An Overview of Rottweilers
Origin and History
The Rottweiler descends from Roman mastiffs and originated in Germany where they were used as herding dogs. They were known as “Rottweil butchers’ dogs” because they would herd livestock and guard money pouches for butchers.
In the early 1900s, Rottweilers nearly became extinct, but breeding programs helped revive the population. Now Rottweilers are popular as police dogs, guard dogs, and family companions.
Appearance and Temperament
Rottweilers are large, powerful dogs with a sturdy build, square head, and distinctive mahogany markings. An average male stands 24-27 inches tall and weighs 95-135 pounds. Rottweilers are alert, fearless, and self-assured.
Grooming and Exercise Needs
Rottweilers have a short double coat that requires frequent brushing and vacuuming to keep loose hair under control. They only need occasional bathing. Rottweilers need daily exercise or they can become restless and destructive.
Health and Lifespan
The average lifespan for a Rottweiler is 9-10 years. They are prone to health issues such as bone cancer, lymphoma, hip dysplasia, and obesity.
Factors That Influence Rottweiler Prices in Nigeria
So you’ve got your heart set on a Rottweiler pup, but want to make sure you get the best deal. Price can vary quite a bit between breeders in Nigeria, depending on several factors.
1. Bloodline and breeder reputation
Top breeders with champion bloodlines can charge a premium. While Rottweiler puppies from reputable breeders typically range from ₦250,000 to ₦350,000, show quality pups with an exceptional pedigree can go for ₦500,000 or more.
2. Age and quality
Younger pups, especially those under 12 weeks of age, typically cost more since breeders have invested more in caring for them during their early weeks. Pups with a sturdy, muscular build, shiny coat, and alert, friendly temperament are usually priced on the higher end of the range.
3. Location and availability
Prices tend to be higher in urban areas where demand is greater. During peak breeding seasons, prices are often lower due to higher supply. Shop around at different times of the year, and in both city and rural areas, to find the best deal.
4. Additional services
The total cost may be higher if the breeder provides additional services like microchipping, initial vaccinations, deworming, or a health guarantee. While these services do add value, make sure the base price of the puppy itself is still reasonable.
5. Don’t be afraid to negotiate
Many breeders are willing to lower the price a bit for serious, responsible buyers, especially if you’re open to a puppy of either sex. Do some research to determine a fair price range before starting the conversation.
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Average Cost of Rottweiler Puppies in Nigeria
If you’re in the market for a Rottweiler pup in Nigeria, here’s what you can expect to pay.
1. Initial Purchase Price
On average, you can expect to pay between ₦80,000 to ₦200,000 for a Rottweiler puppy from a reputable breeder in Nigeria. The exact price will depend on factors like the puppy’s age, parents’ pedigree, and location. Titled parents, show quality, and imported bloodlines will be on the higher end of the range.
2. Additional Costs
The initial purchase price is really just the beginning. You’ll need to budget for quality dog food, vaccinations, deworming, flea prevention, training, grooming, and any medical care. This can cost ₦50,000-₦100,000 per year. You’ll also need essential supplies like a collar and leash, bed, bowls, toys, and crates, costing at least ₦30,000 upfront.
3. Training Expenses
Proper training is essential for a breed as large and powerful as the Rottweiler. You can expect to pay ₦15,000-₦50,000 for puppy socialization and basic obedience classes. Private training or behavior modification will cost significantly more. Early positive reinforcement training will help ensure your Rottweiler puppy grows into a well-behaved companion.
Other Costs of Owning a Rottweiler in Nigeria
1. Food
Rottweilers are large dogs and require a quality diet to stay healthy. You’ll want to feed your Rottweiler a nutritious dog food specifically for large breed dogs. Plan on spending between N5,000 to N15,000 per month on high-quality kibble.
2. Medical Care
Routine medical care for a Rottweiler includes vaccinations, deworming, flea and tick prevention, and checkups. The initial puppy checkup and vaccinations will cost between N10,000 to N25,000. Plan on taking your Rottweiler for checkups 2-3 times a year at N5,000 to N15,000 per visit.
3. Grooming
Rottweilers require moderate grooming. Plan on brushing your Rottweiler 3-4 times a week to remove loose hair and distribute oils, bathing once a month, and trimming their nails regularly.
You’ll need a quality brush, comb, nail clippers, dog shampoo, and conditioner which can cost N10,000 to N25,000 initially. Professional grooming 6-8 times a year is also recommended at N3,000 to N10,000 per visit.
4. Other Essentials
There are other essentials you’ll need to properly care for a Rottweiler. Things like a sturdy collar and leash, an ID tag, bed, crate, toys, training pads, waste bags, and cleaning supplies. These additional essentials can cost between N20,000 to N50,000 per year depending on the quality.
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Conclusion
Owning a Rottweiler is a big responsibility that comes with significant costs. Make sure you understand all that is involved before getting one, so you can properly care for your new companion. With time, patience, and consistency you’ll have a well-behaved and loving member of the family.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rottweiler Prices in Nigeria
Some of the frequently asked questions and answers include;
1. How much does a Rottweiler puppy cost in Nigeria?
Rottweiler puppies in Nigeria typically range from ₦50,000 to ₦200,000 depending on the breeder and pedigree. Show quality pups with champion bloodlines can go for ₦250,000 or higher. Factors that determine a Rottweiler’s price include its age, quality, breeder reputation, and location.
In general, you’ll pay more for a puppy from a reputable breeder than from a backyard breeder. It’s best to avoid pet stores, puppy mills, and backyard breeders since they are often more interested in profits than proper breeding and care.
2. Are there additional costs to consider?
Yes, there are significant costs beyond the initial purchase price. You’ll need to budget $500-$1000 or more per year for high-quality food, medical care, training, grooming, and other essentials. Some key things to consider:
- High-protein dog food: ₦30,000-₦50,000 per year
- Medical care (vaccines, deworming, flea prevention): ₦50,000-₦100,000 per year
- Grooming (nail trimming, bathing): ₦10,000-₦30,000 per year
- Obedience training: ₦50,000-₦200,000 per year
- Toys, leash, bedding, etc.: ₦30,000-₦50,000 initially
3. Are Rottweilers good family dogs?
Yes, Rottweilers can make excellent family dogs. They are naturally loyal, protective, and affectionate towards their owners and families. However, proper training and socialization from an early age are essential. Some key things to keep in mind:
- Start training and socialization as early as possible, ideally when you first bring the puppy home.
- Establish yourself as the leader of the pack to avoid dominance issues.
- Socialize your Rottweiler well by exposing them to many people, sights and sounds in a positive way.
- Never leave a young Rottweiler unsupervised with young children.