Also, ask breeder about parents. Do either of them have a history of hip dysplasia? Since experts say hip dysplasia is hereditary this will give you a good idea of whether puppy you are looking at will run into these types of problems later on in life.

#5 Don't be afraid to ask questions.

Most reputable breeders will be helpful, eager to answer your questions and know many of above facts already (without you telling them). They will allow you to ask questions and (if possible) meet parents to assess their traits.

They will not be pushy (if any breeder is pushing you to buy their dogs, ALWAYS be suspicious) and may even be a bit cautious about allowing YOU to take one of their precious puppies!

Ask breeder about any health problems in general in parents or in breeding line, not just in regards to hip dysplasia. Heart problems? Cancer? Temperament problems? Don't be afraid to ask.

#6 Keep An Open Mind

When we went to purchase our rottweiler puppy, breeder was - to human eye - slightly eccentric. He was more of a dog-person than a people person and we were a little thrown off by his appearance and state of his home in general.

But he loved his dogs.

And it was plain that he knew more about rottweiler breeding and training than most rotti owners put together. Once we got over our initial reaction and saw way he treated his Rottweilers and puppies, we knew that we wouldn't have any problem with our chosen sweetie.

Make sure you keep an open mind when choosing a puppy. You might walk into something you don't expect but you also might find best companion you'll ever have!

Those are 6 tips to keep in mind when choosing a Rottweiler puppy. Good luck and remember - although they are cute now, Rottweilers grow up to be VERY large dogs. You absolutely MUST start a good training program with them while they are small (and controllable).

It will save you a lot of time, trouble and stress.

Good luck and have fun!

Kathryn O'Neill is a Rottweiler lover, owner and chief editor for Rottweiler Training.

For more tips and information about training your Rottweiler, check out Rottweiler Training at:

Are all dogs at risk?

Yes. Puppies younger than 4 months of age, and dogs who have not received vaccination, are at greatest risk of infection. However, all dogs are susceptible to virus. Canine Distemper was at one time leading cause of deaths in domesticated dogs. Due to understanding of virus and ability to treat secondary symptoms, Canine Distemper only become a concern in isolated outbreaks.

What is treatment for Canine Distemper?

At this time, there is no cure for actual virus which causes Canine Distemper.. Treatment mainly consists of controlling spread and severity of secondary ailments such as , vomiting, diarrhea and fluid discharge. In later stages of canine distemper, use of anti-consultant drugs may help to control twitches and spasms. Constant nursing care is needed to make dog as comfortable as possible.

Is there anyway to prevent canine distemper?

Have your dog vaccinated!!! Pups should be vaccinated at 6 weeks of age, and re-vaccinated every 3-4 weeks until 16 months old. Adult dogs should be vaccinated every year. Like most disease, prevention is often only viable solution. Be cautions of where you are taking your dog. Since most common transmission of Canine Distemper is air born, dog parks, kennels, even grooming facilities can be ideal places for dogs to contract virus. Raccoons, skunks, foxes, and other carnivores are often catalysts for outbreak. For this reason ALWAYS be cautions of wild animals. Never let your dog have contact with an unknown animal.

Ths website only provides BASIC information about canine distemper, your veterinarian is always your best source of health information. Consult your veterinarian for more information about Canine Distemper and its prevention.