Introduction: Rottweilers in India

Rottweiler is a magnificent and misunderstood dog. Throughout the world Rottweilers, both fascinate and intimidate people. Some love them, and some hate them. It is no different in India. Some Indians find these dogs irresistible, loving, intensely loyal, and affectionate. While others look at Rottweilers as intimidating and aggressive.

Like everything else in life, to understand a Rottweiler, one needs to see the full picture. We at barks.in love Rottweilers and want to help you see these large, powerful, and loving dogs as they truly are.

In this India specific Rottweiler breed guide, we address the following vital questions about Rottweilers in India.

  • Should you get a Rottweiler in India?
  • Is Rottweiler banned in India?
  • Can a Rottweiler survive in India?
  • What is the cost of owning a Rottweiler in India?
  • Are Rottweilers dangerous and aggressive?

With this post, we hope to dispel any misinformation and irrational fear about Rottweilers in India. 

We divided this post into two broad sections. In the first section, we present the Rottweiler, its history, breed standards, traits, temperament, and health. The second section is ownership tips and a guide to maintaining Rottweilers in India.

Rottweiler in India quick facts 

Rottweiler DogFacts
Country of origin
Germany
Names
Rottie, Rotty,
Rott, Butcher dog,
Rottweiler Metzgerhund,
Rottweiler
Type
Herding dog
Drover dog
Guard dog
Cattle dog
Size
Large
Male: 50 KG to 60 KG
Female: 40 KG to 48 KG
AKC classification
Herding
Coat colors
Black and Tan
Black and Mahogany/Rust
Temperament
Loyal & Loving,
Territorial & Protective,
Affectionate companion
Notable features
Muscular body
Large head with powerful jaws
Shedding
Negligible
Grooming
Once per week
Exercise needs
Daily walk for 2 hours
Trainability
Easy to train,
Responds well to positive reinforcement training
Health issues
Hip dysplasia,
Eye issues,
Cancer,
PRA,
Wobbler disease
Temperature tolerance
Excellent below 35C
Needs help above 35C & below 15C
Recommended diet
High-protein diet
BARF/RAW not recommended
Purpose
Police dog,
Search and Rescue dog,
Military dog,
Detection dog,
Protection dog

Rottweiler essentials in India

Item
Dog age group
Amazon Link
Puppy milk

Puppy milk


0 to 2 months
Buy now
RC Starter

RC Starter


< 3 months
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RC Junior

RC Junior


3 to 8 months
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RC Adult

RC Adult


> 8 months
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Treats

Treats


> 8 months
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Collar

Collar


All ages
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Leash

Leash


All ages
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Puppy shampoo

Puppy shampoo


All ages
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Adult shampoo

Adult shampoo


< 6 months
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Ticks and Flea

Ticks and Flea


> 6 months
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Puppy dewormer

Puppy dewormer


All ages
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Adult dewormer

Adult dewormer


0 to 6 months
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Brush

Brush


> 6 months
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Injury spray

Injury spray


> 3 months
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Hair trimmer

Hair trimmer


> 6 months
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Bed

Bed


> 6 months
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Nail clipper

Nail clipper


All ages
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Spine and Elbow

Spine and Elbow


All ages
Buy now

Rottweiler dog in India – The Indian context

Rottweiler in India

Rottweiler is a popular dog in India. They are the fifth most popular dog in India. We Indians are fascinated by large dog breeds. Nine out of the top ten most popular dogs in India are large dog breeds.

90% of Indians choose a Rottweiler because they want a guard dog for their homes or property. Rottweilers in India have earned a reputation for being one of the best guard dogs in India.

Large size, intimidating demeanor, excellent adaptation to Indian climate, ease of maintenance, and loyalty makes the Rottweiler an excellent guard dog for the average Indian home.

History of Rottweiler dog

Rottweiler statue

Rottweiler is an ancient dog from Germany. Experts believe Rottweilers are descendants of ancient Roman drover dogs. In other words, Rottweiler is one of the oldest herding breeds in the world.

Rottweiler is a rugged, dependable, and intelligent dog. The vast Roman army took these dogs along with them for herding and protecting their cattle during their conquests. After the conquest, people continued to use these dogs for herding and guarding.

Rottweilers get their name from the town Rottweil, a vital trading post for cattle in the Roman Empire. Soon dogs from this region became famous for their intelligence, trainability, and herding instincts.

Early uses of Rottweilers include the following.

  • Herding and droving – Rottweilers have excellent herding and droving instincts. They are eager workers and quick to learn. These traits were invaluable to the cattle herders.
  • Cart pulling – Butchers relied on their dogs to pull carts of meat from farm to the markets. Rottweiler’s earned the name Rottweiler Metzgerhunds, or Butchers’ Dogs because they pull meat carts.
  • Protecting cattle from wild animals and robbers.
  • Guarding money pouches hung around the Rottweiler’s neck.

If you are looking to take a Rottie home, then you must understand its history. A Rottweiler is not a lap dog or a pet. They are a working dog, selectively bred for herding and protection.

History of Rottweiler dog in India

Rottweiler profile

Despite being an ancient breed, Rottweilers did not reach India until mid-1990. Since then, the Rottweiler has become a famous dog breed.

Today, several Rottweiler kennels breed top quality dogs in India. These kennels also participate in international dog shows and have won accolades.

Rottweiler Club of India

The Kennel Club of India (KCI) is the register of dog pedigree in India. The Rottweiler Club of India is a chapter under the KCI which organizes and adjudicates Rottweiler dog shows in India.

Historically in India, breeders docked Rottweiler’s tail at the first or the second joint. Even though International Kennel Clubs such as the American Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club still permit tail docking, most breeders in India don’t practice tail docking. 

The Kennel Club of India follows the UKC’s breed standards while adjudicating Rottweilers in Indian dog shows.

What roles do Rottweilers fulfill?

Rottweiler working

First and foremost, the Rottweiler is a working dog. Generations of selective breeding have made the Rottweiler an excellent herding and droving dog. 

Working dogs are not your average household pets. Rottweilers require training, socialization, regular exercise, and sufficient space to adapt to our lifestyle.

In India, the Rottie is a top guard dog. A Rottweiler or a German Shepherd for your home is 100 times better than any modern security system. The following are some of Rottweiler’s roles in India.

  • Guard dog – Muscular, intimidating, and intelligent, the Rottweiler is one of the preferred guard dogs in India.
  • Police dog – Several police forces use Rottweilers as part of their K9 units.
  • Protection dog – Rottweilers, due to their intelligence, are easy to train. Several dog training academies and kennels offer trained Rottweilers as personal protection dogs.
  • Detection dog – Rotties also excel in the bomb, narcotics, and banned substances detection. 
  • Military dog – Border patrol uses Rottweilers to protect borders.
  • Attack dog – Armed forces in several countries employ Rottweilers as an attack dog for prison and riot control.
  • Other uses – Rottweilers also excel as a search and rescue dog, herding and shepherd dog, and companion dog.

What are the traits of a Rottweiler dog?

Rottweiler Traits

Rottweilers are a large breed of dog. A male Rottweiler can weigh between 50kg to 60kg. Large head, powerful jaws, intimidating presence, and a muscular frame are the hallmarks of this dog.

The FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale), an International body for several Kennel Clubs, defines the Rottweiler’s breed standards as follows.

“The Rottweiler is a medium to large size, stalwart dog, neither heavy nor light and neither leggy nor weedy. His correctly proportioned, compact, and powerful build leads to the conclusion of great strength, agility, and endurance.”

Head

The Rottweiler’s head must be broad, not long. The dog has powerful jaws with muscular cheeks capable of shattering bones. The eyes of the Rottweiler are almond-shaped and dark brown in color.

Body

Rottweilers have a well-proportioned body. They are neither too long, nor too tall. This dog is all about balance and agility. Rottweilers are never bulky or heavy. These are working dogs, and their body should symbolize agility and speed.

Coat, color, and markings

Rottweiler has a short double coat. The inner coat is dense, offering insulation and whereas the outer coat medium and coarse to the touch.

Rottweiler’s markings are black and mahogany/rust. All Kennel clubs allow only black and tan, black, and mahogany/rust markings. All other colors are a fault.

Rottweiler Temperament – Are Rottweilers dangerous and aggressive? 

Rottweiler Dog

People typically have a “love-hate” relationship with Rottweilers. Some people find Rottweiler as an adorable and affectionate dog, while others simply hate them.

Rottweiler attack statistics

We at barks.in love dogs at the same time, we don’t want to ignore the facts, according to dog dogsbite.org 

  • Rottweilers are the second most dangerous dogs in the world
  • In the USA, Rottweilers were responsible for 45 fatal attacks on people in the last thirteen years.
  • Several countries across the globe have laws that prevent people from keeping Rottweilers as pets.
  • In India, Rottweilers are responsible for at least two fatal attacks on people. We don’t have agencies that keep track of dog attacks. These statistics are from news reports. In reality, the number could be much higher in India.

Are Rottweilers in India killer dogs? 

Rottweiler Aggressive

Any fatal attack on people is unacceptable. Dogs are not supposed to be killers. Don’t these statistics show that Rottweilers are killers? How can one explain these staggering numbers?

We believe it is our responsibility to present the temperament of Rottweiler without any bias. For a large and powerful dog like Rottweiler, it is vital to provide accurate information. So that people understand and make the right choice.

We want to make this clear; Rottweiler is NOT a killer dog. How can we explain these statistics? To do that, one must first understand Rottweiler’s mental makeup and temperament.

Understanding the Rottweiler’s mental makeup 

Rottweiler Affectionate

The American Kennel Club’s Rottweiler breed standards describe the Rottweiler’s temperament perfectly.

“The Rottweiler is a calm, confident, and courageous dog with a self-assured aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships. A Rottweiler is self-confident and responds quietly and with a wait-and-see attitude to influences in his environment. He has an inherent desire to protect home and family, and is an intelligent dog of extreme hardness and adaptability with a strong willingness to work, making him especially suited as a companion, guardian, and general all-purpose dog.

We have highlighted all the important words that describe Rottweiler’s temperament. 

  • Inherent desire to protect home and family
  • Extreme hardness
  • Self-confident
  • Companion and guardian

A large, powerful, intelligent, and self-confident Rottweiler needs an experienced master capable of shaping and training them. Our research shows that most attacks by Rottweilers on people are due to inexperienced and novice dog owners. Sadly, it is the Rottweiler that pays the ultimate price.

We want to urge our readers not to choose a Rottweiler because you read about them and think you know them. An inexperienced dog owner with a Rottweiler is a ticking time bomb waiting to explode.

The intelligence of a Rottweiler

Rottweiler Intelligent

Like most working dogs, the Rottweiler is also an intelligent dog. Stanley Coren, an expert in dog behavior and intelligence, ranks the Rottweiler as the 9th most intelligent dog breed in the world.

Rottweiler is a smart dog and is capable of making independent decisions based on its environment and circumstances. It is the Rottweiler’s intelligence that makes them a highly trainable dog. 

In the hands of an experienced dog handler and proper training, the Rottweiler becomes an exceptional dog capable of performing several tasks.

Exercise requirements of a Rottweiler dog

Rottweiler Playing

Rottweiler is a working dog selectively bred for cattle and sheep herding. Like all other working dogs, Rottweilers require regular exercise. Rottweilers need exercise for two critical reasons. We believe the biggest mistake that a novice owner makes is confining their Rottweiler without adequate exercise.

Rottweilers need exercise because of the following reasons.

Rottweiler is a working dog 

Rottweiler is a working dog. Without proper exercise, these dogs become obese and prone to several health issues.

Release of built-up energy

Rottweilers are herding dogs eager to work and have limitless energy. Exercise, play, and other physical activities help the Rottweiler to spend their energy positively.

When left without proper exercise, dogs turn to different means to release this energy. Some Rottweilers turn to aggression, barking, and other harmful behavior.

If you live in a city and have a fulltime job with little spare time, then recommend that you stay away from a Rottweiler. A dominant dog in the hands of a novice dog owner is a deadly combination.

Common Rottweiler health issues in India

Rottweiler Health

Rottweilers in India are generally healthy. Good breeding practices by Indian kennels have made the Rottweiler resistant to common canine diseases in India. The average life expectancy for a Rottweiler in India is 8 to 10 years.

The following are common Rottweiler health issues in India.

  • Eyesight – Eye issues such as Cataract, EntropionConjunctivitis, PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), and other hereditary illness are common in Indian Rottweilers.
  • Cancer – One of the primary causes of Rottweiler fatalities is canine cancer.
  • Hip Dysplasia – Some Rottweilers in India suffer from Hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a painful condition that affects the hips and spine. 
  • Skin allergies – The hot and humid Indian summer causes skin irritations and allergies to most dogs. Rottweilers are also prone to skin-related issues such as mange, itching, hair loss, and ticks, and flea infestations.
  • Others – Rottweilers in India are also prone to canine diseases, such as Wobbler disease, inflammatory bowel disease, bloody diarrhea, and dental diseases.

Indian home remedies for Rottweiler health issues 

Virgin coconut oil for dog itchy skin

Traditional Indian medicine is centuries old. The traditional medicines are plant-based and do not have any side effects. These remedies are effective but take time to work, so if you follow them, you will need to be patient. Remember, always consult your veterinarian in case of serious issues. 

  • Coconut Oil – Coconut oil is beneficial to dogs in several ways. When applied over a minor wound, it can prevent infections. When applied to the dog’s hair, coconut oil moisturizes the dog’s skin and reduces hair fall. 
  • Aloe Vera – Aloe Vera, when applied over the dog’s skin, reduces itching. Aloe Vera also prevents and heals bacterial and fungal infections on the dog’s skin.
  • Turmeric – Turmeric powder mixed with coconut oil is a powerful and safe antiseptic. It can prevent wounds from getting infected and promotes healing.

Please read our post on home remedies for dogs to learn about simple and safe home remedies for your Rottweiler.

Caring for a Rottweiler in India

Rottweiler Care

In the first section of this post, you learned about the Rottweiler dog. This section is for people who own Rottweilers or planning to take one home. 

Rottweilers, unlike other non-native Indian dogs, adapt well to India’s hot and humid weather conditions. They still require a cool and comfortable place during the hot summer months. However, they are much better than their cousins, the German Shepherd.

What is the recommended diet for a Rottweiler dog in India? 

Rottweiler Puppy with Bulldog

Rottweiler adapts well to India. Like all other non-native dog breeds, Rottweilers need high-quality dog food. In India, most Rottweiler owners use a combination of commercial dry dog food and homemade dog food.

We recommend that you read our detailed review of the best dog food in India to learn about the most vital aspects of dog nutrition.

Feeding an adult Rottweiler 

Adult Rottweilers need two meals per day. The first meal is typically high-quality commercial dry dog food followed by a homemade meal. Feed your dog based on its activity levels. Never overfeed your Rottweiler as they are prone to obesity.

We know about several Rottweiler breeders who recommend a BARF diet. At barks.in, given the current Indian context, we don’t recommend raw food for dogs. Meat from the local meat shop is not very hygienic without cooking. Your Rottweiler is better off with cooked meat than raw meat.

Feeding a puppy Rottweiler

A puppy requires small portions of food at frequent intervals. We recommend 4 to 5 meals for a puppy below six months of age and three meals per day for a Rottweiler puppy between six months to a year.

Rottweiler puppies are active and need a protein-rich diet during its development stage.

Can a Rottweiler survive in India?

Rottweiler Puppy

Yes, a Rottweiler can thrive in Indian weather. India’s unique hot and humid weather conditions cause stress to non-native dogs. Rottweilers need additional care and protection during hot Indian summer months.

In our experience, Rottweilers tolerate temperatures up to 35C and need additional care when the mercury rises above 35C. Ensure that your dog has a cold place to escape the scorching heat and access to clean water 24×7. If you live in colder parts of India where the temperature drops below 15C, we recommend that you have your Rottweilers indoors. 

Rottweiler puppy care and tips

A Rottweiler Puppy

If you recently bought a Rottweiler puppy or planning to bring one home, then you must read these vital tips on Rottweiler puppy care. A Rottweiler puppy is a delight and will brighten up your home with its playful and naughty antics.

Puppy bed 

Dogs are like us, and they need a place to feel safe and comfortable. A new puppy needs a quiet place for it to sleep and feel safe. Puppies sleep and play together and have their mother’s protection. When you bring a puppy home, it is vital that the puppy feels safe. 

We recommend close physical contact during the first few days at your home. If you have other pets or larger dogs at home, keep the puppy away from the for the first few days.

Puppy food 

A Rottweiler puppy grows quickly and needs nutrition that can match its growth rate. In India, we recommend feeding a Rottweiler-puppy specialty dog food. 

Royal Canin formulates and sells an excellent Rottweiler puppy food, ensure that you feed such high-quality dog food during your puppy’s development stages.

In India, dog owners are guilty of three things when it comes to puppy food.

  • Feeding milk
  • Feeding homemade food
  • Feeding calcium supplements

We don’t recommend any of these practices. Packaged milk is not suitable for dogs; instead, feed your puppy yogurt. Puppies require balanced and high-quality nutrition, which is available only in specially formulated dog food. Never feed any supplements to your puppy. If you feed protein-rich dog food to your puppy, they can get all the vitamins and calcium they need. 

Play 

Rottweiler puppies learn vital life lessons through play and physical contact. Playing with your Rottweiler has several advantages, such as. 

  • Playing establishes a strong between the puppy and you. Physical contact will help the puppy build trust and a positive relationship with you.
  • Rottweilers grow up to be large dogs. A puppy is easier to manage, and you can quickly establish yourself as the pack leader.
  • Playing exercises your puppy and helps in its physical development. 

Please note, Rottweiler puppies have sharp teeth that can cause minor injuries. If you are careful, your puppy will soon learn to control the force with which it bites.

Training and socializing your Rottweiler puppy

Rottweiler Puppy Training

Rottweilers need training and socialization from the early stages of their growth. Most people make the mistake of not training and socializing their Rottweilers. In the case of a Rottweiler, the consequences of inadequate socialization are severe.

Ensure that you introduce your puppy Rottweiler to all your friends and people who frequent your home. These dogs are naturally wary of strangers and are protective of their home. Teaching your Rottweiler friend from foe is vital to prevent unintended attacks.

Training your dog is also crucial. Ensure you train your dog to “release” and “heel” on command. Training your dog to release and heel on command will help you to intervene in case of an attack.

Rottweilers respond well to positive reinforcement training, which is an excellent form of obedience training.

Veterinary care for your Rottweiler puppy 

Like all dogs that live in India, your Rottweiler puppy needs periodic vaccination and deworming. Parvovirus is a deadly virus that affects puppies less than six months of age.

Ensure that you get your puppy vaccinated and follow the recommended vaccination schedule as prescribed by your veterinarian.

Breeding Rottweilers in India

Rottweiler Pair

Breeding dogs is an ethical responsibility, and it is not for everyone. If your motive towards breeding Rottweiler in India is purely for profit, please rethink your reasons.

Rottweiler breeder responsibilities 

Rottweiler Breeders Responsibility Illustration

The following should be the key responsibilities of a genuine Rottweiler breeder in India.

  • The welfare of the breed – The foremost responsibility of any Rottweiler breeder should be the breed’s welfare. Rottweiler is a beautiful dog, as breeders, we want to ensure that Rottweilers in India conform to the highest standards. We don’t want to pollute its gene pool.
  • Education and Information – Rottweiler in India has a bad reputation due to misinformed dog owners who buy from breeders of profit. As a Rottweiler breeder, we must educate and inform dog owners about the breed.

Tips for breeding Rottweilers in India

Rottweiler Breeding tips Illustration

India is home to some of the best Rottweilers in the world. As Rottweiler breeders, we must contribute to the breed by adhering to breeding standards and best practices. 

Tips for choosing the right breeding pair

  • The chosen Rottweiler pair must be two years or older. Kennel Club of India does not recommend breeding dogs less than two years of age. Also, dogs need time to mature before they can have their offspring.
  • Ensure that the male and female Rottweiler are in perfect health. Never breed dogs that are sick or recovering from illness. Get your breeding pair checked by a vet.
  • For the welfare of the Rottweiler breed, ensure that the chosen breeding pair conforms to established Rottweiler breed standards.
  • Never breed dogs that have hereditary or congenital disabilities (birth defects).
  • Ensure your breeding pair has KCI certification. KCI certificates have the dog’s lineage and detailed pedigree information.

Tips for taking care of a pregnant/nursing dog 

Rottweiler relaxing
  • Pregnant dogs need twice as much nutrition. The average litter size of a Rottweiler is between eight to twelve. A pregnant Rottweiler needs to provide nourishment for her puppies and her own body.
  • Increase the number of meals towards the end of the pregnancy. We recommend feeding your pregnant Rottweiler puppy dog food due to its higher nutritional value.

Royal Canin’s Maxi starter for mother and pup is an excellent choice for a pregnant/nursing dog. This food is expensive, but we still recommend it. You recover the cost through the sale of healthy and happy puppies.”

  • Get your dogs vaccinated before the pregnancy and litter. Mother dogs pass immunity to her litter through her milk. Hence, we recommend that you complete all the necessary vaccinations.

Tips for newborn Rottweiler puppies

Playful Rottweiler puppies
  • Rottweilers are pregnant for about two months (gestation period of 63 days). 
  • If you have a pregnant dog, you need to prepare a quite and safe place for your Rottweiler to give birth. Just before giving birth, you will notice that your dog will start to dig and feel restless.
  • You will need old blankets, lots of towels, gloves, and paper towels to wipe the puppies clean. Soon after birth, your Rottweiler will eat the placenta to let her newborn out.
  • Wipe the puppies clean after their mother has licked them thoroughly. It will be between 6 to 12 hours before your dog gives birth to all her puppies.
  • Never bathe your Rottweiler right after giving birth. The mother dog will rarely leave her puppies alone, wait for a week before washing her.
  • Rottweiler puppies are born in all sizes and are blind and deaf at birth. Smaller puppies will need your help for nursing. You will need to spare a month, 24×7, to take care of the newborns.

Registering your litter with Kennel Club of India

Rottweiler KCI Registration illustration

The KCI has a simple litter registration process. You need to get the puppy registration form from the KCI office or download it from the internet. Fill the form and pay the necessary fees for registration.

KCI will also need a copy of the KCI certificates of both parent dogs for registering the litter. After receiving the form, a KCI representative will visit your home to verify the details that you provided. Post the manual check. You will receive the KCI registration certificates in the mail.

Selling Rottweiler puppies in India

After your puppies are fully weaned (40 to 45 days), they will be ready for their new homes. We recommend that you have your litter fully vaccinated and dewormed before you sell them.

Selling Rottweilers in India is easy; there is a massive demand for these dogs. However, we don’t recommend selling your puppies to anyone who offers to pay the price.

Rottweiler is a large and powerful dog. Not every buyer can manage these dogs. As a responsible breeder, it is your responsibility to ensure that your puppies go to homes that can provide proper care. You should never sell your Rottweiler puppies to first-time dog owners.

Rottweiler buyers guide in India

Rottweiler buyers guide

If you are fascinated by a Rottweiler and are looking to bring a puppy home, please read the below section thoroughly. Rottweilers statistically are the second most dangerous dog in the world. We recommend that you understand the breed requirements before making your decision.

Is the Rottweiler dog the correct dog breed for me?

Rottweiler buyers guide

Despite being famous, Rottweilers in India are often in the news for all the wrong reasons. There are several instances of vicious and some times fatal attacks by Rottweilers in India.

A Rottweiler dog is massive, powerful, has high prey-drive, and is intensely loyal. These are not your average household pets like the Indian Spitz or Lhasa Apso

People often make the mistake of bringing a Rottweiler home without fully understanding them. Our research shows that the lack of experience with large dogs as the primary reason behind the Rottweiler attacks in India.

We urge our readers to consider bringing home a Rottweiler only when you have firsthand experience in managing large dogs. The best large breed for first-time dog owners in India is a Labrador Retriever.

Pre-requisites for owning a Rottweiler in India 

Below is a list of pre-requisites that you need before you bring home a Rottweiler.

  • Prior experience with large dogs – Never bring home a Rottweiler if you don’t have firsthand experience with large dogs (dogs above 35Kg). A Rottweiler in the hands of a novice dog owner is a ticking time bomb.
  • Time, space, and money – As a working dog, Rottweilers need daily walks and exercises. While a Rottweiler can be an excellent companion dog, they aren’t lap-dogs that can live in an apartment. You need to invest your time and money towards the welfare of your dog. 
  • A dog-loving family – You must have the full support of your family when bringing home a large dog like the Rottweiler. It is impossible to manage a Rottweiler if you don’t have the support of your family.

Choosing the right breeder

Getting your puppy from a reputable breeder will ensure a happy and safe ownership experience. You want to ensure that the dog you bring home is both physically and mentally healthy.

  • Choose a reputable breeder who is open and willingly shares details about his dogs. A good breeder will be more interested in the welfare of his puppies than about money.
  • Never buy puppies from brokers or puppy mills. Always insist on speaking to the breeder directly, even if you get connected through a broker.
  • A good breeder will be knowledgeable about the breed in general. They should be able to guide you with food, vaccination, recommend a vet, and other essentials.
  • A good breeder does not breed his dogs for profit. While money plays a role, it will not be the most crucial aspect. They usually have other sources of income and don’t breed dogs for profit.

Choosing the right puppy

Right Rottweiler breeder

Adopting a puppy is not as important as choosing the right breeder. If you buy your Rottweiler from a good breeder, you don’t have to be worried about the puppy.

Every litter has two kinds of puppies. 

  • Show quality puppies – A show quality puppy is one that has tremendous show potential. These puppies conform to the breed standards and have no faults. 99% of us don’t need a show quality puppy and are generally expensive.
  • Pet quality puppies – Pet quality puppies are the best for your home. These puppies are show worthy but might have some minor and unnoticeable faults.

Typical pitfalls to avoid when buying Rottweilers in India

Pitfalls in buying Rottweiler
  • Never buy your puppy online. Online purchases that involve full payment or half payment upfront is a fraud. We recommend that you visit the breeder and get your puppy.
  • Just because a puppy has a KCI certificate does not make that puppy expensive. There are several instances of people falling for a KCI certificate. Do your research before you make a payment.
  • Remember, quality comes at a cost. Never buy a puppy because a breeder is quoting less. If you want quality, be ready to pay a premium.

What is the annual maintenance cost of a Rottweiler in India?

The cost of owning a Rottweiler in India depends on several factors. Your biggest expense with Rottweiler or any other dog breed will be its food. If you intend to breed a Rottweiler, then your cost goes up even further. 

Rottweilers are not native to India, and they are a large breed of dog. These dogs are also in high demand, which makes these dogs expensive. If you are looking for more cost-effective options, you must consider native Indian dog breeds. Dog breeds like KombaiRajapalayam, and Kanni are excellent guard dogs and thrive on homemade food.

We recommend that you read our post of 100 dog breed prices in India. It should give you an idea about the costs involved in owning and maintaining a dog in India.

The total cost of ownership – Rottweilers in India

ItemCost/monthAnnual cost
Puppy cost* (not included in total)₹15,000 to ₹40,000
Food₹6500₹78,000
Health₹1000₹12,000
Other₹1000₹12,000
Total cost₹1,02,000

Cost of the puppy

Rottweilers are in high demand in India. A Rottweiler puppy costs between ₹15,000 to ₹40,000. The price varies depending on the breeder, pedigree, and the city from where you buy. Some breeders import their dogs from the US or Germany and charge a premium (greater than ₹70,000).

If you are looking for a dog to guard your home, we don’t recommend paying anything beyond ₹40,000

Food and treat cost 

Dog food will be the biggest part of your expense. Rottweilers need a protein-rich diet. While these dogs can survive in homemade food to reach their full potential, you need high-quality commercial dog food. 

Rottweiler that lives only on homemade dog food will never reach its full potential in size and weight. If you bring home a Rottweiler, you must be willing to shell out extra rupees for their food.

Vet cost

Rottweiler is a healthy breed of dog with few ailments. We anticipate your vet expense to be minimum. However, remember these dogs are not native to India and are not as adapted to Indian climate as native Indian dogs.

Other essentials for Rottweilers in India

You need to plan for miscellaneous expenses such as shampoos, bedding, brush, tick and flea control, collar, and leash. 

Pet insurance cost for Rottweilers in India

Pet insurance is not very popular in India. There are insurance companies that provide insurance cover for medical expenses, theft, and liabilities. It is not a bad idea to get your dog insured.

Interesting facts about Rottweilers in India

Interesting facts about Rottweiler
  • It was only in the mid-1990s, Rottweilers reached India. Since that time, these dogs have become very popular among Indians.
  • The first Rottweiler to reach India was an American Rottweiler. After a few years, Indian breeders started importing German Rottweilers from Germany.
  • In India, Rottweilers are one of the most preferred guard dogs.
  • India is home to some of the best Rottweilers in the world. Rottweilers from India participate and have won accolades from international dog shows.
  • Rottweilers are the second most dangerous dog in the world, preceded by the American Pit Bull.
  • Due to inexperienced owners, Rottweilers in India have earned a bad reputation for mauling and killing people.

Conclusion – Rottweilers in India

Rottweiler working

Rottweilers are a beautiful and affectionate dog breed. With proper training and care, a Rottweiler will be your family’s guardian, protector, and an unforgettable friend.

Like any large breed of dog, we want our readers to exercise wisdom before bringing home a Rottweiler. If you are keen on getting a Rottweiler, get some experience with large dogs first.

Any mistakes that we make reflects poorly on this magnificent breed. India has not banned Rottweilers, let us keep it that way.