Rottweiler Price List: How Much Is A Rottweiler Puppy?

The Rottweiler is a gentle, family guard dog that descends from the Neapolitan Mastiff.

In 2020 they were ranked the most popular guard dog in America by the American Kennel Club.

Because of their popularity many people assume this breed comes with an expensive price tag. But this is not always the case! A Rottweiler puppy is usually around $2,000.

However their lifetime cost can exceed $22,000 as they are prone to expensive health issues. Hip dysplasia is extremely common in this large breed.

If this loyal guard dog seems like a fit for you, read on to learn more about Rottweiler prices…

RELATED: 10 Best Rottweiler Breeders In The US

How Much Is A Rottweiler?

The average price of a Rottweiler puppy is around $1,450, it ranges between $800 and $4,000.

This fee is similar to other large purebred guard dogs such as the Doberman, which ranges from $1,500 to $2,500, and the Cane Corso which is about $2,100.

Rottweilers were used throughout the 19th century to herd cattle, pull butcher’s carts and guard livestock in Germany. They almost went extinct in the mid-19th century due to railroads being built and the Germans no longer needing them to pull carts.

Luckily some families decided to keep them as pets and guard dogs.

This led to the development of family guard dogs.

Their protective nature has passed through many generations to the modern day. Nowadays, they are calm, goofy dogs that are undoubtedly worth your time.

In 1997 they were America’s second most popular dog breed when a purebred puppy was on average $800. Their price has increased over the past two decades by about $700 and is now closer to $1,500.

Prices have fluctuated over the last 25 years, but females are often more expensive than males. Females are typically smaller and more obedient which makes them more suited for a family. They are also less aggressive than a male, but are just as protective.

The fee for a male is between $850 and $1,500 vs. $1,000 and $2,500 for a female.

Rottweiler price also varies by bloodline, state and breeder.

American vs German

German bloodlines registered with the ADRK (German Rottweiler Club) are more expensive than American bloodlines registered with the American Kennel Club. This difference is due to working pedigree and the care the puppy receives before it is sold.

The breeding of these puppies is heavily regulated and monitored by ADRK representatives.

German bloodlines are commonly called “block-heads”. This is due to their distinct head shape which differs from the American. These dogs are broader and more muscular with higher set ears and a fuller head and usually the tail is not docked.

German variants are bred as calm, working dogs with a predictable temperament. They are not viewed as pets, rather as working dogs. Many are used for police or therapy work.

An ADRK registered purebred puppy will be priced from $2,700 to $3,000. Your puppy would probably have to be imported from Germany and shipping starts around $400.

Imported German individuals will not be chosen to be family dogs.

Most families do not buy an ADRK registered puppy because there is simply no need for it.

If you are not concerned about bloodline or working pedigree then a cheaper American puppy will suit your family better.

The typical American family will opt for an American kennel club registered puppy, or an unpapered puppy which will cost from $1,000 to $1,500. Unpapered puppies cannot be sold as purebred.

Price By State

The Rottweiler is the most popular breed in France, even though it is German in origin. In the US Rottweilers are the most popular dog breed in Detroit.

Rottweiler price will be affected by the demand for puppies in a certain state and the number of breeders in that area.

If there is a high demand for puppies and few breeders, then breeders will charge more for their puppies. On the other hand, if there is little demand and lots of breeders, then the adoption fee will be lower.

Purebred Rottweiler prices in North Carolina, Georgia, and California are higher than those in Texas and Virginia by about $1,000. If your puppy needs to be shipped from another state this can increase the price by $120 to $300.

Below is a table showing the price range for a purebred puppy by state:

Breeders will usually charge similar amounts in similar areas. Most breeders in one state will usually charge close to the same amount for their puppies, with some variation for pedigree and color.

Another trait that can affect puppy price is coat color.

Red Rottweilers are extremely rare and are not recognized. They are often the result of inbreeding and are not commonly bred for.

Another coat color variation is blue. Blue coats are caused by a genetic mutation which causes a dilution in the black coat giving them a more gray or slate blue color.

Due to their rarity the fee for red or blue puppies may be up to $1,000 more.

Luckily coat color has nothing to do with how well they will guard your family. A traditional black and rust colored puppy is normally best for the normal American family.

Purebred vs Unpapered

Unpapered Rottweilers cost less than purebred registered puppies.

The unregistered puppy from a reputable breeder will be cheaper and is normally priced in the $1,000 to $1,200 range

A purebred, kennel club registered puppy will be closer to $1,500.

Most families do not buy a registered Rottweiler unless they are looking specifically for a show dog or want a dog with pedigree from a reputable breeder.

Unregistered puppies are just as good of a family pet and guard dog. They normally come with a health guarantee from the breeder too.

Even if your puppy is not registered, he will still have the fierce guard dog nature in him. Guarding is a natural instinct for all Rottweilers and you can train him to be your family guard dog regardless of registration.

Puppies at under $900 are normally from a backyard breeder or puppy mill.

These dogs are often chosen because they are cheaper, but in the long run they are usually more expensive due to healthcare fees.

Puppies from backyard breeders or puppy mills are often the result of extreme inbreeding and have serious health issues as they get older. These breeders spend minimally on the care of their puppies and simply sell them for profit.

Rottweiler Price Range

Purebred Rottweiler puppies can be anywhere from $800 to $4,000. The average price for an American puppy is about $1,450 from a professional breeder. German bloodline puppies start at about $2,700 and can be as much as $4,000.

An experienced breeder will typically charge anywhere from $1,450 – $2,000 for a Kennel Club registered puppy in America. This is due to the care that goes into breeding these dogs.

Reputable breeders charge more for their puppies due to the extensive care and time that goes into breeding and raising healthy puppies. This is true for all breeds and is one of the reasons why French Bulldogs are so expensive.

The best breeders will also begin to socialize puppies for the first eight to ten weeks of their life. This is especially important in a breed like the Rottweiler since they can quickly become aggressive.

A $1,500 purebred puppy from a reputable breeder will usually come with a health certificate, guarantee, kennel club registration papers and pedigree.

Cheaper $800 puppies will not come with any health certificates or guarantees, nor will the breeder be responsible for any future health issues. The cheaper adoption fee can be tempting, but the long term health costs often make them more expensive.

Below is a table comparing Rottweiler dog price vs a puppy:

The typical family does not need to pay for a registered dog. If you are not concerned about bloodlines and pedigree, then an unpapered puppy will be just as protective and loyal. These puppies are usually the choice of many for a family dog.

An unpapered Rottweiler will be around $1,000 to $1,200.

Adopted Rottweilers older than one year old range from free to a good home to about $450.

They often appear in animal shelters at an older age because of aggression or changing circumstances (i.e. moving home, financial costs). If you are not looking for a puppy, your local shelter may be a great place to start looking for a full grown Rottweiler in need of a loving home.

Rottweiler Mix Price

Rottweiler mixes are cheaper than purebreds and some have similar guard dog traits. Mixes sometimes make a great match for families and are much cheaper. As long as the breeder assures the health of your puppy, the registration and lack of purebred status does not always matter:

• A Rottweiler x German shepherd mix is normally $250 to $850. These dogs are protective, loyal and are bred from two German guarding dogs. They usually look like a fluffy Rottweiler!
• The Rottweiler x lab mix is typically from $300 to $600. They are fun, energetic and loving dogs, but are not as protective in nature as a purebred.
• A Rottweiler x pitbull mix can be $150 to $800. These dogs are fiercely protective and loyal just like both parent breeds. They are smaller, but can become aggressive and dominate if not properly trained.
• The Rottweiler x husky mix typically is priced from $500 to $1,000. They are more expensive due to the Husky parent. The husky parent can bring a loving, almost clingy, trait to the stoic Rottweiler which means this mix needs more patient training.

Why Are Rottweilers So Expensive?

Breeders will charge about $1,450 to $2,000 for a purebred Rottweiler puppy.

Rottweiler price varies by bloodline, state, breeder, and the care a puppy receives.

Any care from the breeder factors into the adoption fee of the puppies. Puppies with health certificates, vaccinations, and warranties will be more expensive than puppies without.

Most breeders health test both parents’ hips because of how common hip dysplasia is in the breed. These tests cost from $60 to $170 and should be done before the parents are mated. Reputable breeders will always screen both parents for genetic health issues before breeding.

The stud fee for a male is about $500. An ultrasound and puppy supplies are about $500 per litter. The extra food for the mother and special puppy food costs about $250 per litter.

Puppy vaccinations and registration is about $300 a pup.

Breeders who are AKC registered will charge more for their puppies. They closely follow breeding standards and focus heavily on the showing ability of their dogs. These puppies are less intended to be a family dog and more intended to show and carry on the bloodline.

The costs above result in a total amount of about $1,500 per litter, and an additional $300 for every puppy born.

This is why the average price of a Rottweiler puppy is around $1,450.

German puppies bred to ADRK standards are even more expensive.

Even if they are bred in the United States the registration is more expensive and the bloodlines are limited.

German puppies are typically imported by breeders and adopted by people for showing or for intense guard dog roles. Often the police have AKC registered puppies who may have ADRK lineage.

Breeding is intensely managed along with the ADRK rules and standards. ADRK representatives can visit a certified breeder at any time to check up on cleanliness, puppy care and socialization.

What You Need To Know Before Choosing A Puppy

When choosing a puppy you must first decide if an American or German Rottweiler is the right fit for you and your family.

In most cases an unpapered American puppy is the best choice for families who just want a guard dog. They normally cost between $1,000 and $1,200.

If you are concerned about lineage and bloodline then a pedigree dog would be a better choice.

Bloodline

A pedigree puppy from Germany would be best for someone looking for an intense guard dog. They are bred to be working dogs and are often used as police or military dogs.

The American would be the pick for someone who wants to show their dog or is very concerned about health issues. People concerned with breeding and showing Rottweilers should purchase the American because of their pedigree.

If you are looking for a family guard dog that has been safely bred then an American would be the best for you.

Regardless of which variation you choose there are a few general guidelines to follow when selecting a puppy.

See The Parents

You should always ask the breeder to see both parents. Sometimes if a stud has been used it may only be possible to see the mother, this is normal.

Rottweilers were bred for guarding and protecting so if your puppy’s parents are overly aggressive, then the puppies will likely act this way as well. If the parents are not friendly, well behaved and easily handled, then this may not be the breeder for you.

If you are looking for a family guard dog you do not want an aggressive dog.

When visiting the mother also ask how many times the mother has had litters. This will help give you insight into any health or behavioral issues too. If she has been bred more than three times you should be aware that increased litter numbers commonly lead to ear, eye and hip development issues.

Ask Questions

Ask lots of questions about the puppy’s care, health, history and personality. A health certificate should also come with your puppy and they should look well fed and well cared for.

You will also want to check the health and history of the parents.

A hip test result is also not an uncommon request because this breed is extremely prone to hip dysplasia.

Answer Questions

Be prepared to answer questions from the breeder too.

They are a protective breed and are bred for guarding.

A reputable breeder wants to make sure their puppies are going to good homes, so they will likely have questions for you. Applications and initial deposits are also used to ensure a buyer is serious about taking a puppy home and caring for him or her properly.

See The Puppies

There are a few general rules when it comes to picking a Rottweiler puppy.

A puppy from the litter that is mouthy and playful is going to be more assertive. Since they are guard dogs the assertive dog will also have more aggressive tendencies.

The puppy hiding in the corner is typically more docile, shy, and submissive. For a Rottweiler, this puppy will be more defensive and scared so he or she may react aggressively or fear bite.

Puppies who are curious but not overlay dominant will be your happy medium with less aggressive tendencies and more guarding traits.

Cost Of Keeping A Rottweiler

Factoring in all the expenses of owning a Rottweiler their overall lifetime cost is about $22,000. This is based on a life expectancy of ten years multiplied by the $2,200 a year you will be spending on them.

Owning a big dog is not cheap.

The money for essential items such as food, vet bills, training and insurance quickly adds up.

Insurance is often a good choice for this breed because of their hips. Hip Dysplasia is very common in this dog.

Puppy supplies for a Rottweiler costs about $400. This includes bowls, leashes, collars, beds, a crate, toys, nail clippers and even poop bags.

Since it is a large breed and grows quickly a puppy crate will not suit this breed. A six month old Rottweiler typically weighs 60 to 70 pounds! With their large size comes the requirement for a large crate and large toys, which are more expensive.

They are bred to be guard dogs and should go to puppy classes and training.

Training provides the necessary socialization for these protective giants, whether it is basic puppy obedience or more advanced classes. Normal training is about $200-$300 for a six week course.

If your puppy is going to be a guard dog there are special guard dog training courses. Training costs vary depending on the intensity and job you are training for. Guard and service dog training can range from $15,000 to $50,000.

Feeding your Rottweiler will also be expensive.

When feeding a puppy the average cost is $40 a month as puppy food is typically more expensive, especially if you purchase large breed puppy food. Adult dogs will eat about $35 a month.

Summary

Bloodline, breeder, color, state and puppy care all affect the price of a Rottweiler.

A purebred ADRK puppy from Germany is the most expensive with a fee from $2,700 up to $4,000.

The average price of an American Rottweiler puppy is $1,450. This puppy will come from a professional breeder with a health certification and kennel club registration papers.

A typical American family will usually adopt a Rottweiler that is not registered. You can expect to pay about $1,000 to $1,200 for an unpapered puppy. Avoid puppies that cost less than $900.

Rottweilers can have some severe joint and hip issues that arise as they get older. Proper breeding and puppy care can help prevent hip and elbow dysplasia.

This breed makes a protective, loyal and loving family pet. Let us know if they are the perfect choice for you below.