Snub Nose Rottweiler Breed Guide – Everything You Need to Know About Miniature Rotties

Everything You Need to Know About Snub Nose Rottweilers

If you’re looking into snub nose rottweilers, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll answer all of your questions about these unique dogs. After years of experience breeding and caring for rottweilers, I want to share everything I’ve learned to help you decide if a snub nose rottie is the right fit for your lifestyle. Let’s get started!

What Is a Snub Nose Rottweiler?

A snub nose rottweiler, also called a short-nosed rottweiler, is a variation of the rottweiler breed that has a shortened muzzle or snout. While standard rottweilers have muzzles that are about as long as their heads, snub nose rotties have muzzles that are dramatically shortened due to selective breeding. This gives them a unique squished-face look that many owners find cute and charming.

History of the Snub Nose Rottweiler

The original rottweiler breed was developed in Germany during the Roman Empire as a draught and herding dog. For centuries, rottweilers had medium-length muzzles suited to their working abilities. In the late 1900s, some breeders began experimenting with breeding rottweilers specifically for their appearance rather than their jobs. This resulted in the first snub-nosed rottweiler puppies being born in the 1990s. However, due to health concerns, major kennel clubs do not recognize the snub nose variety as a separate breed.

Snub Nose vs Standard Rottweiler Appearance

1. Muzzle: As mentioned, the snub nose rottie has a dramatically shortened muzzle compared to the standard length muzzle.
2. Eyes: The eyes of a snub nose rottweiler may appear more protruding due to the short muzzle.
3. Nose: Their nose is small and blunt instead of large and extended.
4. Otherwise, coat, color, size, body type are identical to a standard rottie.

Snub Nose Rottweiler Temperament

From my experience, snub nose and standard rottweilers have comparable temperaments. Both breeds are devoted, protective, and highly trainable when raised properly. However, due to anatomical breathing issues, snub nose dogs may tire more quickly during high-intensity play or exercise. Owners report their temperament as affectionate, gentle, and sociable with their loved ones. Early socialization is important, as with all dogs, to ensure good manners with strangers.

Snub Nose Rottweiler Health Concerns

This is a big question many owners have. While cute, the extremely shortened muzzle poses serious health risks for snub nose dogs. Some potential issues include:

1. Breathing problems: The shortened nasal passages can obstruct breathing andincrease respiratory efforts at rest or during exercise.
2. Eye issues: The squashed face shape often leads to dry eyes and corneal ulcersdue to poor tear drainage.
3. Overheating risks:With compromised nasal airflow, snub nose dogs cannot cool themselves as efficiently and are prone to overheating.
4. Brachycephalic syndrome: Severe forms result in open mouth breathing,collapse of the soft palate, and heart problems due to lack of oxygen.

Due to these welfare concerns, many feel it’s irresponsible to continue breeding for extreme shortened facial features that cause poor health.

Are Snub Nose Rottweilers Good Family Dogs?

If properly socialized and trained, snub nose rottweilers can adapt well to family living. However, there are some key considerations:

– Due to breathing issues, they require moderate rather than high-intensity exercise. Long walks are better than vigorous play.

– Young kids who accidentally knock them over during play or pull ears/tails need supervision. Like any large breed, rotties prefer gentle handling.

– Their affectionate nature makes them good family companions but health issues mean higher than average veterinary care costs.

– First-time owners may find a standard rottweiler easier due to potential special needs of brachycephalic dogs.

So in summary, they can adjust happily to families, but their health concerns necessitate a more sedentary lifestyle and extra caution with small children at times.

Purchasing or Adopting a Snub Nose Rottweiler

If you decide a snub nose rottie is right for you after understanding the pros and cons, there are a few best practices for getting your new pup:

– Adopt don’t shop when possible. Many snubbers end up in rescue due to health issues.

– Meet both parents if buying from a breeder. Health testing is crucial due to concerns.

– Ask about any existing or potential issues so you’re fully prepared financially and medically.

– Neuter/spay to avoid adding to overpopulation of dogs with health challenges.

With research, the added responsibilities are manageable. But please reconsider this breed if you want a very active companion. Standard rotties often make for healthier family pets.

In conclusion, snub nose rottweilers can thrive as companions with dedicated owners aware of their special needs. However, those seeking a higher energy dog may find standard rotties or other breeds a better physical fit. I hope this overview has given you insight into the charms and challenges of owning one of these unique pups. Let me know if any other questions come up!

Snub Nose Rottweiler Statistics

Characteristic	Description
Average Weight	90-115 lbs
Average Height	21-24 inches
Lifespan	8-10 years
Color	Black with rust, mahogany, or tan markings
Coat	Short, coarse topcoat with thick undercoat
Temperament	Loyal, protective, confident
Exercise Needs	Daily walks or play sessions; adequate space to run
Grooming Needs	Weekly brushing; occasional baths
Suitable For	Families with older children and adequate space

FAQ

1. What is a snub nose rottweiler?

   A snub nose rottweiler is basically a rottweiler breed with a flatter face and shorter snout than average. Their noses are kind of squished in.

2. What is their personality like?

   Snub nose rotties sort of act the same as regular rottweilers. They can be very loving and loyal dogs. At the same time, they need early training to keep them from being overly protective. Their squished faces don’t seem to affect their temperament too much.

3. Are snub nose rottweilers healthy?

   Unfortunately, their flatter faces can cause some breathing issues. They might snore or wheeze more than other rotties. Nevertheless, a reputable breeder should do health checks to prevent problems. Proper care also helps them stay in good shape despite their shorter snouts.

4. How much do they cost?

   Puppy prices vary depending on the breeder, but on average a snub nose rottweiler will run you around $1,500-$2,500. Sometimes they cost a bit more than regular rotties due to lower breeding numbers. You want to find one from a breeder who does genetic testing to pick a healthy pup!

5. Are they good family dogs?

   In general, yes – as long as you train them right! Rottweilers are known to be gentle and patient with kids. But their size and possible protectiveness means they need socializing young. With the right owner, a snub nose rottie can make an amazing family friend. But is it worth it if their health may be poorer?

   

6. What do experts say about breeding snub noses?

   Many veterinarians and dog experts criticize breeding dogs with extreme features. Snub noses can strangle airflow and mess with cooling. Quoting the American Veterinary Medical Association, “Conformation breeding should enhance – not hinder – a dog’s well-being.” So think hard before choosing one due to risks of breathing issues. Their flat little faces do look awfully cute though!