Rottweilers are an imposing, huge dog breed that many people purchase when seeking an outstanding guard dog. This should come as no surprise: Rottweiler dogs are excellent family protectors.
A Rottweiler is an excellent choice for either a formidable guard dog or a beloved companion. However, before you go out and get a
Rottweiler, be sure you can afford one. More than just the adoption fee goes into owning a dog.
The famous Rottie, a descendant of the Neapolitan Mastiff, is a friendly family pet and a guard dog.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) named the Rottweiler breed the most popular guard dog in America in 2020.
Because of its popularity, many people believe that this breed is pricey. A Rottweiler puppy costs roughly $2,000.
The Rottweiler’s price is also determined by its state of health. However, because they are prone to costly health complications, their lifetime cost may reach $22,000. Hip dysplasia is a very prevalent condition in this huge breed.
There are a variety of one-time, monthly, and even sporadic fees that may arise. We cover all of them in this guide. You’ll know precisely how much you’ll need to spend on this large breed of dog in order to keep your pooch happy and healthy.
Rottweiler Price
Average cost of a pet-quality dog from a reputable breeder ranges from about $1,200 to $2,000. However, dogs with champion bloodlines and an excellent pedigree can cost up to $4,000!
So, what we get from these facts is that the average purebred Rottweiler’s price is around $1,500. This fee is in the same price category of those like Dobermans and Bullmastiffs, which ranges from $1,500 to $2,500.
In the 19th century, Rottweilers were used to herd cattle and to guard farms and livestock in Germany. At the end of the 19th century, they almost went extinct due to fast industrialization. Thankfully, some families decided to keep them as guard dogs, and because of that, they are still with us today!
At the end of the 20th century, purebred puppies cost about $800. At the start of the 21st century, their average price went up by $700, and the price we have nowadays is about $1,500.
Female Rotties have a bigger demand because of their nature, which is more suited for you and your family members. Males are more aggressive, and a bit bigger, which is why people opt more for females. Check out the Rottweiler growth chart to see more.
The price for a male Rottweiler is from $800 to $1,500, and the price for females is from about $1,000 to $2,500.
Here is a graphic illustration that shows the initial and first-year costs of a Rottweiler puppy. I’ve limited it to the necessities, but you may go crazy with shopping if you want. Nobody is holding you down.
| Puppy Price | $1,500 |
| Veterinary checkups | $500 |
| Food | $70 |
| Water bowls | $20 |
| Toys | $30 |
| Leash | $30 |
| Collar and microchip | $110 |
| Dog bed | $200 |
| Grooming essentials | $80 |
| Deworming and tick medications | $100 for both |
| Neutering or spaying | $100 to $500 depends on the veterinarian |
| Dog license | $20 |
| Miscellaneous | $30 |
| Total | $3,000 |
Here is a table containing all the necessary annual costs you should consider before becoming a dog owner:
| Item | Yearly Cost |
|---|---|
| Food and treats | $900 to $1,200 |
| Toys | $30 to $100 |
| Bed and crate | $250 to $500 |
| Leash and collar | $30 to $50 |
| Grooming essentials | $200 to $500 |
| Deworming and tick medication | $150 to $250 |
| Vaccinations | $80 to $250 |
| Pet insurance | $800 to $1,500 |
| Vet checkups | $200 to $400 |
| Miscellaneous supplies | $30 to $50 |
A Brief Introduction To The Rottweiler Dog Breed
Now, let’s learn something about the Rottweiler’s origins. There are two more ways you can call your dog: Rottie or Rott. These watch dogs originated in Germany, just the same as German Shepherds. They are purebred, large dogs, with a lifespan of eight to eleven years.
They are described as alert, courageous, fearless, independent, intelligent, loyal, and protective dogs.
A male’s height ranges from about twenty-four to twenty-seven inches, and its weight is from ninety to one-hundred and thirty pounds, while females range from twenty-two to twenty-five inches, and weigh about eighty to one-hundred and ten pounds.
They come in three different colors: black and mahogany, black and tan, or black and rust. Their litter size is from eight to twelve Rottweiler puppies.
When left alone, they are not very good with children. So, to avoid any inconvenience, you should allow your Rottie puppies to grow up with your children. This dog breed is also shy and reserved towards new people and strangers.
To keep these dogs in great shape, they need a lot of exercise. The two best activities that Rotties like are swimming and jogging. Also, they like to chase a ball, and you don’t need to be afraid that they are gonna run away from you.
A Rottweiler requires minimal grooming. They are pretty much low-maintenance dogs. To maintain its coat and hair, brush him once a week with a good, soft brush.
Dog training is one essential thing you need to do with your Rottie. They are eager to learn, so you need to teach them to be obedient to you while they are still puppies. Also, they are very clever dogs, and they can be successful in many dog sports and contests.
Read More: Rottweiler Tail Docking: A Justified Tradition Or A Cruel Practice?
Price Of A Rottweiler Puppy
German Rottweiler puppies are more expensive than American Rottweiler puppies that are registered by the American Kennel Club (AKC). This is because of the fact that the sales of German puppies is heavily regulated by the German government.
German Rotties are more muscular, and have a slightly bigger head, which is the main difference between German and American Rottweilers. German variations of the Rottweiler are mostly used for police purposes. A German purebred puppy’s price ranges from $2,500 to $3,000. If you are located in America, and want to buy a German Rott puppy, the delivery and relocation fees start at $500!
Most American families opt for AKC-recognized or unregistered Rottweiler puppies that are for sale, and their purchase price ranges from $1,000 to $1,500. The only downside in buying unregistered puppies is that they can’t be sold as purebreds.
Rottweiler breeders will charge more for puppies if there is a higher demand for them. Opposite to this, if there are more dog breeders available, and there isn’t that much demand, the price will be lower.
The average price of a Rottweiler is based on where it is purchased. Low-cost Rottweilers can be acquired at animal shelters, backyard breeders, or puppy mills, but they come with a moderate to high risk of health problems.
As a result, to avoid additional costs and assure a high-quality Rottweiler puppy, only purchase from renowned and reputable breeders.
Coat Color And Price
The color of a puppy’s coat is another factor that influences its pricing.
Red Rottweilers are incredibly unusual and unregistered. They are frequently the product of inbreeding, and they are rarely bred for.
Blue is another coat color option. A blue coat is produced by a genetic mutation that results in the dilution of the black coat, giving them a gray or slate-blue appearance.
Due to their exclusivity, red and blue puppies may cost up to $1,000 extra.
Initial Rottweiler Cost
For a Rottie puppy, you will need to pay anywhere in the range of $800 to $2,500. Of course, there is always the option of adoption. The price to adopt a Rottweiler puppy is significantly lower than to buy a purebred from a reputable breeder. Its price ranges from $400 to $700, and this includes pet insurance and obligatory vaccinations.
Fortunately, the majority of the costs are absorbed during the first year. Because your dog will no longer require new toys, collars, or beds on a regular basis, the average Rottweiler cost for mature dogs will fall dramatically in the coming years.
Annual Cost Of Owning A Rottweiler
Now, before buying a Rottweiler, you should know how much he is gonna cost you yearly. This is the key thing you should consider – you must know how much you can afford to spend on your beloved Rottie. But, remember… due to their fairly long lifespan, this is an eight- to twelve-year-long commitment, so let’s prepare you with the most important costs that await you!
Before buying a Rottweiler puppy, you should look into the best pet insurance you can afford for your family pet.
Premium pet insurance costs from $800 to $1,500. Routine veterinary care is another continuous expenditure. This includes puppy checkups, dental treatment, and preventative maintenance. Every year, vet care might cost between $200 and $400.
Prices For Mixed Rottweilers
Rottweiler mixes are less expensive than purebreds, but they can have similar dog characteristics. Mixes can occasionally be a good match for families, and are substantially less expensive.
The mix of a Rottweiler and a German Shepherd can cost from $250 to $800. These are bred from German watch dogs, so they are great guarding dogs.
Rottweiler and Pitbull mixes often cost from $150 to $800. Just like their parents, these dogs are protective, but smaller than their parents. They can get aggressive if not trained well.
The Rottweiler and Husky mix is more expensive than the previous two. Its price ranges from $500 to $1,000. This mix is more expensive because Huskies are more expensive. These dogs are a bit different from their friends. They are lovable and have a nicer attitude, so their training might last a little longer.
5 Factors Affecting The Rottweiler’s Price
Rottweilers are among the most expensive dog breeds, such as the Samoyed and the Akita. Since their price often fluctuates, here are the five factors that have a huge impact on a Rottweiler’s price.
Age
Like in any other dog breed, puppies tend to have higher average prices than the adult ones. For example, a six-month-old puppy is gonna be more expensive than a ten-month-old puppy. Rottweilers, while in their younger stages, are easier to train. They are more intelligent, and that’s why younger Rotties are more expensive.
Registration papers
A registered puppy by the AKC gives the dog owner the security that the dog is bred by the breed standard. But, of course, the only downside with a registered puppy is that it costs more.
Bloodline
The pedigree is an important component in determining the price of a Rottweiler. Outstanding bloodlines result in a high-quality Rottweiler. Show-quality puppies and purebreds from respectable and trustworthy breeders might easily cost three times as much as those from a puppy factory.
Training and socialization
Rottweiler puppies that are already trained may cost more. In advance, this can help you save some money because you don’t need to pay for training.
Origins
Rottweilers are divided into two types: German Rottweilers, and American Rottweilers. Their ancestry influences their general appearance, musculature, and behavior. German Rottweilers may be pricey since they are descendants from the original German lineage, and also because of delivery fees.
Health Issues And Veterinary Bills
Every dog has the potential to inherit genetic health problems, just as every person has the ability to inherit a certain disease. Run away from any breeder who does not give a health guarantee on their pups, or who claims that the breed is 100% healthy and has no known issue. A professional breeder will be open and honest about their breed’s health issues. The Rottweiler is prone to a variety of health issues. Here’s a quick review of a few conditions you should be aware of.
According to many pet insurers, these mentioned health problems could be very costly, so here is a list with all the costs to treat them:
| Hip dysplasia | $1,500 to $6,000 |
| Elbow dysplasia | $1,500 to $4,000 |
| Osteochondritis of the spine and ankles | $2,000 to $4,000 |
| Osteochondritis of the shoulders | $2,000 to $4,000 |
| Entropion | $300 to $1,500 |
| Subaortic stenosis | $500 to $1,000 |
Careful breeders examine their breeding dogs for genetic illnesses, and they breed only the healthiest and most attractive specimens. Because of advances in veterinary medicine and treatments, most dogs can still enjoy a normal life. If you’re trying to purchase a puppy, check with the breeder about the aging of the dogs in her lines, and what caused their death.
I should advise you not to miss vaccination shots for your dogs. These are the most important ones, and this is how much it’s gonna cost you:
| Influenza vaccine | $70 to $90 |
| Lyme disease | $50 to $80 |
| Leptospirosis | $15 to $20 |
After the first year of owning a Rottie, the vet bills start to reduce, so you can spare between $100 and $250. But, with Mother Nature, you never know if your dog will get sick. Those health risks can bring even more vet bills.
Rottweiler Dog Food Prices
As we said, Rottweilers are big dogs, and they demand a lot of food. From the beginning, you should invest in a bit expensive quality dog food if you want your dog to grow up healthy and strong. Purebred adults weigh about seventy-five to one-hundred and thirty pounds. A one-hundred pound Rottweiler will eat six bowls of food every day! This means you will be spending a large amount of money on dog food.
On the other hand, if you don’t invest in quality food, you will risk the fact that your dog could have health issues, and risk more dangerous health conditions.
Prices By State
Fun fact: Rottweilers are the most popular dog that is bred in France, even though they are originally from Germany. In the U.S., they are the most bred dogs in Detroit.
The price of a Rottweiler is determined by the demand for the pups in a certain state as well as the number of breeders in that area.
If there is a huge market for pups, but just a few breeders, they may charge you a higher price for their puppies. Adoption fees will be reduced if there is limited demand and a large number of breeders.
Purebred Rottweiler pricing in North Carolina, Georgia, and California is roughly $1,000, which is greater than in Texas and Virginia. If your puppy has been sent from another state, the cost might additionally be higher in the range of $120 to $300.
Here, we will show you a table with the different prices in different states of the U.S.:
| State | Price range |
|---|---|
| Texas | $800 to $2,000 |
| Virginia | $800 to $1,000 |
| New York | $1,000 to $3,000 |
| North Carolina | $1,500 to $2,500 |
| California | $1,500 to $2,500 |
| Georgia | $1,750 to $2,500 |
Final Thoughts
The Rottweiler is, by nature, a happy dog that can be an ideal fit as your new family member. As long as you feed them, have a warm bed for them, and love them with all your heart, there is no way that your puppy will have a bad life.
The average price of a pet-quality Rottweiler dog from a reputable breeder is from about $1,200 to $2,000. However, dogs with champion bloodlines and an excellent pedigree can cost up to $4,000!
So, what we get from these facts is that the average purebred Rottweiler price is around $1,500. This price is in the same price category as those like Dobermans and Bullmastiffs, which range from $1,500 to $2,500.
We talked about how a Rottweiler’s price is sometimes conditioned by its health problems. So, what you need to do is check with breeders if they’ve done medical examinations on their dogs, and also whether they are one-hundred percent healthy!
When you take everything into account, only the first year is expensive. After that, the cost reduces almost to half! So, you just need to survive the first twelve months. To wrap it up, a Rottweiler’s price is pretty high, but you will get a friend for life!
