How Much Does a Rottweiler Cost in 2024?

Rottweiler Characteristics

With ties that can be traced 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 that job over and Rottweilers developed into guardians and police dogs. These dogs have even been used for search and rescue operations.

Rottweilers are a medium-sized breed in terms of height but are generally very stocky in appearance. They have double coats, which are strictly black in color with tan markings. Despite their intimidating frames, these dogs are known for being exceptionally sweet. With proper training, they are great at obedience and always willing to work. Rottweilers are also recognized for their courage and confidence in their athletic abilities. After all, why shouldn’t they be when they can pull an entire cart filled with meat for lengthy distances?

Potential pet parents should be aware that these dogs can become destructive if not properly trained, and considering their strength, the time it takes to train them properly is a worthwhile investment. Rottweilers can at times be a little aloof towards strangers, 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 very similar in temperament and will guard you and your family with 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. Here's one fun fact for you: both Dobermans and Neopolitan Mastiffs were used to breed Rottweilers originally.

Below we will break down the price of owning a Rottweiler by breaking down the cost of initially purchasing or adoption your puppy, as well as the cost of vaccinations, diet, healthcare, grooming, and miscellaneous expenses.

Adoption: $1200 – $2500  

The cost of a Rottweiler puppy can vary depending on the avenue you choose to use 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 puppies with champion bloodlines command price tags as high as $8,000. Also, females will typically cost more since they tend to be less aggressive and more obedient than males by nature. 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. In addition, purchasing a Rottweiler puppy tends to be more expensive than purchasing an adult dog.

While we are talking about purebreds here, a German Shepherd - Rottweiler mix 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 abandoned dogs are cared for until they are adopted into a new home. This doesn’t mean that their quality or health will be compromised. Rescues make extensive efforts to take very good care of all the pups that stay with them. If you choose to adopt an adult Rottweiler you can expect to pay even less than the $100 - $300 estimate. Plus, you get to feel good about the fact that you've given 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. 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 around $50-$60. If you want to spoil you pet with treats regularly, 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 few 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. Incase your pet requires other examinations or follow-up tests, these can run you another $300-$400.

Like all breeds, Rottweilers are at risk of developing certain health conditions throughout their lifetimes. Some common conditions this breed can experience include- Osteochondrosis of the Shoulder, Entropion, and Hip or elbow dysplasia. The estimated treatment costs for these conditions are below.

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 a larger bed, crate, food and water bowl, toys and chewies, leashes, and collars, etc. than a smaller breed. 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. A statistic that can be very defeating for pet parents who become separated from their pet. But this is where microchipping your pet can make a significant difference in your chances of being reunited. 70-80% of microchipped pets find their way back home. The cost can vary from state to state, but the average cost for microchipping your pet is about $50. If you also purchase a dog license, it could expect to spend an additional $10-$20.

Vaccinations: $250-$300

There are certain core vaccinations that your 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 that are also 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 average 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 your pet experience any.

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 offer 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 Spot to learn 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!