Look at the puppy's tail. Rottweilers' tails are commonly docked or cut short to leave a small stub on their backside. While this practice does not improve the dog's health or well-being, it has become such a recognizable feature of the breed that the American Kennel Club requires Rottweilers to have docked tails to be eligible as show dogs. Docking a Rottweiler's tail too soon, however, can cause nerve damage. If you are considering purchasing a puppy whose tail has already been docked, find out when the surgery was performed and talk to a veterinarian to make sure it was done correctly and at a proper time.
Rottweiler - Dog Lover
