Rottweiler Price Guide (Puppies & Adults) & Ownership Costs

The distinctively handsome Rottweiler is a powerful dog. The breed’s original purpose included driving cattle to market and pulling carts laden with food products for butchers. In time, the courageous Rottweiler took pride of place alongside officers on the police force and also played an important role in the military. A breed that is an excellent watchdog, the Rottweiler makes for a wonderful family companion but because of its strength and tenacity is not suited to first time dog owners.

Thinking the Rottweiler is the perfect dog for you? Read on to learn more about how much you can expect to pay for your new canine pal.

How Much is a Rottweiler Puppy? $1500-$6000+

Once you’ve decided on the right breed for you, it’s time to begin researching you much you can expect to pay for your new canine family member and friend. It only takes a quick look at Google’s results for you to discover that there is a large range of prices when it comes to purchasing a Rottweiler puppy. It is quite true that making the decision to obtain a Rottweiler pup from a reputable breeder will most likely cost you more money up front; however, these few extra dollars and cents may be the best money you’ll ever spend in the long run.

Dog breeding is currently an international practice that is unregulated. This means that each breeder has the freedom to set what they feel is a fair price for their puppies. Because of this, there is no such thing as standardized pricing for the purchase of a puppy regardless of the puppy’s breed or location in the world.

How do breeders decide how much to charge for their puppies?

There are a lot of different factors that combine to help breeders determine how much money is a fair price to charge for their puppies. One thing that is important for you to bear in mind is that the price you pay for your Rottweiler puppy is not representative of the dog’s quality. Some well-bred puppies are priced lower than pups you purchase from a person on an online marketplace. The opposite can also be true: you may pay a premium price for a puppy that is not a stellar example of its breed.

When it comes to the purchase of a puppy, it is best to avoid breeders who seem to offer bargain basement prices. Sadly, the old adage is quite true: most often, you do get what you pay for in life.

If you are considering the purchase of a Rottweiler puppy who is available for a very low price, you are wise to ask yourself, and the breeder selling the puppy, why. Penny pinching for your puppy purchase may come at a great cost later.

It is quite true that you can expect to pay a higher price to purchase a puppy from a reputable breeder than what you would pay for a pup obtained from a shelter, rescue, or online marketplace. However, it is important to note that puppies purchased from a loving, committed breeder come with lifelong benefits for you and your pup. The price a breeder sets for their puppies is determined by the level of investment they have made in their breed, their own dogs, and their puppies. Factors that may play a role in this final number are things like appropriate health testing for both of the parent dogs, stud fees for the sire’s service, pre- and post-natal care for the mother dog, and the expenses involved in whelping and raising a litter well.

One of the most important goals of a reputable breeder is a concerted effort to produce puppies that closely match their breed standard. This goal requires a firm commitment to optimal health and wellness in all breeding pairs to provide the assurance of the future wellbeing of any resulting offspring. Correct temperament for the breed and sound body structure are also vitally important. Careful attention to these characteristics helps to ensure the preservation of the breed for the future and a continued effort to produce puppies that are well-suited to life as excellent family companions and well-mannered canine members of society.

The Rottweiler is the 8th most popular breed according to the American Kennel Club’s rankings for the year 2020. Courageous, brave, intense, loyal, and deeply loving, the Rottweiler pup is a natural choice for families that enjoy the active lifestyle. If conformation, performance events, or protection work are in your plans, the Rottweiler is well-suited to these pursuits too. However, sadly, when breeds increase in popularity, they become easy prey for unscrupulous breeders who begin to overbreed and dramatically increase their puppy prices with the sole purpose of making money.

Reputable breeders remain steadfast by their pricing regardless of the demand for their breed. They do not increase their number of litters or inflate their pricing because the market demands more. Instead, their prices only change when their expenses rise to the point that a slight increase is required to help meet their costs.

Though there is quite a large range of pricing when it comes to the purchase of a Rottweiler pup, you can expect to pay as little as $1500 and as high as $6000 for a pet quality Rottweiler puppy. Show companion puppies fetch a slightly higher price, but it is important to note that pet puppies are no less special than their littermates; they simply fulfill a different role.

However, there are many more expenses to consider than simply the initial purchase price of your Rottweiler. Other costs you will need to keep in mind for the future include veterinary care, vaccinations, training, grooming, food, toys, and much, much more.

How Much Does a Rottweiler Cost? $1500-$6000+

The purchase of a Rottweiler puppy will cost you more than what you would pay to acquire an adult, retired breeding or show dog, or a senior. Rottweiler puppies are a fairly expensive dog type to purchase; however, there is a wide range between the most commonly seen low end of the spectrum and the upper end. Location may play a vital role in the end price you pay.

You may have the great fortune of discovering a Rottweiler puppy/adult or a Rottweiler mix available for adoption at your local shelter or rescue. If this is an option that appeals you, there are definitely benefits you can gain. Adult Rottweilers and Rottweiler mixes from shelters will already by up to date on all of their vaccinations, and most often, come already fully housetrained. Adoption fees are typically much less than what you would pay to purchase a purebred Rottweiler puppy from a reputable breeder.

Most states also have rescues that are specifically for assisting with the rehoming of Rottweilers. These rescues may be able to help direct you to the perfect dog for your home.

Companion Rottweiler Puppies=$1500-$6000

$1500 is the starting point for a Rottweiler companion puppy; however, some breeders are able to charge as much as $6000 for their pups. As a general average for this particular breed, you can expect to pay between $2000-$2500 for a pet quality Rottweiler pup.

Show Potential Rottweiler Puppies=$2000+

Some breeders sell puppies between 8 and 16 weeks of age as show potential. This is because puppies at this tender age still have much developing to do, and though they may look very good at this time, their structure may change as they mature, leaving them unsuited to the role they were originally purchased for. When breeders opt to follow this practice, the price of the puppy is often slightly discounted as the breeder understands the risk you are taking by purchasing a dog that is show potential and not guaranteed to be show quality when fully mature.

Show potential puppies are most often sold on a contract. This contract exists so that both the breeder and the buyer understand what must happen if for some reason the puppy does not develop as expected. Most often, the puppy must be returned to the breeder for a refund or a replacement puppy. The returned puppy is then carefully evaluated by the breeder and ultimately placed in a pet home that is better suited to his or her needs.

Why is there a price difference between show and pet quality puppies?

Each time a show potential puppy from a breeder enters a show ring, the breeder’s breeding program is being carefully evaluated. While these evaluations are very helpful for future improvements and growth, there is a risk involved for the breeder. In order for you to enjoy success in the show ring, your breeder must take a chance on you by selling you one of the best puppies in any given litter that they have produced. For this privilege, you will pay a higher price than what you would pay for a pet puppy who has no expectations placed upon him or her other than to simply be a beloved family companion.

If you wish to purchase a Rottweiler puppy to show, you can expect to pay approximately $2,000, and most often considerably more, for this privilege.

Guaranteed Show Quality Rottweilers (Older Puppies and Young Adults)=$6000+

Rottweilers are a popular and highly competitive breed in the show ring. This means that it is very difficult to find someone who is willing to sell you a guaranteed show quality Rottweiler. If you are fortunate enough to find someone willing to do this for you, you can expect to pay a very high price for the privilege. Most often, this will cost you $6000 or more.

Since a breeder must wait until a dog is fully mature to be able to safely guarantee a dog is worthy and capable of winning in the show ring, you will most often be purchasing a young adult dog if you opt to buy a guaranteed show quality Rottweiler. During this maturing period, your breeder will be watching carefully to ensure the dog does not possess any disqualifying or highly distracting faults and also that the dog has the correct dentition, and if a male, has fully descended testicles.

If you are seeking to purchase a guaranteed show quality Rottweiler, you are asking your breeder to sell you one of the best dogs he or she has ever produced. For this privilege, many breeders will require that you show valid proof of your commitment to show the dog. In many cases, breeders will only sell dogs of this caliber on co-ownerships, allowing them to maintain some control. Co-ownerships can be mutually beneficial arrangements, provided that all expectations are carefully outlaid and agreed to in a firm contract.

Retired Adult Rottweilers=$350-$1000

When a dog has fulfilled its breeder’s goals in the show ring or in their breeding program, they will sometimes make the dog available for placement in a loving forever pet home. Prices for retired adult Rottweilers vary from breeder to breeder. Some breeders opt to sell these dogs for their normal pet puppy fee while others prefer to simply request the amount of money it will cost for the dog’s spay or neuter, an expense ranging from $350 to $1000.

Rescue or Shelter Puppies and Adults=$50-$1000

On occasion, a Rottweiler or Rottweiler mix will become available at a shelter or rescue. When this occurs, you can expect to pay $50-$750 for adult dogs. Puppies are most often available for $750-$1000.

Senior Rottweilers (8+)=$350-$500

Rottweilers have a shorter life expectancy than some breeds, typically living from 8 to 10 years if properly cared for. With this in mind, 8 is the age a vet considers a Rottweiler to be a senior dog. Adopting a senior Rottweiler has its advantages and disadvantages. Of course, elderly Rottweilers have only a few remaining years to enjoy with you, but they do come to you with less exuberance than during their puppy years and already properly trained.

The average price you will pay for a senior Rottweiler is $350 to $550.

Service Dogs=$2000 (+$10,000-$50,000 for training and certification)

Rottweilers have all of the qualities required to make a good service or therapy dog. Most often, breeders will sell their Rottweiler puppies or young adults as service dog prospects for as little as $2000. However, you will still need to complete the rigorous service dog training and certification, a process that can take many years and that costs between $10,000 and $50,000 in total.

Should I Get a Male or a Female Rottweiler?

In a breed as powerful as the Rottweiler, it is very important to carefully consider whether a male or a female Rottie is the best choice for your family. Male Rottweilers are obviously more substantial in both size and power than their female counterparts. By nature, males can be more prone to aggressive and threatening behavior.

Female Rottweilers can be very protective of those they love most, but they are not as naturally predisposed to acts of aggression. Less obstinate than male Rotties, female Rottweilers are easier to train, easier to housebreak, and are more openly affectionate.

While female Rotties are well renowned for their steady, consistent temperament, males are hardwired to challenge their owners with this trait intensifying as they age. Neither male nor female Rottweilers are a good choice for inexperienced or first-time dog owners.

Why Purchase a Purebred Rottweiler?

There are many reasons why you should consider purchasing a purebred Rottweiler from a reputable breeder. Reputable breeders make producing healthy puppies with proper temperaments their highest priority. Many are so committed to the ongoing health of their breed that they provide health guarantees, giving you confidence that their dogs are properly health tested to ensure the future of health of their puppies and the breed as a collective whole.

When you purchase a Rottweiler puppy from a reputable breeder, your money buys you far more than simply a new canine friend to take home and love. A relationship with a reputable breeder offers you the valuable assurances of lifetime support, a commitment to ethical breeding practices, optimal puppy raising conditions, and an investment in whelping and raising each puppy they produce to be healthy, well-adjusted canine members of society.

Breeders place a very high emphasis on their breed’s standard. This written outline indicates all of the qualities the ideal Rottweiler should have to remain true to its original purpose and appearance. As a breeder endeavors to meet this standard as closely as possible, their puppies should continue to become better examples of the breed, complete with excellent structure and a correct temperament. These attributes are vital important to help preserve the breed’s integrity and unique qualities as well as to ensure ongoing health and the avoidance of health issues related to structure that could result in illness or injury.

Sadly, all breeds are naturally prone to developing certain health conditions. Thankfully, there are pre-screening breeding tests available today that can evaluate a dog’s genetic material and physical health to determine suitability for use in a breeding program. These tests greatly reduce the chances of passing on heritable health problems to the offspring of any breeding pair.

The list of recommended tests for the Rottweiler are listed on the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals website. Another excellent resource for those considering purchasing a Rottweiler is The American Rottweiler Club. A passing score on the health tests recommended for the Beagle gives a vote of confidence that that particular dog can safely be used for breeding. Once the testing is completed, many breeders opt to list their dogs’ results on the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals website, a public database.

Rottweiler puppies that result from a mating between two AKC registered Rottweilers can be registered with the American Kennel Club. Registering your puppy is not mandatory, but there are advantages for you if you choose to do so such as microchip tracking programs like AKC Reunite as well as discounts and promotions on products and services including pet insurance.

Does Location Make a Difference When It Comes to Price?

Location most definitely makes a difference in the price you will ultimately pay to purchase a Rottweiler puppy. Rottweilers are somewhat popular in the United States with breeders represented in nearly every state. States where there are a large number of breeders will offer puppies for lower prices than other states where there are far fewer pups available.

Another factor that can impact the cost of a puppy are the expenses the breeder must pay to breed, whelp, and raise the litter. Though some costs are standardized such as microchips and AKC registration, other fees are set by the city and state the breeder lives in. This means that a breeder in Hawaii may pay significantly more money for things such as vaccinations, microchip insertion, puppy food, veterinary care, health certificates, whelping expenses, and prenatal care than a breeder that lives in New York.

Rottweiler Price List by Location (US State)

Pennsylvania	$2500-$3500
Michigan	$1500-$2000
New York	$2000-$2500
Ohio	$1900-$6000
Kentucky	$1500-$2500
Indiana	$1500-$2500
Florida	$2000-$3500
Texas	$2000-$2500
Georgia	$2200-$2500
Idaho	$1600-$2000
Tennessee	$2000-$3500
Iowa	$2000-$3000
South Carolina	$2000-$2600
Oregon	$1800-$3000
Washington	$3000-$6000
Alabama	$2000-$3000
California	$1800-$4000
Indiana	$2000-$3000

Rottweiler Ownership Costs

Here is a breakdown of what you can expect to spend per month for these items for a Rottweiler:

Dog food (kibble)	$150
Dog food (raw)	$150
Dog treats and chews	$50
Toys	$50
Grooming	$100
Vet	$0-$200
Health insurance	$50-$75

The price you pay for your Rottweiler puppy is only a small expense compared to the costs you will face throughout the life of your dog. Since Rottweilers live from 8 to 10 years, you will have many years of fun, and many bills to pay, in your future.

Here is an approximate breakdown of what you can expect to pay for your dog:

Puppy supplies=$650+

Puppy supplies is a term that refers to such items as training treats, a leash and collar, a crate, pee pads, and toys.

Puppy vaccinations=$250

The two sets of vaccinations remaining in your pup’s puppy series plus an additional two dewormings will cost you approximately $250.

Puppy training=$100-$600+

Puppy socialization and manners classes range in price from $25 to $100 per class and are taught in blocks of 4-6 weeks.

Ongoing adult training/dog sports=$500-$2500+

From dog performance sports to conformation, scent work, tracking, and more, the sky’s the limit when it comes to fun things to do with your dog. As an average, you will pay from $500-$2500+ per year for additional training and/or participation in dog sports.

Veterinary fees=$100-200+ annually

An annual health exam is a must for every dog. This number should be increased to twice yearly during the senior years.

Because accidents and illnesses can occur, it is wise to budget an additional $3000-$5000 for emergency vet care.

Insurance=$50-$75 per month

The average pet insurance policy costs approximately $50-$75 per month. Over a lifespan of 10 years, that total comes to $9,000. Bear in mind that your premiums may increase as your dog ages. Also, most insurance plans also have deductibles which must first be satisfied before you receive any refunds for monies paid out for veterinary care.

Food=$150+ per month

A dog food suited to the needs of the Rottweiler will cost between $100-$150 each month.

Grooming=$100

The Rottweiler sheds moderately. To help keep the shed hair in your home to a minimum, regular brushing is recommended. Beyond brushing and the occasional bath when need, the Rottweiler is a very low maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. The tools you will need to keep your Rottweiler looking its best will cost you approximately $100.

What to Know Before Buying a Rottweiler

The loyal, brave Rottweiler bonds deeply with its family, and thus, does best when housed indoors with you. If permitted to spend too much time with nothing to do in the great outdoors, this breed can become very destructive and develop aggressive tendencies. Though the Rottweiler is of an impressive size and has energy to spare, the breed remains largely inactive when housed indoors.

The Rottweiler enjoys spending time at home. The breed is best suited to life in a house with a fully fenced yard to keep him safely contained. The breed can be prone to wandering and is a natural guardian, making it somewhat predisposed to reacting defensively towards other animals as well as any strangers it encounters.

When it comes to their daily energy, Rottweilers run the gamut from inactive to a whirling dervish. The breed should be exercised daily to help keep the dog physically and mentally content. Some Rottweilers can be stubborn when you attempt to teach them new skills. However, a little ingenuity and some tasty treats and praise go a long way in helping this dog type learn.

The Rottweiler has very low grooming requirements. The breed’s short double coat is straight and somewhat wiry to the touch. Regular brushing is all that is required to keep this dog’s coat in good condition.

It is important that the Rottweiler never be allowed to free feed as the breed can easily become overweight. It is best to measure and monitor the Rottie’s daily food intake to ensure a healthy body condition.

Rottweilers can be very good with children; however, they are very strong and may bowl over younger kids with their playful, exuberant ways. To prevent this from occurring, all interactions between the dog and children should be carefully supervised.

Rottweilers can get along with other animals. For best results, it is wise to introduce the Rottweiler into a multi-pet home while still a puppy.

The final thing to keep in mind before committing to purchase a Rottweiler is the health issues that can plague this sweet, happy breed.

Among the health problems that can plague the Rottweiler are:

• Hip Dysplasia
• Elbow Dysplasia
• Aortic Stenosis/Sub-aortic Stenosis
• Osteosarcoma
• Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat/Torsion)
• Panosteitis
• Hypothyroidism
• Allergies

Summary

If you’ve decided the Rottweiler is the only dog breed for you, now’s the time to research the best place to find your new canine pal. Whether you choose to purchase your dog from a reputable breeder, a rescue, or shelter, it’s important to note that prices can vary quite widely. As an average, you can expect to pay $1500 to $6000+ for a puppy and $50 to $1000 for a rescue.