How Much Does a Rottweiler Cost? (2024 Updated)

If you’re one of those who are eyeing a Rottweiler puppy, you should know that the cost of owning this amazing guard dog does not come cheap.

The cost of a Rottweiler is not just about the initial puppy price; it consists of many expenses, from feeding and training to healthcare and grooming.

Through this article, you’ll learn more about the Rottweiler puppy price, as well as the expenses associated with owning and raising a Rottweiler. You’ll also get tips about the best places to get this breed and how to save while taking care of your dog.

How Much Does a Rottweiler Puppy Cost? 

Rottweiler puppies from reputable breeders who focus on breeding Rottweilers for specific traits and have champion bloodlines can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $8,000 or even more. The cost can vary widely based on several factors, including the breeder’s reputation, the puppy’s lineage, and location.

On the other hand, Rottweiler puppies from average breeders, who might not have champion lineage but still prioritize the health and well-being of the puppies, typically range from $1,000 to $2,500.

Regardless of the type of Rottweiler you are aiming for, always prioritize the health and well-being of the puppy over the cost. It’s worth investing in a healthy puppy from a reputable source to avoid potential health issues and hefty vet bills in the future.

It’s essential to note that while the initial cost of the puppy is a significant factor, you should also budget for ongoing expenses such as food, training, healthcare, grooming, and other miscellaneous costs.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Rottweiler From a Shelter?

If you feel that buying a Rottweiler from a responsible breeder is quite pricey, you can opt to adopt one from rescues instead. Adoption almost always costs less, and for a Rottweiler, it usually equates to $150 to $1,000.

Keep in mind, though, that there are factors that affect adoption fees, like age, gender, breed, color, lines, and overall health of each dog. 

For instance, adult Rottweilers are usually rehomed for $50 to $750, while Rottweiler puppies’ adoption fees can range between $750 and $1,000. Meanwhile, the cost of adopting a senior Rottweiler is around $350 to $500.

First-Time Expenses of Rottweiler Ownership

The purchase price of a Rottweiler puppy is just the start when it comes to total Rottweiler ownership, especially for newbie owners. That’s why financial preparedness is vital to ensure your new dog’s health and comfort. 

It’s even better to have most of these essentials ready by the time your Rottweiler steps into its new home, so you won’t have to worry about sudden or unexpected expenses.

If you’re a first-time owner of a Rottie, here is a list of initial expenditures and puppy supplies that you’ll likely find helpful in establishing a safe, healthy, and fun atmosphere for your dog:

• Food and Treats: Rottweilers grow up to be large dogs which means they eat more compared to smaller breeds. This is why food should be on top of the list when it comes to owning a Rottie. This dog is also very trainable, but having treats to reward it during training is not bad. An $80 to $150 allocation for food and treats is a good start.
• Bowls: Your Rottie will also need food and water bowls when it eats and drinks. Ideally, you should choose a stainless steel bowl for your dog, as bacteria don’t linger in this type as long as it’s properly cleaned. You can set aside $15 to $40 for this expense. 
• Toys: Different breeders give various free inclusions to their buyers, and some give away toys to their clients. Still, you can choose to buy toys for your Rottie, who will have high mental stimulation needs, for $30 to $100.
• Beds: A Rottweiler is moderately energetic, which means it will need a comfortable bed to relax on during its downtime. When choosing a bed, take into consideration the size of a Rottie, which can be as tall as 27 inches. Allocate $50 to $300 for this investment.
• Collars and Leashes: With the tendency of Rottweilers to be protective, you’ll need a collar and leash for this breed. These can cost $15 to $50 and will be useful during proper training and socialization with other dogs.
• Crates and Carriers: The average price of a crate and carrier for a large dog breed like a Rottweiler is between $60 and $500. If you buy a Rottweiler puppy, you’ll most likely need a carrier during transport, while a crate will be useful during crate training.
• Grooming Essentials: Since Rottweilers have short and smooth coats, you might choose not to spend on professional grooming. For this, you need basic grooming products for canine pets intended for cleaning and bathing, brushing, de-shedding, and clipping nails. This can cost around $50 to $250.
• Initial Vet Visits: A good breeder usually requires a vet exam for their puppies within the first few days of placing them in a new home. If your dog came from a rescue, a more immediate vet visit would be needed. This undertaking would help detect potential health problems like hip dysplasia. Expect to shell out $100 to $500 for this.
• Initial Vaccine Shots: Compared to those running puppy mills, an ethical breeder ensures that every Rottweiler puppy in its care will have updated vaccinations. Ask your Rottweiler breeder for the next schedule of shots to feel confident that your new pup stays shielded from diseases. Initial vaccine shots could cost $50 to $300.
• Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications: In case your Rottweiler breeder hasn’t provided anti-parasitic medications to your Rottweiler puppy, you should allot $40 to $300 for this. If left untreated, parasite infestation in dogs could lead to serious health problems.
• Neutering or Spaying: An ethical breeder usually requires a spay/neuter clause in its breeder contract to avoid unintended breeding. But if this isn’t the case, you might also want to take advantage of the benefits of spaying or neutering your female or male Rottweiler for an average price of $50 to $500. 
• Microchipping: As a new family pet, you don’t want the heartbreak of losing your Rottweiler puppy, and having it microchipped is a way to recover it more easily if this happens. You can get the benefits of microchipping for only $40 to $60.
• Dog License: The cost of a dog license for a Rottweiler puppy is approximately $10 to $20. Being mandatory in most states, securing this certificate is also vital to prove ownership in case your dog gets lost.
• Other Essentials: You should also prepare an additional $30 to $80 for the other costs associated with owning a Rottweiler puppy, like supplements or vitamins. The daily cost also of pet ownership also includes dog stuff like poop bags, scoopers, sanitizers, and more. 

Here is a table that summarizes the initial expenses of bringing home your Rottweiler puppy:

I remember assisting a cousin of mine when she was looking for a Rottweiler who could give her a good deal. I advised her to canvass reputable breeders first who provide freebies along with the purchase of the puppy.

She followed my suggestion and she was able to save hundreds of dollars since she got a goodie bag with a collar, a leash, two bowls, a brush, a couple of toys, and a small pack of dog food. This is a good technique to save up on the initial costs of owning a Rottie.

Annual Cost of Owning a Rottweiler

While it’s necessary to be ready for the initial needs of your Rottweiler puppy, it’s just as equally important to think long-term, especially since these large pets live between 9 and 10 years on average.

The Rottweiler cost of living definitely varies for each family, but in general, it’s rarely cheap. Here is the yearly maintenance cost of owning this pup:

Because Rottweilers are large dogs, their average monthly and annual expenses are higher than medium and smaller dogs. An annual budget of $2,850 to $6,250 should keep your Rottweiler pup healthy and happy.

Some of the biggest chunks of these expenditures will go to the food and insurance needs of your Rottweiler, which is quite reasonable. Other expenses that will prevent health issues, like vaccination, are also essential.

Just remember that these are merely approximations, so the yearly Rottweiler cost of living for each family will adjust based on other factors like lifestyle, specific diet needs, location, and more.

Other Potential Expenses to Consider

While it’s important to take note of the Rottweiler price and ongoing expenses of your dog, there are other costs that should be taken into consideration when talking about the financial aspect of owning pets.

Some of these expenditures are usually not part of the original budget, so it’s better to keep them in mind when managing your finances intended for the needs of your Rottweiler.

Below are some possible expenses you need to factor in when raising Rottweilers:

• Emergency Medical Bills: Precautionary measures like health testing and dog insurance are good ways to avoid emergency medical expenditures. Depending on the urgency and gravity of the health issue, though, you should save between $1,000 and $5,000 to address this potential need of your dog.
• Training Classes: Rottweilers are naturally vigilant, which makes them aloof to strangers and other pets. However, the American Kennel Club (AKC) states that a well-trained Rottweiler will use its territorial instincts in a good way. Hence, dog training is a worthy consideration for this breed, the average price of which is $50 to $500.
• Boarding Kennel: Assuming that your Rottweiler is okay to be temporarily housed in an unfamiliar setting, you might have to spend $30 to $50 per day in a boarding kennel. This is only for when you need to be away from home and don’t have a family or friend to care for your dog.
• Pet sitting: Another potential markup in owning a Rottweiler is hiring a pet sitter for your dog when you’re away. This is an alternative to bringing your Rottweiler to a boarding kennel and has an average price of $15 to $30 a day.
• Grooming services: For a large dog breed like a Rottweiler, the average price of professional grooming starts at $60. However, this is totally optional and should only be done occasionally.

All these items could have different prices, so when setting aside money, always assume the amount can go up or down. Though some expenses are optional, others require a critical monetary provision, so better to be ready.

Best Places to Find Rottweiler Puppies for Sale and Adoption

Now that you’re aware of the Rottweiler puppy cost and its succeeding financial needs, it’s time to look for a good breeder to acquire your pup from. This step is crucial so you don’t end up buying from a puppy mill.

Here are some options you can turn to when searching for breeders of Rottweiler puppies:

• AKC Marketplace – The AKC advocates for ethical breeding among other things, so you’ll have some security that the Rottweiler breeders listing their litter here don’t run a puppy mill. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t practice due diligence when evaluating breeders, though, so ask about their breeding program and parent dogs.
• American Rottweiler Club (ARC) Breeder Referral – The American Rottweiler Club (ARC) is the national breed club for Rottweilers. The ARC has a detailed and trustworthy breeder referral list on its site, which only includes those who have been club members for five years minimum and have owned Rottweilers for at least ten years.
• NextDayPets – Founded in 2003, NextDayPets is a puppy advertising site that only allows reputable breeders on their platform. You can try browsing for Rottweiler puppies in their “Puppies for Sale” section, but you can also read through their educational content or join their community forum on dogs.

While scanning through listings for Rottweiler puppies, take into account that breeders charge differently and have specific breeding programs, so it’ll be helpful to know what you exactly want and what’s within your budget.

However, if you feel that the Rottweiler puppy cost range is above what you can afford, you can instead try your luck in looking for Rottweiler puppies or adult Rottweilers from advocacy groups.

Here is a list of rescue organizations that could have Rottweiler puppies for rehoming:

• R.E.A.L. Rottweiler Rescue – Since 2003, this volunteer-based, non-profit rescue has been saving Rottweilers in high-kill and rural shelters or those that have surrendered. Located in Ashland, Ohio, they have successfully placed over 2,000 Rottweilers in new homes.
• Florida Rottweiler Rescue Ranch and Sanctuary – Aside from rescuing, caring for, and rehoming Rottweilers, this Gainesville, Florida-based rescue group also advocates for Rottweiler dogs. They promote responsible Rottie breeding and ownership and educate the public about its true nature as an aggressive breed.
• Rottweiler Rescue of Los Angeles – Another organization which you can possibly adopt a Rottweiler puppy from is the Rottweiler Rescue of Los Angeles. They accept all Rottweiler puppies, adults, seniors, and those with special needs, which they spay/neuter, vaccinate, and microchip before having them adopted.

It may cost less, but dog adoption is not easy. Unlike a puppy mill or a backyard breeder, which is more concerned about profit, animal groups care for every puppy in their custody, so they have strict screening processes.

However, Rottie puppies who have been bred responsibly will also not be easy to get a hold of. A telltale sign of a reputable breeder is that they only produce a litter or two in a year, so their waitlist is usually long.

Whichever way you get your Rottweiler pup, keep in mind that having a puppy in your family is a serious responsibility that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Money-Saving Tips for Rottweiler Owners

Despite the significant expenses of owning a dog, there are ways to keep Rottweiler puppies healthy and happy while still being financially stable. Below are some tips on minimizing expenses as a Rottweiler puppy owner:

• Don’t miss vet visits. A Rottweiler puppy that’s still completing its vaccinations needs to see a vet more often, while an adult dog should have annual wellness checkups. If you skip these things, you’ll also miss out on the potential health issues that your puppy might develop, like hip dysplasia, which will cost you more in the long run.
• Invest in high-quality items. Buying first-rate items for your furry family member is beneficial not only for your dog but also for your pocket. For instance, spending more on a high-quality leash means your dog would be able to use it much longer as it won’t be damaged quicker — saving you money in the process.
• Prepare your dog’s food at home. Some dog foods can be pricey while containing fillers that don’t really help your dog’s nutrition. You can instead learn your puppy’s nutrition needs and make homemade meals for your Rottweiler puppy, which could also serve as bonding time with your family or kids.
• Groom your dog yourself. Learning how to groom your Rottweiler puppy should lessen the cost of professional grooming. After all, Rottweilers are recommended to be bathed once every three months and brushed weekly only. Just make sure the process is comfortable for your puppy.
• Train your Rottweiler puppy at home. Many breeders already include training and socialization in their breeding programs. If not, you can try coaching your new canine family member at home using credible online resources to cut back professional dog training fees. This should be easy since Rottweilers are highly trainable.

Here’s a video that you can use as a starting point when teaching your Rottweiler puppy at home:

Frequently Asked Questions

How Does a Male Rottweiler Cost?

A male Rottweiler puppy is usually less expensive than its female counterpart by a couple of hundred dollars, costing anywhere from $800 to $2,000 from average breeders.

The higher demand for females is in part due to their more consistent temperament compared to males. In general, though, despite one gender being more expensive than the other, both will require the same amount of attention.

How Much Does a White Rottweiler Cost?

The average white Rottweiler price is $1,000 to $2,000. However, white Rottweilers are extremely rare, and their existence is either due to mixed breeding, albinism, or vitiligo. 

White Rottweilers might seem fascinating, but they come with common health issues like eye defects, hip dysplasia, and skin problems, which can significantly increase the cost of raising them.

How Much Do Rottweilers Cost Without Papers?

An unregistered Rottweiler puppy is cheaper than a purebred, kennel club-registered one. They can cost anywhere between $1,000 and $1,200, but this can be higher depending on other factors.

Despite being less expensive, unregistered and registered Rottweilers are largely the same so long as they’ve been bred responsibly.

Final Thoughts

Having a Rottweiler as a pet comes with financial responsibilities that should be met for the welfare of the dog. Knowing the cost of owning a Rottweiler, from its purchase price down to its potential expenses, is vital.

When purchasing a Rottweiler, the price should be backed by the breeder’s impeccable reputation, so you won’t end up buying from backyard breeders who sell lower-priced Rottweilers at the expense of their dogs’ health. 

After you’ve acquired your Rottweiler puppy, be aware of the expenses associated with raising it, from its nutritional, medical, recreational, physical, and social needs, so you can ensure its holistic development.

Just remember that there are ways to save money while also providing the best for your dog. So, did you learn a thing or two about the Rottweiler price and costs? Share your thoughts in the comments!