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MALE OR FEMALE: Males and females differ in this breed. The male is more massive in frame, height and bone. Fully grown he will weigh approximately 50 to 55kgs compared to a female at approximately 40 kgs. The male (in most cases) is more head strong and assertive, needing a firm hand and authoritative voice. The Rottie will require plenty of socialising with other dogs and other people from a very young age - this is the key to having socially acceptable rottweilers in our community.

The owner must show that he/she is master and in control of the situation, not the dog. The dog must know his/her place in your pack ie: at the bottom after you, your partner and the children. The dog is happy with whatever position in the pack he/she is given, however given the opportunity to pick for his/herself the choice would be leader and that can not be allowed to happen.

BASIC OBEDIENCE TRAINING WITH BOTH MALES AND FEMALES IS A MUST. THE DOG MUST BE TAUGHT WHAT IS AND ISN'T ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR AND YOU MUST BE TAUGHT HOW TO TEACH YOUR DOG! Do not send your dog off for someone else to train. The best training is when you and you dog learn together.

WHICH TO BUY - SHOW OR PET QUALITY? Let's start with a show pup. The only reason to buy a show puppy is if you are truely interested in showing or breeding from the animal. That is what you are paying the extra for a puppy which at that time is suitable and of a high enough standard that can be shown and eventually be breed from. (assuming it continues to make the grade). Show puppies have a lot of "hoops" that have to jump through. Firstly they have to be born with no disqualifying breed faults ie: they must have a correct scissor bite; they must have no white hair on them; they must have no kinks in their tails and also no eyelid defects called entropian or ectropian - where the eyelid turns in or out. Then once their adult teeth have come through, usually by around 7 months of age, they must still have a correct scissor bite and also all 42 of their new teeth correctly placed. (If they are missing a tooth they become a pet and as such you cannot show them or breed from them). Then once they turn 12 months of age they must have their hips and elbows x-rayed and scored in order to ensure that only structurally sound stock is used in breeding programmes. If they pass all of this then you have yourself a show dog.

Now lets talk pet quality. If what you are after is a companion dog then this is what you are after. What makes it a pet? Well, sometimes the bite of the puppy is not correct - this doesn't affect the dog at all but it can't be shown. Sometimes it might have white hairs - usually found in a small patch on the chest - again doesn't affect him but he can't be shown. Or because in the show ring we prefer a dark brown eye, sometimes a medium brown or light brown eyed pup will be sold as a pet. In many cases the pup you buy as a pet may actually be of show quality but there are just not enough show homes for all the pups so the breeder places the puppy in a pet home.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL PUPPIES MUST BE SOLD WITH PAPERS IT IS AGAINST CANINE COUNCIL REGULATIONS TO SELL A PUPPY WITHOUT PAPERS. Show puppies papers are coloured blue and pet puppies papers are red.

The decision is then yours as to which you buy. But remember all puppies should be guaranteed against hereditary diseases as a minimum. Check with the breeder as to what they guarantee exactly don't just assume everyone is they same - THEY ARE NOT!

WHERE TO PURCHASE A PUPPY: Purchasing a puppy requires a great deal of thought and consideration, as this animal will be a member of your household for quite a number of years - hopefully 10 or more years. There are many Rottweiler "breeders" around who lack knowledge of the breed, and therefore are unable to make sound decisions regarding genetic influence etc. Look for a reputable breeder, who is a member of a breed club in their state, who knows the breed, one who can discuss the good and bad attributes, has an understanding of genetic defects, and screens his/her animals for these defects.

A breeder who can discuss intelligently his/her breeding program, (i.e.) the reasons for doing specific matings, what qualities does he/she hope to gain from these matings etc. His/Her dogs should be happy to see them, his/her puppies should be playful and alert to their surroundings, and eager to see new people. A reputable breeder will offer ongoing advice and assistance with your new pup. A reputable breeder will always spend a reasonable amount of time screening you, making sure you have the time, facilities and basic understanding of the responsibility you are undertaking. See our Available Litters page for club members who conform to our breeding guidelines, and who currently have puppies available. Remember that the litter listing is not necessarily an endorsement it is a paid advertisement; it is up to you to make up your own mind about their credentials.

The Club's Championship Shows provide an excellent opportunity to talk to breeders and Rottweiler owners. Our shows attract breeders and exhibitors from all over Australia. Most breeders and owners are more than happy to talk and advise prospective Rottweiler owners about the breed. Our first show is always held over the Easter long weekend, with judging commencing on the Friday and finishing on the Sunday. Our second show is held in September, details of the date may be obtained from our Upcoming Events page. Everyone is welcome along to our shows, which are held at the CNCC Dog Showgrounds, Hillsborough Rd, Hillsborough - at the rear of the grounds. Breeders who exhibit at shows quite often have pet quality puppies available, for sale to good homes, and sometimes ex show dogs (usually 6 to 12 months of age) that for one reason or another may not have made the grade.

Remember, don't buy the first pup you see - all puppies are cute! Shop around, make sure you are comfortable with what you are buying and who you are buying it from. You may need that breeders help throughout your dogs life make sure the breeder you are buying from will be there to assist you - a reputable breeder will be.

GOOD LUCK!