Rottweiller

I have no idea the cost, and I'm big on rescue and adoption, BUT... If I were going to get a dog from a breeder, I'd look for one that shows the dogs, has them registered with AKC, has the parents tested for congenital defects like hips, eyes and any other breed specific problems, and has a laundry list of requirements for new owners.

If I buy a dog, I want to be sure they breeders are making an effort to better the breed, and aren't just looking to make a buck of their poochies.

Good breeders are usually involved in rescue, too. My Peke is a rescue, but the president of the rescue group, and his foster mom, is a breeder who shows dogs, too.

I you

um, check a shelter first! adopting is the way to go - do a good thing, save a ton of money.

Also, I have to say, if they can't afford to buy a dog *I don't believe in buying animals anyways* but can they afford to TAKE CARE OF THE PET?!

This. every Rottweiler I have ever owned has been a rescue and they are wonderful sweet dogs. I also agree if they cannot afford to buy the dog are they able to take care of it? Dogs can be expensive.

She has explained more than once that the person will be able to take care of the dog. Just stop, ok? Maybe her budget allows enough for the care of a dog but not an ADDITIONAL $1000 to buy it. For heaven's sake.

I would try Petfinder.com and Rottie rescue groups. There are so many great dogs out there that need homes. Just be sure that your friend can afford the cost of a large dog. Food and vet care can get costly especially with large dogs.

get one from the humane society

Pet insurance...20-or so bucks a month. I am a veterinarian and I see a lot of people who love their pets and want to help them...and many times, they can afford to do so because they invested in health insurance for their pet.

Can you recommend an insurance company? For ME. For my 10 year old mutt? Is it too late?? I think we're at the point she will inevitably have health problems.

There's your answer!

www.gopetplan.com. I have all five of my pets insured, and they have absolutely terrific customer service. Check their website for free quotes.

I bought my Great Dane about four years ago from a pet store, and I paid $600 for her. I believe you pay less for males. I'm trusting that she has purchased a pure bred before, and knows that at least one of the parents should be on site to inspect. And to ask about the history of the parents - hip dysplasia, thyroid disease, heart disease, etc. Nothing sucks more than getting a pure bred then having to put it down within its first year because the parents have been over-bred.

If she wants one unpapered, it will be less. Dogs that are papered through the AKC are a lot more expensive.

Good luck to your friend and her new beginning. I totally understand why she wants a puppy, and why she is doing this.

And before anyone jumps me, I have not only rescued about 10 cats (and kept them) over the course of the past 20 years, but I have fostered about 10 times that. Used to work at my local humane society. But some people simply prefer a specific breed, and some don't want adults. I usually tell people to adopt, but if they are set on buying, then it's important to make an informed decision.

Plan on spending between $600-$1,000 on a pure bred.

Rottweilers are prone to some pretty horrible genetic problems and breeders are out to make a buck. I'd be hesitant to trust one.

Also I have to say, I'm an ER vet tech. It's horrible, frustrating, and heart breaking when a puupy has to be euthanized because the owner spent $2500 on the puppy and can't afford to treat for parvo/hit by car/ pnuemonia, etc. Save a life and money. Rescue a healthy dog from a shelter. Life never goes as planned.

Ok, our friend Is getting divorced and wants a Rott but can't afford it, so we're (4 of us) starting a fund to give her on her next birthday in August 2013. Can anyone give me the ballpark for a reputable bred, not champion, but healthy Rott? $1800, $2400, etc?? Google is allll over the map on this...

Spca. Or a rotty rescue. Lots if awesome dogs from shelters. Lots

great point! get a cat not a rottweiller! I raise german bloodline boxers with that said yiu need to spend a lot of time an money with these type's of breeds! They need a lot of exercise and training. If she can't afford to buy one do get one. Food an supplements are expensive. Good luck

please get it from a rescue organization!!

Another thread proving yet again that reading comprehension is at an all time low.
You should be able to get contacts in your area for reputable breeders through the AKC. A pure bread rott is going to run anywhere between 500 and 2k$ depending on location, blood lines and all that. I know that's a huge variance in price so you would probably be better off to contact a breeder and three and get prices specific to your area for a better idea.

As stated by almost everyone else... I'm not convinced that you should be providing the funds for her to get the dog if she can't buy the dog herself. Pet ownership is a RESPONSIBILITY, including a financial responsibility. If she can't afford to buy the dog, she can't afford to have the dog. Simple as that. You said she already has 3 dogs? Why does she need another? And you said shes going through a divorce? My opinion is that another dog is the LAST thing she needs right now...

Edited for typo.

Ok, I get the skepticism, but I ask you to trust me that she can afford the dog, the initial costs, neuter, etc;) She could put the dog on a credit card but isn't that dumb. If the dog got an injury? She would of course charge it's vet bill to save its life. Not to me macabre, but it's a question from someone wanting to know what we should budget for a gift. Nothing else

I paid 500 for my female. AKC -pure blood lines but back yard breeder. never had one issue health wise. but her temperament is a bit iffy.

I paid 1000 for my male. Champion blood line. Within the first year he had two cherry eyes - not common at all in the breed. And his hips are bad. Of course the breeder will take him back and give me another dog - but how do I explain that to my kids? He's 4 years old now - I spend roughly 2500 a year in unexpected vet costs. But he's got that oh so wonderful "AKC Champion line" BS

AGREED!