How Much is a Rottweiler? The Price Guide

The prospect of raising a Rottweiler is an exciting one! As you bring a new dog into your home, however, there are a few things you should know about, particularly when it comes to planning your finances. The dog should never be a financial burden on you or your family, so we have developed a cost calculator to help you get a personalized estimate as to how much it should cost to raise a Rottweiler! This accounts for things like supplies, food, medical expenses, training costs, grooming costs, and other essentials as well as the cost of the puppy or dog itself.

A Rottweiler puppy is likely to cost between $600-$2,000 with the average price being $1,150. First-year expenses are around $4,390 and will be about $1,920/year (or $160/month) after that. Through the dog’s lifetime, the average cost of owning a Rottweiler is $21,670.

This covers all the essentials, including supplies, training costs, medical expenses, food and treats, grooming expenses, licenses, and a microchip. Additionally, optional costs include medical expenses such as a spay/neuter procedure and additional services, such as dog walking and dog boarding, as well as pet insurance. With all these included (assuming you hire a dog walker five times a week for 50 weeks and use a boarding service for one week every year), we estimate the total cost of owning a Rottweiler to fall between $53,335 and $112,035, with an average cost of $79,895 for 10 years.

In this article, prices in the higher range apply for people willing to buy high-end products and services and/or living in an expensive area, while the lower range will probably be more relevant if using cheaper products and services and/or living in a less expensive area.

Keep reading for a detailed breakdown of the expenses, see what applies to you and get experts’ opinions on Rottweilers. At the bottom of the article, we’ve also added a cost calculator that will allow you to assess your personal situation and get a much more accurate estimate as to how much it should cost you to buy and raise a Rottweiler puppy!

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For general information about the cost of puppies and dogs, you can read The True Cost of a Dog (50 breeds compared) on our blog. If you are serious about adopting or buying this breed, keep reading this article. To compare the cost with other ones, visit our All Breeds page. You can also read our New Dog Owner Guide to learn everything about welcoming a dog home.

Quick Links

• Puppy Cost
• Supplies Cost
• Training Cost (dog trainer’s opinion)
• Medical Cost (veterinarian’s opinion)
• Food Cost
• Grooming Cost (groomer’s opinion)
• Other Costs (dog walker’s opinion)
• Total Cost
• PetBudget Cost Calculator

How much are Rottweiler puppies?

After reviewing close to 500 ads across numerous sources that include the American Kennel Club and PuppyFind, our team found the cost of a Rottweiler to range from $600 to $2,000, with over 80% of the puppies under 6 month of age for sale falling within this range. This puts the average cost at $1,150. Some Rottweilers were priced as high as $4,500.

Adoption, on the other hand, is a much less expensive ordeal, with rehoming fees typically ranging from $50-$500. If you are actively looking to raise a Rottweiler, we strongly recommend doing some research and finding the most reputable breeders and/or shelters possible. This will make a big difference in terms of your dog’s health and wellbeing.

WONDERING HOW AND WHERE TO FIND A ROTTWEILER PUPPY TO BUY OR A DOG TO ADOPT? Our Guide will help you find a dog near you. We share the 25 best places to find your perfect pet.

This data is 100% original and has been collected by PetBudget’s team.

“As a veterinarian, I think it is ideal that Rottweiler breeding dogs be either evaluated or tested for the following conditions prior to breeding and throughout their breeding years: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye examination by an ophthalmologist once 2 years of age, cardiac evaluation by a cardiologist. Buyers should ask the breeder about health screening tests performed.”

Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian

If you want to know more about the price of puppies in the US or compare this breed with 150 others, check our puppy prices article based on the analysis of close to 50,000 ads (for 151 different breeds).

Factors affecting the price of puppies and why prices vary for the same breed.

Purebred or mixed. Usually, mixed-breeds are sold at a lower price than purebred dogs.

Bloodline and breeder’s reputation. If the parents are purebred show quality dogs from a reputable breeder, the price will be substantially higher. These breeders also tend to invest more money than others to take care of their breeding dogs and puppies.

Registration papers/pedigree. Some breeders are members of kennel clubs, the most famous being the American Kennel Club (AKC). They can also have their breeding dogs and puppies registered which would also add to their fees.

Health screenings and medical expenses. Serious breeders will have their breeding dogs and/or puppies evaluated/tested for different medical conditions. Moreover, some will take their puppies to the vet for an exam, deworming, vaccines, and/or microchip implantation prior to selling them. This drives the price higher but also reduces the risk to get an unhealthy dog.

Training and socialization. Some breeders sell their dogs after they are trained and socialized. It will increase the puppy’s price but generate savings as you most probably won’t have to invest in more training and also gives a better chance to get a well-behaved dog.

Breed popularity in the buyer’s location. Local supply and demand will have an impact on puppy prices. For example, small dogs tend to be more popular in metropolitan areas where people live in smaller spaces. Some breeds are more in demand in colder climates, others where hunting is popular, etc. It is worth looking for prices in different locations, but it is risky to buy a dog without having seen it before or at least have met with the breeder and visited the kennel.

Age. As most people want to get their puppy as young as possible, prices tend to be lower when the dog gets older. For example, on average a 6-month-old pup is likely to be less expensive than an 8-week-old one.

Coat color and markings. Coat color trends can change quickly. For any breed, some colors are more popular than others, sometimes temporarily. When the interest for a specific coat color grows, puppies get more expensive as an increase in demand leads to a higher market price. Also, for purebred dogs, only specific colors and color combinations are accepted by kennel clubs. Finally, puppies with rare colors can be very expensive as well.

The cost of supplies when welcoming a Rottweiler

As with any dog, you will need several products on hand to make raising a Rottweiler easier. This includes items like bowls, collars, toys, beds, shampoo, sanitary equipment to name just a few. Based on prices of over 250 Walmart, Amazon and PetSmart best sellers, essential supplies add up to anywhere between $245 and $925 for the first year depending on the quality of the items purchased and location.

As your Rottweiler grows, the price of supplies eases up considerably. Each subsequent year entails expenses ranging from $105 to $410, with an average of $225. This includes replenishing your stock of some aforementioned items (toys, bed, poop bags, shampoo, toothbrush).

Additionally, you may require things that are not accounted for, such as clothing, play pens, fences, muzzles, harnesses and other cosmetic or maintenance items. These items are bound to push your expenses higher, so keep that in mind when planning your finances.

Looking to save on pet supplies? Check second-hand stores and websites to find great deals.

Check our Dog Supplies Guide and get tips to choose the right items for you and your dog (bowls, collar, leash, bed, and crate size, etc.). Learn everything about costs, and find the best products available.

If you are on a budget check our special selection and buy everything new for less than $200.

Leave your email at the top or bottom of this article to get our free supplies checklist with tips to select the right size for each product.

Training a Rottweiler

According to dog trainer and animal behaviorist, Alexa Diaz, Ph.D., professional training is recommended for Rottweilers. Private lessons will help with positive leadership and house manners. Additionally, group classes for basic obedience and socialization purposes are also recommended.

You will be looking at anywhere between $750-$1,000 for 5-7 private lessons and $150-$200 for 5 group lessons, depending on your locality.

Reading a dog training book and educating yourself on dog behaviors and psychology before welcoming the pet will also ease up the process.

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If you want to know whether to train your dog yourself or hire a professional and learn about the cost of training classes and supplies, check our article written with a certified dog trainer.

“Rottweilers are good at bonding with one person and can be good guard dogs for the house. They will also do fine in a family with older children.”

Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal Behaviorist

Medical costs to consider for a Rottweiler

Licensed veterinarian Leslie Brooks, DVM, shared her knowledge and experience to establish the medical expenses related to raising a Rottweiler. The following figures can obviously vary depending on many factors such as location but still give a reliable and trustworthy picture of what a Rottweiler owner should expect.

Vet cost for a Rottweiler puppy

According to Leslie Brooks, DVM, a Rottweiler puppy will require three vet visits through their first year ($65-$170 each time), with the first visit being at 8 weeks of age. This will include all the essential: physical exam, essential vaccines, fecal examination to make sure no deworming is needed as well as heartworm and flea prevention first three doses.

She would also advise purchasing heartworm and flea prevention medication for the rest of the year. They cost $75-$120 and $100-$150, respectively for a puppy.

Moreover, your puppy may require some additional vaccines that depend largely on lifestyle and activity. If your Rottweiler spends a ton of time camping or hiking and is generally exposed to wildlife and standing water a lot, Leptospirosis vaccine ($15-25) can be recommended. If your dog is boarded or kept in a kennel for extended amounts of time, Influenza vaccines may be necessary ($70-$90 including a booster shot). Additionally, if your dog goes camping, hiking or lives in a wooden area or on a farm, it will be more exposed to ticks, and Lyme shots are strongly recommended ($60-$80 including the booster shot).

The yearly costs will therefore range from $440-$855.

A neuter (male) or spay (female) procedure on a Rottweiler, generally cost $200 to $500. Depending on the location, it is possible to find low cost clinics that will charge as low as $50-$100.

As Rottweilers tend to be large, deep-chested dogs, Leslie Brooks recommends a Gastropexy procedure, which usually costs $200-$400 when performed at the time of sterilization. It is an efficient way to help prevent the stomach to twist on itself (Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus or GDV) which is life threatening and would require an expensive surgery to be corrected.

Medical expenses for the following years

According to veterinarians like Leslie Brooks, DVM, for each subsequent year, you should make an annual trip to the vet for an exam, vaccines, heartworm test and blood work (for middle aged and senior dogs) to find potential hidden problems. This should run you $125-$265 depending on location.

Leslie also recommends following through with heartworm and flea prevention medication, which usually cost around $125-$250 and $225-$350 for the year, respectively.

The lifestyle vaccines, Leptospirosis ($15-$25), Influenza ($35-$45) and/or Lyme ($30-$40) may also require annual booster shots. Finally, if your Rottweiler is regularly in contact with other pets or shows inconsistent stool quality, a fecal examination ($40-$50) will be recommended.

Rottweiler potential health issues

The table below introduces some of the potential health problems a Rottweiler owner might have to deal with during his dog’s life according to licensed veterinarian Leslie Brooks.

This price range for hip dysplasia is very wide because of the variety of treatment options an owner may pursue. Conservative treatment including pain management and physical therapy is usually the cheapest alternative ($500-$2,500 per year), while total hip replacement costs about $5,000-$6,500 per affected hip. It can affect a Rottweiler at any age.

Elbow dysplasia: the cost estimate is for surgery per elbow.

Cranial cruciate ligament rupture: the ideal treatment recommendation is usually surgical repair which can come to $2,000-$3,500 on top of diagnostics prior to surgery, such as x-rays and blood work that cost between $200 and $400. Also know that 50% of dogs who tear a ligament in one knee, will eventually tear the ligament in their other knee, which would double those costs.

If the owner elects to avoid surgery, and just provide pain management, physical therapy, and rest instead, one can expect to pay $50 to $300 per month for 3 or 4 months. In such cases, it takes longer for the dog to get back to his normal activity level and it could develop more severe arthritis in the knee later, with associated costs.

Cancer: The cost really depends on the type of cancer (the most common is bone cancer for this breed) and whether aggressive therapy and all the recommended treatments are pursued, or it is decided to just keep the pet comfortable with medications.

“Aside from the costs of health conditions, Rottweilers will benefit from behavioral training since they are such large dogs and will need to know how to behave appropriately around other people and animals to avoid negative social interactions.”

Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian

A second veterinarian opinion on Rottweilers

We have also consulted with another licensed-veterinarian, Mendi Baryzk, DVM, to share her knowledge when it comes to the medical costs of a Rottweiler.

Preventive care for the first year (puppy)

According to Dr. Baryzk, medical preventive care will cost around $1,190 for the puppy’s first year if we add up all the strongly recommended expenses.

Preventive care for adults each year

For an adult dog, yearly basic preventive care expenses will be about $1,065 at her clinic.

Most common health issues

“Rottweilers are intelligent and loyal to their families; professional training is recommended with this breed.”

Mendi Baryzk, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian

Pet insurance price

Some dog owners will get a pet insurance for their dog. Know that the North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry report put the average price of accident and illness coverage plans for dogs at $565. If you opt for an accident-only plan, expect to pay around $190 per annum. These prices will obviously vary a lot depending on many factors and you will need to contact insurance companies or brokers to get a more precise estimate.

It is also possible to get complete health coverage with some insurance companies but it gets much more expensive.

If you wonder whether or not you should get pet insurance, we have a simple step by step guide to help you make the decision. This could save you thousands of dollars.

As mentioned, some medical conditions can be expensive to treat. Although purebred dogs may have a higher incidence of some inherited disorders, mixed breed dogs are also likely to develop health conditions, such as cancer and heart disorders. No dog owner should have to make critical decisions about their pets based on their ability to afford care. That’s why pet insurance is more popular every year in the US.

When comparing pet insurances, price is a significant factor, but it is also essential to consider:
– Deductible type (per incident or per year) and amount
– Reimbursements percentage and limits
– Services included (emergency visits, hospitalization, surgery, medications, specialists, cancer treatments, pre-existing conditions, etc.)
– When coverage will start

The price will vary depending on multiple factors, including the dog’s breed, age, location, and the plan chosen. You can compare pet insurance prices on comparison websites like PetInsuranceReview.

Read our article titled a veterinarian explains medical costs for a dog to learn more and get tips to save on vet expenses.

Cost of feeding a Rottweiler

Rottweilers are very large dogs, as adults weigh 110 lb. on average (usually 80 to 135 lb.). After combing through the prices of best-selling brands like Purina, Pedigree and Blue Buffalo, we estimate that the cost of feeding a Rottweiler puppy through its first year is likely to be $450 on average, as puppies will consume around 400 lb. of dry food for the year.

Adults generally eat 430 lb. a year depending on the type of food and brand, leading up to a yearly expense of $390 on average. Keep in mind that there can be a massive cost discrepancy between budget and premium brands.

The dog owner will also probably want to treat his dog on a regular basis. After review of 27 best sellers on PetSmart, Walmart and Amazon, a cost estimation for the year has been made (if the dog gets treats daily).

This cost estimation for treats is based on the premise that the dog gets one big treat every day. If you give your dog a treat every other day, you can divide these amounts by two. If it is once a week, divide them by seven, and so on. Enter the relevant information in the calculator at the end of the article to get your personalized cost estimate.

Four dog food brands compared

The following figures are based on the purchase of 400 lb. of dry food for the first year.

One will probably need to buy around 430 lb. of food for each adult year of a Rottweiler.

To make bigger savings, purchase in bulk. Although dog food is perishable, it can be stored for extended periods of time, making bulk purchases a practical and affordable option. Additionally, consider consulting your vet to decide what kind of food goes best for your Rottweiler.

Example for a more expensive premium brand

This illustrates the price difference between budget-friendly and premium dog food.

Grooming a Rottweiler

According to Corryne Smith, certified dog groomer, a Rottweiler could be groomed at home by its owner since maintaining this breed is fairly easy.

The other solution would be to have the dog professionally groomed around 6 times a year, each session costing between $45 and $65 on average. The price of grooming services varies depending on the dog size, coat condition, health and age, its behavior and the services purchased.

Professional grooming generally includes a bath and shampoo, hair removal if necessary, brushing and styling, ear, teeth, and eye cleaning as well as nail trimming.

A grooming kit that allows you to groom your dog at home can be found for anywhere between $25 and $290 (Walmart, PetSmart, and Amazon for example), with an average cost of $75, depending on the equipment you require.

Additional costs to consider

License

Licenses range from $10-$20 across the U.S.A, provided your Rottweiler is spayed or neutered. If not, the cost is likely to be a little bit higher. We strongly recommend licensing your dog, as it can be illegal, depending on state and territory legislation, to own an unlicensed dog. Moreover, it makes identification and locating in the case of emergencies that much easier.

Microchip

Microchips create a unique identification for your dog, allowing them to be on medical and emergency databases. Microchips are required in many U.S states and will range from $25 to $50.

Dog walking

Rottweilers are big, energetic pets and require regular exercise. If you are unable to cater to its needs and dedicate the time to take your dog outdoors during the day, a dog walker is highly recommended by professionals like Tamaria Reddick. On average, dog walkers will charge $15-$25 for 30-minute walks ($20-$50 for 1 hour), depending on your location, and can be found on apps like Rover and Wag.

If you are planning on hiring a dog walker on a regular basis, make sure to include this expense into your budget. An owner might need to pay for private walks if the dog is not well socialized. These are obviously more expensive.

Traveling

In the case of extended travel plans, dog boarding services are generally available and accessible, provided you plan. They cost between $25 and $85 a day, depending on location and time of year. During particularly busy stretches of the year, such as the holidays, you will need to book a dog boarding service in advance, as you are likely to get much better deals and rates when doing so.

If you are on a tight budget, checking with any friends or family to see if they would be willing to host your dog is a good idea, as these prices can add up very quickly.

Finally, you might be able to take your dog with you, as many airlines and train companies offer special provisions to help move your pets. You will have to submit a formal request ahead of time though, so make sure to plan your trips early. Moreover, the cost varies drastically, as it depends on several variables, so make sure to plan when traveling with your dog.

Yearly and monthly cost of a Rottweiler

How much is a Rottweiler puppy during the first year?

The average cost of raising a Rottweiler for the first year falls within the $2,655 to $6,770 range, with an average cost of $4,390. Most of these expenses will happen early and will hardly be avoidable, as they are essential to the health and well-being of your Rottweiler.

Potential additional expenses include sterilization, dog insurance and services like dog walking and dog boarding.

Assuming you spay/neuter your dog, require the services of a dog walker 5 days a week for 42 weeks (30-minute walks), enroll in an insurance plan and use a boarding service for 1 week of the year, your first year cost is likely to rise into the $6,580 to $14,295 range.

Adult Rottweiler yearly and monthly costs

For each adult year, a Rottweiler will require $920-$3,235 in essential expenses, depending on your locality as well as the pet-related businesses that are accessible to you. On a monthly basis we are talking costs in the $77-$270 range or $160 on average.

Assuming you use a dog walker every weekday for 50 weeks, maintain your insurance enrollment and send the dog to a boarding facility for 1 week, you can expect to spend as high as $5,195-$10,860 every year ($433-$905 every month).

Rottweiler total cost of ownership

Rottweilers have an average life expectancy of 10 years (usually 9 to 10 years). This puts the overall cost of ownership in the $10,935 to $35,885 range using the figures outlined above. On average, an owner can expect to spend $21,670 over the years.

Using the same additional costs scenarios introduced in the previous sections of the article (spay/neuter, insurance, dog walking and dog boarding), you will be looking at total cost of ownership range of $53,335 to $112,035, with an average overall cost of $79,895 for 10 years.

Thank you for reading us! Stay tuned for more information about pet costs, product reviews and saving tips.

PetBudget Rottweiler cost calculator

The cost of a Rottweiler – A summary in 7 questions

1- How much is a Rottweiler puppy?

On average a Rottweiler puppy will cost $1,150 in the USA. Most puppies can be found between $600 and $2,000. The price will vary depending on the breeder and location as well as the dog’s bloodline, color, and age among other things.

2 – How much are dog supplies?

A new owner can expect an initial investment between $245 and $925 in supplies when welcoming an extra-large dog. Every year, the cost to renew some of them should be between $105 and $410. Prices vary depending on location, stores, brands, and products quality.

3 – Does a Rottweiler need training and how much will it cost?

Having a Rottweiler professionally trained is usually recommended (both private and group training) and should cost around $900 to $1,200. For this breed, training should mainly focus on basic obedience, socialization, positive leadership, and house manners.

4 – What is the cost of preventive medical care for a Rottweiler?

Preventive medical care should amount to around $440 to $855 for a Rottweiler puppy during the first year and around $475 to $1,025 every adult year. This does not include spay or neuter and gastropexy procedures (usually $200 to $500 and $200 to $400 respectively).

5 – How much food does a Rottweiler eat and how much will it cost?

A Rottweiler puppy will eat around 400 lb. and an adult close to 430 lb. of dry food yearly (it varies for each dog and food brand). Annual expenses should be between $310 and $890 for a puppy and $205 to $900 for an adult dog. Other types of food and treats would increase the costs.

6 – How often should a Rottweiler be professionally groomed and how much will it cost?

Grooming a Rottweiler is easy enough that most owners should be able to do it themselves. Those who prefer having their dog professionally groomed can expect up to 6 visits to a salon every year. Each session should cost from $45 to $65 depending on the dog and services needed.

7 – Are there any other expenses to expect?

In the United States, a dog license usually costs between $10 and $20. The cost could be slightly higher if the dog is not spayed or neutered. Having the dog licensed is mandatory almost everywhere.

A dog microchip costs $25 to $50 on average in the US and is generally implanted during a medical appointment. It is placed under the skin usually between the shoulder blades. Dogs adopted from a shelter or bought from a breeder sometimes already have a microchip.

According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry Report, the average annual price is $566 for accident and illness coverage plans or $190 for accident only plans.

Dog walkers usually charge $15 to $25 for 30 minutes group walks and $20 to $50 for 1-hour long ones. Prices vary mainly depending on location. Private walks are more expensive.

A dog owner should budget $25 to $85 per day for dog boarding services. Prices vary depending on location, time of the year, and the level of service among other things.

Newsletter Subscribers get:

Before & After you Get a Puppy (2 eBooks)
+ Our Dog Supplies Checklist
+ Coupons & Discounts
ALL FOR FREE

“Allow me to help you prepare for your new dog, make the best decisions, and save.”

Johann – PetBudget Founder

What is the next step? Check our New Dog Owner Guide. It’s a 5 minutes read packed with useful information for future and new dog owners.

Other breeds you might like

Looking for a guard dog? Read our article about the cost of 18 popular guard dog breeds.

Or learn more about the cost of owning a dog. This article is THE reference when it comes to budgeting for your pet.

To help you out, this guide contains all the primary expenses that are necessary to ensure your future dog’s well-being. Make sure to take these considerations seriously before adopting or purchasing a Rottweiler, as they are imperative to your dog leading a healthy, happy, and comfortable life in your home. Moreover, the dog should not be a financial burden on you or your family, so make sure to carefully read through each section to better understand the expenses that come with raising a Rottweiler. Figures provided in this article are for informational purposes only. A dog owner should always find the actual costs applicable to his own situation before making any decision.

References and Resources

• Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian
• Mendi Baryzk, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian
• Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal Behaviorist
• Corryne Smith – Dog Groomer
• Tamaria Reddick – Dog Walker, Pet Sitter
• Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
• The American Kennel Club
• North American Pet Health Insurance Association
• Association of Professional Dog Trainers

This article is original content from PetBudget.