Well bred Rottweilers can be healthy, sound, magnificent animals.  By obtaining a quality animal from a reputable breeder, you have taken the first step toward avoiding some of the health difficulties toward which Rottweilers are prone.

Hip Dysplasia (HD)
        Hip Dysplasia is the result of the malformation of the hip joint(s).  This condition is a common difficulty in most of the large dog breeds.  This condition is both genetic and environmentally influenced.
        Be sure that both parents of any Rottweiler puppy you are considering purchasing is certified by OFA or Penn Hip to be free of Hip Dysplasia.
        Over-feeding, over-exercise and injury while young may also contribute to your puppy damaging (leading to degeneration) his hips.
For further information regarding this condition please see (Medical Index/Hip Dysplasia).

Elbow Dysplasia
        Elbow Dysplasia is a developmental disorder of the bones associated with the elbow joint.  This disease is generally accepted as genetic in nature, and can occur in multiple levels of severity.
        As with Hip Dysplasia, both parents should be certified as free of Elbow Dysplasia prior to breeding.
For further information regarding this condition please see (Medical Index/Elbow Dysplasia).

Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD)
        Osteochondrosis Dissecans is a disorder of bone formation resulting from a defect in the transition of cartilage into bone during the growth process.  This condition appears to be genetic in nature, being far more common in some bloodlines than others.  Similarly to hip dysplasia, environmental factors can be contributory.
For further information regarding this medical condition please see (Medical Index/Osteochondrosis Dissecans).

Panosteitis
        Occasionally referred to as "wandering lameness", this disease presents itself as spontaneous lameness, affecting dogs between the ages of 5 to 14 months.
For further information regarding this medical condition please see (Medical Index/Panosteitis).

Sub-Aortic Stenosis (SAS)
        This congenital heart condition has been found in Rottweilers, although major efforts are underway to eliminate (severely reduce) this condition.  Ranging from minor heart murmurs to fatal, this condition covers a wide array of symptoms.
For further information regarding this medical condition please see (Medical Index/Sub-Aortic Stenosis).