Breeding Rottweilers, responsibly and ethically requires careful consideration of the health, behaviour and genetic well-being of both the parents and the potential offspring. Rottweilers are prone to certain genetic health issues that should be screened for to ensure healthy litters:
 
Health Testing: Responsible breeders prioritise health testing to minimise the risk of passing on hereditary health issues. Common health tests for Rottweilers may include:

• Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: Rottweilers are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which can lead to joint pain and mobility issues. Radiographic evaluations are conducted to assess the health of these joints.

• Cardiac Evaluation: Heart conditions, such as aortic stenosis, can affect Rottweilers. A cardiac exam, including auscultation and possibly echocardiography, helps identify potential issues.

• Ocular Health: Rottweilers can develop eye conditions like progressive retinal atrophy
  (PRA) and cataracts. Eye examinations by a veterinary ophthalmologist can
  identify any issues.

• Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD): This condition affects the joints, particularly
  in large breeds like Rottweilers. X-rays and evaluations can detect OCD.

• Degenerative Myelopathy: A genetic neurological disorder that affects the
  spinal cord and can lead to paralysis. DNA tests can identify carriers of the

• gene mutation.

Genetic Testing: Genetic testing can identify carriers of specific inherited diseases.

    DNA testing is available for various conditions in Rottweilers, including:
 

Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis & Polyneuropathy (JLPP) is a genetic disorder that affects
certain breeds of dogs, including Rottweilers. It is an inherited condition characterised by
he degeneration of nerves, leading to laryngeal paralysis (affecting the voice box)
and polyneuropathy (affecting multiple nerves in the body).

JLPP is caused by a mutation in the SEC63 gene. Dogs inherit this condition in an
autosomal recessive manner, meaning that a dog must inherit two copies of the mutated
gene (one from each parent) to be affected.

Symptoms typically appear in affected puppies between 3 to 4 months of age.
The condition progresses over time, leading to difficulties in breathing,
exercise intolerance, and weakness in the limbs.

Affected dogs may experience laryngeal paralysis, which can result in noisy breathing,
especially during exercise or excitement. This is due to the inability of the larynx to open
and close properly. Polyneuropathy involves the degeneration of nerves throughout the body,
leading to weakness, loss of coordination, and difficulty walking.
 

Diagnosis is typically confirmed through genetic testing. Responsible breeders conduct genetic tests
on their breeding dogs to identify carriers and ensure that they are not bred with other carriers,
reducing the risk of producing affected puppies.

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Temperament and Behaviour: Apart from health considerations, a responsible
breeder should also focus on the temperament and behaviour of the dogs being bred.
Rottweilers should have stable and predictable temperaments to ensure that the puppies
have a good chance of growing up to be well-adjusted companions.

Ethical Considerations: Breeding should not be undertaken solely for profit. Responsible
breeders have the best interests of the dogs at heart and aim to improve the breed.

Breed Standards: Breeding should adhere to the breed standard. 
These standards help maintain the desired physical and behavioural traits of the breed.
Remember that responsible breeding requires extensive knowledge, dedication, and resources.
It's essential to prioritise the well-being of the dogs and the breed as a whole rather than pursuing
breeding for financial gain.