Rottweiler Health Testing Requirements for Stud Dogs

Rottweilers are powerful, devoted working dogs that face a significant orthopedic burden and among the highest osteosarcoma (bone cancer) rates of any breed. Comprehensive health testing is foundational to responsible Rottweiler breeding.

The American Rottweiler Club (ARC) participates in the OFA CHIC program and maintains breed-specific health recommendations.

CHIC Requirements for Rottweilers

• OFA or PennHIP Hip Evaluation
• OFA Elbow Evaluation
• OFA Eye Examination (CAER)
• OFA Cardiac Evaluation

Hip and Elbow Evaluations

Rottweilers have one of the highest rates of elbow dysplasia of any breed — some studies place it at 40%+. OFA Normal elbows are essential. Hip dysplasia is also prevalent; OFA Good or Excellent is the target for stud dogs.

Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD) of the shoulder, elbow, and hock occurs in Rottweilers. Radiographic evaluation can identify these lesions.

Cardiac Evaluation

Subaortic Stenosis (SAS) occurs in Rottweilers. OFA cardiac evaluation by a cardiologist is recommended. Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) also occurs.

DNA Health Tests

• Degenerative Myelopathy (DM/SOD1) — testing and avoid Carrier × Carrier pairings
• Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis & Polyneuropathy (JLPP) — a severe inherited neurological disease causing laryngeal paralysis and death in young puppies. DNA testing is available; Carriers should only be bred to Clear dogs

Osteosarcoma

Rottweilers have one of the highest documented osteosarcoma rates of any breed — estimated at 12-13% lifetime risk. Early spay/neuter is associated with even higher risk, making this an important consideration for breeders. No genetic test currently exists; selecting for dogs from longer-lived pedigrees with lower cancer history is the practical approach.

Summary

A responsible Rottweiler stud dog should have: OFA/PennHIP hips (Good/Excellent), OFA Normal elbows (particularly important given the very high prevalence), OFA cardiac evaluation, OFA CAER eye exam, DM DNA testing, and JLPP DNA testing. The elbow evaluation is particularly non-negotiable given the breed's high elbow dysplasia prevalence.