The Rottweiler is a robust, powerful, and loyal dog with strong protective instincts. Rottweilers are outstanding companions and protectors. Because of the Rottweiler's size, strength, and protectiveness, owning a Rottweiler carries a great deal of responsibility and commitment.

Your first consideration in adopting a Rottweiler should be the knowledge that until the age of ten or more years, the dog will be a part of your household. Unlike your automobile, you can not trade in your Rottweiler for a newer model. As a companion to your whole family, your Rottweiler will reflect the love and affection you show him.

How Rottweilers adapt to children varies from individual to individual. Many are very tolerant and loving towards children. Others resent the occasional rough treatment an unknowing child can inflict.

The dog's size can be a serious problem. Rottweilers have accidentally caused injuries to small children in the family by bumping into them and knocking them down or into furniture. This bumping is a natural behavior of the Rottweiler, a legacy from the days when the breed was used to herd cattle. Rottweilers will bump and herd children or elderly family members.

Some breeders recommend waiting until children are at least school age or older before bringing a Rottweiler into your home. The amount of space in your home, the age of your children, and the amount of time the dog will be in contact with your children should be part of your decision making process.

Rottweilers vary from natural clowns, affectionate to almost everyone, to the very reserved one-man dog. Rottweilers are calm and alert companions. Rottweilers often follow their masters around the house keeping a constant and sometimes obtrusive watch over their loved ones.

Rottweilers are intelligent working dogs and begin responding to commands as soon as they understand what you want of them. Occasionally there are exceptions. It is very important to establish control over your dog. Obedience training is the easiest and best way to do this.

Although we believe the Rottweiler approaches being the perfect dog, THEY ARE NOT FOR EVERYONE. Owning any dog involves certain responsibilities and this is particularly true of a large, protective breed. YOU, AS A ROTTWEILER OWNER, HAVE THE OBLIGATION OF CARING FOR AND CONTROLLING A DOG WHO IS GOING TO BE STRONGER THAN YOU ARE. Unless you take this responsibility very seriously and are willing to put the time, energy, and thought needed into raising your dog properly, your Rottweiler will be a burden instead of a joy.