In choosing a dog, you could not possibly have made a finer choice than the selection of a Rottweiler.  These beautiful, intelligent and devotedly loyal animals bring to you canine companionship second to no other breed.   Properly handled, you will find your Rottie a source of protection, amusement (for they are true clowns, seeming to possess an almost human sense of humor), and dependable friendship.  If you are a person who enjoys a dog for the pleasure of his company, with the plan in mind of sharing time and companionship with him, you have selected your breed well!

Dog ownership of any breed never should be entered into thoughtlessly.  You will, hopefully and with decent care, have this dog with you for a dozen or so years.  Whether those years will be filled with happiness or fraught with frustration depends largely on your having carefully considered the pros and cons of a number of breeds before settling on your final choice.  A dog such as a Rottweiler contributes loyalty and protection, among other things, to the relationship.  In return, he deserves the same from you.  If you feel that a dog is to be patted on the head occasionally, fed and provided with a place to sleep, and otherwise allowed to go free on his own, you should not really own any dog at all, and should NEVER have a Rottie!   It simply would not work out.  A Rottweiler, like practically all that is worthwhile in life, is a care.  But remembering that we get back good interest on the investment of time we give to one of these dogs, he is a most rewarding and satisfying canine to have around.

The type of surroundings in which he lives matter little to a Rottweiler so long as you are there.  If you are a city dweller who feels more secure with a big dog around, this breed will adjust very nicely as long as you see that he gets suitable daily exercise in the form of walks on his lead - real walks, of at least eight or ten blocks and home, not merely quick trips to the curb.  No dog can thrive without sufficient exercise, and, in owing to his size and powerful muscular development, the Rottie needs the opportunity to really flex those muscles, and you must provide it.   Remember that the exercise is good for your own health, too, and with your sturdy friend on lead at your side, you have certainly little to fear where your own safety is concerned.

Even Rotties with their own fenced areas should be provided with daily walks by their owner, for it has been noted and observed that the average dog turned out into his fenced yard or play area sniffs around for a while in a leisurely manner, then when everything has been inspected proceeds to lie down until something of interest comes along.  This is hardly stimulating or likely to keep him in top condition!

A fenced area is a "must" for your Rottie if you live in the suburbs or country, for even though he may not exercise to any extent in it, he is afforded the pleasure of being outdoors in the only safe way.  Dogs should never be left tied out.  They certainly should not be turned loose to roam free on their own.  Remember all the dangers to which a dog under the latter conditions is subject, including being hit by a car, getting lost or becoming involved in fights.   (A Rottie is not "snappy" or overly aggressive to take on other dogs, but some breeds are both and the Rottie will not fail to defend himself).

If you are a person wishing a dog that you will see only occasionally, do not choose a Rottweiler, for no Rottie can be at his best unless truly appreciated by his master.  This is a sociable breed, longing primarily to be with the person or persons he loves.  A truly devoted family member, to the extent even of rising and following you from room to room, his greatest wish in life is to be with his owner.  Be aware of this fact, and the fact that to own a Rottie one should take equal pleasure in sharing with his canine companion.

Reference:    Rottweilers by Anna Katherine Nicholas    #1 Best Selling Rottweiler Book
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