Okay, so I decided to get into breeding Rottweilers. I’ve always loved the breed – their loyalty, their goofy personalities, and that classic Rottie “smile.” But, man, it’s a whole different ballgame when you’re responsible for bringing more of them into the world.
Finding the Right Pair
First things first, I needed to find the right dogs. This wasn’t just about picking any two Rottweilers. I spent months researching bloodlines, looking at health records, and talking to experienced breeders. I mean it that I learned a lot during these months.
- Temperament: I wanted dogs with stable, confident temperaments – no aggression or shyness.
- Health: I checked for hip and elbow dysplasia certifications, heart clearances, and any history of genetic issues. Because this is super importent for the dogs.
- Conformation: I looked for dogs that met the breed standard – good bone structure, proper head shape, the whole nine yards.
After a ton of searching, I found my female, Sasha. She was everything I wanted: a beautiful, healthy, and sweet-natured girl. Then came the stud dog, Brutus. He was a big, muscular boy with an impressive pedigree and a rock-solid temperament.
The Waiting Game
Once I had my pair, it was time to wait for Sasha to go into heat. That meant checking her every day, watching for any signs of swelling or discharge. It’s kind of like being a doggy detective! When she finally went into heat, I took her to the vet for progesterone testing to pinpoint the optimal breeding time. This is really important for the rate.
The Breeding
The actual breeding process was… well, let’s just say it was interesting. I supervised the whole thing to make sure both dogs were comfortable and safe. It wasn’t exactly romantic, but it was efficient! We did two breedings, two days apart, just to be sure.
Pregnancy and Whelping
Then came the waiting game – again! I kept a close eye on Sasha, watching for any signs of pregnancy. Around four weeks, I took her back to the vet for an ultrasound, and sure enough, she was pregnant!
I set up a whelping box for her – a big, comfy space where she could safely deliver her puppies. I stocked up on towels, blankets, a heating pad, and all sorts of other supplies. I even learned how to use a bulb syringe to clear the puppies’ airways if needed.
Sasha’s labor was long and tiring, but she was a champ. She gave birth to eight healthy, squirming puppies! It was amazing to watch her instincts kick in as she cleaned them, nudged them to nurse, and kept them warm.
Raising the Puppies
Those first few weeks were a blur of feeding, cleaning, and making sure everyone was thriving. I weighed the puppies daily, kept their area spotless, and started socializing them early. It was exhausting, but also incredibly rewarding. Watching those tiny furballs grow and develop their own personalities was something special.
It is the best memories in my whole life, I mean it.
Finding Forever Homes
Finally, the time came to find homes for the puppies. This was the hardest part. I screened potential owners carefully, asking about their experience with dogs, their lifestyle, and their commitment to providing a loving, forever home. I wanted to make sure each puppy went to the best possible place.
Saying goodbye was tough, but knowing they were going to great families made it easier. Breeding Rottweilers isn’t just a hobby; it’s a huge responsibility. It’s about preserving the breed, ensuring its health and temperament, and giving these amazing dogs the best possible start in life.
