consistent training, and plenty of outlets for their energy, Rottweiler puppies grow into calm, confident companions who are deeply devoted to their people. Expect to pay anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000 for a Rottweiler puppy from a reputable breeder. Adoption fees through rescues typically range from $150 to $500, and you’re more likely to find adolescent or young adult Rottweilers.

Key Rottweiler Puppy Facts

• Litter size: Rottweiler litter sizes typically range from 6 to 12 puppies—which is a lot of puppies!
• Puppy weight: When they’re ready to go home around 10 weeks old, most Rottweiler puppies weigh 15 to 25 pounds, a far cry from their adult weight, which can reach 80 to 135 pounds.
• Puppy temperament: The first few months of a Rottweiler puppy’s life are marked by lots of energy and a surprising amount of goofiness. Many first-time Rottweiler parents are caught off guard by just how rowdy their puppy phase can be.
• Energy levels: Rottweiler puppies are boisterous, and their energy levels typically don’t mellow dramatically until 3 to 4 years of age.
• Maturity: These pups grow into their height quickly, but they won’t finish filling out until around two years old. Somewhere along the way, they develop the famous “Rottie rumble”: a deep, growly vocalization they make when happy and relaxed.
• Unique traits: Rottweiler puppies are fast learners. They thrive when given jobs to do, whether it’s obedience training, play, or scent work. Without enough stimulation, they can become bored, vocal, or destructive.
• Bonding likelihood: While your Rottweiler puppy might have a favorite, they’re likely to be deeply engaged with their whole human pack and want to be part of family events.

Where To Find Rottweiler Puppies

Rottweilers are a popular breed—which makes them easy to find, but not always from reputable sources. Miller says it’s extremely important to look for a reputable breeder or rescue. “You can get a Rottweiler any day of the week off the internet,” says Miller. “Will it come with a contract, breeder involvement, health-tested and cleared parents? Probably not.”

Rottweiler puppy breeders

Rottweilers need thoughtful breeding for both temperament and health. A rushed or poorly vetted purchase can lead to serious health and behavior issues down the line. Take your time and ask questions, especially when it comes to temperament, health testing, and early socialization. Expect to be interviewed and to wait anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

Ethical breeders who participate in conformation events or working titles usually breed with both structure and temperament in mind. They’re also more likely to perform full health testing, including hip, heart, and eye evaluations. Puppies from show breeders may cost more and come with waitlists, but they typically include health guarantees and a contract with lifetime breeder support. Consider finding a breeder through:

• American Rottweiler Club (ARC)
• American Rottweiler Club Facebook Page
• United States Rottweiler Club

Rottweiler rescues

Rottweilers often end up in rescue as puppies or young adults. These are usually owner surrenders from families unprepared for the breed’s strength or energy level. While very young puppies are less common, they do show up occasionally, especially from accidental litters. Wait times for a Rottweiler puppy through rescue can vary, and most groups prioritize matching dogs to people who are familiar with the breed. Consider breed-specific rescues like:

• Rottweiler Rescue Foundation
• Rottweiler Hearts Rescue
• R.E.A.L Rottweiler Rescue
• Southern States Rescued Rottweilers

Online marketplaces for Rottweiler puppies

Both the AKC Marketplace and Good Dog allow breeders to list litters and provide transparency into their breeding practices. Look for breeders who list health testing results and offer interviews or contracts. Avoid sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, which are often used by backyard breeders or puppy mills. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Recommended health tests

Health testing matters, especially for a powerful, working breed like the Rottweiler. Before bringing home a puppy, ask the breeder or rescue for documentation of health screenings on both parents. Reputable breeders will not only be transparent but eager to share test results.

“Get their AKC number and look them up yourself at www.OFA.org,” advises Miller. “People lie, but science doesn’t!”

Here are the recommended health tests you should look for:

• Hip Evaluation (OFA or PennHIP): Rottweilers are prone to hip dysplasia, a common joint disorder. Parents should be evaluated through OFA or PennHIP to reduce risk of passing it on.
• Elbow Evaluation (OFA): Elbow dysplasia is another orthopedic issue that affects mobility. Look for “normal” elbow scores on parent dogs.
• Cardiac Exam (OFA): Heart screenings will detect congenital heart defects like subaortic stenosis (SAS), which can be fatal if left unmanaged.
• Ophthalmologist Evaluation (OFA/ACVO): Rottweilers are prone to certain eye disorders, like cataracts, entropion, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA).
• Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis & Polyneuropathy (JLPP): JLPP is a fatal neurological disorder that can affect puppies. Dogs should be clear or carrier-only, and two carriers should never be bred together.
• Degenerative Myelopathy (DM): This progressive spinal disease doesn’t usually show symptoms until later in life, but testing dogs that are being bred helps prevent its spread.
• Orthopedic Rechecks (12–24 Months): Even with clear puppy results, your vet should recheck hips and elbows between 12 and 24 months as your Rottweiler grows into adulthood.

If you’re adopting from a rescue, health testing may not be available, but you can still ask what health concerns have been noted during foster care or veterinary exams. Either way, early conversations about health will set your Rottweiler puppy up for a strong start.

Wirestock via iStock

Rottweiler Puppy Physical Characteristics

Rottweiler puppies may look tough, but they grow rapidly, and their bones, joints, and muscles take time to fully develop. It’s important not to over-exercise your Rottweiler puppy, says Miller. “Their growth plates are not closed, and their bones are still soft and malleable,” she says.

Here’s a quick growth timeline to help you plan for training, exercising, and home-proofing.

Raising a Well-Adjusted Rottweiler Puppy

Rottweiler puppies are smart, energetic, and eager to bond with their families, but they can easily develop challenging behaviors if their needs aren’t met early on. With proper training, socialization, and structure, you’ll help your Rottweiler puppy grow into the calm, loyal, and even-tempered dog the breed is known for.

Breed-specific training needs

Rottweilers are powerful dogs. Without early training, that power can turn into a problem when you’re trying to walk them on a leash or introduce them to strangers as a 100-pound full-grown adult dog. That’s why consistent training needs to start the moment your puppy comes home.

One of the biggest priorities with this breed is teaching bite inhibition and proper mouth manners. “They are basically landsharks with very sharp teeth,” Miller warns. “They must learn that teeth on people is unacceptable.”

Never play rough tug-of-war games with your Rottweiler puppy, because it can put too much strain on their teeth, jaw, and neck. Instead, redirect mouthy behavior toward durable chew toys and work on teaching “leave it” and “drop it” cues early.

Other must-haves in your training plan: loose-leash walking (because they’ll be strong before you know it), basic cues like “sit” and “stay,” and resource guarding prevention. Rottweilers can become possessive without clear boundaries. Focus on positive reinforcement, structured routines, and plenty of rest between learning sessions.

Socialization

Rottweiler puppies must be thoroughly socialized to become the calm, confident dogs they’re meant to be. That means positive, well-managed exposure to people of all ages, shapes, and sizes, other dogs, and different noises and environments. Skipping this step can lead to fear-based reactivity or overprotectiveness down the road.

Try not to overwhelm your puppy with too much at once, and instead create structured opportunities for calm greetings, gentle handling, and new experiences.

Socialization checklist for Rottweiler puppies:

• Introductions to friendly, well-mannered adult dogs
• Visits to places with diverse people (hats, wheelchairs, uniforms, etc.)
• Daily handling: paws, ears, tail, mouth (preps for vet visits and grooming)
• Exposure to different sounds (vacuums, doorbells, traffic)
• Calm introductions to children and supervised play
• Short car rides and outings to pet-friendly locations

Potty training

Rottweilers tend to be relatively easy to potty train, especially when crate training is used. Keep a consistent schedule, and reward them immediately after they go in the right spot. Most puppies of any breed are not fully housebroken until 4 to 6 months, so it’s okay if it doesn’t happen overnight.

Crate training

Crate training is a great tool for Rottweiler puppies, especially during the puppy chewing phase. This breed often forms strong attachments to their people, and learning to feel safe and calm in a crate (without being left alone right away) can help prevent separation anxiety down the road.

Crate training might be tough for your new Rottweiler puppy at first, especially since they’re used to being with their littermates. So, it’s important to be calm and consistent to set them up for success.

The crate should be a positive, cozy space—not a punishment zone. Use treats, toys, and praise to build good associations, and start with short periods while you’re still home. Always remove collars or harnesses before crating your Rottweiler puppy to avoid accidental choking.

Lifestyle exercise and activities

Rottweiler puppies have plenty of energy, but their growing joints need protection. It’s tempting to go for a run or hike, but those high-impact activities should wait until their growth plates close, which is usually between 18 and 24 months. That doesn’t mean no exercise; it just means smart, age-appropriate activity.

Start with short, structured puppy walks on a leash, lots of free play in secure areas like the yard, and mentally enriching games like food puzzles or beginner obedience. Rottweilers love having a job, like learning new cues, agility, and nosework.

For more about safe play and early physical development, Miller recommends Jane Killion’s Puppy Culture.

Grooming Routine for Rottweiler Puppy

Rottweiler puppies have short, dense coats that are fairly easy to care for. Even though Rottweilers don’t need regular haircuts, they do shed year-round and benefit from weekly brushing to remove loose fur and keep their coat shiny. It’s especially important to get your puppy comfortable with being handled when it comes to their nails, since Rottweilers tend to have dark nails and aren’t always fans of having their paws touched.

Here’s how to start grooming a Rottweiler puppy:

• Brush once or twice a week to manage shedding.
• Wipe ears weekly with a dog-safe ear cleaner to prevent buildup.
• Bathe as needed using a gentle puppy shampoo.
• Start nail trimming practice early and use a grinder (like a Dremel) for better control, since their dark nails make it hard to see the quick.
• Introduce teeth brushing a few times a week to build good habits.
• Practice gentle paw, ear, and mouth handling daily to prep for future vet visits.

Even if your Rottweiler doesn’t need fancy grooming, the key is making all of these routines as stress-free as possible.

Health Considerations

Rottweiler puppies are generally healthy and sturdy dogs, but pet insurance is recommended for this breed, as they are prone to certain issues.

One of the biggest health considerations during puppyhood is joint protection. Rottweilers grow rapidly between 6 and 12 months, and while they may look strong, their growth plates are still forming. Avoid high-impact activities like running or jumping off furniture until your vet confirms it’s safe, usually after 18 months.

While bloat is more common in adult Rottweilers, it’s wise to establish safe feeding habits early. Feed multiple small meals each day, avoid vigorous activity after eating, and consider using a slow-feeder bowl. Your vet may also recommend gastropexy surgery once your pup is old enough to help prevent bloat down the road.

Essential Rottweiler Puppy Checklist

Getting ready for your Rottweiler puppy means more than stocking up on toys. You’ll need the right tools to support their growth, training, and health from day one. Here’s a checklist tailored to the needs of this powerful, intelligent, and fast-growing breed.

• Large breed puppy food. Look for formulas specifically designed for large breeds to support steady growth and joint health. Talk to your vet about wet vs. dry and how much to feed as your pup grows.
• No-pull harness. A well-fitted, front-clip harness can help teach loose-leash walking early and prevent your pup from developing bad pulling habits.
• Adjustable crate with divider. Choose a puppy crate that can grow with your Rottweiler, preferably one with a divider to keep the space appropriately sized during potty training and early months.
• Power chewer toys. Stock up on durable toys like KONG Extreme and Goughnuts to satisfy your pup’s strong jaws and reduce destructive chewing.
• Orthopedic bed. A supportive bed will help protect your Rottweiler puppy’s joints. Look for washable covers and non-slip bottoms.
• Group training classes with individual support. Rotties are smart and strong. Group classes provide critical socialization, while one-on-one sessions can help fine-tune leash manners, impulse control, and bite inhibition.
• Puppy puzzle toys. Keep their minds busy! Rottweilers thrive on mental stimulation just as much as physical activity.
• Grooming tools. A soft-bristle brush, dog-safe shampoo, and toothbrush.