How Much Does a Rottweiler Cost in 2023?

Rottweiler Characteristics

Tracing back to Roman times, the Rottweiler is one of the oldest surviving dog breeds in the world. Originally, these dogs were bred to pull carts filled with butchered meat to the market, but the invention of railways took over that job and turned this breed into guardians and police dogs. Rottweilers are even used for search and rescue operations.

Rottweilers are a medium-sized breed, which is not so medium when it comes to weight. They have double coats, which are strictly black in color with some markings. They are a very sweet breed despite their intimidating looks. They will obey you if trained, and they’re always willing to work. They are a very courageous dog breed that is very confident in their abilities. Why shouldn’t they be when they can pull an entire cart filled with meat for distances?

These dogs can be destructive if they aren’t properly trained, and given their strength, it’s worth taking the time to train them properly. They can be a little aloof towards strangers at times which is the opposite of how they are towards family; protective, loving, and affectionate. In fact, you can sleep or roam around peacefully at night knowing your Rottweiler has your back. There’s a reason why the American Kennel Club ranked them the most popular guard dog breed in the US in 2020.

The American version of this breed is known as the American Rottweiler. The American one is typically shorter than its German counterpart, but apart from that, the dogs are similar temperament-wise and will guard you and your family with the same devotion.

What is the price of a Rottweiler? 

The cost of owning a Rottweiler is similar to owning other big dogs like Dobermans or Neapolitan Mastiffs (the breed these dogs were developed from). We will break down the price by categorizing it by initial buying/adoption costs, vaccinations, diets, healthcare, grooming, and miscellaneous expenses.

Adoption: $1200 – $2500  

The cost of a Rottweiler dog can vary. In fact, depending on the avenue you choose to get your dog, the price range can be anywhere from $100-$8,000. Normally a Rottweiler purchased from a breeder could cost $1500 on average, but some bloodlines earn that high price tag of $8,000. Also, females will typically cost more since they are less aggressive and more obedient than males. You can expect to pay around $1800-$2000 for a female dog when buying from a reputable breeder and around $1200-$1400 for a male. Average German Rottweiler prices could be around $1350. When you buy a Rottweiler puppy, the cost can be a little higher than an adult one at around $2,000.

While we are talking about purebreds here, a German Shepherd - Rottweiler mix price would be around $500-$1000. And if you want to buy a Rottweiler puppy under $500, then adoption is a great way to go about it. There are several rescue shelters available in the US that can offer you a Rottweiler for as low as $100-$300. Rescues are where they shelter abandoned dogs. This doesn’t mean that their quality and health will be compromised. Rescues do take very good care of all the pups that are with them. An adult Rottweiler dog would be available for even lesser than this. Plus, you get to feel good about the fact that you gave an abandoned dog a new home.

Monthly costs for a Rottweiler

Diets: $60-$75

A dog with this level of strength and energy requires a sufficient amount of food to maintain it. A Rottweiler should eat around 4 cups of high-quality, vet-recommended kibble each day to help maintain its health. A 30-pound bag of dog food should suffice for a month and could cost you around $50-$60. Add another $10-$15 per month for treats.

Grooming: $10-$15

Rottweilers are typically low-maintenance dogs when it comes to grooming. Regular baths, nail trimming, and teeth and ear cleaning are the minimum requirements needed to maintain their coats. If you decide to groom your dog at home, supplies like shampoo, toothpaste, brushes, dental kits, and ear cleaners could cost around $50-$60.

Medical Costs: $700-$1200

During the first years, it is recommended you take your pet to the vet about 3-4 times annually. Vet fees can range from $100 to $300 and could include things like annual wellness exams and blood tests, among other recommended preventive care treatments. Other examinations and tests could cost you another $300-$400.

Like all breeds, Rottweilers are at risk of developing health conditions in their lifetimes. Some common conditions this breed can experience include- Osteochondrosis of the Shoulder, Entropion, and Hip or elbow dysplasia. Treatment costs for these could be -

Osteochondrosis of the Shoulder - $2500-$3000

Entropion – $500-$1000

Hip/Elbow dysplasia - $2000-$3000

One-time costs for an American Rottweiler

Initial Costs: $500-$550

Since this is a not-so-small breed, it would need bigger sizes of a bed, crate, food and water bowls, toys and chewies, leashes, and collars, among other things. The initial set-up items here could cost you around $500-$550.

Microchipping: $50-$70

90% of the lost pets in the U.S. are not found. This is where microchipping can help. 70-80% of microchipped pets find their way back home. The cost can vary from state to state, but the average cost is around $50. Along with a dog license, it could cost an additional 10-20 bucks.

Vaccinations: $250-$300

There are certain core vaccinations that a Rottweiler would need. These include distemper, parvovirus, Adenovirus, type 1, Adenovirus, type 2, and rabies. All of these could cost you around $150-$200.

There are certain non-core vaccinations as well that are recommended by most vets for a Rottweiler. These include parainfluenza, Lyme disease, and leptospirosis. The cost of these vaccines can be around $130-$150.

Miscellaneous: $200-$300

There may be times during your dog’s life when miscellaneous expenses come up. These could include dog training, walking, sitting, park visits, and trips that you plan with your dog. You should keep around $200-$300 per year aside for these expenses.

Lifetime Rottweiler Cost

After buying or adopting the dog, the yearly expenses for it would be around $1500-$1700. Multiplying in the average lifespan and adding other one-time costs and recurring costs, we estimate that the lifetime cost of owning a Rottweiler is around $16,000-$18,000. This estimation doesn’t include the costs of medical emergencies should they happen to your pet.

How can Spot Pet Insurance help?

Spot Pet Insurance accident & illness pet insurance plans offer a wide variety of coverages, from microchip implantation to surgeries and prescription food and supplements prescribed to treat your pet’s unexpected accidents and illnesses. (Prescription food and supplements used for general health or weight maintenance are not covered). For an extra cost, Spot Dog Insurance plans also offers preventive care coverage add-ons to help cover the costs of certain routine vaccinations, annual wellness exams, and other preventive care treatments. You can view the add-on preventive care coverage options. Get in touch with us to know more!

Conclusion

Whether you get an American Rottweiler or a German Rottweiler, you will see the loyalty, protection, love, and affection these dogs can give you and your family. These dogs may not be the easiest to maintain if not trained properly, but it will all feel worth it from the love they give! And anyway, you can worry less knowing Spot plans can cover up to 90% of your eligible vet bills for covered conditions. So go ahead and get your Rottweiler home!

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