If you are attracted to the breed because of its reputation as an aggressive dog
PLEASE go buy something else – you are not welcome in our breed.

If you are unwilling to educate or train your dog
Basic obedience and household rules are NOT optional for the Rottweiler.  They are happiest when they have something to do.   Rottweilers are eager to please you and by attending a weekly training class he will look forward to it and do anything for you.

If you lack leadership or are unassertive
If you think you might have difficulty asserting yourself calmly and confidently to exercise leadership, then choose a breed known for its socially subordinate disposition.  Don't have this breed if you are an excitable person.

If you dislike regular daily exercise
Rottweilers need regular daily exercise to maintain health and muscle tone.  They can't do this by themselves so you have to take them out, every day, sometimes twice a day – in all weathers!   Don't buy one unless you can commit yourself to do this.

If you don't value constant companionship and sometimes physical affection!
They like to be near you, they will follow you from room to room, always want to lay a head or paw in your lap, lean against you, or stand on your feet!  They will even force their head under your elbow and spill your cup of tea, and insist that you fondle them.

If you are a fastidious or house-proud person
They shed their coat twice a year; bitches will drop blood when in season; they can sometimes slobber.  Think about this if you do a lot of entertaining.

If you think that dogs should "run free"
With the Dangerous Dogs Act in the UK, our breed is under constant scrutiny by the authorities and the general public.  An out of control or unsupervised Rottweiler is a "no-no" in today's society.  You must stay within the law and keep dogs on a lead.

If you are unwilling to share your house with a dog
The Rottweiler's sole reason for being is to be within the family unit, not shut outside in a kennel or enclosure.  They thrive on companionship and want to be wherever you are.

If you cannot afford to provide proper food and veterinary care
Owning a Rottweiler is an expensive business.  The larger the breed, the larger the food and veterinary bills.  Rottweilers are especially prone to certain hereditary and physically-induced defects – these all cost money.

If you are not prepared to put in 100% supervision and care
Although their coat is short and easy to keep maintained, Rottweilers will need to be brushed preferably daily; ears, teeth and feet should be regularly checked for problems.  Don't leave them alone for long periods of time where they can get bored and cause damage.  They must be socialised, socialised, socialised.

Unless you can commit yourself to the dog's entire lifetime
The life span of a Rottweiler is from 9 to 12 years.  If that seems too long a time for you to give unequivocal loyalty to your Rottweiler, then please do not get one!  Indeed, as most dogs have a life expectancy that is as long or longer than that, please don't get any dog! 

Rottweilers are NOT the perfect breed for everyone.

However:

If all the preceding "bad news" about Rottweilers hasn't turned you away from the breed, then by all means DO GET a Rottweiler!   They are every bit as wonderful as you have heard! 

Be sure to shop carefully for a "responsible" and "“knowledgeable" breeder who places high priority on breeding for sound temperament, trainability and good health in all matings.   Such a breeder will interrogate and educate potential buyers carefully.  Such a breeder will continue to be available for advice and consultation for the rest of the puppy's life.  Such a breeder will sell a puppy with a Contract and insist on receiving the dog back if ever you are unable to keep it.   Search out for such a breeder.

However, as an alternative to buying a Rottweiler puppy, you may want to give some serious consideration to adopting a rescued Rottweiler.  Despite the responsibility of their previous owner, rescued Rottweilers who have been evaluated by experienced Rottweiler handlers/breeders and vet checked have proven to be readily rehabilitated so as to become superb family companions for responsible and affectionate adopters. Many rescuers are skilled trainers who evaluate temperament and provide remedial training before offering dogs for placement, and who offer continued advisory support afterwards.   Contact Rottweiler breeders, Rottweiler club members, the local rescue centre, or preferably the Rottweiler Welfare Association or Rottweilers In Need.