Serbian Rottweiler: Breed Info, History, Breeders & Pictures

Over the years, the American and German Rottweilers continue to grow its popularity despite having a bad rap. But have you heard about this breed’s unpopular variation, the Serbian Rottweiler?

The Serbian Rottweiler is a purebred Rottweiler that is also recognized by the American Kennel Club. This is only a separate breed line with interesting differences and minimal distinguishing characteristics. 

If you are curious about what makes Serbian Rottweilers special from the other Rottweiler breed lines, then you are in the right place. 

In this guide, you will learn everything that you need to know about this less popular Rottweiler line — from its appearance, controversies, price, and what distinguishes them from the other breed lines. 

Breed Overview

What Is a Serbian Rottweiler? 

A Serbian Rottweiler is a different breed lineage from the popular Rottweiler breed. Aside from the minimal difference in its build and features, the only notable difference between this lineage and the others is the breed’s birthplace. 

That being said, a purebred Serbian Rottweiler can trace their lineage all the way back to a dog that was bred and born in Serbia.

This Serbian Rottweiler, along with the other breed lineage, the German and American Rottweiler, is recognized by the American Kennel Club. However, it must conform with the organization’s breed standard to compete in shows. 

While there may be a slight difference in its appearance, Serbian Rottweilers are often very similar to the other breed lineage. 

Although not the best choice for new pet owners, these Serbian Rottweilers are very affectionate dogs that are known to be intelligent. They are highly trainable and have very strong guard instincts making them great guard dogs. 

They are the exact opposite of the bad rap they had over the years brought about by irresponsible owners who weren’t ready for this type of dog breed.

Serbian Rottweiler vs. German Rottweiler: Which Is Better?

Both the Serbian and German Rottweilers are great pets. However, many breeders and Rottweiler advocates will agree when I say that German Rottweilers are generally better than Serbian Rottweilers. 

The reason is that the German Rottweiler has a superior lineage as compared to the other Rottweiler breed lineage, such as the American and Serbian. 

However, along with its superior lineage, you can expect to pay more for German Rottweilers than you would for Rottweilers from other lineages. 

That being said, it all boils down to what you want in a dog, how much you are willing to spend, and the purpose of getting a Rottweiler. 

Of course, if you want a Rottweiler for getting into dog shows, an American Rottweiler would be the best choice as it conforms to AKC breed standards. 

However, if you’re getting a Rottweiler for the sole purpose of having it as a companion, getting a Serbian Rottweiler will make no significant difference as to owning the other Rottweiler types. 

Serbian Rottweiler Origin and History

The Rottweiler breed almost faced extinction during the middle of the 1800s. Luckily, there were a few Rottie lovers and dedicated breeders from other parts of the world, including Serbia, that continued producing this breed. 

Until today, many people are not in favor of the Serbian Rottweiler’s standard and consider some of their features as faults. 

Some breeders follow the German or American Rottweiler standard of thinner, leaner Rottweilers. Moreover, they argue that the Serbian Rottweiler’s stocky, thicker, blockier, bigger appearance is a fault.

Additionally, Rottweiler enthusiasts who prefer the American and German Rottweiler lines also claim that the Serbian Rottweiler’s appearance introduces respiratory issues, faults in gait, or genetic issues due to inbreeding. 

While none of these were proven true, the Serbian Rottweiler continues to be one of the most controversial lineages of the Rottweiler breed just because they are not tailored to the versions and standards of various kennel clubs.

Serbian Rottweiler Appearance

A Serbian Rottweiler may have specific features that do not conform with the Rottweiler breed standard of the American Kennel Club. 

This is because they did not originate in the United States, and breeders followed a different breed standard.

Serbian Rottweilers have more of a blockhead with a shorter snout, more wrinkles, and deep-set eyes. Its body is heavier and larger compared to the other Rottweiler lineage.

Their body resembles a tube and often has a slightly sloping back. They sport a ferocious appearance that somehow reflects the breed’s nature.

Additionally, Serbian Rottweilers have tails, unlike American Rottweilers, which are usually tail-docked. The reason is that tail-docking is illegal in their country.

As with a Serbian Rottweiler’s coat, it can range from tan to rusty, brown, or mahogany, but the base coat color should always be black. The same is true with the other Rottweiler lineages that we have now. 

There may also be tan markings located over the eyes, on the cheeks, muzzle, chest, legs, and under the tail. 

While Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler-Klub (ADRK) considers Serbian Rottweilers and some specific features as faulty, you will find plenty of Serbian Rottweilers who qualify to compete in German dog shows. 

Here’s a video that you can watch to see what a Serbian Rottweiler looks like:

Serbian Rottweiler Size and Weight

Rottweilers generally belong to the group of large-sized dogs. However, Serbian Rottweilers are heavier and larger compared to the standard American and German Rottweiler lineage’s average weight. 

When full-grown, Serbian Rottweilers can weigh about 110 to 152 pounds and 22 to 27 inches in height. However, male Serbian Rottweilers tend to grow significantly bigger than females. 

Factors like diet, environment, and overall health of the puppy play a huge role in its growth. 

If you are interested in knowing how large your Serbian Rottweiler will be when it reaches its full potential, you may observe its parents. More often than not, your pet’s parent genetics will determine its size and weight. 

Serbian Rottweiler Temperament and Personality

Serbian Rottweilers are great watchdogs. They are one of the best choices of dog breeds for tasks of surveillance and protection of people and homes as they are territorial, which can be a good thing if trained properly. 

While Serbian Rottweilers can be a great addition to your family, they are not recommended for first-time dog owners as this breed needs experienced owners, preferably those that have already lived with large dogs. 

They need constant and consistent training as early as possible as they may have problems with aggression. This may cause bigger problems later on if not handled by a responsible owner.

Due to their size and natural instinct of guarding and protection, untrained Rottweilers can pose a danger to other people and be capable of much destruction. 

Due to their guarding instincts, untrained Serbian Rottweilers may have aggressive tendencies towards strangers and other pets. They will naturally protect their owners from anyone and anything they believe is a threat. 

That is why it is recommended that they start socializing as soon as they complete their vaccination so they would get along with other people and animals. 

When properly trained and guided, Serbian Rottweilers grow to be affectionate and loyal toward their families. They can also be good and gentle with children. However, supervision is still advised.

While they may still be protective of their humans, trained Rottweilers will then be able to follow commands and know when not to attack what they deem as threats. 

Serbian Rottweiler Lifespan and Health Issues

Serbian Rottweilers are generally healthy dogs with an average lifespan of 8 to 10 years, given extra love, proper nutrition, and routine veterinary care. 

However, as with any other dog breed, they are at risk of several health problems.

Due to their breed and specific characteristics, they may become prone to developing diseases and health problems that affect their quality of life.

Here are some of the most common health problems of Serbian Rottweilers:

• Eye Problems: Common eye problems like cataracts, conjunctivitis, entropion, and progressive retinal atrophy are some of the problems that you should watch out for in your Serbian Rottweilers. If left unchecked, these eye problems can deteriorate their quality of life or even cause loss of vision. 
• Subaortic Stenosis: Subaortic Stenosis is a genetic disorder that commonly occurs in large-breed dogs, including Serbian Rottweilers. It is the narrowing of the area underneath the aortic valve that obstructs the blood flow through the heart, therefore working harder than necessary. Left untreated, Serbian Rottweilers may develop congestive heart failure later on. 
• Bloat: Due to Serbian Rottweilers being deep-chested, they may be prone to developing bloat. This is a life-threatening condition where the stomach swells due to gas or fluids and can twist on itself, which may cause cutting off blood flow. This condition strikes quickly that a dog can be dead a few hours later. 

Fortunately, these health problems are either preventable or manageable. That is why it is important to always have your Serbian Rottie checked by a licensed veterinarian. 

By doing so, you’d be able to detect early signs of these diseases and or prevent further damage they may cause to your pups. 

How Much Does a Serbian Rottweiler Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses

Getting a Serbian Rottweiler can cost you anywhere between $850 and $2,500 depending on a lot of factors, including your location, the breeder’s reputation, and the quality of the pup you’re getting. 

Rottweilers, generally, are expensive dog breeds. That is why you should be wary if you ever come across breeders selling them at a very low price. 

While there may be a lot of Serbian Rottweiler breeders everywhere, it is still important to check the breeder’s reputation and avoid puppy mills and backyard breeders to ensure your puppy’s quality and general health.

The expenses, however, do not end the moment you pay the breeder. You also need to consider other expenses, such as dog food, treats, supplies, and occasional trips to the vet. 

Below is a summarized table of the initial expenses when owning a Serbian Rottweiler: 

To cover the initial costs, owners must prepare $620 to $3,150 on top of the Serbian Rottweiler’s puppy price. You should also work out your finances to accommodate the recurring and annual expenses of owning a Serbian Rottie.

Aside from these, it will be helpful to allocate a budget for emergencies, vet visits, and medications that may happen unexpectedly.

Places to Find Serbian Rottweiler Puppies for Sale and Adoption

While there may be a lot of Rottweiler breeders, the challenge now is to find one that specializes in Serbian Rottweilers that are of good quality. You may need a little bit of thorough dog hunting to do that.

This section will provide you with a list of Serbian Rottweiler breeders to make your dog search easier. Thorough research is needed to ensure that you will be taking home a healthy dog. 

Here are some of the places where you can find Serbian Rottweilers for sale:

• Von der Musikstadt Rottweiler Kennel – This Tennessee-based breeder specializes in breeding both German and Serbian Rottweiler bloodlines. They strictly follow the standard by the ADRK, which includes not tail-docking Rottweiler pups. All their puppies have certified hips and elbows by Novak in Serbia.
• Mississippi Rottweilers – Mississippi Rottweilers have Rottie pups from some of the best breeding kennels around the world. They work mainly with German and European Rottweiler pups, so expect that they may have Serbian Rottweilers available. They have been producing healthy, happy, and well-bred Rottweilers since 2010.
• Golden Shield Rottweilers – Golden Shield Rottweiler is a Serbia-based breeder that imports Serbian Rottweiler directly from Serbia to the United States and around the world. Should you be interested in importing a puppy from them, your Serbian Rottie pup will arrive in either of these main hub airports — Miami, Houston, Atlanta, Washington, Chicago, Seattle, or Los Angeles. 

Aside from buying your pups from these breeders, you can also opt for adoption. Other than the fact that you’d be able to save a penny, you also get to give another Serbian Rottweiler a chance for a new loving home. 

In this list, I will share some places that can help you make your dream of taking care of a Serbian Rottweiler come true.

Here are some places where you can find Serbian Rottweilers for adoption:

• Mid-America Rottweiler Rescue – This organization rescues abandoned, homeless or unwanted Rottweilers in the areas of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin. They rehabilitate Rottweilers with sound temperament by placing them in qualified foster or permanent homes. For a chance to take home a Serbian Rottweiler, visit their website and look for their adoption page.
• Rotten Rottie Rescue – This Arizona-based rescue organization works hard to save many of these Rottweilers from the euthanasia list at their county’s animal shelter. They are foster-based, which means their rescues go to live with a family that is qualified to own a Rottweiler.
• R.E.A.L. Rottweiler Rescue – If you are looking for a Serbian Rottweiler to adopt in the Ohio area, this small, private Rottweiler rescue might end your search. They take in homeless Rottweilers and work with them in their home to assess their personality, temperament, and training needs before they place them up for adoption.

Serbian Rottweiler hunting can be a very tough job, even with the list above. If you have already reached out to these places and still haven’t found the Rottie for you, do not lose hope. 

Connect to breeders and rescues on social networking sites to increase your chances of finding one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Russian Rottweiler?

While there are no Russian Rottweilers, some breeders and dog enthusiasts believe and consider Serbian Rottweilers to be Russian Rottweilers and vice versa. 

Although not confirmed, the reason behind the association of these two may have something to do with Serbia and Russia’s close relation before. 

What Are the Three Types of Rottweilers?

While there are many Rottweiler lineages, the three main types of Rottweilers are the German Rottweiler, American Rottweiler, and Roman Rottweiler.

Rottweilers from these lineages follow strict breed standards in accordance with that country’s standard of the Rottweiler breed.

For example, a German Rottweiler may have features that do not conform with the American Rottweiler breed standard. The same is true with Roman Rottweilers and vice versa.

Are Serbian Rottweilers Aggressive?

Although there are claims that Serbian Rottweilers tend to appear more aggressive due to the lack of strict restrictions on the breed, there are no studies that prove this claim. 

Thus, it is safe to say that Serbian Rottweilers are similar to the other Rottweiler lineage with aggressive tendencies if not given proper training and not well-socialized at a fairly young age. 

Final Thoughts

Owning a Serbian Rottweiler has many perks — aside from having a companion, you also get a fierce-looking dog that may add security on your end. However, it also comes with a huge responsibility. 

Serbian Rottweilers may make amazing guard and companion dogs, but to attain that, owners must have the time, commitment, and willingness to train them consistently.

If you have what it takes to own a Serbian Rottweiler, then it is probably the right dog for you. Otherwise, it might be best to look for a different pet. 

Are you getting a Serbian Rottweiler soon? Let us know in the comments below!